What You Eat Does Matter!

I know, I know, these are not my most popular posts….

I realize this may not be the most exciting topic for some, but many people asked me about what foods were good for balancing hormones. 

If you’ve been with me from the beginning of these posts, you know that as a Wellness Coach it is my desire to help people take care of their bodies by eating healthy, exercise and changing their overall environment that affects their physical health.

Years of research has opened my eyes to so many things and more recently research on our metabolism and hormones has been my focus.  This information, if acted upon, can change your physical bodies!

Today I am going to let you all know the foods that help specific hormones and foods that will cause those hormones to become unbalanced.  If you don’t understand why it matters, just know that your hormones are what keep your body alive and running.  When your hormones are unbalanced – you will find many results of that unbalance: sickness, headaches, moodiness, diabetes, thyroid issues, pms symptoms, infertility, weight gain, premature aging and so much more!

The two hormones I’ll discuss today are the Thyroid Hormone and Insulin!

In the posts following this one I will continue with individual hormones and I will go into more detail of over all eating habits and what foods we should be eating, how often we should eat, what we should avoid and what habits we need to change.  I will also address myths and truths regarding our modern diet and FDA guidelines that are clearly failing the American people.  Implementing this information will bring about a noticeable change in your life.

The list below is a good guideline for you.  I’m not saying you can’t ever eat the stuff that unbalances your hormones – that’s your decision – but knowing the information might change how often or how much you consume those products.

FEEDING YOUR HORMONES

Thyroid Hormone
&
Insulin

Thyroid Hormone

Foods for balancing/supporting the Thyroid Hormone:

• Iodine naturally present in foods such as shellfish, fish and sea vegetables (seaweed). 
• Sea salt (in moderation).
• Fruits and veggies with the exception of those with a sluggish Thyroid.  If you are in that group the following cruciferous veggies should not be eaten raw as they will block the uptake of iodine in your body.  These veggies should be lightly cooked:  Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, cabbage, cauliflower, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi,  mustard, turnips, rutabaga, spinach, watercress
• Selenium rich foods (wheat germ, whole grains)
• Zinc rich foods (beef, lamb, pumpkin and sesame seeds, yogurt, boiled spinach.
• Monounsaturated fats from sources like Olive oil, avocadoes, almonds, cashews, sesame and pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts.

Foods that interfere with the Thyroid Hormone:

• Caffeine (eeek) such as coffee, tea, chocolate and caffeinated sodas
• Goitrogenic foods:  peaches, peanuts, radishes, strawberries, pine nuts, bamboo shoots
• Soy:  Edamame, tofu, tempeh, isolated soy concentrate, faux meat products
• Simple Carbs:  refined grains, white pasta, white bread, sugar, potatoes, pastries, corn
• Excess alcohol
• All low-fat, low-carb and low protein diets
• Excess salt
• Vinegar
• Soybean and corn oils (polyunsaturated oils)
• Fluoride in tap water

Insulin

Foods for balancing/supporting Insulin:

• Zinc that is found in dark meats and seafood
• Trace mineral, Chromium (found in brewer’s yeast, whole-grain breads, meat, eggs and shellfish)
• Exercise will help you lose weight which will lower your insulin levels

Foods that interfere with Insulin:

• Refined carbs like white pasta, white bread, white rice
• High-glycemic carbs
• Sugar
• Low-fat products (filled with tons of sugar)
• Enriched and processed foods (think bakery items)
• Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, splenda)
• Margarine, shortening

To read the previous posts in this hormone segment, visit these links:

Addicted to Hormones Part One

Addicted to Hormones Part Deux

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Have yourself a wonderful Thursday my bloggy friends!  Come back tomorrow for my swimsuit post.  Oooohhhh!

“When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no "I'll start tomorrow."  Tomorrow is disease.” 

Terri Guillemets