Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers; they are involved in every aspect in your health. Your body produces the precise amount of each hormone needed to keep you healthy. They play a major role in controlling your appetite, weight, mood, sleeping pattern and your predisposition towards certain medical conditions. Hormone imbalances, either excess or deficit, can increase the risk of multiple diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Although several factors that affect your hormones are beyond your control, such as aging and certain medical conditions, there are other factors that are within your control. Let us explore the tell-tale signs of hormonal imbalance and discover how to address them.

There is a wide list of signs and symptoms that could translate a hormonal imbalance in our bodies depending on which hormone or gland is not functioning optimally.

Sudden weight change (weight gain or weight loss)

Constant fatigue

Muscle weakness and muscle aches

Pain or swelling joints

Increased or decreased heart rate

Unexplained or excessive sweating

Increased sensitivity to cold or hot

Changes in bowel movements (constipation or diarrhoea)

Irregular periods

Chronic acne

Sleep problems

Frequent urination

Increased thirst

Change in appetite

Anxiety

Mood swings

The presence of these signs is not a definitive indicator of hormonal imbalance but rather a sign that a health check is necessary. We at Slim’n Lite can help reduce the risk of hormone imbalances by assisting.

1. Maintain a healthy body weight with a body mass index between 18.5-24.9 kg/m². Being underweight or overweight pause a health risk and may induce hormonal imbalance.

1. Adopt a healthy and balanced diet regimes:

Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Always consume whole fruits instead of juices.

Increase your fibre intake by consuming whole grain products.

Reduce your sugar intake to less than 10% of your daily caloric intake.

Your total fat intake shouldn’t exceed 30% of your daily energy intake with less than 10% from saturated fats (found in fatty meats, cream, full fat dairies, butter…) and less than 1% of trans fat (found in fried food, cookies, biscuits…).

Control your salt intake to less than 5 grams a day or what is equivalent to 1 teaspoon.

1. Exercise regularly

Engage in at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week (brisk walking, dancing, hiking…) or at least 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week (running, swimming, football…).

Aim to include muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week.

1. Maintain a good sleep hygiene around 7 hours of good quality sleep.

As per everything in life, balance is the key to health and happiness. Here at Slim’n lite our team of licensed dietitians are well equipped to help you find that balance. Call us now at 800-GETSLIM and let us customize your perfect meal plan.