Aging is part of life. And so are hormones. But what most people need to realize is how certain foods help balance hormones as you age. Balancing hormones can positively affect your life, from infusing a new sense of vitality to increased sex drive. So here are some foods that bring your hormones back into balance.
Eat Protein
Protein offers vital amino acids your body can't produce alone. It's also the building block for making protein-based hormones or peptide hormones in the endocrine glands. Protein also makes you feel full, helping you to eat less overall. You should add 20-30 grams of protein to each meal to help balance your hormones. Items high in protein but are still healthy are chicken breast, eggs, lentils, or fish.
Drink Lots of Water
Research again and again shows how important water is for overall health. Water intake also has a direct effect on hormone production. When your body is dehydrated, this state significantly impacts all bodily functions, including hormone production. So less water means lower hormones. The right amount of water varies from person to person but generally, about .5 to 1 ounce of water per pound.
So if you weigh 120 pounds, drink 60 to 120 ounces daily. But this is easier said than done. The best way to ensure you drink enough water is to drink at least 20 ounces right after you wake up. Once you get into the habit, you'll be surprised by how much better you feel.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon and sardines come packed with Omega-3s. The Omegas help balance your hormones primarily due to their anti-inflammatory properties. High levels of inflammation can lead to estrogen dominance and testosterone deficiency. Fatty fish is also high in protein.
Eggs
Eggs come packed with protein, but they can also provide a nice hormonal balance. Egg yolks contain vitamins D, A, selenium, and iodine. Some research shows that egg yolks are good for hypothyroidism and hormonal balance.
The beauty of eggs is that you can eat them in some way for every meal. Scrambled eggs are also a great way to add vegetables and gain protein. So, if you're on the fence about what to eat, add an egg or two and balance your hormones simultaneously.
Leafy Greens
Another hormone-balancing food is leafy greens. For those of you who love salads, you're in luck. The darker the green, the more packed with vitamins and minerals. But cooked leafy greens like kale, chard, and rapini can be just as delicious and a great way to get those hormones in check.
Cruciferous Vegetables
All vegetables are essential for any healthy diet. Still, cruciferous vegetables are a must if you have to pick ones to help balance hormones. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and cabbage.
These versatile vegetables are good by themselves or drizzled with your favorite sauce. Research shows that cruciferous vegetables help boost hormone production and lower cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer risk. In addition, they pack a powerhouse of goodness into your body.
Soy
Soy has gotten a bad rap in the last few years. Or at least mixed reviews depending on what you're reading or who you ask. But the reality is that soy is beneficial when it comes to increasing hormones. In soy are the compounds isoflavones and lignans that are bioidentical to estrogen.
Research shows that soy can increase estrogen levels in the body for perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. Improved estrogen levels help reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and weight gain.
Quinoa
Quinoa has had quite a heyday in the last few years. It went from an uncommon dish in the United States to a household staple like rice and bread. The best part is that most people think quinoa is a grain, but it's actually a seed. Or a pseudo-grain, as some nutritionists call it. This is because quinoa is similar in nutrients to rice and is eaten the same way as cereal grains.
It also can take on the taste and flavorings of whatever you add to it, making it a versatile choice. Another benefit of quinoa is that it helps balance hormone levels since it comes loaded with protein and helps regulate blood sugar levels and cortisol levels. All of which rely on connected hormones.
Avocadoes
You either love or hate avocados. Whatever the case, this fruit, yes, not a vegetable, comes packed full of good things for your body and hormones. For example, avocados contain plant sterols which help with estrogen dominance and boost progesterone levels.
So, you can act like a hipster with your avocado on toast, knowing that you're not only fitting in with the hip crowd, you're balancing your hormones.
Cherries
When it's cherry season, stock up on this tart antioxidant. Cherries are not only delicious, but they also come packed with vitamin C and magnesium. Vitamin C is crucial for the production of estrogen and progesterone.
Research has also shown that cherries help with insomnia and inflammation as well. So have some cherries not only to balance your hormones but also for a sleep-inducing effect that will take you until morning.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogens or plant chemicals called lignans. They mimic estrogen compounds to increase hormone production and can protect you from certain cancers. Flax seeds can be eaten in the morning as a breakfast cereal or sprinkled on salads. They have tons of good nutrients and help balance hormones.
Try Hormone Supplementation
Diet is essential for balancing hormones, but sometimes you need an extra boost. This is when hormone supplementation can be a powerful way to boost hormones and attack low hormone symptoms at the source. In addition, topical estrogen and progesterone creams are a natural way to stimulate hormone production fast.
Transdermal creams soak through the skin into the bloodstream and are transported to awaiting hormone receptors. BIOLabs Pro PROformance creams are all-natural, only using plant-based ingredients. They mimic the hormones produced in the body, leaving you feeling great.
