Best Hormone Balancing Food for Women

Hormonal balance and a healthy gut are two key for fitness. The amount of impact hormones have on the body is immense. A lot of us of unaware that it’s the hormones which work slowly, regularly and affect every single body function. Hormonal imbalance leads to thyroid, cyst, infertility and production of cortisol and leptin in the body. An unhealthy gut or digestive system will lead to indigestion, inflammation, poor metabolism and low immunity.

Balancing Hormones

• Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They travel in the blood stream to different tissues and organs
• They work tirelessly and overtime and affect almost every body function including metabolism, sexual function, reproduction and mood
• Hormonal imbalance will take a lot of time to reflect on our health
• Long and persistent unhealthy eating, unhealthy lifestyle and stress will result in hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance takes even longer to heal, it’s very important to be committed to a healthy lifestyle

Female Sex Hormones
– Estrogen Dominance
– Will lead to changes in the sleep pattern, changes in weight and appetite
– Leads to higher stress and slows down metabolism
– PCOS
-Leads to infertility, weight gain, higher diabetes risk, acne and abnormal hair growth
– Low Estrogen
– Results in low sex drive, reproductive problems, menstrual irregularity and changes in mood

Best food to balance female hormones

1. Healthy fat

• Coconut oil is an amazing healthy fat for hormonal health
• It provides the necessary building blocks for hormonal production, assists in weight loss and reduces inflammation
• Coconut oil also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties
• Ghee also provides a rich source of fat soluble vitamin A, D, E and K2. These nutrients are the key building blocks for hormonal production
• For balancing Omega 3, Flax seeds and Chia seeds can be included in the diet

2. Nuts and Seeds

• Nuts and seeds have an amazing effect on the endocrine system
• Hormones are produced using certain fatty acids and cholesterol, if we don’t include these ingredients in our diet, hormonal problems will arise simply because the body doesn’t have the nutrients it needs to make them

3. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables

• Cruciferous vegetables can help maintain estrogen balance and since they are so high in calcium, it can also help with the premenstrual syndrome
• Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables contain phytoestogenic compounds which promote beneficial estrogen metabolism, helping the body to get rid of bad estrogens

4. Pomegranate

• This antioxidant filled fruit can help block excess estrogen production in the body
• Pomegranates have a natural compound that inhibites the enzyme in women that converts estrone into estradiol, a powerful estrogen that plays a role in origin of hormone dependent cancers

5. Natural Probiotics

• Fermented food, curd, yogurt, homemade pickles, kanji, sauerkraut and kimchi help cleanse the liver and gut
• They also help the body to detox and improve immunity

6. Complex carbs

• Complex carbs with low glycemic index help keep your blood sugar levels steady
• This helps keeps insulin and androgen levels in check
• Include millets, quinoa, sweet potato and high fibre veggies in your diet

7. Beans and Lentil

• Apart from plant based phytoestrogens these are very good source of clean protein, fibre and many essential vitamins and minerals
• Lentil helps reduce estrogen levels

8. Special Herbs and Spices

• Certain herbs and spices also help the body to maintain hormonal balance
• These are cinnamon, turmeric, fennel, cumin, moringa, garlic and ginger
• Adaptogens are herbs that help the body handle stress and support the adrenals
• Ashwaganda and basil are two magic herbs which do wonders for the hormonal growth in the body

9. Soy and soy products

• Soy offers a special type of lecithin, it caontains auxines which nourish and replenish the glandular system
• These help pour youth building hormone in the body
• Eating the bean can have helpful effect specially during menopause
• Edamame and tofu in small amount have estrogen like effect on menopausal women
• Fermented soy like miso and tempeh are excellent for extra probiotics

10. Flax Seeds

• Flax seeds is a excellent source of phytoestrogen, it contains a specific type of phtoestrogen called lignans
• Lignans have both estrogenic and antoestrogenic effect
• Phytoestrogens mimic estrogen, gets bound to our estrogens receptors and helps balance estrogen in the body
• They also help improve or prevent additional hormonal issues like breast cancer, menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis
• Flax seeds are also rich in anti inflammatory omega 3 fats

11. Apart from this, following foods also help provide hormonal balance in the body

• Citrus fruits
• Green leafy vegetables
• Eggs
• Fatty fish
• Good quality chicken

12. Other simple things which you should do

• Exercise regularly
• Manage stress, avoid taking unnecessary stress
• Get good quality and sufficient sleep
• Prioritise, give yourself the importance you deserve
• Maintain good hygiene
• Indulge in things you like doing

13. What to Avoid ?

• Avoid processed and junk food
• Avoid consuming refines sugar
• Do not consume excessive alcohol
• Avoid consuming too much caffeine
• Don’t under or over eat
• Don’t take medicines at the drop of a hat. This reduces your body’s natural immunity
• If you’re consuming birth control pills, be careful in your quantity of consumption. Birth pills cause disruption in your body’s natural functioning