DIETARY INTERVENTION FOR HORMONE BALANCING

There’s never a one quick fix to balance hormones. Our body is comprised of many hormones- relating to the liver, brain, pituitary, adrenals, ovaries/testes, uterus, thyroid, stomach and pancreas. Supporting hormones goes beyond supplementation alone, and dietary and lifestyle considerations are important to maintain hormonal balance.

Foods to include/increase in your diet:

Certified organic produce and animal products. The hormones, antibiotics and herbicides used in conventional farming have been found to disrupt the endocrine system, so organic is important. Also, the amino acids found in animal products are important building blocks for synthesising hormones.

Vegetables from the Brassicaceae family (cruciferous vegetables) including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage. These vegetables have compounds called Indol-3-Carbinol and diindolymethane (DIM), which have been found to remove excess oestrogen and other hormones from the body via the liver.

Healthy fats including salmon, coconut oil, avocado, nuts, olive oil, butter and ghee. This is because the hormones in our body are called steroid hormones, and are made of fat. We must acquire fats in our diet to facilitate the synthesis of important hormones in our bodies.

Herbs/foods that improve liver detoxification including rosemary, turmeric, garlic, ginger,

Filtered water is necessary to flush excess hormones and other toxins from the body. Aim for at least 2 L per day.

Key plant medicines (all found in our cleanse blend):
Red clover: used as lymphatic cleanser, opening the detoxification pathways. Improves uric acid output and reduces inflammation.

Dandelion leaf & root: The leaf helps to detoxify the urinary tract by increasing urinary output. The root supports the liver, aiding in detoxification. Dandelion stimulates the gall bladder to release more bile.

Nettle leaf: great at supporting detoxification through the kidneys. Nettle has an alkalising affect on the body and purifies the blood.

/

Foods to limit or avoid:

Alcohol, as your liver needs to convert alcohol to acetate before it is excreted from the body. This puts stress on the liver amongst it’s numerous other jobs, such as excreting excess hormones.

Canned foods, as these contain BPA which acts as an oestrogen – like molecule in the body, known as an xeno-estrogen.

Foods and drinks packaged in plastic: even if labeled ‘BPA free,’ there are other chemicals in plastic that can mimic oestrogen in the body. Instead, use glass containers and drink bottles.

Commercially grown produce, as herbicides and pesticides have been found to disrupt hormones.

If you believe you have imbalanced hormones, or experience symptoms such as Pre-menstrual syndrome, heavy/irregular/painful periods, low energy, constipation or anxiety, it is advised that you have individualised treatment with a naturopath. For more information on hormone balancing consultations with Kate please visit the naturopath page.