Hormone imbalances can take a big toll on the quality of life for many women. In addition to environmental and emotional factors, such as stress, exercise and lifestyle, diet and nutrition also play a significant role in your body’s ability to regulate hormones. For best results, reduce your intake of stimulants, such as alcohol, caffeine and refined sugars, and increase your consumption of whole grains, leafy greens and lean proteins.
Definition
As hormone levels fluctuate, your mood, fertility, ovulation and sexual desire are all subject to change. Each month, your body produces additional quantities of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. When one of these hormones becomes deficient, an imbalance occurs that can affect the functioning of a variety of hormone centers in the body, including the hypothalamus and pituitary glands along with the ovaries and fallopian tubes. According to the Mayo Clinic, premenstrual syndrome is one hormone imbalance linked to low levels of vitamins and minerals. Women who are undergoing menopause may also contribute to their estrogen imbalance by consuming poor diets.
Nutrition and Eating Habits
Eating at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables can have a beneficial impact on your hormones, according to the Christiane Northrup website. Make sure you receive the recommended 50 grams of protein each day by adding protein sources such as eggs, fish, lean meats and soy products to each meal. The dehydroepiandrosyerone hormones in fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, may also provide beneficial effects on your body’s ability to regulate hormones. Eat at least three solid meals each day to reduce dips in blood sugar and metabolism that may negatively affect your hormones.
Foods to Restrict
Avoid foods that contain a high glycemic index to prevent spikes in blood sugar throughout the day. Conventional dairy products, such as butter, cheese, milk and some meats, may contain growth hormones that can react negatively with your body’s estrogen levels. High-fat and highly processed foods, such as hot dogs, pre-packaged meats, frozen dinners, cookies and white breads, may also contain chemicals that adversely affect hormone levels. Because hormone imbalances may be caused by insufficient nutrients, avoid soft drinks, candy bars and other empty calorie foods that offer little nutrition.
Health Concerns
While some women may be able to treat their hormone imbalance with lifestyle adjustments, others may require medication and hormone therapies to correct their levels. Make sure you are receiving the recommended 2,000 daily calories, and talk to your doctor if you cannot seem to improve your hormone imbalance through diet.
