In this article, we shall look at the top foods that balance hormones in females. Hormonal imbalance is a common problem affecting many women today. However, there are natural ways to get your hormones balanced! The most important one is through proper nutrition.
When you have too much or too little of a hormone, then you are suffering from hormonal imbalance. Women may experience imbalances in hormones such as insulin, cortisol, thyroxin, androgens, estrogen and progesterone.
Causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Females
Some of the causes of hormonal imbalance in females include:
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Menopause
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cancer treatments
- Hormone therapy
- Benign or cancerous tumors
- Smoking
- Certain medications
- Cushing syndrome
- Thyroiditis
- And others
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms of hormonal imbalance, then you can get checked with your doctor to find out what hormone is lacking or in excess. Blood tests can help find out levels of hormones such as cortisol, insulin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroxin and TTH, among others.
- Hair loss
- Hot flashes/night sweats
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
- Severe or persistent acne
- Excessive sweating
- Irregular periods
- Ovarian cysts/fibroids
- Excessive weight gain
- Decreased libido
Diet plays a very important in helping keep hormone levels balanced in the body. Below is a list of 8 foods that balance hormones in females.
8 Foods that Balance Hormones in Females
1. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds (buy here), also known as linseeds, are a superfood that balance hormones in females. They contain lignans which are a type of phytoestrogens that have both an estrogenic and antiestrogenic effect. They mimic the activity of estrogen and also help get rid of excess or bad estrogen. Flaxseeds are good for those who have high androgen levels such as women with PCOS.
These superfood seeds also contain omega 3 fatty acids that are important for reproductive health. Buy and use ground flaxseed because the hard exterior has been broken down and can be easily be digested by the body. You can add ground flaxseed to your smoothies, baked goods, or pancake mix, etc.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric (buy here) is one of the best foods that balance hormones in females. It is a golden spice that originates from South East Asia. Turmeric is popularly known for its powerful anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial and pain-relieving properties.
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which also mimics the activity of estrogen. Taking turmeric supplements or adding the powder to your smoothies or coffee helps reduce inflammation related to hormonal disorders such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis and PCOS. It also helps reduce menstrual pain.
3. Avocado
This creamy superfood is also excellent for balancing hormones and supporting female reproductive health. Avocado can help manage cortisol, which is the stress hormone because it contains beta-sitosterol, which can affect blood cholesterol levels and thereby regulate cortisol.
Avocado also contains plant sterols that have a positive effect on estrogen and progesterone, two important female hormones that regulate the whole menstrual cycle including ovulation and menstruation.
This is a must-eat superfood if you want to reduce inflammation in the reproductive system, improve fertility and promote a healthy pregnancy.
4. Fish Oil
Fish oil (buy here) is an important dietary supplement for balancing hormones. It is found in fatty or oily fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and herring. Taking fish oil supplements is more effective as you can meet your daily requirements of omega 3 fatty acids which is the main nutrient in it that helps balance hormones.
Taking fish oil reduces inflammation, helps with depression, improves cognitive function, keeps skin, hair and nails healthy, and boosts immunity.
5. Maca Root
Maca root (buy here) is an ancient superfood that was highly prized by Aztec Indians for boosting libido and fertility. It is a tuber root that belongs to the radish family.
By consuming maca root powder, hormonal imbalance issues such as severe PMS symptoms, decreased sex drive, low fertility can be solved.
You can purchase maca root powder and add it to your smoothies or coffee. Or, to make things easier, buy maca powder supplements and take them regularly.
6. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, turnip, kale and others. These vegetables are known as hormone cleansers and have powerful detoxifying properties that help get rid of excess hormones. This is because they contain an active compound known as Indole 3 Carbimol (I3C) that helps process and detox excess estrogen.
Consume cruciferous vegetables steamed to get the most out of them, especially the detox nutrient Indole 3 Carbimol (buy here)!
7. Walnuts
One vital piece of information to know is that hormone balance is about having the right balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory while omega 6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory.
Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. By increasing your omega 3 intake, your body gets enough EPA and DHA which are the building blocks for hormones. Consume walnuts (buy here) and other foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids like fish oil and flaxseeds to balance hormones naturally.
8. Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens are nutrient-rich foods that balance hormones in females. They are loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients that help prevent and reduce inflammation as well as lower levels of stress. Stress is one of the major causes of hormonal imbalances whether it’s out-of-whack thyroid hormones or reproductive hormones such as estrogen.
Collard greens, spinach, beet greens, turnip greens, kale, dandelion greens and swiss chard are some examples of leafy greens. They are also a good source of iron. Iron deficiency is common in women in their prime reproductive years and it is a significant cause of unbalanced hormone levels.
Those are the top foods that balance hormones in females. Add them to your daily diet and watch your hormonal imbalance symptoms clear up in no time!
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