Managing the Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances
Weight Gain
Weight gain is one of the biggest symptoms when it comes to hormonal imbalances in the body. This is insulin resistance and cortisol metabolism. When these hormones are not right, the body has a greater tendency to store fat in the center.
Thankfully, many foods can make a big difference here. One of my absolute favorite recipes is spiced granola with cayenne. But, small amounts can go a long way towards helping metabolism and helping weight loss become easier.
We also need to think about quercetin-rich foods. In my cookbook, I have a recipe for a caramelized onion souffle, and onions are super rich in quercetin. They’ve even been shown to target the build-up of visceral fat in the body and regulate appetite.
Fatigue
After weight gain, fatigue is the next major symptom we need to consider when it comes to hormonal imbalances. Fatigue can often be tied to thyroid problems, adrenal abnormalities, poor energy metabolism, or more.
One of my favorite foods overall would be beets. There is a lot of good data that beets benefit nitric oxide production, and that’s a big part of energy metabolism.
We can also think about walnuts. The peptides found in walnuts can be super helpful, and things like my recipe for pesto can really help move the needle here. These are rich in beta-glucans and they support mitochondrial health while decreasing inflammation.
Insomnia
There is a bit of a vicious cycle that occurs when your cortisol and melatonin levels are out of whack. Your sleep suffers, and then everything else falls apart with it.
There is good evidence that the polyphenols in black rice benefit serotonin metabolism in ways that can improve sleep. Pistachios and cherries can also go a long way in helping with natural melatonin production.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are often one of the most centrally thought about when we think about hormonal imbalances specifically in women. What’s happening here is that hot flashes are driven by big fluctuations in estrogen.
And they’re not just a nuisance. They disrupt sleep, hurt the brain, and if they’re really bad they can raise cardiovascular risks.
One of my favorite recipes here is a lemony cabbage soup, which leverages the strength of cruciferous vegetables. Soy products can also help diminish menopausal symptoms, while also being safe for your thyroid health.
Using figs can also be helpful. We have good evidence that suggests that, in both severity and atrophic vaginitis, dietary figs can make a big difference. Even a few a day can make a difference!
Brain Fog
When hormones are not steady, your brain simply doesn’t work as well. Your mood is likely affected, alongside your memory, and that can disrupt your cortisol metabolism.
Some of my favorite remedies here include rosemary and basil. There is good evidence that they help radically and can help in rather short timeframes.
Simply by smelling or inhaling rosemary, you can already experience a difference. This act alone can benefit your health in seconds.