Think Liver for Hormonal Balance

by Deborah English — December 6, 2007

Hormones ebb and flow, and sometimes come in a mighty gush, unbalancing our status quo. It's difficult to keep up. But the fact is, our bodies work diligently to maintain hormonal balance and alignment with the natural monthly cycle. However, stress, poor eating habits, sleep deprivation, lack of exercise, and illness all take their toll. And we live in a world in which our bodies are constantly bombarded with environmental estrogens (xeno-estrogens), which can cause an estrogen excess relative to progesterone levels. The three most common sources of environmental estrogens stem from pesticide and herbicide residues, chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products, and plastic exudates. The effects of all of these can play havoc with our sensitive hormonal workings.

The good news is that nutrition plays a crucial role in hormonal health, and that by taking responsibility for our health, it is highly possible to maintain and even restore a healthy hormonal balance. Think: liver. A strong, healthy liver is a major link to hormonal balance. Your liver detoxifies your body of excessive estrogens and other hormones. However, the heavier your liver's overall toxic load, the less effective it is in doing its job. So by avoiding foods that increase the toxic load on your liver, the more effective it will become.

Cut out the normal culprits: caffeine, alcohol, saturated and trans fats, refined sugar, processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and colorings. Replace these with foods that support liver function and you will be well on your way to hormonal health. Excellent foods to begin with are dandelion and green tea, spirulina and chlorella, and organic dark green leafy vegetables.

Symptoms of hormone imbalance usually become progressively worse if they are not treated. Consulting a health professional for an accurate diagnosis and taking a proactive attitude for your hormonal health is paramount to reestablishing healthy hormonal activity.