Estrogen dominance has been infamously linked to fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, and other hormonal disorders that vastly affect the quality of life of women. If you aren’t yet familiar with estrogen dominance- signs of estrogen dominance include: tender breasts, weight gain, hair loss, heavy and painful periods, PMS, headaches, reduced sex drive, etc…. the list goes on! Estrogen dominance can be caused by: exposure to xenoestrogens (like plastic water bottles and Tupperware, make up, perfumes & artificial scents, laundry detergent, everyday cleaning products, etc. ), eating fruits and vegetables sprayed with pesticides, the birth control pill, in unfiltered tap water, stress and high cortisol levels, and improper diet and poor gut health, etc.

If you’re not yet sure how you can help resolve hormone issues with eating enough protein and starting your day with the right breakfast- click here to read more and learn. It’s so SO important and something you can do at home to help yourself heal.

However, there are often specific foods you can add into your diet to help your liver process and “detox” or remove excess estrogen.

In Chinese medicine, green foods, and leafy greens are associated as being beneficial for Liver health and can help to resolve inflammation. Modern research has confirmed much of what Chinese medicine has known for quite a while- that eating cooked veggies full of fiber and certain greens- do help the liver improve its job in detoxing excess estrogen.

Below is a list of my favorite foods to eat around ovulation, or especially in the luteal phase, to help resolve estrogen dominance.

`1. Broccoli sprouts. Broccoli sprouts are full of sulforaphane and contain 30 to 100 times more sulforaphane than broccoli. Sulforaphane is a sulfur rich compound found in cruciferous veggies that contains antioxidants and helps with estrogen metabolism as well as cancer prevention. Plus, they are so easy and cheap to grow at home!

2. Broccoli- Broccoli doesn’t contain as much sulforaphane as the sprouts- but is still a great option to add into your diet to eliminate excess estrogen. Just eat it cooked, as that is much better for digestion!

3. Green tea - Swap your coffee for some green tea, and make a delicious matcha latte instead. Just make it at home and skip the Starbucks version- which is full of sugar and unnecessary ingredients. And choose organic whenever possible to avoid pesticides. Green tea is commonly used in Chinese medicine to reduce inflammation, and modern research proves that it can lower estrogen levels and inflammation when drank in moderation.

4. Carrots- Raw carrot salad has been used to detox excess estrogen and help the body eliminate it from the gut and intestines. Interestingly enough, carrots (while not green), are another food in Chinese medicine that help to nourish and support Liver health. You can make yours by shredding carrots into ribbons, adding a bit of coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and any herbs or spices you wish. I like to add cilantro!

5. Lemon water- Lemons and other sour citrus fruits help to support and produce digestive enzymes that help to stimulate peristalsis. They also help to eliminate toxins. Sour food and citruses are often used for digestion and for Liver health within Chinese medicine. I love to start my day with a squeeze of a lemon or lime in some hot water with a bit of raw honey.

Although the foods above aren’t an exhaustive list, they are a good start! Berries, high in antioxidants are also good at reducing inflammation associated with excess estrogen levels, and conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids.

Remember that reducing stress levels will be another important part in resolving hormonal imbalance, and that addressing these conditions holistically and addressing the root cause will take time.

You can always book a consult if you want to work one on one and need additional support. I offer invaluable tools such as customized herbs, acupuncture, and personalized nutrition and lifestyle optimization.

Comment below any questions!