What are Hormones ?
Hormones are chemical messengers that get secreted directly into the blood, which then carries them to different organs and tissues of the body to exert their functions. Naturally there are many types hormones that act on different aspects of body functioning. Hormones affect growth, development, mood, sexual function, reproduction and metabolism.
Why are Hormones important ?
Hormones influence the way our body uses and stores energy and control the volume of fluid and salt and sugar levels in the body. Very small amount of hormones can trigger very large responses in the body. Ultimately, hormones control functioning of entire organs. Although hormones circulate throughout the body, each type of hormone influences only certain organs and tissues. Ive discussed the various hormones which are fat burning and help us stay fit and healthy.
1. Human Growth Hormone. Growth hormone or Somatotropin is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction and cell regeneration is humans. Naturally it is found more in kids and lesser in adults. After the age of 40-50 years, this hormone is found in very less quantity.
Benefits / functions
- Stimulates growth in cells and bones
- Stimulates cell reproduction
- Stimulates cell metabolism
- Increases protein synthesis thus increasing fat breakdown for energy
- Increases calcium retention
- Stimulates growth of internal hormones in brain
- Preserves protein in the body
- Stimulates the immune system
Activities / Food increasing this hormone
- HIIT workout
- Arginine
- Vitamin B3
- Fasting
- Food like eggs, yogurt, coconut oil, pineapple, watermelon, nuts, raisins
What causes this hormone in the body to decline
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Sugar
- Pesticides
- Processed food
2. Glucagon Hormone. This hormone is also known as the opposite of Insulin
Benefits / functions
- Mobilises fat
- Stimulates fatty acid release from the adipose tissue
- Maintains blood glucose during fasting
- Burns carbs and fat for energy
Activities / food increasing this hormone
- Exhausting workout
- Complete protein
- Complex carbs
- Eggs, whey protein, chia seeds, turmeric, ginger, coriander, vegetables, legumes, cinnamon and berries
What causes this hormone to decline
- Sugar
- Refined food
- Combining sugar with fat
- Sedentary lifestyle
3. Adrenaline.This hormone gets produced in the body to support stressful activities.
Benefits / functions
- Prepares the body to handle pressure
- Prepares us to bear pain
- Reduces the chances of injury or damage
- In this process, leads to massive weight loss
Activities / food increasing this hormone
- Exercise
- Challenging yourself
- Taking risk
Make sure you dont overtrain yourself
- Food like ashwaganda, turmeric, banana, oats, vitamin C, essential oil, lemon, protein rich diet and tea
What causes this hormone to decline - Insomnia
- Depression
- Menopause
- PMS
- Arthritis
4. Adiponectin.
Benefits / functions of this hormone
- The leaner the body, more adiponectin your fat cells will release
- This hormone enhances the muscles ability to use carbs for energy
- Boosts metabolism
- Increases the rate in which the body breaks down fat
- Curbs appetite
Activities / food increasing this hormone
- Staying active
- Eating more monounsaturated fat
- Food like pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, raw dark chocolate, avocado, nuts
What causes this hormone to decline
- Unhealthy fat
- Refined carbs
- Processed food
- Sedentary lifestyle
5. Leptin.
Benefits / functions of this hormone
- Regulates appetite
- Controls metabolism
- Activation of immune cells
- Regulates bone mass
- Decreases insulin secretion
- Helps in synthesis of thyroid hormones
- Regulates the menstrual cycle
Activities / food increasing this hormone
- Zinc
- Antioxidants
- Proper sleep
- Complete protein
- Healthy fat
What causes this hormone to decline
- Processed carbs
- Packaged food
- Sugar
- Less sleep
- No physical activity
6. Ghrelin.
Benefits / functions of this hormone
- Controls appetite and food intake
- Anti inflammatory effect
- Stimulation of bone formation
- Effect on glucose and fat metabolism
- Gastric mobility
- Modulation of acid secretion
Activities / food increasing this hormone
- Regular exercising
- Protein intake
- Complex carbs
What causes this hormone to decline
- Going on crash diet
- Stress
- Less sleep
7. Irisin (Exercise hormone).
Benefits / functions of this hormone
- This hormone is the fat fighting powerhouse
- Burns fat and prevents cells formation
- Activates genes and a protein that transform calorie – storing white fat cells into brown fat cells. These continue to burn energy after you finish exercising
- This hormone is anti aging
- Protects the heart, helps maintain a balanced sugar level
- Leads to motivation and improved brain function
Activities / food increasing this hormone
- High fat or keto diet
- Exercising, specially resistance training and HIIT
- Extreme temperatures eg sauna
- Hormones like leptin and growth hormone
There are a number of other fat burning hormones. Testosterone in men and estrogen in women are two other very important hormones. Some of the activities / food which help enhance the fat hormones are :-
- Regular exercise
- Reduced stress
- Proper sleep
- Quality protein
- Complex carbs
- Healthy fat in moderation
- No refined sugar / carbs
- No unhealthy fat / processed food
- No pre packaged food
- Having probiotics
- Vitamins B3, B12, C and D
- Zinc
- Antioxidants
Apart from this, recovery after exercise is very important. HIIT is extremely useful for fat burning hormones. Going on crash diet on the other hand affects these hormones adversely and should be avoided. Concentrate on a healthy lifestyle, eat right food in the right quantity. Spend time outdoors or any other mode of exercise you prefer. Stay Healthy Stay Fit !!