Berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants and fiber. They help regulate progesterone levels and support overall hormonal balance.
Hormonal health is critical to overall health and well-being. Hormones regulate emotions, energy, inflammation, weight, sleep, and skin.
You may have heard of hormone-balancing diets and certain recipes that promise to adjust your hormone levels. But are there foods that balance hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers that enter our bloodstream and regulate a number of bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Many healthy lifestyle factors can help you maintain hormonal balance.
But what causes hormonal imbalance in women?
Dr. Nitika Sobit, renowned obstetrician and gynecologist, emphasizes that as women, our body undergoes significant changes throughout our lives. Therefore, understanding the causes of hormonal imbalance can help us better manage our health. While hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day and throughout our lives, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, stress and certain drugs can also cause hormonal imbalances. Additionally, chronic diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, and thyroid are linked to hormonal imbalances.
Tumors, abnormal growth of endocrine glands, autoimmune problems, or damage to endocrine glands can affect hormone production and disrupt the normal functioning of body functions.
Relationship between foods and hormones
Dr. Sobti adds, “A woman’s hormonal system is complicated and fragile. While many hormones circulate throughout the human body, the two main female sex hormones are progesterone and estrogen. When these hormones are in balance, you feel better. When they’re out of balance, you don’t.”
Eating some foods can upset the balance of hormonal health. This is because certain foods can provide the nutrients necessary for normal hormone production. For example, refined sugars, processed foods, excess caffeine, alcohol, non-organic dairy and meat, soy products, or trans fats can alter hormone function by promoting inflammation and affecting sensitivity to blood sugar. insulin.
However, there are certain foods that can also restore hormonal balance.
6 Best Foods to Balance Hormones in Women
- Green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetablesCruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are rich in phytochemicals that help regulate estrogen levels. :They contain indole-3-carbinol, which promotes liver function and helps eliminate waste hormones. This helps maintain hormonal balance and supports overall health,” says Dr Tejal Kanwar, Gynecologist and Consultant at Ujaas (a menstrual health and hygiene management social enterprise). Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and kale are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They help regulate estrogen levels and support overall hormonal balance. “Leafy greens are also rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress,” adds Dr. Kanwar.
- Flax seedsFlax seeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. “They contain lignans, which help balance estrogen levels and promote hormone production. Flax seeds also provide healthy fats and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to a vegetarian diet,” says Dr. Kanwar.
- BerriesDr. Kanwar comments: “Berries like raspberries, blueberries and strawberries are rich in antioxidants and fiber. They help regulate progesterone levels and promote general hormonal balance. Berries are also low in calories and high in nutrients, making them a healthy snack for vegetarians.”
- EggsWhole eggs were once considered unhealthy due to their high cholesterol and fat content. One egg contains 212 mg of cholesterol, which is 71% of the daily requirement. In addition, 62% of the calories in whole eggs come from fat. Whole eggs are highly nutritious, as they are packed with vitamins and minerals. They also contain powerful antioxidants that protect the eyes, as well as a high concentration of choline, a brain ingredient that many people do not get enough of. The beneficial fats in eggs contribute to hormonal homeostasis.
- AvocadoAvocado is a nutritious fruit that promotes strength and energy in the body. However, the energy groups in avocado make it easier to achieve hormonal balance. Avocado has the inherent ability to absorb nutrients, lower cholesterol levels, and promote weight loss. Avocado also has anti-inflammatory effects, stabilizes glucose level, and helps balance hormonal levels.
- Dry fruitsDried fruits like almonds and walnuts are a great source of healthy hormone-balancing fats, fiber, and protein. They provide a portable, quick, and easy snack that helps keep blood sugar stable, lower insulin levels, and regulate hormones.
Hormonal health is crucial to your overall health and well-being. Hormones regulate your emotions, energy, inflammation, weight, sleep and skin. A hormone-balanced diet consists of healthy fats, anti-inflammatory foods, cruciferous vegetables, high-quality proteins, prebiotics, slow-burning carbohydrates, and foods that support liver function.
While most foods can be consumed in moderation, the foods that treat your particular illness may not benefit another person with similar problems. Because balancing hormones with food can be difficult at times, you should consult with your doctor or a nutritionist to help you monitor and manage your medical situation.
