​​Recently, we shared a few diet-related habits to make changes for your heart health. Today, we will cover the importance of a healthy hormone diet routine for your mind and body.
There are many chemicals and byproducts that disrupt your hormones and can interrupt the command system in your body. Items such as; processed foods, gluten, sugar substitutes, dairy, juice/energy drinks, medications and perfume ingredients found in shampoos, air fresheners, candles and other skin care and household products. One reason certain foods cause a problem is the protein they contain interferes with hormone activity in your body. Sugar and processed foods alter your insulin levels and interfere with your hormone activity, as well. Add whole and processed foods to your diet accordingly. All these things can upset your body's hormone balance. This imbalance can affect many factors of your overall health; both physical and mental.
The most important reason to make this change is to avoid future use of synthetic, prescribed or over-the-counter hormone replacements. Small changes in your diet can make a difference and sometimes quicker than any pill you take. This includes concerns, such as menopause for females and testosterone levels for males.
Take a look at your current diet and habits first. Then, to ensure overall hormone health try to incorporate these items into your meals, some can be enjoyed on their own. They are: pomegranate, plain yogurt, oats & bran, berries (especially blueberries), soy, nuts (especially almonds), apples, avocados, dark chocolate, flax & chia seeds, red wine, extra virgin olive oil, cinnamon and most importantly – yes, we are repeating ourselves – water, water, water.
We have a recipe to share with you that includes several of the above items and is a delicious mid-day snack. Sharing is recommended!
Remove the core from the apple. Cut apple into thin slices, about 8-10. Spread peanut butter on each slice. Mix together almonds, pecans, coconut, and chocolate chips. Top each slice with the mixture. Enjoy!
Magnesium, the anti-stress hormone, is one example that will help many functions in your body and heighten your mental wellness. A few examples for inserting this vital mineral into your daily food choices: leafy greens, green vegetables, sweet potatoes, bananas, cocoa and cocoa butter. Repeated from above to ensure their importance; dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, and seeds. All these choices will benefit your brain and body on a daily basis.
While spices are a great way to add flavor to your food or enhance a recipe, they can also boost your hormone health. Previously, we shared the importance of substituting black pepper to reduce the use of salt and lower your sodium levels. Black pepper can stand-alone or be combined with the following spices for great flavor and a healthy choice. They are turmeric, garlic, rosemary, ginger, cumin, thyme, curry and cayenne pepper.
Your hormones influence all aspects of your daily life. Your food choices play an equal role in your hormone health, just as important as your sleep routine, stress management, and exercise regiment. When you make a meal plan or grab something to eat, you don't always think how it will impact your hormone health. Now, you can!