Published 16 September 2024
- Written by Emma Matthews
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Key takeaways
Is there actually a way of balancing hormones naturally? Today we’re deep diving into the subject and a little hint- Yes there is!
How Can You Balance Your Hormones Naturally?
Now, you may be thinking, ‘Is there even such a thing? Are there any natural ways to balance your hormones without medical intervention?’ If you were reading any other blog, your skepticism would be very healthy indeed. But here at Hormona, you know we only give you the straight up T. No additives, no endorsements, just the facts. So, yes. There is such a thing as naturally balanced hormones. And here are ten ways to get there. You are, as always, welcome.
1. Go Organic!
If you’re a regular reader of these pages, then you know that we’re always banging on about eating well and all that jazz. But here’s something we, and in fact most people, barely talk about. Pesticides. You may well be buying, and hopefully eating, plenty of fresh fruit and veg. If so, good stuff. The kicker? Those very veggies may well have been sown, grown and harvested covered in, and more importantly, taking in, pesticides. And while, for the most part (read: men), those chemicals do very little harm, that simply isn’t true for the other half of the population. The toxins that make up those pesticides are proven hormone disruptors in women and the fewer you come into contact with, the better, frankly.
2. Eat Fatty Fish
And we in no way mean cod and chips. Although, do eat that once in a while, because it absolutely rocks. No, we’re talking about Omega-3 fatty fish here, because it too absolutely rocks. Great for overall health, that Omega-3 wonderstuff can also help lower cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. In elevated amounts, cortisol can promote weight gain, particularly when you’re eating emotionally. And that’s something we’ve all be guilty of this last 18 months or so. So try adding at least two portions of salmon, herring, mackerel or sardines to your diet to feel the Omega-3 benefits. Or a good supplement if you’re salmon-averse. This is a great way to balance your hormones naturally.
3. Drink Green Tea
Yes, that most British of things that China actually invented, in some forms, is amazingly good for you. Sadly, we’re not talking the milk-and-two-sugars kind, builder’s tea fans. As much as the Brits love a cuppa and fully believe it should contain dairy and sweeteners, those additions make their beloved brew just a tad unhealthy. If you want the full-on antioxidant treatment from your hot beverage, there’s really only one answer. It’s got to be Green tea, and not just because that rhymes. And the best part is, unlike builder’s tea, it won’t raise your blood sugar. Don’t forget that insulin is a hormone too.
4. Eat Some Dark Chocolate
If, like us, you think good chocolate solves everything, we’re about to make your day. And if you’re someone who doesn’t like chocolate… We’re not sure you actually exist. But on the off chance that you do, we might be about to change your mind. Because dark chocolate, in moderate amounts, natch, can actually help balance your hormones. Amazing, no? Here’s the deal: Plain, or dark chocolate is magnesium rich, which is great news for your thyroid. But it also contains pre-biotic fiber, which helps with gut health. And as we discussed recently, there’s no thyroid health without it. But it gets even better. Dark chocolate is also packed with copper, manganese, iron and antioxidants. Convinced yet? Join us! Eat the dark chocolate! It’s good for you!
Recommended read: Healthy foods that will combat your sugar cravings
5. B Vitamins
We’re sure you already know how important vitamins are to your general wellbeing. But this group just edges the win where hormones are concerned. For instance, Thiamine, or B1 is vital for patients with an overactive thyroid. Or, if you’ve had you thyroid removed, then you can’t absorb B12, which can lead to all sorts of health issues. These vitamins are super-important for balancing your hormones naturally. So, if you’re looking to increase your B Vits, then get yourself some oysters. Failing that, chicken, beans, sunflower seeds, offal and/or eggs are you best bet. Or, if you’re into it, nutritional yeast, which we hear is very hot right now.
6. Probiotics
We know we’ve mentioned it a couple of times already, but gut health is so important to your hormones that we’re going to mention it again. And probiotics, food that contains helpful bacteria, play a huge role in that. Balancing the bacteria in your gut, though, can be tricky, particularly if you’re looking for a natural way to do it. Lucky, then, that there are some fantastic foods that do the job and taste amazing. Step forward, everyone’s fave pizza topping, mozzarella cheese! Or yoghurt. Or, miso, sauerkraut, kimchee and kombucha. Because the rest of the world has been doing this for centuries. All the aforementioned dishes contain fermented fruit and veg, perfect for encouraging and keeping your gut biome healthy and happy.
7. Boost your vitamin D levels
When is a vitamin not a vitamin? When it’s a hormone! No, really. Vitamin D is actually hormone and it’s one that communicates with other hormones in your body. So if you’re not getting enough Vitamin D, then your body isn’t working with the full hormonal picture, and you’ll feel like hell without knowing why. If you’ve got an overactive thyroid, it can actually slow the loss of calcium from your body, helping avoid osteoporosis. It’s an essential part of your diet, so make sure you’re eating fatty fish, and eggs. Get some sun, but don’t forget the sunscreen. If, however, you’re allergic or can’t eat those foods, a good supplement will work just as well. To be honest, we should all be taking a Vitamin D supplement during the winter months when we’re at home more and there’s less sunshine to be had.
8. Cooked Broccoli
Who doesn’t love broccoli? Covered in cheese or bunged in a stir fry, it’s gorgeous. But it’s also a great natural way to balance hormones. Where raw broccoli can play havoc with your hormone levels, warm it up and it’s a whole different ball game. Those little florets contain vitamins A and K, and a ton of calcium. They can also lower your breast cancer risk and help improve your thyroid health. And these benefits don’t just come from cooked broccoli. Cooked cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are just as good. Bring on Sunday dinner!
9. Eat Flax seeds
We get that adding bird food to your diet to help balance your hormones naturally might sound a little odd. But when you hear just how powerful these little guys are, you’ll be putting them in everything. Here we go: Firstly, they’re bursting with fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are great for gut, thyroid and brain. Then there’s phytoestrogens, which behave like actual estrogen and can help with symptoms of menopause and may reduce cancer risk. And they can lower your cholesterol levels. Pass the bird food, right?
10. Quinoa
Don’t worry, we’re not going all wheatgrass juice trendy on you but we absolutely love quinoa here at Hormona HQ, and that was before we knew just how good it was for us. Despite appearances, quinoa is a bona fide super food, packed with so much good stuff it should be on every menu everywhere. But if you’ve got hormonal issues, it’s an essential part of staying well. Ready? Iron? check. Fiber? Check. Protein? Oh, yes, there’s protein. Even if the benefits ended there, quinoa would still have made this list. But they just keep coming. Next: Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids that aren’t made by your body and must be taken in through your diet. They help with muscle building and your immune system. Which as we’ve said already, is intrinsically lined to your gut health. And it can stabilise blood sugar levels, which in turn helps your hormone levels. In short, quinoa should be on all our shopping lists. Happy hormone balancing!
Recommended read: Hormone balancing diet: keep your hormones healthy
Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Written by
Emma Matthews
Reviewed by
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Reviewed by
Reviewed by
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Dr Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the myriad of sleep.