What Foods Can Lower and Decrease and Flush Excess Estrogen Levels Quickly?

Medically Reviewed on 2/10/2023

Estrogen dominance: symptoms and treatment options 

Estrogen is essential for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system, but having too much can lead to various issues. Foods that lower and decrease and flush excess estrogen levels quickly include cruciferous vegetables, flaxseeds, soy, green tea, berries, and other foods.
Estrogen is essential for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system, but having too much can lead to various issues. Foods that lower and decrease and flush excess estrogen levels quickly include cruciferous vegetables, flaxseeds, soy, green tea, berries, and other foods.

Estrogen is essential for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system, but having too much can lead to various issues. Too much estrogen in the body can cause bloating and mood swings (PMS), lead to weight gain, and increase the risk for certain cancers. Adding certain foods to your diet can help keep your estrogen levels in check. These include cruciferous vegetables, flaxseeds, soy products, and fermented foods. In addition to including these foods in your diet, you should also maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting enough exercise and managing stress

This article will explore various estrogen-lowering foods that can help decrease and flush excess estrogen from the body and provide tips on incorporating them into your diet. Following these recommendations can help you maintain optimal health and keep your estrogen levels in check. 

When there is an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone levels in the body, estrogen dominance may occur. Many factors cause estrogen dominance, including exposure to environmental toxins, hormonal imbalances, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Addressing the underlying causes of estrogen dominance begins with working with a healthcare provider. 

Some symptoms of estrogen dominance are:

Treatment may include hormone replacement therapy, dietary and lifestyle changes, and supplements. Some medical experts debate the existence of estrogen dominance, so keep in mind that it's not a formal medical diagnosis.

Treating estrogen dominance naturally through lifestyle 

Estrogen dominance can lead to weight gain, mood swings, and irregular periods.

The following lifestyle changes may help treat estrogen dominance: 

1. Make sure you eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. To reduce estrogen dominance, avoid sugary and processed foods.

2. Regular exercise can help balance hormones and improve overall health.

3. Stress can disrupt hormone balance. Meditation and yoga are good stress-reduction activities.

4. Try not to expose yourself to environmental toxins. Some chemicals and toxins can mimic estrogen in the body and cause estrogen dominance. 

5. Avoid using plastic containers for food and drink and use natural cleaning products.

7. Maintain a healthy balance of hormones by getting enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

8. Take supplements: Calcium-d-glucarate and indole-3-carbinol may reduce estrogen levels in the body. Check with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

9. Hormone therapy may be able to correct estrogen dominance. Check with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

Estrogen-lowering foods to decrease excess estrogen levels

Several foods may lower, decrease, and flush excess estrogen levels in the body. Keep in mind that these foods should be eaten as part of a balanced diet and should not be the only source to lower estrogen levels. If you're concerned about your estrogen levels, you should ask for advice from your doctor.

1. Cruciferous vegetables: Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds called indole-3-carbinol and diindolylmethane, which may help to metabolize estrogen in the body and reduce excess levels. You can eat these vegetables raw or cooked and add them to your salads, stir fries, and soups.

2. Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are high in lignans, which are plant compounds that may help to balance estrogen levels in the body. They can be ground and added to smoothies, baked goods, or yogurt and cereal as a topping.

3. Soy: Soybeans and soy-based products, such as tofu and tempeh, contain isoflavones that may help reduce excess estrogen levels. However, soy may not be suitable for everyone, as it can prevent the absorption of certain medications and may have other health effects. Eat soy in moderate amounts as part of your balanced diet.

4. Green tea: Green tea contains catechins, which may help metabolize estrogen and lower excess levels in the body. You can drink it hot or iced, plain or flavored with a bit of honey or lemon.

5. Berries: Some types of berries, such as strawberries and raspberries, contain compounds that may help to reduce excess estrogen levels. Eat berries as a snack or add them to smoothies or oatmeal. 

6. Fiber-rich foods: Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, beans, and vegetables, may help to decrease estrogen levels by removing excess estrogen from the body. You can add these foods to your meals and snacks throughout the day.

7. Fish: Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in balancing hormones in the body. 

8. Garlic: Garlic may help to flush excess estrogen from the body due to its sulfur-containing compounds. You can add garlic to soups, stews, and sauces.

9. Turmeric: Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which can impact hormone regulation. Add turmeric to your curries, rice dishes, and smoothies.

10. Bitter greens: Greens such as arugula, dandelion, and radicchio contain compounds that may decrease high estrogen levels. Eat them raw in salads or lightly cooked and added to sandwiches or grain bowls.

Certain lifestyle factors may help lower, decrease, and flush out excess estrogen levels. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol intake. It's also essential to manage stress levels and get sufficient sleep to regulate hormone levels in the body.

QUESTION

According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

Foods to avoid if you're estrogen dominant 

Avoiding foods high in estrogen can help you prevent a disruption of the balance of hormones in your body. Some of these foods include: 

1. Processed and refined foods: These foods are often high in additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that may disrupt hormone balance.

2. High-fat dairy products: Dairy products that are high in fat, such as whole milk, cheese, and ice cream, may contain growth hormones that can contribute to estrogen dominance.

3. Non-organic meats: Some meats, particularly those from animals treated with hormones, may contain high levels of estrogen and other hormones.

4. Alcohol: Heavy alcohol consumption can disrupt hormone balance and contribute to estrogen dominance.

5. Caffeine: Caffeine can also disrupt hormone balance and may contribute to estrogen dominance in some individuals.

Remember that everyone is different and what may contribute to estrogen dominance in one person may not have the same effect in another. It's best to work with your doctor to determine the underlying cause of estrogen dominance and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

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Medically Reviewed on 2/10/2023
References
SOURCES:

Applied Nutritional Science Reports: "Nutritional influences on estrogen metabolism," "Premenstrual Syndrome: A Natural Approach to Management."

Current Breast Cancer Reports: :Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence: an Evaluation of the Effects and Mechanisms of Diet and Exercise."

Endocrine Society: "Reproductive Hormones."

Iranian Journal of Public Health: "Hormones in Dairy Foods and Their Impact on Public Health - A Narrative Review Article."

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: "Estrogen Dominance."