Let’s face it, a robust immune system is what everyone wants. It keeps you healthy while fighting germs, infections, and other invaders.
However, not many people know the importance of a well-balanced immune system. Even fewer people are aware of how hormones help keep things in balance.
Women living with autoimmune conditions may struggle to maintain hormonal balance compared to women without these conditions. Understanding the connection between the immune system and hormones is the first step in balancing out hormones while maintaining strong immunity without kicking the immune system into overdrive.
Estrogen
Estrogen, the predominantly female hormone, may be an element in developing an autoimmune disease. Scientists are studying this link since more women than men have autoimmune conditions, most of which are first developed during the reproductive years. In addition, this hormone can interfere with some of the immune functions, which results in an inflammatory response.
Of particular interest is how women see a major decrease in the risk of developing autoimmune conditions once in the perimenopause phase. However, if a woman has already developed one (or more), the disease does not become dormant. Instead, once it is acquired, it can remain active regardless of the declining estrogen levels. Studies indicate that once women enter menopause, the risk of developing autoimmune disease drops substantially.
Importance of balance
Like many chronic conditions, hormonal imbalance is caused by many factors. Some key instigators of this imbalance may be attributed to stress, genetics, diet, and environmental factors. Some of the most frequent symptoms include:
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Infertility
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Low libido
- Digestive problems
The importance of this delicate balance is undeniable. For example, estrogen is required to regulate the menstrual cycle and maintain uterus health. If estrogen levels become elevated or decreased, an imbalance can occur.
Another view: High cortisol levels (a stress hormone) may result in anxiety or depression. No matter which hormone is involved, they all need to be balanced for you to have overall wellness.
How to find the balance
Balancing hormones is essential as hormones have a strong effect on mental and physical wellbeing. But how do you find the balance and then maintain it?
The good news is you can do some simple things to help find the balance and control it once you’ve found it. Like everything else, these natural means will not bring about a sudden state of hormonal equilibrium. However, over time, they will help restore your body’s harmony. In addition, there are some simple ways to maintain a healthier version of yourself and balance your hormones too. Although these natural ways won’t bring a sudden equilibrium in your hormones, they will gradually, over time, restore harmony:
- Eat plenty of protein-rich foods: Protein is essential to our meals. It is vital for healthy hormone levels. In addition, protein influences hormones, which help to control our appetites and keep cravings at bay.
- Exercise: Exercising regularly is essential to helping balance and maintain hormone levels. Studies have shown that physical activity influences hormonal health, o make sure you get some exercise every day if you can. Whether you practice yoga, go for a swim, take a vigorous walk or go to the gym, try to do it daily to stabilize your levels.
- Eliminate sugar: Eliminating sugar, as well as refined carbs, help to smooth out your levels. Sugar may taste sweet, but when it comes to our hormonal health, it’s a scoundrel as it is known to negatively influence several hormones.
- Manage stress: Managing stress is vital for balancing cortisol levels which can trigger many responses within our bodies.
Hormonal balance is essential, especially for women, regarding autoimmune health. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key to staying healthy and fit.
If you need help managing your nutrition or finding the balance in life, let’s connect and get you back to living life beyond chronic illness. Supportegy Wellness provides chronic illness support through various proven ways, including chronic illness support groups.