CAN DIET AFFECT HORMONES?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. It is simply information found through experience and/or research. Always follow the directives of a licensed health professional. Neither Anita Bastian or the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research
The quick answer to the question, “Can diet affect hormones?” is you betcha foods impact hormones!
It’s super exciting when I have clients let me know they have been told that their thyroid is in remission (hormone levels are within normal range) and they no longer need meds for their thyroid. Woot! Woot!! We are fearfully and wonderfully made! It is amazing to see what the body can do when given the tools it needs to get the cells well.
HERE IS WHAT I LEARNED:
Hormones are constantly being made by the body to promote development, maintain homeostasis, and emotional balance within us. Without a doubt - the food we eat influences our hormone levels! Foods we eat are broken down by the body into various components or molecules that help us make neurotransmitters like serotonin (the “happy neurotransmitter” ) and hormones like estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, insulin, secretin and many more. (There are about 200 different hormones our amazing bodies make.)
WHAT FOODS PROMOTE HORMONE BALANCE?
To promote healthy hormone balance, we need to enjoy foods that contain healthy proteins, fats, and cholesterol. Foods like pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed butter, wild caught salmon, 100% grass fed beef, bison, and lamb are great options. The nutrients in avocados can also be helpful when it comes to supporting hormones. If we don’t eat enough healthy fats and proteins our body will need to focus on survival because it will be missing vital nutrients. Hormones associated with growth, development, and mood will likely be impaired, as the body’s first priority is to survive.
Veggies such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables are supportive to hormone balance. That means you can enjoy your cabbage and leafy greens as well knowing they are helping your body produce hormones. I would lean toward eating organic veggies or grow your own whenever possible to avoid consuming pesticides and herbicides with your food. These chemicals disrupt your body’s metabolism by impairing enzyme function and can negatively affect hormonal production and balance.
SIGNS OF HORMONE IMBALANCE:
Signs of hormone imbalance in women are: painful, heavy, problematic periods, migraines or headaches. Mood swings, fluctuations in energy levels, or a decrease in energy may also indicate hormonal imbalance. For men irritability, mood swings, feeling depressed, ongoing fatigue, increase in thirst or urination. Changes in sensitivity to hot and cold, changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle mass may also be connected to hormonal issues in men.
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WHAT ARE THE WORST FOODS FOR HORMONE BALANCE?
Fried foods, processed foods, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol are among the top offenders. All these foods have one thing in common. They all contain a variety of toxins. I know that may sound strange to think you are eating toxins when you eat French fries, crackers, or alcohol. The unfortunate truth is these foods contain all kinds of chemical ingredients. Just check out the label. They also contain hidden toxins. Toxins get into the grains used to make most plant-based foods since nearly all fields of grain are now treated with pesticides and herbicides that end up in the plant and therefore, they end up in your food or beverage as well. (Artificial sweeteners are an obvious chemical concoction. ) Alcohol challenges the liver to break down the alcohol, handle the sugar content within it, and the chemicals that come with the various ingredients. It’s far harder on the body than we give it credit. Since the body has to deal with toxins that come with these disruptive foods, it takes away vital energy the body could be using to produce a balance of hormones for us. Instead of feeling well and full of energy, we can become sluggish, foggy, and grumpy.
Am I saying never ever eat any of these offenders? No. But it would be wise to limit your intake and avoid them for the most part. God made our bodies with a natural detox system, but we do not want to continually stress our bodies with toxins. As toxins accumulate in the body and impair organ function, we aren’t able to enjoy life and perform the way God intended us to.
Eating healthy fats, animal proteins, and veggies can go a long way to support hormonal imbalances. The body will also likely need support to safely remove the toxins we learned about, since they can impair our liver, thyroid, kidneys, and brain in various ways. If you’re curious about how toxins can safely be removed from your system, reach out for a free discovery call. It’s a great first step toward enjoying greater health and getting rid of sluggish fogginess. (Those struggling with brain fog and fatigue know what I am talking about!)
To learn more about hormones and other things that impact them jump over to this article.
Blessings in your journey to greater wellness,
Anita
I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well. Psalm 139:14