When my dear friend, Bridgit Danner, LAc told me she wanted to share with you 5 hormone superfoods she prescribes to patients I was instantly interested. I know this is the type of actionable information you like and these foods are not typically thought of as superfoods, but do have amazing nutritional benefits.
Dr. Jolene Brighten, ND
5 Hormone Lovin’ Superfoods for Women
Some people don’t like the term ‘superfood,’ but I do. There are many, many superfoods, and when we pack our meals with them, we feel better. Our energy is more stable, and our cycles are better behaved. Think about adding these five to your diet:
Buckwheat
This is a food we don’t eat much these days, but it’s not wheat, and it’s not a grain either (it’s a seed), and it has lots of healthful properties. I think we will see more of buckwheat in the next few years!
Buckwheat helps move the bowels for detoxification. It is filling, but not highly caloric. It is high in manganese, magnesium and antioxidants. Its protein is easy to digest, and it has a low glycemic index (won’t spike your blood sugar.)
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is high in antioxidants to support your immune system, and high in vitamin C to support your adrenal glands. It helps prevent candida overgrowth, and breast cancer. It contains more beneficial plant-based hormones than any other food. So if you are feeling hormonally depleted, chew on some pomegranate seeds!
Grab Your Free Hormone Guide HERE!
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds contains both soluble and insoluble fiber for clearing toxins and for building healthy gut flora. There are high in omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium and trace minerals, and are a source of protein. They make for fun puddings, and can be added to your shakes.
See my Chia Seed Pudding Recipe in my book Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth: The New Mom's Guide to Navigating the Fourth Trimester.
Bee Pollen
This superfood increases libido, combats PMS and improves ovarian function.
It’s high in flavonoids with anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and tissue protective properties. Sprinkle a bit on to your hot cereal, or add to your smoothie. It’s best to buy your bee pollen from a local source.
Pumpkin Seeds
They contain fiber, potassium, phosphorus and B vitamins. They also contain zinc that is essential for hormone production, and iron which is an important blood builder. They support estrogen production in the first half of our cycle. Pepitas are the shelled seeds and they are much easier to eat and digest. You can grind them with olive oil, basil and garlic to make pesto. And you can sprinkle on to your salad.
It’s easy to balance your hormones naturally when you familiarize yourself with nutrient-dense foods, and let them slowly replace the junky, processed foods that throw off your blood sugar and disrupt the bacterial balance of your gut.