What Are Hormones? We hear a lot about hormones and how they affect our mood and behavior, but what are they, exactly? Let’s explore. Hormones are important chemical messengers that affect our bodies in myriad ways throughout our lives. They influence our growth and development, our mood, our sexual function and enjoyment, our reproductive health, and even our energy and metabolism. In short, these chemicals are critical to virtually all aspects of our health and development. Where Are Hormones Produced? Hormones are produced in the body’s endocrine glands. These include the pituitary gland, the pancreas, the Pineal gland, the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, the ovaries in females, and the testes in males. Tips for Natural Hormone Balance Natural hormone balance is possible without taking risky synthetic hormones, which can have many negative side effects. To balance hormones naturally, avoid contact with toxins in household chemicals, get lots of sleep, meditate and do deep breathing exercises, quit smoking, drink alcohol responsibly, and exercise often. Eat Lots of Foods with Phytoestrogens Certain foods can also help you balance your hormones naturally, especially foods with Phytoestrogens. These include legumes, flax, sunflower seeds, edamame, tofu, tempeh, bean sprouts, and miso. Eat low-fat, high-calcium foods, and reduce your consumption of high omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. Why Reduce Your Intake of Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fats? Well, consider that ninety-seven percent of the fat in our bodies is composed of saturated and monounsaturated fats, while just three percent is composed of polyunsaturated fats. Diets high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats may contribute to hormone imbalance. Make sure to incorporate good fats into your diet, including those from olive oil, fish, real dairy butter, and coconut oil. Avoid bad fats, including margarine, canola oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil. Herbal Remedies for Hormone Balance Certain natural supplements may also help balance your hormones. These include Tongkat Ali, Vitamins A, D, and K, Tribulus, fermented cod liver oil, maca root, gelatin, Omega-3, and Shatavari. It’s clear that hormones play a vital role in keeping us healthy, happy, and well. Follow these tips to help balance your hormones naturally. To learn more about natural supplements for hormone balance, visit http://www.forresthealth.com/bioidentical-hormones/