Hormones can cause issues for many women, especially upon those who are entering perimenopause. All sorts of frustrating fluctuations can occur, which have the power to impact nearly every aspect of a woman’s life.
When our hormones are imbalanced, we might experience major mood swings and irritability. We might also have trouble sleeping, and experience a decrease in libido. We might gain weight, and lose our energy and zest for life. As a result, our relationships may suffer, and we may feel as if our quality of life has suddenly dropped dramatically as well.
Fortunately, there are all sorts of tried and true ways to help balance hormones. One of the simplest ways is to ensure you’re getting all the right hormone-balancing nutrients from your diet. Supplementing with certain vitamins and supplements may help as well.
Stay tuned to learn the top best female hormone balancing foods and don’t forget to comment on what you think are the best foods.
Our sex hormones manage our reproduction, the development of sex characteristics, and sexual motivation. Some of the main hormones are progesterone and testosterone.
Our sex hormone levels can change naturally during different stages of life, including puberty or menopause, but they can also be thrown out of balance by diet, lifestyle and our exposure to toxins.
HERE ARE THE BEST HORMONE BALANCING FOODS
1. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats and contain plant-based compounds that help the female reproduction system. They can also help improve or prevent additional hormone-related issues including breast cancer, menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis.
2. Wild Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that helps us make our sex hormones and boost testosterone levels. Vitamin D is important for bone health and immunity, too. Salmon is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce our risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer.
3. Organic Tempeh
Soy is a controversial topic for many reasons, including genetic modification and allergies. But when you choose good sources like organic you can garner the positive benefits of soybeans, which can reduce the risk of breast cancer. The source of soy is definitely important – and a fermented choice will bring you the beneficial probiotics that improve digestion and mood. Having balanced digestive flora also reduces the activity of an enzyme, which is linked to cancers.
4. Broccoli
Love it or hate it, broccoli is up there with the top foods for balancing sex hormones. It’s a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, which also includes cauliflower, kale, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Crucifers are rich in sulphur compounds that help to neutralize and eliminate cancer-causing carcinogens. They are also a rich source in two very important nutrients that prevent oestrogen-related cancers from hormone imbalance. Broccoli is also high in fibre, which helps our bodies as well.
5. Lentils
Lentils are one of the cheapest and most nutritious foods out there, and it turns out that they’re also great for preventing PMS symptoms from occurring. Pulses such as lentils contain a high amount of vitamin B6, which is a co-factor in the production of serotonin, a hormone involved in mood and appetite regulation. Lentils are also a good source of iron, which is linked with a lowered risk of developing PMS because of its theorized effect on serotonin and GABA in the brain.
6. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are high in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that’s important in female hormone production and may reduce breast cancer risk. They also pack a ton of nutritional benefits that should help you alleviate PMS symptoms. They’re rich in vitamin E, B-vitamins, copper, selenium, and magnesium – and a high intake of these micronutrients has been linked with a decreased risk of experiencing PMS. This is likely due to their effect on the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA involved in our hormonal cycles.
7. Sweet Potatoes
Love sweet potatoes already? Now you have another reason – they’re high in Vitamin B6, a vitamin that helps with liver detoxification. Other foods rich in Vitamin B 6 include spinach, turkey and chicken. Any food that assists with liver detoxification is going to also help rid us of any excess hormones.
8. Berries
Next time your PMS has you reaching for a sweet treat, choosing berries instead of ice cream could make all the difference. Not only are berries packed with antioxidants that benefit your brain and immune system, they’re a powerful ally to combat the symptoms of PMS because they help our bodies get rid of excess harmful oestrogen. As a bonus, the phytochemicals contained in berries also protect you against oestrogen-induced breast cancer because of their ability to balance hormones.
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