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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
HOW TO GET RID OF HORMONAL BELLY NATURALLY
Apr 29, 2023
Hormonal belly is that stubborn type of fat that clings to your abdomen and is often linked to many chronic diseases as well as pesky hormone imbalances such as excess cortisol, menopause, slow thyroid, and insulin resistance. Dealing with “hormonal belly” can be a frustrating and challenging experience. Here are 10 natural and effective strategies to tackle hormonal belly for good.
1. Liver Detox
Your liver is your body’s primary filtration system that converts toxins in the body to waste products and then naturally gets rid of them. The liver is responsible for cleansing the blood and metabolizing nutrients. It is also essential for metabolizing medications to reduce toxicity and side effects. Your liver also plays a vital role in regulating hormones; thus, a natural liver detox can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy hormonal balance.
A natural liver detox involves adding certain foods and drinks to your diet that support the liver’s natural detoxification process. Some examples of foods that help support the liver’s function include leafy greens, beets, and turmeric which are all rich in antioxidants and nutrients. By adding foods like this to your diet, you can help your liver remove harmful toxins and impurities from your body that may be interfering with your hormone levels. Incorporating liver-detoxifying foods into your diet can be an effective way to support your liver’s detoxification process. Drinking plenty of water and keeping hydrated is also essential for a successful liver detox as it helps flush out toxins and supports the liver in its natural detoxification process.
2. Remove Estrogens
Excess estrogens are a common culprit for the hormonal belly, but there are steps you can take to remove estrogens from your environment and improve your hormonal balance. Estrogens can be found in many everyday sources including plastic containers or bottles and they can leach into food or drinks. Consider switching to glass or stainless-steel containers or bottles instead to reduce your daily exposure to harmful estrogens and other toxins.
Estrogen can also be found in pesticides, detergents, heavy metals as well as products containing phthalates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals that can disrupt hormone production and regulation. These chemicals are found in a variety of personal care products, such as shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics, and can contribute to hormonal imbalances and other health issues. Estrogen is also present in a wide variety of food such as plants like soy, and in animal products (eggs, dairy, meat) raised with exogenous estrogen.
Making a conscious effort to reduce or remove estrogens and other harmful chemicals from your environment and diet can help improve your hormonal balance and reduce the risk of hormonal belly and support your overall health and well-being.
3. Eat an Estrogen-balancing Diet
Having balanced estrogen levels is imperative for overall health and well-being, and an estrogen-balanced diet can help support our normal estrogen levels. To achieve an estrogen-balanced diet, it is recommended to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, including cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and kale which have been shown to lower estrogen levels, and citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits which contain compounds that help balance estrogen levels. Adequate water intake is also crucial for an estrogen-balanced diet.
Fiber-rich foods like beans, lentils, and whole grains can help remove excess estrogen from the body, while healthy fats found in nuts, seeds, and avocados help maintain healthy estrogen levels. Incorporating lean protein sources such as fish, chicken, and turkey is also important for estrogen regulation.
4. Avoid Endocrine Disruptors
What are endocrine disruptors? These are chemicals that can mimic or interfere with the body’s hormone production and regulation, leading to hormonal imbalances including hormonal belly and other health issues. Endocrine disruptors can be found in many sources, including food, water, personal care products, and household cleaning products.
The good news is that there are ways to reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors and help alleviate hormonal belly. By choosing natural and organic products, you can reduce some of your exposure to these harmful chemicals and promote healthy hormone production and regulation. Aside from using natural and organic products, you can also take steps to reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors present in food and water. When possible, choose organic produce and avoid processed foods and drinks, especially those stored in plastic containers. Opt for personal care products like shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics that are free from harmful chemicals like phthalates and parabens as they would have fewer endocrine disruptors. Also avoid cleaning products and other household items that contain endocrine disruptors.
5. Exercise Regularly
Fat around the belly can be stubborn to get rid of. However, regular exercise is a powerful tool to help trim that waistline and support healthy hormone production and regulation.
When you exercise, your body burns calories and uses stored fat for energy. Over time, this can lead to a reduction in body fat. In addition to burning excess fat, exercise can also support a healthy hormonal balance. Regular physical activity has been shown to increase levels of certain hormones that help to regulate metabolism and promote a healthy weight.
Exercise can also reduce stress which is a common culprit in hormonal imbalances. So, how much exercise do you need to do to see results? Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, like brisk walking or cycling, five days a week. This can be broken down into smaller sessions throughout the day if needed. Also incorporate strength-training exercises, like lifting weights, into your routine to help build muscle mass and further boost your metabolism.
6. Prioritizing Sleep
If you’re struggling to get rid of your hormonal belly, then getting enough sleep should be on top of your list. Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating hormones and overall health. The hormonal balance in our bodies is dependent on a good night’s sleep.
Lack of sleep can disrupt our hormonal balance and lead to increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that contributes to hormonal imbalances and a widening waistline. People who sleep less than eight hours per night are more likely to have an imbalance in their hormones as well as a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
7. Manage Stress
Stress has become an unavoidable part of modern life. Work deadlines, family responsibilities, or financial worries, there is always something to worry about. Unfortunately, stress can have a significant impact on your hormonal balance and contribute to hormonal belly. When we are under a lot of stress, our bodies produce cortisol which is referred to as the “stress hormone.” Cortisol is responsible for many positive functions, including regulating blood sugar levels, controlling blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. However, too much cortisol can be harmful to the body since it disrupts our hormonal balance leading to many disease conditions including weight gain around the stomach area.
Chronic stress can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body, including estrogen and progesterone. These imbalances can further exacerbate hormonal belly and make it more difficult to achieve a healthy stomach size. Managing your stress level can directly help to reduce fat round the abdomen since coping with stress has a benefit of natural weight loss.
There are many ways to reduce stress including exercise, meditation, yoga, relaxing bath, and spending time doing activities you enjoy.
8. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is a key factor in maintaining a healthy hormonal balance. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help to flush out toxins from your body and support your liver’s natural detoxification processes.
As a general guideline, aim for at least eight glasses of water per day. Herbal teas can also be beneficial for hormonal balance. Some herbs have natural detoxifying properties that can help to support liver function. Chamomile, ginger, and peppermint teas are all great options to incorporate into your daily routine. Drinking these teas can not only help to support liver function but can also promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, which in turn, keep you in control of your hormones and body.
9. Practice Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is a great way to reduce hormonal belly by promoting healthy digestion and preventing overeating. This eating practice involves paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness signals, as well as the taste, smell, and texture of the food you are eating. To practice mindful eating, try eating slowly and without distractions. Also tune into your body’s signals to determine when you are full.
Apart from mindful eating, incorporating more whole, nutrient-dense foods into your diet can also help reduce hormonal belly. Processed and high-sugar foods can contribute to hormonal imbalances, while whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins support healthy hormone production and regulation. Try to add more leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to your diet to improve your overall health and well-being.
10. Limit Processed Foods
Of all the factors that contribute to hormonal imbalances and stubborn belly fat, processed foods are some of the worst offenders. Highly processed foods often contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients that can disrupt hormone balance and contribute to weight gain. They also contribute to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and other metabolic dysfunctions that can lead to hormonal imbalances and stubborn belly fat.
Reducing your intake of processed foods can be a simple yet powerful step towards achieving a flatter, healthier stomach. Identify and eliminate processed foods that are contributing to your hormonal imbalances. This might include foods like sugary cereals, packaged snacks, and fast food. Replace them with nutrient-dense foods. By focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, you can nourish your body with the nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy, natural hormonal balance.
Conclusion
It’s important to keep in mind that achieving a balanced hormonal state and losing stubborn belly fat requires consistent effort and commitment to your goals. However, by incorporating natural strategies into your routine, you can take charge of your health and achieve the results you desire.
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