HORMONES OUT OF WHACK

Face it: your hormones do their best to help you live a healthy life by working in harmony with the body. But they're out of balance, your health can suffer no matter how clean you eat or how many times you frequent the gym. Ahead, are five tips to help you feel your best.

1 Eat iodine-rich foods

The thyroid, an endocrine gland that makes hormones to control your metabolism, needs the mineral iodine to function properly. Iodine is mostly found in dairy (i.e. milk, yogurt) or seafood (i.e. scallops, cod), but can easily be found in seaweed!

2. Don't avoid carbs

Athletes and/or physically active individuals (especially in the case of females) need to eat enough calories to fuel their bodies properly. This is where carbohydrates play a role! Active lifestyles sans carbohydrates leave you at a greater risk of throwing your hormones out of balance. For women, that could potentially lead to irregular menstrual cycles and even bone loss. Brian St. Pierre, RD, Director of Performance at Precision Nutrition recommends eating four to six handfuls of carbs daily.

3. Cook at home more

According to one study, individuals who eat out have 35 percent higher levels of endocrine-disrupting phthalates than those who ate homemade meals. In case you missed it, phthalates are chemical used in plastic.

4. Quit what limits you

Often times, you'll eat a certain type of food that just won't sit well with you. If you notice a common suspect, eliminate it from your diet for a few weeks and take notice of how your body responds. Food sensitivities in itself can create hormonal problems and in turn, boost inflammation.

#healthyliving #selfcare