When it comes to our health, many of us may think of our general health and wellness like diet and nutrition, fitness, and immune health, but what about other important aspects of health like our hormone health? There are so many factors that can impact our hormone health including age, stress, and even things like the foods we eat. If one of your main areas of focus right now is improving your overall hormone health, here are some simple lifestyle hacks for better hormone health.
Disclaimer: We are not doctors, so if you have any concerns or questions about your hormone health, please consult with your current healthcare provider or an endocrinologist to discuss what lifestyle changes may be the best for you and your overall hormone health.
5 Ways to Improve Hormone Health
#1 Avoid Endocrine Disruptors
One of the easiest ways to improve hormone health is by avoiding, ditching, or minimizing endocrine disruptors. Everyday items that appear innocuous can actually be affecting hormone health. Think of things like bath and body products, cleaning products, and laundry detergents, all of which can contain chemicals and toxins that are disruptive to overall hormone health.
The simplest solution is to choose nontoxic options whenever possible. Whether you ditch traditional deodorant, switch to natural cleaning products, or upgrade from plastic to glass food containers, there are some easy swaps you can incorporate into your life for the sake of better hormone health, but remember, you cannot do it all. If you try you will just stress yourself out and that in and of itself can negatively impact hormone health.
If you have a favorite deodorant that you absolutely cannot live without and love, then keep using it. However, if you have no real affinity for your plastic Tupperware containers, maybe ditch them and upgrade them to some fancy glassware that you have had your eye on. Every little bit helps, but do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself or your entire household to feel like you need to do it all. Photo credit: Angelina Zinovieva
#2 Incorporate Hormone-Supporting Supplements
Some natural supplements may help support hormone balance, but it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements. Some examples of supplements commonly used for hormonal health include magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin D. Always consult your current healthcare provider before starting a new supplement routine, and be sure to purchase from trusted brands that are third-party verified whenever possible. Photo credit: sasirin pamai
#3 Limit Certain Foods and Enjoy Others
Food can affect hormone health, which means if you are looking to improve overall hormone health, avoid or minimize the consumption of certain foods while filling up on other more mindful options and swap outs.
Think of limiting things like alcohol, caffeine, high-sodium foods, and processed foods while reaching for other options like cruciferous vegetables, healthy fats, high-fiber foods, and protein-rich foods. While diet alone cannot entirely balance hormones, it can play a role in supporting better hormone health.
Check out this list of foods to avoid or minimize along with some suggestions for other more mindful options that can help support better hormone health. Photo credit: mofles
#4 Prioritize Mental Health and Self-Care Practices
If you are stressed, you most likely are experiencing an increase in cortisol levels, which can negatively affect everything from food cravings to sleep quality, which, you guessed it, can ultimately affect overall hormone health.
Another easy way to help out hormone health is to have a mental health practice that works well for you. Whether it is breathwork, meditation, practicing yoga, scheduling an appointment with your therapist, or spending time with Mother Nature, find a mental health practice that works for you. Anything that you consider a form of self-care, do more of that! Photo credit: Iryna Imago
#5 Sleep Well
Sleeping well and clocking some quality zzz’s each night is another one of those ways to help improve overall hormone health. We know, it is way easier said than done, but do your best to create a consistent sleep/wake cycle and maintain some sort of sleep hygiene routine throughout the week and weekend.
Maybe it is curling up with a good book before bed, dimming the lights and doing a gentle yoga flow, or taking a luxurious bubble bath, find some self-care practices that help you unwind before bed so you can drift off to dreamland easier and wake feeling refreshed and rejuvenated for the day ahead. Plus, your hormone health will thank you.
Better Hormone Health
Hormones directly affect virtually every aspect of our health, which is why it is so crucial to keep them happy and healthy. There are a few things you can do to better support hormones naturally including avoiding endocrine disruptors, eating for hormone balance, and prioritizing self-care practices like more sleep. If you are concerned about your hormone health, schedule an appointment with your doctor or endocrinologist to discuss more.
- Stay Healthy and Happy
Need some more recipe ideas to better support hormone health? Check out @Mbveganvegetarianshare or view our CEO at @itsnolasnacks as she shares recipes via video each month on It’s Nola Reels. Do not worry, even if you are not vegan, you will still enjoy these dishes.
Tag us @itsnolasnacks so we can see all of your homemade hormone-supporting recipes.
