Feeling bloated, irritable, or just not yourself? If so, a hormone imbalance could be to blame. Your body's natural chemical messengers are called hormones. They are secreted directly into the blood stream, which carries them to organs and tissues in the body so they can function properly. There are many types of hormones including adrenaline, insulin, estrogen and testosterone. These chemical messengers play a key role in making sure your body works the way it should. A tiny imbalance in any one of these could cause major problems.

Lots of people experience hormonal imbalances, which are typically treated by using synthetic hormone replacement therapies, thyroid medications, and insulin. The problem with those suffering with hormonal imbalances using these types of treatments, is the side effects these treatments can have like anxiety, stroke, reproductive problems, cancer and more. The other important thing to remember is that these do not solve the root problems, they only cover up the symptoms. Which can lead to the problem progressing and getting worse instead of better.

The good news is, there's hope! You can actually balance your hormones naturally using the following 3 tips.

When we sleep our bodies get an opportunity to keep hormones balanced, rebuild the body to recover efficiently and to build energy for the next day. Poor sleep and too much stress are linked to high levels of cortisol in the mornings, as well as poor work performance, decreased immunity, higher susceptibility to anxiety, depression, and weight gain. For best hormone function, try to get to bed by 9 or 10 p.m. and stick to a regular sleeping schedule.

The best anti-inflammatory foods high in healthy fats are avocados, grass-fed butter or ghee, wild-caught oily fish, and coconut oil. Coconut oil has numerous benefits, but two of the best are it's anti-bacterial and fat-burning effects. Avocado is an amazing superfood rich in potassium and healthy fats. Eating more avocados has benefits like lowering inflammation, improving heart health, and appetite control.

Wild-caught oily fish like sardines, anchovies or salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower inflammation, promote good heart health, and improve cognitive functions. A recent study in 2013, shows that omega-3 fatty acids has shown protection against several neurologic disorders and reduces inflammatory responses.

Avoid oils and foods cooked in oils rich in omega-6 fats like: cottonseed, sunflower, canola, soybean, peanut, safflower and corn. Instead consume more healthy omega-3's like: wild caught oily fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, avocados and grass-fed beef. Use coconut oil or grass-fed butter to cook with instead of canola or vegetable oils.