5 hormone-balancing recipes with flaxseeds
Flaxseeds – a kitchen staple when looking at creating hormone-balancing recipes.
If you are looking at natural solutions to reduce period pains or perimenopausal symptoms, food is the first thing to try. They are so many ingredients that are known for their hormone-boosting properties. Sometimes, we need to reduce certain foods that burden the body like dairy and sugar. In other instances, you may simply be lacking specific nutrients in your diet which could be the cause of unwanted symptoms.
Signs of hormone imbalance
Our body can be a little tricky to understand. Hormone imbalance can manifest itself in so many ways. The main signs include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Irritability / anxiety
- Low mood
- Bloating / IBS symptoms
- Breast tenderness
- Poor sleep
Today we are looking at one ingredient which can make a difference as part of a healthy diet. We are talking about Flaxseeds and what makes those seeds so special.
Rich in antioxidants
Flaxseeds contain lignans. which are unique polyphenols that provide us with antioxidant benefits, and also act as phytoestrogens. A phytoestrogen is a plant nutrient that is somewhat similar to the female hormone oestrogen. They can help balance oestrogen levels in the body.
Rich in Omega 3
PMS symptoms such as depression, low mood, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, headache, and fatigue can truly affect women. The clients I meet in my practice very often suffer from one or more symptoms related to hormone imbalance. Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids can improve PMS symptoms. If you suffer greatly, you can also try taking a fish oil supplement where the omega-3 fatty acids are more readily available for the body to absorb.
Support the digestion
Do you feel bloated just before your periods? One way to support your hormones is to ensure that foods move freely through the body. If you have a tendency to suffer from constipation, flaxseeds can help move things along thanks to their fibre content. Excess hormones need to leave the body otherwise this can cause unwanted symptoms.
Ground versus Whole
Flaxseeds are an excellent source of nutrients. However, it is advised to consume these little seeds ground into a powder in order for the body to absorb the majority of the nutrients. Ground flaxseeds should be stored in the fridge to avoid oxidation.
5 hormone-balancing recipes with flaxseeds
There are so many ways to include flaxseeds in your diet. Consuming a couple of tablespoons a day is a good starting point.
To help you incorporate this superfood, here are 5 of my favourite recipes. Simply click on the recipe title to access the full recipe instructions.
Low Sugar Chocolate Buckwheat Granola
Immune-Boosting Smoothie with Fresh Turmeric
Buckwheat pancakes and raspberry coulis
Blueberry Courgette Breakfast Cookies
Hormone Harmony at last!
Are your hormones creating havoc in your body? Do you wish you could say goodbye to PMS symptoms? If so, you may be interested in this brand new Hormone-Balancing Programme starting on 8th February. You will find all the details of the programme and what is included HERE.