If you are a woman that probably means that you are quite familiar with the ups and downs that come with monthly hormone fluctuations.
Sometimes these changes in our hormonal state can be very disruptive causing mood fluctuations and even mood disorders— like premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
If you are one of the millions of unlucky women who suffer from wild hormone imbalances you may want to look in your kitchen for some foods that can help you balance your hormones.
Here are the top 5 foods that help with hormonal balance in women.
Soy
Soy is a great source of protein along with other vitamins and nutrients. One of the nutrients that soy contains that will help you balance your hormones is phytoestrogens. These phytoestrogens can help women raise their estrogen levels. Redbook Magazine recommends that women going through menopause increase their consumption of soy to help their hormonal shift.
Flaxseed
These little seeds give your body a great way to get more estrogen. Flax is a high fiber food, and popular health blogs report that it will help you feel full and keep you going for a long time during the day. In addition to the fiber and hormone balancing properties, flax is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been reported to help hormone synthesis.
Salmon
This cold-water fish is good for the brain and a wonderful help to balancing hormones. This fish has great anti-inflammatory properties and according to Prevention magazine, it is full of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega -3 fatty acids are responsible for counteracting all of the negative effects that the Omega-6 fatty acids have on the body. Having several sources of Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet will help you to reduce the oxidization effects and inflammatory effects of high omega-6 fatty acids.
Wild caught salmon is one of the highest sources of this highly beneficial fat. Nutritionists and dieticians recommend that you consume 1-2 servings a week to get your allotted serving of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Chasteberry
This plant has been used for centuries as a way to manipulate women’s menstrual cycles. Chasteberry regulates progesterone levels in women. In some women, regular doses of chasteberry can even stop ovulation in the same way that progesterone based birth control tablets do.
For women who are low on progesterone, chasteberry can provide a boost in this hormone to regulate the menstrual cycle. According to Organic Authority chasteberry can help thicken the uterine lining by increasing progesterone levels and may be a first intervention alternative to fertility treatments.
Chasteberry is not recommended for anyone who is currently seeking medical treatment for hormone related conditions. Because of its natural ability to affect the body’s production of progesterone, it could interfere with your medical treatment.
Chickpeas
Like soy, chickpeas are a natural source of phytoestrogen. Popular health blogs note that while phytoestrogen is not estrogen, the body does a good job at using these chemicals in place of the real hormone.
Not only do chickpeas have great hormone balancing abilities but they are also full of other nutrients that will help you lead a healthier life. Chickpeas have high protein and fiber and are often used as a meat alternative.
While these foods are all great at helping normalize hormone levels in women with problematic hormone cycles, it is important to note that it is still necessary to discuss any health concerns with a physician.
Many times supplements, like chasteberry, can interfere with traditional medications – like antibiotics. If you are trying to control your hormones through diet or supplementation, your physician should be aware of your at home efforts.
Having severe PMS and hormonal changes can be difficult to deal with. Making small modifications in the diet, and taking supplements like chasteberry could make all the difference in your overall wellbeing. Try them out and see if you notice a difference in your monthly cycles.
