In relation to breast cancer mushrooms help the body reduce the level of estrogen and prevent estrogen from stimulating breast tissue through compounds called aromatase inhibitors. Estrogen plays an important role in the development of breast cancer, so mushrooms certainly have a protective effect.
It has been hypothesized that mushrooms block the formation of carcinogens, alter membrane structure, suppress DNA synthesis, enhance cell differentiation, and compete with estrogen for estrogen receptors (10. 2001. White button mushroom phytochemicals inhibit aromatase activity and breast cancer cell proliferation.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Packed within cruciferous veggies are phytochemicals that block the production of estrogen, allowing them to be an effective addition to an anti-estrogen diet. This group of vegetables includes kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and arugula.
A well-functioning liver is imperative for breaking down excess estrogen. Veggies like broccoli, kale, cabbage, collard greens, and bok choy all contain compounds that support estrogen receptors.
Natural estrogen blockers:
Some examples of natural estrogen blockers include wild nettle root, maca, chrysin, and grape seed extract. These substances contain compounds that act as natural estrogen blockers and may be used to regulate the production of the hormone.
Vegetables of the Brassica genus, such as broccoli, contain a phytochemical, which may shift estrogen metabolism and increase the 2:16 ratio.
Dr. Peat recommends eating raw carrots for a variety of health issues. Carrots can help lower estrogen, combat bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, promote weight loss, and help excrete bacterial poisons called endotoxins. Reducing estrogen, inflammation and endotoxins can have many far-reaching downstream effects.
Overall, Reishi mushroom hormone balance effects make it one of the best mushrooms for hormone balance. Research also shows that Maitake, Cordyceps and Shiitake mushroom also aid the filtration and movement of blood, up-regulating detoxification, which allows us to re-balance our sex hormones.
Their adaptogenic qualities influence a state of homeostasis, or balance. Whether too high or too low, medicinal mushrooms can help stabilize hormone levels within the body. It should be noted that while these powders are a great addition to your routine, they are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
From providing essential vitamins and minerals, to boosting immunity and improving brain and heart health, mushrooms pack a real nutrient punch that delivers benefits for all women.
Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower
Cruciferous veggies also contain another type of indole, indole-3-carbinol, or I3C. IC3 has been shown to reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers by reducing how much estrogen is available in the body and by promoting detoxification (1).
Not all vegetables contain natural estrogen. Some vegetables may actually inhibit estrogen. Yet some vegetables are a good source of estrogen. These vegetables include beets, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, peas, peppers, potatoes, split peas and yams.
High estrogen levels can cause symptoms such as irregular or heavy periods, weight gain, fatigue, and fibroids in females. In males, they can cause breast tissue growth, erectile dysfunction, and infertility.
Tomatoes, kiwi, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, peaches, artichokes, bananas, asparagus, corn and cauliflower all boast great levels of vitamin C and they possess the phytoestrogen power you might be looking for to boost your estrogen.
Bread which contains wholegrains, such as flax, rye, wheat, barley or oats, have naturally high levels of lignans, a kind of phytoestrogen, and depending on the concentration in an individual loaf, can be an excellent way to help boost estrogen levels through food.
Diet-related causes of elevated estrogen levels
Your overall diet can impact your hormone levels. Research shows that Western-type diets high in ultra-processed foods, added sugar, and animal foods (like red meat and eggs) are associated with high estrogen levels.
If your estrogen levels are too high or too low, then magnesium can help bring them back to stable levels, which will positively impact testosterone and progesterone.
DIM (Diindolylmethane/3,3′-Diindolylmethane) is among the most effective estrogen blockers found in nature. It occurs naturally in cruciferous plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale.
When you consider turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to diminish excess estrogen, it's a go-to in my practitioner's toolkit for managing hormones. Curcumin has been shown in study after study to help manage just about every common chronic disease in the modern world.
Caffeine and Estrogen: A Complex Relationship
In fact, if you're trying to balance your hormones, caffeine may be a no-go. Research shows that it can increase estrogen levels. While caffeine is known to give you a quick energy boost, it can also disrupt your hormones, particularly estrogen levels.
There is evidence to suggest that certain supplements can help to correct hormone imbalance and reduce high estrogen counts. These include iodine, magnesium, and vitamin D. It may also help to take broccoli extract, or diindolylmethane (DIM).