Many of my clients that I deal with, female clients in specific are often times eating foods that are not making their hormones happy. Even though it appears “healthy” foods should be beneficial they could be actually doing you more harm than good …
Here are the foods that could be triggering hormone imbalances:
#1 Nightshades – These are veggies such as peppers, onions, tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes. Although they “appear” healthy they could be causing inflammation in your gut and immune system. A lot of anti-inflammatory diseases are triggered and affected by these types of vegetables. Instead replace it with veggies such as spinach, kale, and sauerkraut, which is great for balancing hormones in the body.
#2 Dairy – We are the only mammal that consumes milk after the age of 2. It can be a big gut irritant, and inflame your joints and tissues causing your hormones to go crazy! So give up dairy for a month and see if you notice any changes in the body … If you are to consume dairy make sure it is grass-fed and or raw so there are no added chemicals.
#3 Soy: I know we are lead to believe that our “Soy Lattes” are a healthy version of a beloved treat. This actually raises estrogen levels in our system and acts as a “growth” hormone. Cancer, weight gain, heavy periods, and anti-inflammatory diseases can be elevated from any soy products. Soy is a genetically modified food which can also lead to hormone imbalances.
#4 Farm Raised Meats – When we go to the store who knew there were “good” meats and “bad” meats to choose from …I myself in the beginning thought meat was meat; this is not the case! In 1999, the European Union’s Scientific Committee for Veterinary Measures Relating to Public Health said in a press release that six commonly used growth hormones had the potential to cause “endocrine, developmental, immunological, neurobiological, immunotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic effects,” adding that “even exposure to small levels of residues in meat and meat products carries risks, and no threshold levels can be established for any of the six substances.” So make sure you are buying local, grass-fed, quality meats to keep you and your hormones in balance.
#5 Alcohol – When clients come to me with hormone in balance one of the easiest fix is to remove alcohol from their diet. Regular alcohol use can increase cortisol levels, triggering more belly fat storage and an inability to deal with everyday stressors.
Now you have the tips and tricks you need to keep your hormones in check!
Fit Chic