Estrogen is one of the natural hormones that is produced in your body. It is a chemical messenger that is carried in the bloodstream and regulates various changes that take place in the body over the course of a woman's lifetime. Estrogen's main responsibilities is triggering the changes that take place in a woman's reproductive system - those that occur during menstruation, puberty, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and during menopause. Read on to learn about the top three foods to avoid if you have estrogen dominance or normal estrogen levels.
Estrogen Levels and Your Health
However, estrogen also has wider implications. It can affect your mood, energy levels, and other organs. Low or high estrogen levels can have serious health effects, and they can be detrimental to your daily health and energy levels. Low estrogen levels can have a significant impact on your mood during times such as menopause, or following a hysterectomy. However, during pregnancy, and certain times of the menstrual cycle, high estrogen levels can have significant implications on your general well-being. Symptoms of estrogen excess at these times can include:
- Headaches
- Vaginal infection
- Cramps
- Weight gain
- Hot flashes
- Irregular periods
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Low self-esteem
Foods and Estrogen Levels
Surprisingly, the foods that you consume can affect the level of estrogen in your body. Therefore, women with estrogen dominance or normal estrogen levels should avoid these foods in order to help prevent further hormonal imbalance.
Soy
This is no myth: soy contains estrogenic substances. That's not to say that soy directly contains estrogen, but it contains a substance known as phytoestrogen, which mimics the role of estrogen in the body. When suffering the symptoms of excess estrogen or estrogen dominance, avoid soy, soy milk, tofu, soy sauce, soy beans, and all other soy products.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas, chickpea products, and humus are high in phytoestrogenic substances. Phytoestrogenic substances mimic and compound the effects of high estrogen levels, and can aggravate the symptoms of estrogen excess. It is advisable to avoid snacking on humus during times of high estrogen levels.
Ginseng
Ginseng is well known for its feminine-boosting properties; it is the herbal queen of raising estrogen levels. If you are taking ginseng for reproductive or general health, it is advisable to cease consumption at times of high estrogenic activity. Furthermore, ginseng has unusual and surprising sources. It is not only found as an herbal supplement, but can also be present in energy drinks, shampoo, essential oils, and incense sticks.
For more information on estrogen, what it is, and how to maintain it at constant levels in your body, click on the link below.
