Hormones are the chemical messengers of our bodies. They control many processes in our body like growth, mood, metabolism, sexual function, mainly every aspect of how we feel. Endocrine glands produce hormones. Many glands are involved in the endocrine system, these glands mainly control the functioning of all the organs. The imbalance of hormones can create different problems like stress, acne, PMS, changes in blood pressure, heart rate, etc. Hormones are really powerful, they can change our whole body’s function.Â
Hormonal imbalance has become very common in today’s lifestyle. Hormones are affected because of our lifestyle; mainly eating habits, work stress, sleeping schedule, etc. If our hormones are working properly, we will be able to feel and perform our best.Â
We never think of food as the remedy to cure these problems, that are created because of the hormonal imbalance. But eating the right nutrients can help get your hormones back in balance. There are some food items that will really help you in balancing hormones.
Food for balancing hormones
1. AvocadosÂ
One of the foods that balance hormones is Avocados. They are really the superfood. It can do wonders for your health. Hormones are produced by good fats and our body cannot produce the fats on its own, so a lack of these fats can create a hormonal imbalance. Avocados are a rich source of good fats. They are loaded with other nutrients like fiber, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin E, and B. All of these nutrients play a major role to maintain the balance of hormones.Â
Avocados also help in controlling the blood cholesterol level. It really helps in balancing the stress hormones and is also good for the hormones that control your menstrual cycle. It stables our insulin and keeps our energy steady. It also controls our blood sugar levels.
2. Cruciferous vegetablesÂ
Cruciferous vegetables in include broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. All the cruciferous vegetables can help in maintain the estrogen hormone balance. The cruciferous vegetables help in the detoxification of hormones. It helps in getting rid of excess estrogen and maintaining a healthy balance. Â
Broccoli is full of nutrients and is really helpful to maintain the hormonal balance. Not only broccoli but other cruciferous vegetables are really healthy. Kale provides a wide range of nutrients like vitamin K, A, and C. It is loaded with antioxidants. The Vitamin CÂ present in kale helps in maintaining our adrenals and Vitamin B supports the nervous system. All cruciferous vegetables are rich in fiber as well as contain other nutrients.
3. Leafy vegetablesÂ
Green leafy vegetables are ideal for maintaining hormonal balance. It is a rich source of iron and filled with many antioxidants. These vegetables prevent inflammation and reduce stress levels. It balances our cortisol level which is responsible for our stress. Green vegetables help in repairing our body and keeping it healthy.Â
The vegetables like spinach, kale, beet greens, and many more, can help in curing iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue, brain fogs, and headaches. Try to include maximum greens in your daily diet.
4. Nuts and seedsÂ
Next on the list of food for balancing hormones are nuts and seeds. They are the sources of omega 3 fatty acids which are important for maintaining the hormonal balance. The balance between Omega 3 and Omega 6 is really important. Omega 6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory and omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. Omega 3 fatty acids are the building blocks of hormones, whereas omega 6 are not good for our health. We should avoid the intake of processed food and oils which are high in omega 6 fatty acids.Â
The seeds like flax seeds are a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, fibres, and antioxidants and also contain phytoestrogens. A special type of phytoestrogens called lignans is present in flaxseeds, which protect us from certain types of cancer.Â
The nuts like walnuts and almonds affect our endocrine system. The nuts help in maintaining the blood sugar level, protect us from heart diseases, have anti-inflammatory properties, and are good for our brain health.
5. QuinoaÂ
Another superfood, loaded with minerals, proteins, and fibre is quinoa. Quinoa is really helpful to maintain the hormonal balance. It is a rich source of zinc, which assists the production of thyroid hormones. It is loaded with fiber and eases digestion. Â
Quinoa contains complex carbohydrates that keep our blood sugar levels steady and also maintain the androgen level. It is also packed with proteins, magnesium and phosphorus which stabilize the hormones.
6. SalmonÂ
Salmon is a great source of vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acids. It regulates the sex hormones and boosts testosterone levels. It lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases and keeps your heart healthy. Mainly the wild salmon has a great amount of Vitamin D, which is also good for our bone health and immunity. The Omega 3 fatty acids are good for overall hormonal balance and also reduce the risk of breast cancer. It improves the communication between the overall hormones. Other fishes like tuna, mackerel, sardines, and lake trout are also good for our health.Â
Other food items like turmeric, pomegranate, soy, eggs, ginger, garlic, etc also help in maintaining the hormonal balance.
Focusing on your diet will help you a lot. As well as try to drink as much water as you can, at least eight glasses of water per day. The water can helps in detoxification and cleanse our body. Keep yourself hydrated. It keeps the balance in the thyroid and adrenal glands. We hope you will include these important foods for balancing hormones in your diet.Â