There are so many outside factors that affect aging, like diet, exercise and lifestyle. But what about inside factors, like hormones? Hormones play a huge role in aging, but few of us know this and even fewer women know what to eat to support these age-related hormones. So, today we’re talking about 5 key hormones and how you can support them to have youthful, glowing skin. 

Estrogen

If estrogen had a song, it would be, “Man, I feel like a woman.” When you have balanced estrogen levels, you feel sexy and get to have glossy, healthy hair, lots of collagen, and smooth, clear skin. 

Food focus for estrogen: Healthy Fats

  • Avocados
  • Ghee (clarified butter)
  • Almond butter

Progesterone

Progesterone is calming, soothing and relaxing. Without it, you can feel super stressed, struggle with sleep and have low energy levels – not a good look, right? 

Food focus for progesterone: Magnesium

  • Dark chocolate
  • Almonds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Black beans

Insulin

Every time we eat carbs, insulin levels spike. This is a healthy and normal response, but too many of the wrong carbs will keep insulin too high. This makes it harder for the body to maintain a healthy weight and stave off belly fat.

Food focus for insulin: Sugar

  • Say goodbye to refined carbs and processed sugars
  • Say hello to whole fruits and vegetables

Cortisol

Cortisol is the main stress hormone. A little bit is fine, but too much cortisol on a regular basis will make you age faster – more than any other hormone!

Why? It leads to inflammation throughout the body. And it makes your face look haggard – just one more good reason to de-stress.

Food focus for cortisol: Balance

  • Have fats, proteins and carbs at every meal
  • Replace caffeine and refined carbs with herbal teas and whole food carbs
  • Enjoy B Vitamin-rich foods for energy and a sense of calm

Thyroid 

Thyroid is the master of metabolism. A healthy thyroid helps you look lively and thriving. When thyroid hormones are out of balance, your skin, hair, complexion and overall energy is down and dull. 

Food focus for thyroid: Iron and Selenium

  • Eat a couple Brazil nuts every day. They contain thyroid-supporting selenium
  • Enjoy iron-rich foods, like red meat

Cramps, bloating, fatigue, mood swings and acne. These are all common PMS symptoms and they make women dread that time of the month. What’s worse, women have come to believe that having a painful and emotionally difficult cycle is normal. And even though many women suffer on a monthly basis, that doesn’t mean they have to. In fact, with some smart dietary changes, you can reduce PMS symptoms and even have a pain-free period. Learn more about how to reduce pms symptoms naturally.

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Do you think that the only way to stay healthy is to be hard on yourself? If you eat junk food rather than vegetables, or you miss a couple days at the gym, do you fill your head with negative self talk? It’s not fun, and no one really enjoys it, but we think we deserve this “tough love.” If that’s what you think, this new research might surprise you: scientists say self-compassion is better for you if you want to create good health.

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