Hormones And Diet: How Does Diet Influence Hormone Balancing? -

Hormones and food have a very close relationship. Thus, following a healthy diet helps the proper functioning of the body, but, in addition, it has been shown that consuming certain foods allows for hormone balancing and, consequently, alleviates various symptoms caused by said alteration.

What Are Hormones?

Hormones are compounds that the body’s glands secrete. They travel through the bloodstream and control the functions of certain cells or organs. Some of the most relevant and well-known hormones are insulin, cortisol or thyroid hormones, among many others. In general terms, these chemical components are involved in processes related to metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction. In the same way, they also affect mood and sexual appetite. Thus, they regulate various functions, such as the use and storage of energy, the control of glucose or salt levels in the blood, and the proper functioning of the organs of the human body.

How Does Food Influence The Hormonal Balance?

The truth is that diet has a great impact on hormonal function. Thus, what we eat can affect the production and secretion of hormones, balancing or unbalancing their functions. That is why it is so important to eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits, and vegetables. In fact, it should be noted that hormones are related to each other, so an increase or decrease in one of them can alter the others, triggering various actions in the body for a long time. But, let’s see some examples to better understand the relationship between hormones and food. Diet has a big impact on mood, but also on the balance of estrogen and testosterone.

Estrogen

Women, throughout their lives, can naturally suffer various hormonal imbalances, and estrogens play a fundamental role. In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, they are also crucial for other aspects: regulating mood, maintaining bone density, and preparing the uterus for pregnancy… In this sense, food helps to balance hormonal function, reducing associated symptoms. If before the menstrual cycle abdominal discomfort, mood swings, fluid retention or anxiety about eating appear, among others, it is because there is an increase in estrogen. To alleviate it, nothing is better than eating foods rich in carbohydrates (fruit, vegetables, legumes, oats…), as well as avoiding alcohol, fast food, or sugary or carbonated soft drinks. In menopause, for example, there is a notable fluctuation of estrogen, which gradually, decreases. This causes, among other things, changes in mood, night sweats, hot flashes, chills, or sleep problems. To reduce symptoms, phytoestrogens can be consumed, that is, plant estrogens, present in soybeans, chickpeas, flax, sesame, and pumpkin seeds.

Testosterone

It is estimated that, from the age of 40, testosterone levels begin to gradually decrease in men. In fact, according to various studies, 2 out of 10 men over the age of 60 experience a decline in androgens that could be diagnosed as andropause. This decrease in testosterone is related to a lack of sexual appetite, but also to lower bone density, loss of muscle mass or fatigue, among others. As in the rest of the cases, food can help maintain hormonal balance. For example, celery has androstanol, which helps increase its levels. Other recommended foods are tuna, eggs, or corn.

Hormones And Food, Are What We Eat

As you can see, hormones and food are closely related. Of course, diet is not the only thing that influences hormone balancing. In this sense, it is also important to hydrate correctly, for example, with very weak mineralized water such as Agua Sana, to exercise regularly, and to rest adequately. Eating well is synonymous with health or hormonal balancing, and following a varied and balanced diet will help you keep your body in perfect condition.

Tags: hormone balancing