Why is Food the Foundation of Estrogen Reset?
Estrogen is a critical hormone that plays a significant role in the health and well-being of women. It is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining bone density, supporting cardiovascular health, and much more. However, in today’s modern world, many factors can disrupt the delicate balance of estrogen in our bodies, leading to hormonal imbalances and related health issues. One powerful way to reset and rebalance estrogen levels is through nutrition, making food the foundation of our estrogen reset.
Estrogen dominance, a condition where the levels of estrogen in the body are higher than progesterone, is a common hormonal imbalance that affects many women. Factors such as stress, environmental toxins, poor diet, lack of exercise, and hormonal birth control can all contribute to estrogen dominance. The good news is that by making strategic changes to our diet, we can help reset estrogen levels and restore hormonal balance.
The role of food in our estrogen reset begins with the concept of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods that have a similar chemical structure to estrogen. When consumed, phytoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors in our bodies and either mimic or block the effects of estrogen. This can help regulate estrogen levels, reducing the risk of estrogen dominance or deficiency.
There are several reasons why estrogen reset relies on food:
- Phytoestrogens: As mentioned earlier, phytoestrogens play a significant role in estrogen reset. Foods such as flaxseeds, sesame seeds, soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas are rich sources of phytoestrogens. Including these foods in our diet can help balance estrogen levels by either mimicking or blocking estrogen’s effects, depending on the body’s needs.
- Fiber: A high-fiber diet is beneficial for estrogen reset as it helps with estrogen elimination. Fiber binds to estrogen in the digestive tract, preventing its reabsorption and promoting its elimination through the feces. Your diet should include fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables to optimize estrogen balance.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants found in colorful fruits and vegetables, such as berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables, can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. For estrogen reset, antioxidants are important, since inflammation can disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to estrogen dominance.
- Healthy Fats: Including healthy fats in our diet, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, can help estrogen reset. Healthy fats provide the building blocks for hormone production and support hormonal balance. They also help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, which are essential for estrogen metabolism.
- Organic and Whole Foods: Choosing organic and whole foods are crucial for estrogen reset. Many conventional foods, such as meat, dairy, and produce, can contain synthetic hormones, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals that disrupt hormonal balance. Opting for organic and whole foods reduces exposure to these harmful substances and supports a healthy estrogen reset.
- Avoidance of Processed Foods: Processed foods, such as refined grains, sugary foods, and processed meats, can negatively impact hormonal balance. They are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, and low in essential nutrients. These foods can contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, and other metabolic issues, which can disrupt estrogen levels. A successful estrogen reset requires reducing or avoiding processed foods. Keeping these foods out of the diet will reduce the amount of harmful toxins consumed and improve overall health.
- Gut Health: Gut health is closely linked to hormonal balance, including estrogen reset. A healthy gut microbiome supports proper digestion and absorption of nutrients, including those needed for estrogen metabolism.
Talk to your provider at New Leaf Wellness, Omaha, NE and the other New Leaf Wellness clinics about your estrogen levels and develop a plan that is right for you!
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