Foods that can keep your hormones on track

Gulf Today Report

Maintaining a hormonal balance is important to the wellbeing of people.

Disturbances in the balance can lead to dramatic mood swings. One moment the person may be very happy or on cloud nine, the next moment she could start crying.

Hormones are chemicals produced by glands in the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream. An imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone.

Hormonal imbalance may be blamed for unwanted changes in your body like weight gain, fatigue, anxiety or low mood.

Your hormones are important for regulating many different processes in the body including appetite and metabolism, sleep cycles, reproductive cycles, body temperature and mood.

There are specific foods that can support balancing out the hormones, and having these foods in your diet can level out your body and improve your overall health without the need for consuming any medicine. Though everyone's body reacts separately, including these healthy foods can at least ensure a healthy diet, which can keep your body working optimally.

Dietician Shikha Mahajan, Holistic Nutritionist, Diet Podium shares some of them. Read to know more.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a great source of "Phytoestrogens", and it particularly contains a kind of phytoestrogen called lignans.

Lignans have both estrogenic and antiestrogenic impact, and they have been known to have protective benefits against specific types of cancer.

Flax seed is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants. Try having it in your oatmeal, or even add it in your curd or dalia.

Pomegranate

This antioxidant-rich fruit can assist block extra estrogen production in your body. Pomegranate has the ability to prevent kinds of breast cancers that respond to estrogen.
Pomegranates have a natural agent that can inhibit the enzyme in women's bodies that converts estrone into estradiol, which is a powerful estrogen that could play a role in the origin of hormone-dependent cancers.

Eating fruits provides a lot of health benefits.

Nuts

Nuts such as almonds have an impact on your endocrine system, which can help in reducing the levels of cholesterol. They can also assist in lowering insulin and balance blood sugar levels.
Walnuts, in particular, have polyphenols, that can protect your heart and cardiovascular system by countering free radicals in your body. This component can also have anti-inflammatory agents and they are rich in omega-3s which are excellent for brain health.

Turmeric

Turmeric has always been known as a good remedy to treat inflammation. Because it is made from curcumin, it is known to have several healing properties. This traditional Indian spice has the ability to ease pain that occurs during arthritis.
Turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, can imitate the activity of estrogen. This herb can help reduce menstrual pain, like period cramps.