Hormonal imbalances can be one of the many culprits to skin eruptions such as acne. Learning about foods for hormonal balance can help curb acne breakouts. Androgens play a big role in the development of acne through the increase of sebum production, which is an oil released from the skin.
Androgens, more commonly known as male sex hormones such as testosterone, are usually present in smaller quantities in females. They can become an issue when women have an increased amount of testosterone circulating through the blood. High estrogen levels can also lead to acne breakouts (1).
Sometimes acne can throw your healthy eating plan out of the window. Acne can cause stress, and vice versa, which leads to high cortisol levels, which leads to stress eating. A healthy diet can play a pivotal role in controlling acne breakouts and hormone balance. There are many foods that we are aware of that can be triggering for acne, most commonly sugar and dairy. In regard to hormonal acne, there are a lot of hormone balancing foods and beverages that you can incorporate into meals and recipes that may help combat breakouts.
Foods for Hormonal Balance
Without a doubt, an anti-inflammatory diet will help curb acne breakouts. You will see the beverage and food suggestions below are all anti-inflammatory foods.
Spearmint Tea
There are studies that show that spearmint tea has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the amount of circulating androgens (2). The beneficial recommended amount is 2-3 cups per day.
Foods Rich in Zinc
Zinc is a natural DHT-blocker, which is a metabolite of testosterone, thus, lows the increase in sebum production (3). Foods that have high amounts of zinc are nuts, oysters, and legumes.
Unfortunately, whole grains, even though they contain zinc, also contain phytates which reduce your zinc absorption (4).
Omega 3 Foods
Since acne is an inflammatory skin disease, omega 3 is the perfect competitor for inflammation (5). Wild-caught salmon, chia seeds, walnuts, flax seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Try adding these healthy fats to your daily diet of foods for hormonal balance.
Foods Rich in Antioxidants
On the same note of inflammation, increasing antioxidants can help combat free radicals that increase inflammation (3). Berries, pomegranate seeds, and beets are some great examples of foods high in antioxidants.
Are you are experiencing hormonal acne related to hyperandrogenism? There is a possibility that you may be experiencing an underlying condition such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or adrenal or ovarian tumors. There are lab tests and radiology scans that can be ordered to help determine if this is related to your condition.
Hormone Balancing Diet: Get Support at CentreSpringMD
At CentreSpringMD, all of our providers are well versed in hormonal acne and hyperandrogenism. We all know that a healthy diet helps to stabilize blood pressure and blood sugar levels, aid in weight loss. Surprisingly, eating healthy helps balance hormones.
Everyone’s body and health are different. We would be happy to help you with your condition, such as creating a personalized nutrition plan with foods for hormonal balance.
Book an appointment now with an expert integrative doctor at CentreSpringMD to get help with your hormonal acne and much more.
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