Hormone Balancing Superfoods

Hormones driving you crazy lately? If so, you are not alone. The good news is that there are some hormone balancing superfoods that can play a major role in getting things back in balance.

Hormonal fluctuations are normal, but when hormone imbalance starts affecting your day-to-day activities, it might be time to focus on getting some nutrient-dense foods your diet. Dont’ worry – prepared the right way, they are also delicious!

Food is Hormone Medicine

As busy women, we are often grabbing convenience foods that are heavily processed. These are hyperpalatable (aka taste really good!) and highly addictive. Trust me, I know what it’s like to crave an afternoon chocolate chip cookie.

If we can change our view of food and see the powerful effect it can have on our hormones – we can often transform our hormone health and finally see some balance. Doesn’t that sound amazing?

If you aren’t sure where to start, learn how to develop healthy eating habits here.

Sugar

The first step in doing this is to cut out (or way back on) the sugar. No matter how many greens you are eating, if you are eating large amounts of sugar, your hormones will most likely stay imbalanced. The reason for this is that a diet high in sugar can lead to insulin resistance. Insulin affects all other hormones, so keeping your blood sugars at a healthy level is crucial for keeping everything in balance.

A good place to start is to do the 10-Day Sugar Detox Challenge.

Keep a Food Log

Another helpful step is to keep a food diary. A food log helps you become in tune with your body. This is such a personal thing, and keeping track of what you are eating can really give you feedback on what is working and what isn’t!

At first this may seem time-consuming, but make it as easy for yourself as possible. If you like pen and paper, keep a small notebook with you and jot down what you ate and how you felt 1-2 hours later. 

If you prefer a digital food diary, there are plenty to choose from. I love MyFitnessPal because it is super easy to use and you can save your favorite foods, meals and even recipes in the system for a quick and easy log of your food.

5 Hormone Balancing Superfoods

Once the sugar has been cut out, the next step is to start incorporating some nutrient dense foods that can fix nutrient deficiencies and build a strong foundation for hormone health. All whole, unprocessed foods can play key roles in bringing balance, but there are some hormone balancing superfoods that have been shown to have a major impact.

1. Greens

Greens are probably the star of the show, because they are so nutrient dense! They provide important nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, iron and many vitamins! Try to get a variety of greens in your diet, by incorporating kale, lettuces, spinach, swiss chard, and others. Smoothies are an easy place to start!

2. Beans

An often overlooked hormone superfood, beans are full of B vitamins, fiber and protein! The B vitamins may help with PMS, lower cortisol levels and balance estrogen and progesterone. They can also help you reach an ideal weight, which is important for getting hormone levels balanced.

3. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a delicious way to curb the sugar cravings! They are full of fiber, Vitamins A, C and B6 among other nutrients. They are a great source of DHEA which is naturally produced in the body by the adrenal gland. Since it is a precursor to hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, it may help restore those levels if they are low. Side note: DHEA may also help protect against depression, so it’s a win-win!

4. Seeds

How can so much nutrition be packed in such a tiny thing? Flax seed, chia seed, and hemp seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and some protein. Pumpkin seeds are an amazing seed, because they are full of magnesium, iron, fiber, protein, among other nutrients! Incorporate seeds by making a smoothie, adding them to your oatmeal or overnight oats, or sprinkle on a salad.

5. Cruciferous Veggies

Last, but certainly not least are the cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, brussels sprouts, and cabbage. These powerhouses of nutrition help your body detoxify the excess estrogen and bring balance. Added bonus: they help prevent cancers that are caused by those extra estrogens in the body! Get creative and mix cauliflower rice in with your regular rice or add kale to a smoothie.

Hormonal balance is a complex process influenced by various factors. If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide appropriate testing and guidance.

No matter where you are with your hormones, eating a diet rich in whole fruits, vegetables and whole grains is vitally important for hormone balance. They provide the fiber and micronutrients that your body needs, and many people are deficient in. Incorporate these 5 hormone balancing superfoods so you can finally feel like yourself again!