No More Dealing With Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones – a word every woman has heard and dealt with – and maybe not in the most positive way. Hormones play a huge role in… well, running your body. And if there is an imbalance, then things can seem a bit tricky. We’re talking hair thinning, weight gain, facial hair growth, all the classic signs of “something is not quite right”. Don’t stress, though! The right foods can help bring them back into balance. Here’s a list of 19 organic foods that can help your hormones chill out:
1. Avocados
They’re not just a trendy toast topping! Avocados are full of healthy monounsaturated fats that support hormone production. These healthy fats are essential for maintaining optimal levels of progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Plus, they’re packed with magnesium, which is often referred to as the “relaxation mineral” – it helps your body manage stress and supports your adrenal glands, which produce stress hormones like cortisol.
2. Spinach
Spinach is a superfood when it comes to hormone balance, and not just because it’s packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s loaded with magnesium, which plays a crucial role in regulating your hormone levels. Magnesium helps lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and supports insulin sensitivity, helping balance blood sugar levels. Plus, its high fiber content aids digestion and helps detoxify excess estrogen, which can wreak havoc on your hormonal health when left unchecked.
3. Chia Seeds
Tiny, but mighty. Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for reducing inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a big player when it comes to hormonal imbalance, and these omega-3s help calm it down. Chia seeds are also a great source of fiber, which helps keep your blood sugar steady. A steady blood sugar level is key for maintaining hormone balance, as large spikes or dips in blood sugar can trigger the release of insulin and other hormones that can mess with your system.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great complex carbohydrate that provides long-lasting energy without spiking your blood sugar. They’re high in antioxidants, especially beta-carotene, which helps reduce inflammation. In terms of hormone health, sweet potatoes are a great food to help regulate insulin and support your thyroid. They’re also rich in vitamin A, which is crucial for reproductive health and for the production of certain hormones, like progesterone and estrogen.
5. Almonds
Almonds are a fantastic snack for balancing hormones, thanks to their high content of vitamin E, which is essential for healthy hormonal function. Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to protect your body from oxidative stress that can affect hormone production. Almonds also help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing insulin spikes and dips. Eating a handful of almonds can help support adrenal health, which is important for managing stress hormones.
6. Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – they all bring a ton of antioxidants to the table, helping to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation in your body. Chronic inflammation can contribute to hormonal imbalances, so keeping it in check with antioxidant-rich foods is crucial. Berries are also high in fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps regulate estrogen levels. This makes them an excellent option for anyone dealing with estrogen dominance, which can lead to symptoms like bloating and mood swings.
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil isn’t just for cooking – it’s a game-changer for hormone health. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil provide your body with quick energy, but they’re also crucial for supporting thyroid health. A healthy thyroid is key for balancing hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Plus, coconut oil helps with blood sugar regulation, which prevents insulin spikes that can disrupt your hormone balance. It’s also great for your adrenal glands, helping them produce cortisol in healthy amounts when needed.
8. Salmon
Wild-caught salmon is an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a big role in reducing inflammation and regulating hormonal activity. Omega-3s can improve the production of key hormones like progesterone and estrogen. Plus, salmon is rich in vitamin D, a nutrient that’s important for regulating hormone levels, particularly in the case of thyroid and sex hormones. It also helps boost serotonin levels, improving your mood and keeping cortisol levels in check.
9. Broccoli
Broccoli is a superstar when it comes to detoxifying excess estrogen from your body. It’s loaded with sulforaphane, a compound that supports your liver in metabolizing and excreting excess hormones. When estrogen levels get too high, it can lead to mood swings, weight gain, and even more serious health issues like fibroids. Including broccoli in your diet can help balance estrogen levels naturally, keeping your hormones in harmony. Plus, it’s rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps with the elimination of waste and toxins from the body.
10. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are packed with lignans, which are plant compounds that can help balance estrogen levels. These lignans bind to estrogen receptors in the body, preventing excess estrogen from overacting and helping to regulate its levels. Flaxseeds are also a great source of omega-3s and fiber, both of which support overall hormone health. They’re a perfect addition to smoothies, baked goods, or even sprinkled over salads to keep everything in check.
11. Garlic
Not just for flavor, garlic is a powerful food when it comes to hormone balance. It supports liver detoxification, which is important for metabolizing and clearing out excess hormones from your system. Garlic also has compounds that support the production of glutathione, a potent antioxidant that helps protect your liver and other organs. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is often a major factor in hormonal imbalances.
12. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources of zinc, which is essential for hormone production and regulation. Zinc supports the production of progesterone, a hormone that is crucial for a healthy menstrual cycle and overall hormonal balance. These seeds also help with insulin sensitivity, preventing blood sugar spikes that can mess with your hormone levels. Packed with protein and healthy fats, pumpkin seeds are a great snack for keeping your hormones on track throughout the day.
13. Turmeric
Turmeric isn’t just a trendy spice – it’s a potent anti-inflammatory powerhouse. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, helps reduce inflammation and supports liver detoxification, making it a key player in hormone health. By helping your liver process excess estrogen and other hormones, turmeric keeps them at healthy levels. It’s also known for supporting the adrenal glands, helping manage stress hormones like cortisol.
14. Eggs
Eggs are rich in protein, healthy fats, and important vitamins like B12 and D, all of which support healthy hormone production. The healthy fats found in eggs help produce steroid hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. They also provide a good source of choline, which is essential for brain health and the production of neurotransmitters that can help manage mood swings related to hormonal imbalances. Eggs are a great addition to any balanced, hormone-supporting diet.
15. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt isn’t just delicious – it’s packed with probiotics, which are essential for gut health. Since a large portion of hormone regulation happens in your gut, keeping it healthy is key for balanced hormones. A balanced microbiome helps regulate estrogen levels and supports healthy digestion, which is important for eliminating excess hormones from your system. Greek yogurt also provides protein and calcium, both of which support overall hormonal health and function.
16. Liver
Liver may not be on everyone’s go-to grocery list, but it’s an incredibly nutrient-dense food that supports hormone balance. Liver is loaded with vitamin A, B vitamins, and iron, all of which are vital for hormone production. The vitamin A in liver helps support reproductive health by promoting healthy levels of estrogen and progesterone. It also supports the adrenal glands, which produce cortisol. Grass-fed liver is the best option for hormone balance.
17. Leafy Greens
Kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard are not only rich in magnesium and B vitamins but also help your liver detoxify excess estrogen. These greens support healthy digestion, and fiber helps eliminate waste, including hormones that your body no longer needs. They’re also high in folate, which is important for maintaining optimal hormonal health, especially during pregnancy. Adding leafy greens to your diet can help lower inflammation and reduce the symptoms of hormonal imbalances like acne or mood swings.
18. Pomegranates
Packed with antioxidants, pomegranates help regulate estrogen levels by supporting the liver’s detoxification processes. These antioxidants also help prevent oxidative damage to your cells, which can interfere with hormone production. Pomegranates are also known for supporting heart health, which is important since hormonal imbalances can sometimes increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
19. Beets
Beets are rich in betalains and antioxidants, both of which help with liver detoxification, supporting your body in clearing out excess hormones. Beets are also excellent for improving blood circulation, which can help your body transport hormones more effectively. Plus, their high fiber content helps with digestion and elimination, ensuring that your body can process and remove hormones in a healthy, balanced way.
Fixing Hormonal Imbalance The Natural Way
It’s a lot…dealing with hormonal imbalance. It’s more than just a few missed periods. It’s the constant fatigue, the brain fog, the weight gain, the stress, moon face. So many things that you barely have the energy to rely on more medication for your treatment. I always say, the natural way is by far the best way. Control your diet, and let your body do the rest.
