Using Micronutrients To Combat Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal Imbalances | Food is fuel for our body, which means that food also plays a huge role for our hormones as well. The types of food that you eat and when you eat them can be the key to resolving your hormonal imbalances and healing you from related symptoms. The food that you eat carries essential micronutrients that are required for hormone production. This includes magnesium, omega 3- fatty acids, vitamin D, and B vitamins. On the flip side, the food that you eat or drink as well as your lifestyle can equally deplete the micronutrients in your body. This article will cover the top micronutrients that may help with your hormonal imbalance and what types of food to avoid.

The micronutrients that you need

• Selenium- The thyroid holds the highest concentration of selenium in your body, which is needed for optimal function. Selenium can be found in Brazil nuts, tuna, crab, and lobster. The easiest way to get the appropriate amount of daily selenium is to eat two to three Brazil nuts each day. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is imperative for the immune system, cognitive function, and fertility.  

• Vitamin D- This fat soluble vitamin is a bone-building nutrient. While most of our vitamin D is synthesized in our skin from sun exposure, it can also be found in food products. Foods that have the highest amount of vitamin D include eggs, mushrooms, and fatty fish. It is difficult for you to get the appropriate amount of vitamin D through diet alone, a supplement may be needed.

• Vitamin B12- Individuals who are experiencing hormonal imbalances are often vitamin B12 deficient. Vitamin B12 helps keep the body’s nerves, blood cells, DNA, and genetic material healthy. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as beef, liver, chicken, eggs, Salmon, sardines, and nutritional yeast are good sources of vitamin B12. 

• Iodine- Most of your thyroid hormones are made of iodine, which means too little or too much of this element can greatly affect your hormonal balance. The thyroid hormones made from iodine help to control your metabolism and other functions. Iodine also plays an important role in brain and bone development during pregnancy and infancy. In the United States, salt is fortified with iodine. Due to this, most individuals are not deficient in iodine.  However, the consumption of table salt is not ideal. Once should strongly consider an unrefined sea salt like Celtic Sea Salt. Therefore an iodine supplement should not be taken. There are tests available to determine if this is the case however.   

Foods to consider with certain foods

• Cruciferous vegetables- These vegetables contain a substance called goitrin, which in very large quantities of consumption can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones. However, do not let this scare you or cause you to shy away from the consumption of these incredibly healthy and beneficial veggies.  Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage. When you consume cruciferous vegetables and you have thyroid complications, it would be beneficial to lightly cook them prior to eating because heat will denature the goitrin. 

• Caffeine- While there are many benefits to mild consumption of caffeine – the high consumption of any beverage containing caffeine including coffee, tea, chocolate, and soda may inhibit the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Caffeine in large amounts may also increase the excretion of the vitamins and minerals in your body. 

If you are experiencing symptoms from a hormonal balance and would like to learn more about natural ways to rebalance your hormones, consider a consult with a doctor of functional medicine Overland Park KS, who can assist you. A treatment plan will be created to help establish hormonal balance and improve your overall health.

Contact in2GREAT today for more information. 

Follow us on Facebook!