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As the fall begins, it brings a thread of festivals, starting from Ganpati to Diwali. Every festival has its own traditions and charm, but one thing that remains constant in these festivities is sweets. We can’t deny the fact that we all love to eat sweets and a celebration without sweets is as incomplete as the sky without stars, but we also cannot ignore the fact that these tempting sweets can be a reason for many health issues, such as rising blood sugar levels and increasing weight. But do you know that these delicious sweets can also impact your hormonal levels? Yes, you heard it right. Just like sugar levels, sweets also affect hormonal levels, especially in women. Knowing “how does sugar affect female hormones” can help you be safe from the danger. In this blog, we will explore the relation between sugar and hormones, their effects, and tips for management.
How Does Sugar Affect Hormones?
How much sweeter it may taste, but these sweets that we consume during these festivals have their own bitterness in the form of the damage it causes to our body, and one such damage is hormonal imbalance. Mentioned here are some of the few effects of sugar on our hormones.
Effects of sugar on estrogen
Do you also crave for sweets, candies, or sugary drinks during your periods? Then let me tell you this craving of yours can affect your estrogen levels. Higher sugar consumption increases estrogen levels, leading to estrogen dominance, which is a common issue in PCOS. This condition can also be a cause of unexplained weight gain, fatigue, bloating, poor concentration, irregular periods, and mood swings. While treatment for high estrogen in females can effectively manage this condition, you can also use other solutions like hormone balancer medicines.
Sugar and Insulin Spike
Festival celebrations are incomplete without sweets, and saying no to sweets during this time feels like a crime, so we generally consume a lot of sweets thinking that what harm will it do to me, but these sweets actually do harm your body by spiking your insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone, produced by the pancreas that is responsible for regulating sugar in our body.
Sugar Effects on Testosterone
Testosterone is known as the male sex hormone, but female ovaries and adrenal glands also produce testosterone, though in a very lesser amount. It is very crucial to help manage female hormonal levels, sexual functions, muscle mass, and bone density. Excessive sugar intake can contribute to excess testosterone production due to insulin spike, which can lead to issues like increased mood swings, hair fall, acne, and unwanted hormone-related issues.
How to Manage Hormone Imbalance during Festivals?
Take a look at these common tips to balance hormones during festivals while eating your favourite sweets.
Plan Your Meal
Pre-planning your meals before any festive gatherings can save you from unseen health dangers. Plan your meals, including foods that balance hormones, such as avocado, flex seeds, leafy greens, and nuts. Instead of eating a lot of sugar-based sweets, eat homemade sugarless sweets with nuts and seeds.
Include Whole Foods
Focus on including whole and unprocessed foods into your daily diet. Foods rich in fibre, healthy fats, and proteins can help manage blood sugar levels. Whole grains, lean proteins, leafy green vegetables. These foods promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for hormone regulation.
Manage Stress
Stress is another key factor that can interfere with your natural hormonal balance. To avoid this hormonal imbalance, practice stress management strategies such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, and try to participate in every festive activity during this festive season.
Medications
There are numerous medications out there, such as women’s hormone balance capsules that have proven their worth in managing hormones effectively. To manage your hormonal health, you can take these capsules, but remember to consult with your healthcare expert before taking any medicine.
Exercise
Regular exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also improves insulin sensitivity and reduces stress. Aim for a mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercises.
Conclusion
Sugar can significantly impact female hormones, contributing to a range of health issues, including hormonal imbalances. By understanding the connection between sugar and hormones, you can take proactive steps to promote better health, especially during festivals when we are surrounded with sweets and snacks. Planning meals beforehand, choosing whole foods, managing stress, and taking medications can lead to improved hormonal balance and overall well-being.