Our bodies are continually pumping out hormones for every function we have. They control our mood, appetite, sexual function, metabolism, and more. As a result, when we think of our hormones being out of balance, we usually don’t associate our diet as the cause. By adding some of the foods found here to your diet, you can feel and perform your best. Let’s discuss the best foods for optimal hormone health.
To fully understand which foods will be best for your health, you first must know if your hormones are unbalanced. Using AgeWellMD’s comprehensive hormone panel, we’ll show you which hormones are irregular. This information will help you determine the diet and lifestyle changes necessary. If you’re experiencing decreased sexual drive, irritability, tiredness, and difficulty losing weight, you may be experiencing hormone imbalance. Here are some of the foods you can include in your diet for optimal hormone health:
Leafy Greens and Root Vegetables
Leafy greens and root vegetables are good sources of complex carbohydrates. Greens like spinach, kale, romaine, and arugula are high in vitamins and antioxidants. These vegetables are known to prevent inflammation, reduce brain fog, and lower your cortisol (the stress hormone).
Root vegetables like sweet potatoes are high in vitamin B6, which helps detoxify the liver. By giving the liver a hand, it lowers the need for hormonal assistance, freeing up those hormones to work elsewhere.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts are healthy, antioxidant powerhouses. Antioxidants can combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals — unstable molecules that may cause cell damage and increase the risk of disease.
Nuts are excellent for your thyroid. For example, Brazil nuts are packed full of selenium, which has a profound effect on the thyroid. The thyroid is a vital gland: it plays a significant role in the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body. A well-tuned thyroid produces the exact number of hormones needed to keep your body running and in balance.
Seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds can aid in hormone balance in a lot of ways. Flaxseed contains phytoestrogens, which mimic estrogen in the body. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium, which is very important for maintaining stress hormones and improving your mood. Most grains contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which are crucial for a well-balanced, healthy diet.
Avocados
Avocado is the only fruit that provides a substantial amount of healthy fats. Avocados are a nutrient-dense fruit that contains nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. The healthy fats found in avocados are great for decreasing blood sugar levels and maintaining estrogen levels. Similarly, healthy fats allow good cholesterol to enter the body, helping out your steroids. Healthy fats also aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D & E. Avocados promote progesterone production and balance your estrogen according to the AARP and LIVESTRONG.
Avocados are among the best sources of potassium in the diet, containing 40% more potassium than bananas. Additionally, they’re a great source of fiber. Studies have shown that they can lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides while raising good cholesterol.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, and herring are great for your health. First, fish contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality proteins, and all sorts of essential nutrients. Second, studies show that people who eat fish tend to be much healthier, with a lower risk of heart disease, depression, dementia, and all sorts of common diseases. Consequently, healthy fats can boost your metabolism as well as help balance your hormones.
Fruits and Vegetables High in Vitamin C
It’s common knowledge that vitamin C is necessary for immunity. A diet rich with vitamin C can lower stress hormones, have a positive effect on mood, and reduce adrenal fatigue. Vitamin C will increase progesterone in women, which is vital for a regular menstrual cycle.
Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, tomatoes, and spinach.
In conclusion, a healthy diet is vital for all aspects of your health and wellness. For example, simply changing your diet is not enough when it comes to your hormone levels. At AgeWellMD, we take the time to provide you with a custom treatment plan. Included in this diet plan are the diet plan, supplements, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Call us at (720)-361-8080 or fill out a new patient form for a free consultation.
