What foods to avoid if you are estrogen dominant?

What Foods to Avoid If You Are Estrogen Dominant? Discover the Truth!

Understanding Estrogen Dominance

Well, first things first: estrogen dominance. It sounds like something out of a science fiction novel, right? But trust me, it's a real thing, and many people (especially women) struggle with it more than they realize. Essentially, estrogen dominance happens when there's an imbalance of estrogen in the body, with too much estrogen compared to progesterone. This can lead to a range of symptoms like mood swings, heavy periods, weight gain, and even breast tenderness.

But here's the kicker: diet plays a huge role in managing estrogen levels. So, if you're dealing with estrogen dominance, what you eat (or avoid) could be your secret weapon.

1. Processed Foods: The Silent Villains

Honestly, processed foods are a nightmare for anyone trying to manage hormone imbalances. I remember a time when I couldn't stop munching on chips and ready-to-eat meals, thinking I was living my best life. I quickly realized that all those added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients weren’t just sabotaging my waistline—they were also contributing to my hormone imbalance.

Processed foods are packed with xenoestrogens, which are synthetic compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. It’s like inviting the wrong kind of guest to your hormonal party! The more processed foods you eat, the more you’re encouraging that excess estrogen to wreak havoc.

Why They’re a Problem

These chemicals can interfere with the body’s natural hormone balance. Over time, this can contribute to more serious issues like breast cancer and fertility problems. So, yeah, cutting down on packaged snacks, sugary cereals, and fast food might just be one of the best decisions you can make for your health.

2. Dairy Products: Hormones in Your Glass?

Actually, this one is a bit tricky. Dairy can be a good source of calcium and protein, but when it comes to estrogen dominance, you might want to consider cutting back. The issue is that many dairy products, especially those from conventionally raised cows, contain hormones—specifically estrogen and progesterone.

A Personal Story

I’ll be honest, I used to drink milk like it was going out of style. I didn’t even think twice about it. But after some serious stomach issues (and some research), I discovered that the hormones in dairy could be contributing to my imbalanced estrogen levels. Once I reduced dairy in my diet, I noticed a subtle but real improvement in how I felt overall. My skin cleared up a bit, and my monthly cramps weren't as bad. Coincidence? Maybe. But I'm sticking to plant-based options for now, just in case.

3. Soy: Friend or Foe?

Well, this is a controversial one, isn’t it? Soy has been touted as a health food for ages, and I get why—it’s high in protein and can be a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. However, when you’re dealing with estrogen dominance, soy might not be your best friend.

You see, soy contains phytoestrogens, plant compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. In small amounts, they may not cause any harm. But in large quantities? It’s a different story. They can contribute to that already-high estrogen pool you're trying to balance out.

My Take on Soy

I know a lot of people swear by soy, and I get it—it’s tasty and versatile. But personally, after cutting down on soy-based foods, I noticed a bit of a difference in my energy levels. My advice? If you're dealing with estrogen dominance, try to limit your soy intake and focus on other plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa.

4. Refined Carbs and Sugar: The Double Whammy

Honestly, this one might be the hardest to tackle. Who doesn’t love a sweet treat now and then? I know I do. But here’s the deal: refined carbs and sugar are big troublemakers when it comes to estrogen dominance. Why? Because they lead to insulin resistance, which in turn, can increase estrogen levels in the body.

The Sugar Struggle

I’ll be real with you, I’ve had my fair share of sugary binges (especially during stressful weeks), and I can honestly say that sugar doesn’t do me any favors. After indulging in a sweet treat, I often feel sluggish, bloated, and sometimes even moody. Reducing sugar and switching to whole grains has been a game-changer for me.

5. Alcohol: One Drink Too Many?

I mean, I don’t know about you, but a glass of wine after a long day is a bit of a ritual for me. But if you’re estrogen dominant, alcohol can worsen the situation. The problem? Alcohol is processed in the liver, and the liver is responsible for breaking down excess hormones, including estrogen. So when you drink too much, you're essentially overwhelming the liver, preventing it from doing its job efficiently.

Why I Decided to Cut Back

I used to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine on the weekend, but when I started really digging into my hormone health, I realized that alcohol could be keeping me stuck in this estrogen-dominant state. Now, I limit my alcohol intake and focus more on staying hydrated with water, herbal teas, or just enjoying a nice sparkling water with a twist of lime. Small changes, but they've made a noticeable difference in how I feel.

Conclusion: Small Tweaks, Big Results

Alright, I get it, making these changes might feel overwhelming at first. But trust me—if you're estrogen dominant, cutting back on processed foods, dairy, soy, refined carbs, and alcohol can really help you get back on track. I've been there, and while it's not always easy, the positive effects are worth it.

So, take it one step at a time. Maybe swap out a processed snack for something whole and fresh, or try a dairy-free option next time you’re at the grocery store. The changes might be small, but they add up, and soon enough, you’ll feel like you're back in control of your body and hormones.

Remember, you got this.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.