The Connection Between Diet And Hormones Explained

Nobody can deny that hormones are essential to our body's functioning. They help regulate our metabolism, immune system, reproductive system, and more (per Healthline). Hormone imbalances can potentially contribute to health problems such as anxiety, fatigue, and infertility, according to Medical News Today.

With this in mind, it is no surprise that many people search for easy ways to balance their hormones. Diet is one of these methods, and rightfully so, because a healthy diet can help balance hormones and improve overall well-being.

Eating enough protein, fiber, and healthy fats (including olive oil, palm oil, and nuts) can promote hormones that regulate your appetite, preventing you from overeating. Antioxidants in green tea may help regulate insulin, which is especially helpful for people with diabetes. Meanwhile, fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, and herring provide omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol (per Healthline). 

However, if you want a diet that regulates your hormones as much as possible, you may also need to give up some foods and drinks you enjoy.

While fiber, healthy fats, and fatty fish can help regulate insulin, trans fats and saturated fats do the opposite. Sugar and refined carbs can also contribute to insulin resistance, and overeating or undereating may do the same, according to Healthline. So if you want to regulate your hormones, you may want to cut back on soda, ice cream, and fast food.

But while a healthy diet can go a long way, it cannot fix everything. If you have signs of a hormone imbalance, Healthline advises bringing your doctor a list of your symptoms, medications, vitamins, and supplements. You may be given a blood test, pelvic exam, ultrasound, thyroid scan, or other diagnostic test.

If it turns out you have a hormone imbalance, your treatment will depend on the culprit. For example, if your estrogen is out of balance, you may be given birth control or hormone replacement medications. If you have insulin resistance due to diabetes, you may be given metformin to regulate blood sugar levels (per Medical News Today).