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.