The word hormone comes from the Greek word: hormon, which means set in motion. And hormones truly set us in motion! Hormones are the bodies control system and we need to be aware of the many foods, products and chemicals that can throw our delicate systems out of balance.
Nature influences us with her rhythmic cycles: seasonal, circadian, lunar, tidal. Rhythm is fundamental to well being. Finding our hormonal rhythm to prevent imbalances improves our health in oh so many ways. We can feel an increase in our energy, enhance our moods, improve our libido and boost our immune systems. Not to mention, help our skin look and feel great!
Here are 7 foods to help you fine-tune your rhythm:
Cruciferous Vegetables: Cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage and broccoli are high in antioxidants and have a high level of phytochemicals and a compound called DIM (diindolylmethane). DIM helps the body break down the harmful xeno-estrogens we are exposed to from toxic foods and products. They are also cancer fighting and support a healthy gut ~ very important!
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and brazil nuts are full of antioxidants to support the body in producing balanced hormones. Each one comes with its own special benefits so variety is good ~ a handful a day is a charm.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Yes! This amazing kitchen ingredient also helps the body naturally balance hormone production.
Oils: Avocado, Olive and Coconut oil contain high concentrations of oleic acid and many other nutrients to support the production of healthy levels of HDL cholesterol, which is a key component for hormone synthesis.
Seeds: Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flax and chia seeds are so beneficial in supporting balanced hormones. They provide the body with omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy membranes which allow your hormones to reach their destinations within the body. There is a beautiful system called seed cycling where you can use these different seeds at specific times of the month to produce or detoxify certain hormones. Soaking your seeds prior to using them is also a great way to improve your body’s ability to absorb their vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins.
Garlic: This flavorful, dynamo is chockfull of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains very high concentrations of the organosulfur compound allicin, which improves the body’s ability to metabolize iron, an important role in the balance of hormones.
Green Tea: This plant is made from unfermented leaves of the Camellia sinensis, native to East Asia. These leaves are rich in anti-oxidant polyphenols called catechins, which stimulates your metabolism. And the polyphenals help to fight free radicals. Studies have shown that women who regularly drink green tea vs. those that were irregular tea drinkers had lower blood estrogen levels by 13 percent. These magical leaves also have anti-tumor properties and contain vitamin C.
Optimizing our testosterone and estrogen levels can change our lives. Teaching our children when they are young can help them to understand the beautiful and intricate bodies we live in. This is not about perfectionism, we all have lives to live, but knowing how to bring ourselves back into balance is a gem we all need to carry in our back pocket.
Life is a dance ~ find your beautiful rhythm.
<3 Debra
Nam Pritam
July 25, 2016
Seed cycling was new to me.
Thanks for sharing.
Sat Nam