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.
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.
Blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries can all help to increase estrogen levels. As well as being rich sources of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, berries contain high levels of phytoestrogen lignans.
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.
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.
Research shows that avocados can help reduce the absorption of estrogen and boost testosterone levels. They also improve heart health and aid in satiety. We need enough healthy fats to make hormones, and avocados are a great source of hormone building blocks.
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. Estrogen, on the other hand, is a vital hormone for the female body, responsible for everything from reproductive health to bone strength.
Symptoms of low estrogen can include: Hot flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin's surface. This can give you a feeling of warmth (hot flash).
Hormone replacement therapy (HT) is a common treatment for low estrogen, especially during menopause and postmenopause. With HT, you take synthetic forms of estrogen and/or the hormone progesterone to boost your levels.
Genes associated with follicle growth were not significantly altered by vitamin D3. However, it increases expression of genes involved in the estrogen-biosynthesis. Further, estrogen concentrations in porcine granulosa cell-cultured media increased in response to vitamin D3.
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.
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.
Some examples of natural estrogen blockers include wild nettle root, maca, chrysin, and grape seed extract. What are pharmaceutical estrogen blockers? Pharmaceutical estrogen blockers are prescription medications that have the ability to block the effects of estrogen in the body.
Risk Factors
Age is the number one risk factor for low estrogen. As a person with ovaries approaches age 47—perimenopause age—they experience fluctuating estrogen levels for several years until full menopause. Some other risk factors associated with low estrogen include: Extreme dieting or eating disorders.
Aromatase inhibitors stop the body from making estrogen. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) block the action of estrogen on certain cells. Selective estrogen receptor downregulators (ERDs) block the action of estrogen on certain cells.
When it comes to fruits, strawberries are considered one of the foods rich in estrogen. Strawberries are not only rich in phytoestrogens, but they also possess a multitude of health benefits that include healthy skin and hair, increased energy levels, and a lower risk of obesity.
“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.
Over time, too much exposure to estrogen may raise your cancer risk. Practice good eating habits. Monitor your food intake to help balance your hormones. Reducing foods with sugar and eating foods high in fiber and healthy fats (fats found in olive oil, nuts, seeds and fish) can help with hormone balance.