Estrogen is the dominant sex hormone in found women. It is actually a group of hormones that control the growth breast, pubic and underarm hair, and menstrual cycle. In addition, estrogen also plays a role in the regulation of cholesterol levels, protect the bone tissue, and even affects the brain.
Basically, estrogen hormones are a necessary part of a healthy, functioning body.
However, few women known there is such a thing as too much estrogen. Not all estrogens are created equal; in fact, an excessive amount of some estrogens can increase the risk of some cancers in women, such as breast cancer.
While it isn’t frequently discussed as a major health concern among women, excess estrogen (especially in the form of these so-called BAD estrogens) is actually very common in women, especially around North America, with estrogen dominance affecting 50 percent of women over 35 in the US.
Stress, caffeine intake, synthetic estrogens in birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and xeno-estrogens from cleaning products, plastics, and cosmetics, are among some of the causes of excess estrogen levels in the body.
The symptoms of too much estrogen in the body are obvious but are frequently written off as a symptom of PMS. If ignored for too long those symptoms can lead to infertility, uterine fibroid, repeated miscarriages, and some cancers.
Warning signs
Here are some symptoms to look for when considering your own estrogen levels:
-Decreased sex drive
-Irregular menstrual cycles
-Bloating
-Headaches
-Mood Swings
-Cold hands and feet
-Hair loss
-Thyroid dysfunction
-Sluggish metabolism
-Fatigue
-Trouble sleeping/insomnia
-PMS
How to detoxify your body from too much estrogen?
If you find yourself experiencing more than half of these symptoms, you may want to consider an estrogen diet detox. In addition to achieving healthy estrogen levels, you will also experience clearer skin and weight loss by indulging in more of the following foods:
Cruciferous vegetables
Incorporating more cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, collard greens can help improve overall health and lower estrogen levels. Piling on the kale and getting in that green juice will help increase your intake of a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which helps flush out excess estrogen in the liver.
Rosemary
Rosemary, especially used in the form of essential oil, is a great tool for combating estrogen dominance. Also known as the “fertility oil”, rosemary oil can help soothe inflammation and blockages when rubbed over the hips. Rosemary can also be used to increase blood flow to the brain, help with thyroid function and strengthen your immune system.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed has over 50 potential applications in the prevention and treatment of disease. 2 to 4 tablespoons per day of ground flaxseed promotes healthy estrogen metabolism. The seed contains lignans, which help clear out excess estrogen of the body. Also, flaxseed contains phytoestrogens, which control how much estrogen will bind to estrogen receptors. This means it can reduce excess estrogen activity, making it an effective remedy for a variety of female health complications. It’s best stored in the fridge as the oils in the seed quickly go rancid at room temperature.
Salmon and other fatty fish
Salmon and fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties. Eat 2 to 3 servings per week or take a high-quality fish oil supplement.
Probiotics
Eating foods rich in fiber and probiotics can help support the removal of estrogen from the body. Include foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha. You should also check out how eating one carrot per day can help!
Activated folic acid
Folic acid is responsible for converting estrogen in a safer form that can reduce the risk of certain cancers. Folic acid is found in dark leafy greens, which also contain your daily doses of indole-3-carbinol.
