List of Foods to Avoid with Estrogen Dominance

Uncover the list of 7 foods to avoid with estrogen dominance in this article! 

Estrogen dominance simply means high levels of estrogen in the body. Both the male and female body produces estrogen, a hormone that is commonly known as a ‘female’ hormone. 

If this hormone is produced more than the required amount in a man’s body, problems can result such as fertility issues, obesity and more.

Likewise, if it is in high levels in a woman’s body, then estrogen dominance issues such as ovarian cysts and fibroids can crop up. 

There are two major natural ways of solving estrogen dominance – diet and lifestyle. In today’s article, we are going to look at diet, more specifically foods to avoid with estrogen dominance. Read on to find out more! 

List of 7 Foods to Avoid with Estrogen Dominance 

1.   Soy Foods 

Although there is a bit of a difference in opinion when it comes to consuming soy products for estrogen dominance, majority of research suggests that soy foods and products such as soy milk and soy sauce must be avoided. 

This is because soy contains phytoestrogens called isoflavones. Consuming soy products can throw your hormonal balance out of whack. So if you have estrogen dominance, it is best to avoid eating soy as you do not want to pump more estrogen into your body. 

2.   Processed Meats 

Processed meat is also known as factory reared meat. Animals in factories are not only fed hormone-laden food and medication to fatten them up in a short amount of time but also, most of these farm animals are also fed soy. 

Yes, eating chicken, beef or mutton that have been reared in a factory can expose you to more soy. 

Instead, choose to buy and consume free range meat, or meat that has been reared organically and in a real life farm, where the animals are free to roam around and graze. 

3.   Alcohol 

We all know that alcohol is bad for us. It is also one of the worst foods to avoid with estrogen dominance. Research clearly shows that the plants used to produce alcoholic beverages contain phytoestrogens (estrogen-like substances. 

If you have estrogen dominance and its associated problems such as ovarian cysts or fibroids, avoid alcohol because it triggers estrogen levels to rise in the blood stream. 

4.   Grains 

Grains including barley, wheat, rice and maize may be infected by an estrogen-like fungi called zearalenone. Research  shows that these fungi are present on almost all continents, and they are known to infest both pre- and post-harvested wheat, barley, rice, maize, and other crops, resulting in the contamination of human foods and animal feed worldwide. The study also says that in Europe, where zearalenone is commonly found, the mycotoxin was reported to be present in 32% of 5010 samples of mixed cereals.  

If you are estrogen dominant, then you might want to greatly limit your intake of grains, especially that from processed carbs and packaged foods.

5.   Processed Dairy Products 

Processed dairy is just like processed meat – both are manufactured in factories and the animals they are got from are loaded with growth hormones and fed with soy. 

Eating processed dairy such as factory milk, cheese, yogurt and so on while you have estrogen dominance is a big no-no because you’re hurting your body by putting more estrogen into it. 

Opt for organic free-range dairy. This means dairy bought from a real farm where animals are allowed to freely graze and where cows eat real grass and chicken eat bugs, instead of being fed soy or processed foods. 

6.   Legumes 

You might be wondering – aren’t legumes healthy? What’s wrong with legumes? Well, folks, legumes if consumed in large amounts can increase your estrogen levels which is specifically bad for people with estrogen dominance. 

That’s because legumes including lentils, beans, peanuts and chickpeas contain phytoestrogens.

Since legumes are healthy and comprise a balanced diet, instead of cutting them out, you may add a few servings in your diet a couple of days in a week. 

7.   Bottled Water 

Granted water is not a food but it is something we consume every day so that’s why I included it in this list of foods to avoid with estrogen dominance. Bottled water is bad for you because it comes packaged in plastic. 

Plastic contains a chemical known as BPA or bisphenol-A. It mimics estrogen. Studies have linked it to fertility problems in women, male impotence, heart problems and a whole host of other health issues. 

Drinking out of a heated plastic water bottle such as one that is left in a heated car is even more dangerous. So next time you leave a water bottle out in the sun or in your heated car, think twice before taking a gulp out of it. 

Instead, store your water in glass or metallic bottles/flasks. 

And there you have it – that is the list of foods to avoid with estrogen dominance! It can be hard cutting out or limiting certain foods from the list above but remember – it’s all about baby steps! Here’s to better health!