Boost Metabolism By Balancing these hormones

Balancing Hormones

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They travel in the blood stream to different tissues and organs
They work tirelessly and overtime and affect almost every body function including metabolism, sexual function, reproduction and mood
Hormonal imbalance will take a lot of time to reflect on our health
Long and persistent unhealthy eating, unhealthy lifestyle and stress will result in hormonal imbalance

Hormones play a very important role in your metabolism which means they play a important role in successful weight management. The connection between these hormones and metabolism influences everything from calorie burn to muscle building and your mood. Hormones and are metabolism are deeply intertwined. Let’s look at important hormones, their effect on the metabolic function and ways to improve the hormone health

1. Glucagon Like Peptide 1 (GLP 1)

This hormone keeps your sugar level stable
It makes you feel full

Ways to increase this hormone

Eat good quality protein
Consume probiotics
Eat green leafy veggies
Reduce inflammation

2. Cholecystokinin (CCK)

This hormone stimulates the release of bile into the intestine and secretion of enzymes by the pancreas
This hormone helps reduce food intake by controlling appetite

Ways to increase this hormone

Eat healthy fat
Consume lots of fibre
Keep high consumption of protein in your diet
Avoid refined and processed food

3. Peptide YY (PYY)

This hormone gets made in the small intestine
It helps reduce appetite and limits the food intake
Low peptide levels are seen in obesity and before the onset of type 2 diabetes and may contribute to weight gain in these conditions

Ways to improve gut hormones

Eat good amount of protein
Eat healthy fat in moderation
Eat high fibre food
Look for food allergies or intolerances
Avoid processed refined food
Include probiotics in your diet

4. Leptin

Leptin is produced by your fat cells
It’s considered a satiety hormone that reduces appetite and makes you feel full

Ways to improve it

Avoid inflammation causing food
Eat natural unprocessed food
Exercise and stay fit
Take enough sleep
Eat food rich in omega 3
Look out for nutritional deficiencies

5. Ghrelin

Also known as the hunger hormone
Empty stomach produces ghrelin which sends a message telling you to eat
Normally ghrelin hormones levels are highest before eating and lowest till about an hour after you’ve eaten

Ways to improve this hormone

Limit your sugar intake
Avoid eating processed sugar
Eat quality protein specially in breakfast

6. Insulin

Insulin is produced by the beta cells of your pancreas
It allows your cells to take in blood sugar for energy or storage
This is the main fat storing hormone in the body

Ways to balance this hormone

Minimise refines sugar in your diet
Avoid eating refines carbs
Have sufficient protein
Exercise regularly
Eat healthy fat in moderation
Focus on consuming zinc and magnesium
Drink herbal or green tea

7. Cortisol

This hormone is also known as the stress hormone
It gets released when the body senses stress
Like other hormones, this hormone is vital for survival
Chronically elevated levels of cortisol can lead to overeating, central obesity and weight gain

Ways to control this hormone

Eat a healthy and balanced diet
Meditate
Have sufficient sound sleep
Work on your relationships
Listen to good music
Indulge in self care and love
Take time off more often

8. Estrogen

This hormone is mainly produced by the ovaries and is involved in regulating the female reproductive system
Both low and high levels of this hormone can lead to weight gain and poor metabolism