Diet Hacks to Support Your Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones in your body have a lot of responsibilities. They control metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, mood, sleep cycles, and sexual function. An imbalance in hormone production — whether too much or too little — can disrupt these functions. Factors like your diet and lifestyle significantly influence hormone production.

Hormonal deficiencies and imbalances can be especially problematic during menopause when your body is adjusting to lower estrogen and other hormone production. Fortunately, there are ways to support hormonal imbalances so that bothersome symptoms don’t interfere with your life. 

At Female Health Associates of North Texas, Dr. Jeffrey Hantes can check your hormone levels through an in-office blood test. If your hormones are out of whack, he can prescribe hormone therapy to help even out your levels and reduce symptoms. However, if you can’t take hormones or don’t want to take hormones, he can recommend diet modifications and other strategies to support healthy hormone levels and combat troublesome issues.

These diet hacks include:

Add protein

Protein-rich foods are the building blocks of peptide hormones, which are vital female hormones that help regulate growth, appetite, stress, and reproduction. Additionally, eating a diet high in protein helps you maintain a healthy weight because it decreases the effect of the hunger hormone, ghrelin, and promotes a feeling of fullness. Good protein sources include chicken, eggs, fish, nuts, and low-fat dairy.

Cut back on sugar

Sugary foods and drinks can impact insulin levels, an important hormone that helps your body convert food to energy. Too much sugar can interfere with insulin production and lead to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes if not managed effectively. High sugar levels can also  lead to excess estrogen production, which can create an unhealthy hormone imbalance. 

Eat more fiber

Fiber not only helps combat insulin resistance but can balance your estrogen levels, too. Excess estrogen can lead to an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer, and fiber can help you eliminate excess estrogen by inducing bowel movements. 

Lastly, fiber also promotes feelings of satiety and enables you to maintain a healthy weight. Good sources of fiber include leafy greens, berries, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

If you’re concerned about your hormone levels, call Female Health Associates of North Texas or make an appointment online to find out if you have an imbalance. Dr. Hantes can help you determine the best treatment options to minimize symptoms and promote optimal health.