Many people underestimate them, many are not aware of what they can do and many only pay more attention to them when they want to have children or physical problems become apparent - hormones. They are vital for the body and its functions and make a major contribution to how we feel, the condition of our body, how we react to other people and what our overall mental and physical state is.
Without hormones we would not be what we are
Hormones are much more than just messenger substances. They control our body functions and also shape our personality. What many people don't know is that hormones play a very large role in the development of our personality and how we behave. They are the reason why our body and our personality change from a child into an adult, why we build muscle and why we feel differently in different situations and react accordingly - they are an essential factor that makes people what they are.
Hormones direct our lives
Hormones always have a direct effect on our personality and behavior, but we are often not aware of it. The amount of the hormone cortisol, which is released under stress, for example, determines whether a person reacts courageously or fearfully. Oxytocin is a hormone that plays an important role in the birth process, affects the behavior between mother and child as well as between sexual partners, and generally determines behavior in social interactions. This hormone therefore decides in what way and how intensively we bond, enter into relationships or friendships.
The consequences of a hormone imbalance
Women in particular suffer when their hormone levels are out of balance, and especially when they are constantly changing and do not want to settle down - this is especially true for sex hormones. Not only are extreme mood swings the result, but a hormone imbalance also has a noticeable effect on the body. Pimples, rashes or water retention in the stomach area are the minor effects that such an imbalance can bring. An estrogen deficiency in women can cause osteoporosis and severe bone pain, negatively affect the menstrual cycle or even limit fertility in the long term. Testosterone is also a very important hormone for men, as it is a sex hormone that influences sexual functions such as sperm production and fertility. Testosterone is also important for muscles and bones, the cardiovascular system, the metabolism of fat and sugar and also blood formation.
In contrast, a balanced hormone level keeps you healthy, fit and happy. In addition, hormones also help you to better cope with stressful situations and can prevent depressive moods.
How does a hormone deficiency become apparent?
Basically, a hormone deficiency manifests itself differently in everyone. Despite this, there are some signs that often indicate a hormone deficiency or a hormone imbalance. These include:
- Skin changes and blemishes
- Depressive moods and emotional fluctuations
- Decrease in performance and brain power
- Reduction in concentration and attention
- Weight gain
- Increasing percentage of body fat
- Hair loss
- sleep disorders
- Decrease in potency and libido
Often, the above-mentioned symptoms are attributed to the aging process and no direct connection is made to a lack of hormone levels. This may be the case, but it does not have to be.
How can you prevent hormone deficiency?
With the right diet and an optimal supply of nutrients, a hormone imbalance can be counteracted in a natural way. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 in particular are very important for hormone production. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce menstrual and menopausal symptoms, for example, and are therefore particularly beneficial for women. Vitamin D3 influences the pituitary gland, in which various hormones are produced.
The growth hormone (HGH) helps against premature aging and is produced in the evening - but under one condition: the stomach no longer has anything to do. It is therefore advisable not to eat anything after 6 p.m. in order to stimulate hormone production at night. This can also be supported by restful sleep in the early evening hours (before midnight). A protein-rich diet can also have a positive effect on hormone levels. Hormones are formed from amino acids and these are found in protein in greater abundance than in any other food.
Sources:
https://www.cutislaserclinics.com/blog/the-importance-of-hormones-in-our-body/
https://blog.cognifit.com/types-of-hormones/
http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15893/1/List-of-Human-Hormones-and-Their-Importance.html
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/10/15/the-importance-of-hormones-in-your-body/