Estrogen dominance is a hot topic, and while most people are learning to read the signs and symptoms of this condition, many are left to wonder what to actually do if they suspect they are suffering from this! The simple protocol below will help you bring your hormones back into balance, and can also be used by both men and women to prevent it in the first place. Top 10 Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance: 1. Abnormal menstrual periods 2. PMS (breast tenderness/swelling, mood swings, headaches) 3. Low libido 4. Weight gain (especially hips and abs) 5. Fatigue 6. Brain fog 7. Hair loss 8. Thyroid dysfunction 9. Sluggish metabolism 10. Trouble sleeping Step 1: Remove Xenoestrogens Unfortunately, as a side-effect of greater industrialisation and new innovations in technology, we’ve seen harmful chemical compounds enter into our day-to-day routine. One such chemical compound is called a “xenoestrogen,” which can mimic estrogen in the body. We’re being bombarded on a daily basis, so it’s no wonder so many people are suffering from estrogen dominance! Here are some of the top offenders to swap out of your daily routine: 1. Plastic water bottles 2. Plastic storage Containers 3. Cosmetics, makeup and toiletries (opt for natural lines) www.higherhealth.com.au 4. Non-organic dairy, produce 5. Tap water 6. BPA cans 7. Birth control pill 8. Soy protein isolate Step 2: Ensure Efficient Elimination It’s all well and good to want to remove excess estrogen from your body, but what if you’re chronically constipated? That estrogen isn’t going anywhere! It’s simply going to re-enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, continuing to cause problems. That’s why this step is crucial before beginning to take liver and estrogen detoxification supporting supplements. Make sure you are having daily bowel movements. If you’re not, try out these tips: 1. Drink 2-3L of water per day 2. Fill up half your plate with vegetables at each meal 3. Eat probiotic foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, kefir, plain yogurt and tempeh 4. Add a scoop of fibre to your daily smoothie 5. Supplement with magnesium citrate to promote bowel movements To support elimination through all the pathways in the body, make sure to do the following as well: 1. Take deep breaths to support the lungs 2. Go for a massage to support the lymph - yes please! 3. Work up a sweat through exercise or sit in a sauna (at Higher Health) to support the elimination of toxins through the skin 4. Use a dry skin brush to remove dead skin cells Step 3: Support Liver Health & Estrogen Detoxification A well-functioning liver helps us remove excess estrogen from the body. Here’s how it’s done in simple terms, the liver turns estrogen into a water-soluble form so that it can be excreted through urine and stool. Clearly, supporting detoxification is crucial. But there are 2 main instances in which this would not be possible: 1. If the liver is not receiving the nutrients it needs to fulfil the excretion process; and / or 2. If other chemicals are competing for liver function i.e. alcohol, drugs, junk food (there is only so much the liver can do without becoming overburdened)! Here’s what you can do to support liver function: 1. Eat a real, whole-foods based diet (avoid processed food) 2. Drink plenty of clean, filtered water 3. Avoid overeating 4. Avoid alcohol abuse 5. Eat plenty of foods that support liver health - Beets, dandelion greens, dark leafy greens, artichoke, onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, eggs, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kale etc.) 6. Supplement with botanicals such as Modere's Liver Health - a fantastic supplement! Or milk thistle, dandelion root, rosemary, liquorice or ginger. Look out for my cooking class - “eat your way to healthy hormones” experience how healthy tastes We talk about this Estrogen dominance and learn how to protect ourselves with our diet and lifestyle, I’m planning another one soon xxx Yours in health, Maria X
