Foods that reportedly increase estrogen include flax seeds, soybean products, chocolate, fruit, nuts, chickpeas, and legumes. Before we delve into why these foods are said to increase estrogen, we need to look at two important definitions; phytoestrogens and lignans.
Vegetables like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and kale contain phytoestrogens with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Diets rich in cruciferous vegetables are also associated with lower risk of many chronic diseases, including heart problems.
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.
Another source of estrogen in foods is animal estrogen. Products like eggs or milk contain high estrogen levels because they are produced in parts of the animal's body that regulate its hormones. Eating high estrogen foods can help people who suffer from various conditions related to low estrogen levels.
Avocados appear to have anti-estrogenic effects as a result of their plant sterol content. Avocado cell walls are a rich source of β-sitosterol, which binds competitively to both forms of the estrogen receptor, ERα and ERβ. As such, avocados have the potential to reduce ER+ breast cancer risk.
Fresh apricots, peaches, red grapes, oranges, blueberries, and strawberries are also all great sources of phytoestrogen, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Fresh fruit can be added to any meal or make great desserts.
Diets high in red and processed meats may increase estrogen in the body. If your diet's currently high in these foods, consider subbing in other protein sources like beans or fish. Maintain moderate body fat levels. Because fat tissue produces estrogen, losing excess body fat could help reduce estrogen levels.
Alcohol like bourbon, wine, and beer contain phytoestrogens (estrogen-mimicking substances), which can raise your estrogen levels, worsening PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroid symptoms.
Some of the vitamins linked to better estrogen balance include vitamin D, the B complex, and vitamin C. Minerals such as calcium and boron may help protect against the effects of low estrogen, while some herbal supplements, including dong quai and black cohosh, are also known for their hormone-balancing effects.
Traditional natural hormone replacement therapies
phytoestrogens, which are dietary estrogens found in legumes, seeds, and whole grains. folate (vitamin B-9 or folic acid) St. John's wort.
Too much estrogen in the body can cause bloating and mood swings (PMS), lead to weight gain, and increase the risk for certain cancers. Adding certain foods to your diet can help keep your estrogen levels in check. These include cruciferous vegetables, flaxseeds, soy products, and fermented foods.
Apart from these nutrients, broccoli is a vegetable high in phytochemicals. These plant-based chemicals may help to block the production of estrogen in the male body. This can help to decrease the level of estrogen that is currently circulating in a man's body.
The intestine is a potential source of reabsorbed estrogen, and a daily raw carrot (grated or shredded, with a little olive oil, vinegar, salt) helps to lower excess estrogen (and endotoxin produced by bacteria). While lowering estrogen, it is likely to lower cortisol and increase progesterone.
Dried fruits such as dates, prunes, and dried apricots contain high amounts of phytoestrogens (chemicals similar to estrogen that may have estrogen-like effects in the body), making them some of the foods to avoid with high estrogen levels (3, 49).
But citrus fruits may be able to take things a step further. Fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits contain phytochemicals that can act as antiestrogens and target estrogen receptors, preventing the growth of cancer cells.
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.
Magnesium Key Role in Sex Hormone Production
Magnesium has been shown in many studies to be a regulating mineral. 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.
“Scientific literature does not support claims that carrots have the unique ability to fight estrogen dominance.” The hormone-related health benefits of carrots may have to do with their fiber content.
Soy milk and yogurt are excellent foods high in estrogen when you want to boost your body's estrogen levels naturally. These soy-based foods are loaded with protein and calcium, which is crucial for optimal bone health and preventing osteoporosis in women.
One 8-ounce glass of whole milk contains 2.2 nanograms of estrogen. One 8-ounce glass of skim milk contains 0.8 nanograms. The human body produces from 54,000 nanograms to 630,000 nanograms of estrogen per day,” she said.
Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which might act like the hormone estrogen. In theory, this might have effects on hormone-sensitive conditions.