Food for Hormone Balance

Hormone Imbalance – A Common Condition

In today’s world, it is rare for someone not to experience symptoms of hormone imbalance. From mood swings to fatigue, from skin issues to insomnia – hormone imbalance seems almost inevitable, especially in women. It often leads to symptoms such as joint pain, high blood pressure, headaches, and bloating. Unfortunately, hormone imbalance can also increase the risk of more serious conditions such as cancer and diabetes.

For women, monthly hormonal fluctuations, which often manifest as mild symptoms like temporary fatigue, skin breakouts, heightened emotions, bloating, and/or food cravings, are a normal (though annoying) part of life. However, if these monthly fluctuations become stronger than mild and start interfering with your life and happiness, it is highly likely that hormone imbalance is to blame. Hormone imbalances are very common, and their prevalence has increased significantly over the past three decades.

Step Towards Hormone Balance

The good news is that protecting your body and balancing hormones doesn’t necessarily have to be complicated – certain food choices can help. In fact, there are incredibly powerful hormone-balancing superfoods that you can incorporate into your daily diet to safeguard your body’s endocrine system, support detoxification, and create better hormone balance and overall health.

What Foods to Start With?

Fats

Fats are the foundation for proper hormone production, metabolism, and balance, and consuming the right fats can also help suppress stress hormones. The problem is that most of us consume too many unhealthy fats and/or too few healthy fats. Unhealthy fats are often derived from highly processed seed oils. Popular oils like canola oil were once promoted as heart-healthy. However, the truth is that their high content of omega-6 fatty acids can cause chronic inflammation, which contributes to hormone imbalance. To avoid this, you can include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as:

• Fish oils;
• Chia seeds;
• Flaxseeds;
• Extra-virgin olive oil;
• Walnuts and walnut oil;
• Avocados and avocado oil;
• Coconut oil.

Leafy Greens and Colorful Vegetables

When it comes to hormone health and detoxification, colorful vegetables are one of your greatest allies. This is because colorful vegetables contain specific nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, and other substances that help the liver metabolize excess hormones, such as estrogens. Many people don’t realize that liver function and hormone balance are closely related. In fact, among hundreds of other tasks, the liver is responsible for hormone storage, breakdown, and secretion. For these reasons, increasing the consumption of plant-based foods is one of the most effective, affordable, and delicious ways to maintain hormone balance. Here are some examples:

• Beets contain the amino acid betaine, which helps increase bile production.
• Leafy cruciferous vegetables contain antioxidants and certain types of resins that help relax the liver and reduce cholesterol levels.
• Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, which help reduce the impact of alcohol on the liver.
• For women, increasing the intake of dark green leafy vegetables during the menstrual cycle can be beneficial.
• Broccoli is a rich source of sulforaphane, which promotes healthier estrogen metabolism in both women and men. It also activates the synthesis of glutathione (a key antioxidant) and supports detoxification. So, eating more broccoli can support detoxification, which is crucial in navigating a toxic world, and maintain a healthy estrogen balance, particularly important for women’s hormonal health.

Proteins

Proteins play a crucial role in various hormonal processes: they supply the necessary amino acids for the production of key hormones and help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which affects the hormone insulin. Proteins also aid the recovery and optimal functioning of your body’s organs and systems. To easily track your protein intake, aim for a palm-sized portion of protein with each meal and a small handful of protein-rich food with each snack. You can choose animal or plant-based proteins, but a beneficial combination of both usually ensures you get enough essential amino acids.

Citrus Fruits

You may often hear the recommendation to drink at least one glass of lemon or lime water per day. If you wonder why, the answer is quite simple – citrus fruits contain the antioxidant d-limonene, which has been shown to activate liver enzymes that facilitate two stages of detoxification. You can enjoy lemon or lime water as a warming and invigorating drink in the morning or before bed, or add a few drops of liquid stevia for a refreshing and healthy lemonade. If you want to maximize the benefits for your body and support liver function, add lemon or lime juice to a cup of antioxidant-rich matcha green tea.

Magnesium-Rich Foods

Magnesium is one of the most powerful and underrated minerals for improving various hormonal imbalances and symptoms. When it comes to hormone health, magnesium plays several roles, such as:

• Reducing stress hormones, regulating cortisol levels, and soothing adrenal issues.
• Helping to reduce anxiety.
• Controlling blood sugar levels by regulating insulin.
• Playing a key role in thyroid hormone production.
• Assisting in combating PMS symptoms when combined with vitamin B6.
• Helping to alleviate sleep issues by promoting relaxation in the body and brain.

Some of the best magnesium-rich foods to incorporate into your diet are:

• Dark leafy greens.
• Almonds.
• Cashews.
• Dark chocolate.
• Pumpkin seeds.
• Avocados.
• Sesame seeds.
• Black beans.
• Figs.
• Bananas.
• Yogurt/kefir.

Superfood blend for Balance

Our newest product, created by women for women. Its ingredients, ground flaxseeds, broccoli, maca powder, Jerusalem artichokes, ashwagandha root, mint, and brewer’s yeast, are known for their positive effects on our hormones, mood, and alleviating PMS symptoms. The mix is not a magic pill, but it can be the first step towards hormone balance and overall well-being. Since it has a minty flavor, it will be easy to incorporate into your daily diet. Here’s the simplest way to use it: mix a teaspoon of the Balance mix with almond milk, add a few fresh mint leaves, and if you want some sweetness, one date. Pour the mixture over ice, and there you have it – a mint latte for hormone balance! Enjoy!