Vegetables, says Marla Ahlgrimm, are one inclusion to a woman's daily menu that can help. According to the retired pharmacist, cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, cabbage, and broccoli, can help lower the production of certain types of potent estrogen. Vitamin C from strawberries, bell peppers, and other leafy greens will support progesterone production, which can help balance your hormones.
Marla Ahlgrimm explains that milk is an external source of estrogen that women should also be conscientious of. She notes the cows are typically pregnant when milked, meaning even organic dairy products may be an unnecessary source of estrogen. Beef should also be eaten with care as conventional cattle are treated with hormones to make them grow larger and faster. Marla Ahlgrimm says hormone-free beef is best.
In addition to the foods you eat, Marla Ahlgrimm cautions against using beverage and food containers that contain biphenyl a, commonly abbreviated as BPA. This chemical mimics estrogen and acts as a hormone disruptor. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, BPA can be found in unexpected places, such as on grocery store receipts and the inside of canned food.
Personal care products may also contribute to hormone issues, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Parabens, which are common in lotions, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner, is an estrogenic chemical that should be avoided.
Short of hormone replacement therapy, there are few ways to outsmart Mother Nature's plan for your hormones. But, Marla Ahlgrimm argues that eating a proper diet and avoiding products that trigger estrogen imbalance can help. Regardless, eating well is the right thing to do for your body and hormone balance is just one benefit.
