4 Foods That Cause Hormonal Imbalance

Do you have headaches, acne, cramps, and mood swings?

Many women around the globe suffer from an imbalance in their hormones, some even have one without realizing it.

In this article, we will walk you through hormonal imbalance and the signs and symptoms to watch out for. We’ll also provide you a list of foods that must be consumed in moderation as they may act as hormone disruptors.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands that play a significant role in regulating various processes in the body, this includes metabolism, appetite, reproduction, mood, growth, and body temperature.

It is important that hormone levels are produced in an optimal amount as slight changes either too much or too little may cause drastic effects throughout the body, this is also known as hormonal imbalance.

Both men and women can experience hormonal imbalances, if not treated, this may worsen and might interfere with proper functioning of the body.

What Is the Main Cause of Hormone Imbalances?

Imbalances of hormones especially in women usually happen during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. However, some individuals experience continuous irregular hormone imbalance.

There are various reasons for its cause. This could be due to increased stress, genetics, disease, medication, blood sugar levels, or a certain diet or food that we tend to consume in high amounts.

How can I reduce stress hormones?

Here are some tips to naturally reduce cortisol levels and be less stressed:

Get a good sleep
Meditate
Do simple breathing exercises
Explore nature and great outdoor activities

4 Foods That Throw off Your Hormonal Balance

1. Red Meat

Red meat contains high amounts of saturated and hydrogenated fats which are considered unhealthy types of fat.

Consuming too much meat can disrupt hormonal balance as it increases the production of estrogen levels in your body.

Good substitutes would be eating eggs and fatty fish like salmon and tuna, which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Processed Foods

Processed and refined foods have been linked to various health issues. It usually contains high amounts of sodium, sugar, and preservatives, this includes products such as cookies, ready-to-eat meals, curated sausages, and pastries.

When you eat sugar and processed foods, they affect hormone function by increasing inflammation and stress to the adrenal glands, putting you at risk of unintentional weight gain and severe hormonal imbalance.

It’s best to avoid these foods to improve hormonal health.

3. Caffeine

Aside from affecting your sleeping cycle, drinking too much coffee or energy drinks can also affect your hormone health.

Caffeine stimulates the release of cortisol levels, also known as the stress hormones, that bring the body to a high alert state.

4. Soy and Dairy products

Soy products such as tofu and soy milk contain a bioactive substance known as phytoestrogen which acts like estrogen in the body.

When consumed in high amounts, soy makes it look like the body has enough supply of real sex hormones like estrogen, and would produce less. Because of this, it affects the ovulation cycle which can cause an impact on reproductive health.

Dairy products are a rich source of calcium, but a high intake of these can affect hormone balance. Too much can lead to gut inflammation and irritation. Dairy products are also said to increase sebum production and aggravate acne-prone skin. Some also contain growth hormones which may affect the liver.

Always remember to consume any food in moderation. We should keep in mind that there is no bad food, only a bad diet.

With regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a proper lifestyle. This can go a long way towards improving your hormonal health and healthy body.

Signs and Symptoms That You May Have Hormonal Imbalances

Irregular periods
Unintentional weight gain
Night sweats
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Acne
Excessive hair growth or hair loss
High blood pressure
Infertility

It is best to speak to your ob/gyn if you are experiencing any unusual long-term symptoms, especially those that affect everyday activities such as those that cause pain and discomfort.

Let North Valley Women’s Care Help You Get Your Life Back On Track!

An imbalance in your hormones may increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. Talk to us and learn more about it!

North Valley Women’s Care is here to provide top-quality, comprehensive medical services for all women’s medical needs! We offer the Best Women’s OBGYN in Phoenix, AZ.

Have some questions? Share it through the comments below and we would love to answer it.