The other phytochemicals that are present in oats may help to produce similar effects as estrogen in the body, but without causing levels of the hormone actually to increase.
Oats are a gluten-free whole grain and contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Best of all, they have been shown to support insulin sensitivity which is an important factor for balancing female hormones.
Common foods containing phytoestrogens are soy protein, beans, oats, barley, rice, coffee, apples, carrots (see Food Sources section below for bigger list).
The foods you need to avoid include: flax seeds, dried fruits, sesame seeds, garlic, peaches, berries, wheat bran, tofu, tempeh, dairy products, meat, alcohol, grains, and legumes.
Packed within cruciferous veggies are phytochemicals that block the production of estrogen, allowing them to be an effective addition to an anti-estrogen diet. This group of vegetables includes kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and arugula.
Exercise regularly. Research suggests that exercise can help to reduce high estrogen levels. Premenopausal women who engage in aerobic exercise for five hours a week or more saw their estrogen levels drop by nearly 19%. Cardio exercise helps the body break estrogen down and flush away any excess.
Because of the fiber content, oatmeal can help lower your "bad" LDL cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar levels and even lower high blood pressure—all of which play a significant role in minimizing risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Oatmeal is another healthy carb that can help keep energy levels steady during menopause. Plus, oatmeal is the perfect vehicle for incorporating a host of other menopause-friendly foods like berries, flax, and yogurt.
Tomatoes, kiwi, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, peaches, artichokes, bananas, asparagus, corn and cauliflower all boast great levels of vitamin C and they possess the phytoestrogen power you might be looking for to boost your estrogen.
Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away. When applied to the skin: Lotion containing oat extract is possibly safe to use on the skin.
"Although oatmeal helps promote weight loss by suppressing your appetite, too much of it can lead to malnutrition and muscle mass shedding," says Dr. Eng Cern. "This is because oatmeals keep you fuller for longer, so you often lose your body's ability to signal you to eat more throughout the day.
“Drinking caffeine can increase estrogen levels in women, sometimes leading to an estrogen dominant state,” says Odelia Lewis, MD, a medical contributor to ABC News Medical Unit. “Estrogen dominance is associated with premenstrual syndrome, heavy periods, fibrocystic breasts, and even certain breast cancers.
A Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study involving postmenopausal, overweight, and obese women who took 2,000 IUs of vitamin D daily for a year found that those whose vitamin D blood levels increased the most had the greatest reductions in blood estrogens, which are a known risk factor for breast cancer.
The other phytochemicals that are present in oats may help to produce similar effects as estrogen in the body, but without causing levels of the hormone actually to increase.
+ Oats. Oats are rich in vitamin B6 (a natural progesterone booster) as well as contain a hefty dose of fiber, which is needed for proper estrogen elimination and detoxification.
Things like oatmeal, full-fat Greek yoghurt, homemade granola and eggs are all good options that help keep your blood sugars stable and release energy slowly to help avoid slumps.
Oats are high in the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which has numerous benefits. It helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, promotes healthy gut bacteria, and increases feelings of fullness.
Oatmeal and porridge are basically the same thing – it's what you get when you add milk or water to oats and cook them. At Uncle Tobys we think of oatmeal as being chunkier and coarser as opposed to our Quick Oats and Sachets, which produce a creamier bowl of oats.
Magnesium promotes healthy estrogen clearance
By supporting the COMT enzyme (catechol-o-methyltransferase) in the liver, magnesium promotes the healthy excretion of estrogen (9). This may reduce the risk of the estrogen excess conditions (such as fibroids) associated with low COMT function (10).
Some common causes of high estrogen include: An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, specifically low progesterone during the luteal phase. Changes in the way your body breaks down and gets rid of estrogen. An overproduction of estrogen, often caused by excess adipose (fat) tissue.
Your liver is the primary organ that breaks down and rids the body of excess estrogen, a common cause of hormonal imbalance. Therefore, you need to support the liver with supplements like turmeric, vitamin C, and alpha-lipoic acid. Eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and strawberries.
Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage are also great sources of phytoestrogens. “Phytoestrogens may be beneficial in regulating menopausal symptoms. For example, studies show that diets high in phytoestrogens result in reduced hot flushes in menopausal women,” says Burgess.