Foods That Help Balance Your Hormones & Improve Your Health

As women, our hormones are constantly changing throughout our lives. From puberty to pregnancy and menopause, fluctuations in hormones can cause mood swings, weight gain, and acne, and even impact our fertility. While hormone therapy can be an option, it isn't always the best solution and making adjustments to your diet can be an easy way to balance your hormones without taking medication. Incorporating certain foods into your diet can be an effective and natural way to balance your hormones and improve your overall health.

Foods That Promote Hormone Balance 

Consider adding some of these hormone-friendly foods into your daily diet to keep your mind and body functioning at optimal levels! 

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale contain compounds that help the liver detoxify excess oestrogen in the body. Oestrogen that has been metabolised can then be excreted, avoiding any buildup that could lead to hormonal imbalances. These vegetables also contain indole-3-carbinol, a compound that has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and other hormone-related cancers.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for balancing hormones and reducing inflammation in the body. Good sources include fatty fish such as salmon and sardines as well as chia seeds and flax seeds. These fatty acids have been shown to help balance the menstrual cycle and reduce period pain as well as improve fertility.

Probiotic Foods

Probiotics found in foods like yogurt, kefir, and kombucha can help balance hormones by improving gut health. A healthy gut microbiome can reduce inflammation and absorb nutrients more effectively, allowing for better hormone balance. Probiotics can also help with weight management, which can be important for managing hormone levels.

Foods High in Magnesium

Magnesium is crucial for hormone balance and overall health. It can help regulate cortisol, the stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It also aids in the production of progesterone, a hormone that can help with PMS symptoms. Good sources of magnesium include spinach, almonds, avocados, and dark chocolate.

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are a group of herbs and roots that help the body deal with stress and balance hormones. They can help regulate cortisol levels and reduce inflammation. Some popular adaptogens include ashwagandha, rhodiola, and maca. Adaptogens can be added to smoothies or taken as supplements.

We all experience hormonal changes that can affect our bodies in many ways. Incorporating certain foods into our diets can help balance hormones and improve our overall health. Including cruciferous vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, foods rich in magnesium, and adaptogens regularly can have a significant impact on our hormone levels. By making these foods part of our diet, or adding these nutrients into our diet with natural supplements, we can manage our health naturally and effectively.