Right Nutrition to Address Hormonal Imbalance

Every aspect of how we feel, how our body functions and how we react is some way dependent on hormones and how we control them. Hormones like insulin, serotonin, cortisol and dopamine, estrogen and testosterone, can all be affected by food choices we make.

Unhealthy foods such as sugar, high glycemic foods, and alcohol can have a negative impact on your hormones, so it’s important to choose foods wisely and in moderation.

Here are few foods that can be added to the diet:

• Avocado

Avocados are a delicious addition to diet, but they can do a lot more for your health than you think. Avocados can help manage stress hormones, and even impact the hormones that control your menstrual cycle. Avocados are loaded with beta-sitosterol, which can maintain blood cholesterol levels and help balance the stress hormone cortisol. The plant sterols present in avocados also have an effect on estrogen and progesterone, the two hormones responsible for regulating ovulation and menstrual cycles.

• Flaxseed

This superfood not only helps in weight loss but can have all sorts of benefits for your hormones.
Flaxseed is a good source of phytoestrogens, and it specifically contains a type of phytoestrogen called lignans. Lignans have both an estrogenic and antiestrogenic effect, and they have been suggested to have protective benefits against certain types of cancer.

• Broccoli

There’s a reason you were always told to eat your greens. This cruciferous vegetable can help maintain estrogen balance, as it is so high in calcium, it can also help with premenstrual syndrome, it contains phytoestogenic compounds which may promote beneficial estrogen metabolism. Other cruciferous vegetables you can enjoy include cauliflower, bok choy, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, turnips, and kale.

• Pomegranate

This antioxidant-rich fruit can help block excess estrogen production in the body, The study also found that this could mean pomegranate has the potential to prevent types of breast cancers that respond to estrogen. Pomegranates have a natural compound that may inhibit the enzyme in women’s bodies that converts estrone into estradiol, which is a powerful estrogen that may play a role in origin of hormone dependent cancers.

• Nuts

Nuts like almonds have a major effect on your endocrine system, which can assist in lowering your levels of cholesterol. They can also help lower insulin and maintain blood sugar levels.
Walnuts contain polyphenols, which can protect our heart and cardiovascular system by fighting free radicals in our body. This component can also have anti-inflammatory properties, and they’re rich in omega-3s which are good for brain health.

• Soy

Soy affects estrogen levels, especially during menopause. Edamame and tofu in small amounts have estrogen-like effects on menopausal women. Soy may also be able to reduce the risk of breast cancer in some people. While it was once believed that soy could increase breast cancer risk, because it can mimic estrogen in the body, it has actually been found that those who have a lifelong diet rich in soy may reduce their risk of breast cancer.

Over to you
Eating the right combination of healthy foods can keep your hormones balanced, but if you are experiencing anything unusual, you should always consult a doctor. A nutritious diet and other healthy lifestyle behaviors may help improve your hormonal health and allow you to feel better.