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Hormonal imbalances can have a wide range of effects, including energy levels, mood, metabolism, and reproduction. While stress, sleep, and lifestyle all play a role in hormonal fluctuations, your diet can also have a big impact.
According to nutritionist, we don’t need expensive superfoods or pills to maintain hormonal health; the solution is right in our kitchen. Many traditional Indian dishes contain critical nutrients that have been clinically shown to benefit your health from within.
“If you are dealing with PCOD, stubborn weight gain, thyroid imbalances, or irregular periods, your hormones aren’t broken. They are just sending out a distress signal. Before jumping into synthetic fixes, look into your spice box,” she advises. Here are seven local Indian foods that can help keep your hormones in balance:
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds help support oestrogen balance and provide relief from PMS due to their rich supply of lignans and fibre. Batra recommends mixing 1 tbsp of freshly ground flaxseeds into roti dough, curd or smoothies.
Methi Seeds
These seeds contain plant compounds called phytoestrogens, which help improve insulin sensitivity and may support women with PCOD. The nutritionist advises soaking 1 tsp of methi seeds overnight, then drinking the water and chewing the seeds on an empty stomach in the morning.
Ashwagandha
It primarily works by lowering the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that controls many hormonal pathways in the body. “Mix half tsp in warm bedtime milk or take it as a churna with warm water,” Batra suggests.
Shatavari
It is an Ayurvedic herb renowned for promoting female hormonal balance. It helps support progesterone levels and reproductive health. The nutritionist recommends mixing half tsp of shatavari into warm milk at night. You can also mix it with honey and a little ghee.
Sabja Seeds
According to the Batra, sabja seeds are nutrient-rich and help combat oestrogen dominance. “Soak 1 tsp in water for 10 minutes. Add to your morning nimbu pani or coconut water,” she advises.
Turmeric
Turmeric is highly effective in supporting hormonal health due to its active compound, curcumin. It is particularly effective in helping combat hormonal inflammation. The expert suggests using raw turmeric in warm water in the morning or incorporating it into your daily cooking.
Amla
Another powerful food, amla, promotes thyroid, adrenal, and general ovarian health. It promotes hormonal balance by lowering inflammation, controlling blood sugar levels, and aiding liver detoxification. Batra suggests eating one fresh amla per day or drinking 1 tsp amla powder mixed with warm water in the morning.
(Disclaimer: The article’s advice and recommendations are meant primarily as general information and should not be interpreted as expert medical advice. Before beginning any exercise program or making any dietary changes, always get advice from your doctor or a dietitian.)
