That big slice of pizza you had is not always the reason behind some unexplained health concerns. Are you trying to spot the culprit? Sometimes it can be as microscopic as the bacteria you just inhaled. Hormones are those microscopic factors that are not visible to our naked eyes but play an important role in our body to perform various bodily functions. These are the chemical messengers that travel in our body through our bloodstream and reach every possible organ, tissue and cell. These are the factors that impact fat content, mental health, energy levels and a lot of other important functions of our body.
It’s a normal human tendency to judge a book by its cover. Likewise, most of us try to spot problems and relate them to external commonly known health factors like physical exercise, stress and nutrition. Internal factors are most often than not, overlooked by us. However, these factors play a major role in shaping up a healthy lifestyle. Whether you want to get that beach body or simply stay fit, paying close attention to your internal secretions is extremely vital. To help you understand better we have highlighted five hormones that influence your daily life and how you can control them.
Growth Hormone
If you are a person into weight and strength training, you must be knowing about this hormone. The gland that secretes this hormone is known as the pituitary gland. This hormone functions hand in hand with testosterone. The right amount of this hormone can boost muscle gain and decrease body fat simultaneously. This hormone is often addressed as the anti-ageing hormone as the effects of this hormone are exactly opposite to what males suffer in ageing.
How to fix it
The quickest method, only if advised by your doctor, one can adapt to get rid of ageing signs is with the use of growth hormone booster shots/ injections. But since this isn’t the best way doctors have suggested several alternatives. According to research maintaining a correct sleeping pattern with the consumption of a balanced diet & nutrition plays an important role. Involving into high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the most favourable ways to increase the levels of growth hormone and decrease the signs of ageing.
Estrogen
This is a hormone that is normally thought to be present just in females but it is also present in males (at lower levels). Estrogen helps in nourishing female reproductive cycles. In males, this hormone is necessary for sex drive. Estrogen level is a deciding factor in the fat storage content of the body. Side effects of this hormone level include excess fat storage which is not desired by both genders. It can also lead to an increased risk of obesity, osteoporosis, skin changes, thyroid dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.
How to fix it
A properly balanced diet and regular exercise need to be made part of your daily life. Women face a slight shift in the secretion pattern of estrogen after menopause. Moderating the use of phytoestrogens like soy may help to balance estrogen levels.
Insulin
This secretion is well-known for its vital role in the body. It is produced and synthesized by the pancreas within the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. It plays a major role in the metabolism of the body. It is an anabolic hormone that helps in building complex molecules. The working of this hormone in the body is very interesting. It basically controls the sugar(glucose) levels of your body. The problem arises with the poor secretion of the hormone which is mostly due to a poor diet and lifestyle. Increased or decreased levels of secretion cause Type I or Type II diabetes.
How to fix it
Things that make this condition more likely are – Obesity, an inactive lifestyle, a high carb diet, a family history of diabetes, smoking, sleep problems and excess medications like steroids or antipsychotics. One must avoid these and maintain a proper balanced diet and exercise routine. Unnecessary junk food should be avoided and workouts must be regular.
Cortisol
Energy levels are balanced by this hormone at times of stress. This is released from the adrenal cortex and allows the body to continue and stay on high alert. Stress can cause the body to break down proteins and release glucose in the bloodstream. This glucose helps you to combat stress by producing more ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). The ATP is nothing but energy that is released to help us escape danger or recover from an extreme situation. Hype in this hormone is noticed during intense workouts and continues all throughout the session. A sudden drop or spike of this hormone is not an issue, the problem arises with a persistent increase in the hormone level.
How to fix it
You are not powerless against stress and can fight the situation. All you need to do is try things that can help you calm your nerves. Running/ early morning exercises (in moderation), meditation, maintaining healthy relationships, good sleep and simply having fun are some easy ways that help decrease stress levels. Eating a balanced diet again is essential in maintaining your mental health to cope up with the stress.
These microscopic hormones may affect your body in various ways. But understanding your hormones and trying to keep them at their appropriate levels is not a very tough job. Always make a note to focus equally on the internal factors as much as you do on external commonly highlighted ones.
Covid -19 Pandemic: Lessons Learnt and the New Normal as we see it
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Five tips for healthy eyes
The Eyes are one of the most sensitive organs that we possess. Due to increased screen time, pollution and unhealthy lifestyles, poor eye health has b...
Heart disease refers to various heart conditions that can affect heart functioning. It is one of the most common and leading causes of death in India....
Maintaining the motivation to work out whilst travelling often seems hard. Where will I find a gym? Shall I pack my exercise clothes or not? How will ...
The journey towards a healthier life may have varied approaches for different individuals depending on your personality, work routine, personal life a...
Healthy eating habits must be inculcated early. Healthy meal plans are especially essential for children under the age of five as these initial growin...
With the advancement in treatment modalities, there is an improvement in the treatment and cure rates of cancer patients. As a result, more children w...
Kidneys are a part of the urinary tract system and are one of the most vital organs of our body. Kidneys have many crucial functions, including cleani...
Nutritional deficiencies often first manifest changes in skin quality, and what you eat can influence how your skin appears. Certain nutrients can pro...
The largest organ of our body, the skin, often gives the first indicators of what is happening inside our bodies, whether it is internal troubles or a...
You are not alone if you feel like you are tired all the time. Having a tough time getting out of bed in the morning, wanting to nap all afternoon, or...
During the current times of work-from-home and online schools, people have become more prone to back pain from sitting for long hours and often in bad...
Meditation is a set of techniques that when practised, encourage a heightened state of awareness and focused attention. A habitual process where we tr...
Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of morbidity and mortality after the age of 40 years worldwide. In India, heart disease starts much e...
The Importance of a Regular Routine During Lockdown
The emergence of COVID-19 has left the whole world baffled. Sudden change is hard to accept, and concerning the pandemic, this change is now enforced ...
Knowledge about the therapeutic, toxicological effect of plants, minerals and other herbs goes back all the way to prehistoric times when people migra...
Gastrointestinal problems are basically disorders related to the digestive system. A low-fibre diet, stress, food intolerances, consuming a large numb...
They say you are what you eat. And this is best explained in no better place can than your teeth. Cavities, the most common dental devil, shouldn&rsqu...
How to Take Care of Your Skin Naturally at Home: 5 Simple Ways
Many people worry and suffer from problems like dryness, acne or rough uneven skin amongst others - a combination outcome of your diet, lifestyle, gen...
Pregnancy is a wonderful time, filled with excitement and anticipation of a new addition to the family. The early weeks of pregnancy can be exciting, ...
Does your health status bother you? Do you get nightmares of falling prey to health issues or diseases? Are you looking forward to a healthy life? If ...
A Brain Stroke occurs when the blood supply of your brain is reduced. Due to the blockage of oxygen and nutrient supply, the brain cells rapidly begin...
Pandemic times or not, the growth trajectory for home care services has been sturdy with a calling for quality and affordable healthcare services in t...
They say only a life lived in the service of others is worth being lived; but have you ever imagined yourself serving people even after you die? Today...
Lifestyles are changing; habits and constant stress are affecting health in a drastic way. We all know how important routine health check-ups are, esp...
There is at least one song that triggers an emotional response in our system every time we listen to it. It usually is a song with relevance or memory...
Healthy eating which is a part of lifestyle modification and includes exercise and meditation too, can help you prevent, control, and even reverse dia...
The absence of mental health problems does not entirely indicate strong mental health. In fact, being mentally or emotionally healthy is a lot more th...
While the monsoon brings with it, its own charm and a relief to the warm summers, the season also brings along a variety of diseases. The combination ...
Simply put, a ventilator is a machine which helps patients to breathe when they cannot breathe on their own. It is also known as a respirator. It work...
COVID-19 has become the buzzword for quite some time now. All sorts of debates rise around the corner. Often in such distressing times pregnant women,...
After an entire night of unprecedented tossing and turning, you will possibly wake up feeling sleepy, and extraordinarily grumpy. Weary mornings follo...
Cosmetic surgery offers solutions to dramatically reshape and contour the abdomen. Two of the most popular and effective options are tummy tuck and li...
Burning Sensation in Stomach: Causes, Treatments and Home Remedies
A burning sensation in the stomach occurs as a result of indigestion or food intolerance. Sometimes, it may indicate a more serious underlying problem...
An antibiotic is probably among the most efficient drugs for treating bacterial infection. There are two most common ways through which antibiotics fu...
Vomiting in Children: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Nobody likes to see their little bundle of joy quiet and low on energy. Vomiting is a common occurrence in children and adults alike, but persistent v...
Spices do more than just enhance the taste and flair of your favourite meals; most of them contain huge portions of various nutrients and antioxidants...
Urine plays a vital role in eliminating waste products and other excess elements from the body. Its color varies greatly, providing much useful inform...
Urobilinogen in Urine: Normal Range, Causes and Treatment
Urobilinogen, a colourless compound derived from the breakdown of bilirubin, is a natural component found in urine. Its presence and levels can provid...
Typhoid fever, also called enteric fever, is a potentially life-threatening ailment caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria and is a significant publi...
Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature that can occur to anyone. It is a common symptom that can occur due to various reasons, like infecti...
Yellow Discharge Before Period: Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Menstrual cycles can be unpredictable, and women often experience various bodily changes leading up to their periods. One such change is the appearanc...
Hypochondriasis: Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Have you ever found yourself constantly worried about having a serious illness despite reassurance from doctors? This persistent fear and preoccupatio...
15 Health Benefits of Eating Jamun and its Nutritional Value
Did you know a small, purple fruit could revolutionise your health routine? Jamun, also called black plum or Indian blackberry, packs a powerful nutri...
Did you know a common herb in your kitchen could be a powerhouse of health benefits? With its aromatic leaves, rosemary is more than a tasty addition ...
12 Foods That Beat Fatigue: What to Eat for Energy
Do you often feel exhausted, struggling to make it through the day? Fatigue affects millions worldwide, impacting their quality of life and productivi...
Orthopaedic problems in children can be a source of concern for parents and caregivers. Orthopaedic problems encompass a spectrum of conditions that a...
Managing normal blood sugar levels is crucial for optimal wellness, primarily when regulating diabetes. Blood sugar, or blood glucose levels, refers t...
8 Effective Home Remedies for Piles (Haemorrhoids)
Haemorrhoids or piles are one of the most common conditions affecting people worldwide. Piles happen due to swelling and inflammation of the anal and ...
A stiff neck can be frustrating and painful, making it hard to move and do everyday things like driving or working. Pain and stiffness can disturb sle...