While menstrual symptoms are considered “normal” in our society, they’re uncomfortable. There are solutions to promote hormonal balance to decrease PMS symptoms, typically caused by estrogen dominance. Turn to these 5 foods for menstrual cycle relief!
Let’s talk about hormonal health!
Hormonal health is becoming a huge topic in the wellness world and it is one of my biggest passions to educate on. I am a huge advocate for women embracing their hormonal cycle and feeling good in their skin.
For many women, the hormonal cycle, specifically around menstruation, can be a challenge. The taboo around periods have led to a negative connotation around bleeding and PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome). This causes a lot of women to experience discomfort. This discomfort ranges from extreme bloating, fatigue, acne, debilitating cramps, headaches, irritability, breast tenderness, appetite changes, and even sleep disturbances.
While these symptoms are considered ‘normal’ in our society, I like to say, period problems are common, but not normal! There are solutions and ways to support your hormones that can help decrease or eliminate PMS symptoms, which are typically caused by estrogen dominance.
Top 5 Foods to Promote Hormonal Health:
1. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables help to promote the detoxification of estrogen and hormone mimicking substances from the body. Specifically, cruciferous vegetables contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol (which metabolizes into DIM) that helps promote the production of less potent forms of estrogen.
2. Vitamin C Rich Foods
Foods rich in vitamin C are not only rich in antioxidants, helping prevent free radical damage and supporting cells, they may also support progesterone production. Estrogen dominance doesn’t just mean an excess in estrogen. It could mean that there is not enough progesterone (the balance between the two is off), so it is equally important to balance! I love citrus, berries, and leafy greens!
3. Sprouts
Sprouts, especially broccoli sprouts, can be extremely beneficial for hormonal health and detoxification. For many, cruciferous vegetables can cause bloating and gas, so sprouts may be an easier way to get similar benefits. They have the same beneficial compounds that metabolizes to DIM, which is studied for it’s hormone health benefits!
4. Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is an awesome way to flood your body with nutrients. I like to call herbal teas booster foods because they contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals in a small package. Nettle tea is loaded with minerals that help support proper hormone production, while dandelion root helps us detox symptom-causing forms of estrogen. So, switch your teas up and drink them daily!
*Bonus: look for teas with adaptogens like holy basil to reduce stress, which is also amazing for your hormones!
5. Fiber!
There are two phases in detoxification and it is extremely important to have both phases supported in order to excrete toxins. Phase 2 of detoxification is all about moving the toxins out of your body. Consuming fiber helps the toxins bind and excrete. Flax seeds are a great source of fiber along with fruits and vegetables!
I hope these tips have helped and you are on your way to hormonal freedom! If you ever want more tips on how to balance your hormones, embrace your inner goddess, and live the energized life that you were meant to, come say hi at @holisticrendezvous or Holistic Rendezvous.
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