A woman’s hormones can be categorised as fragile since they go haywire quite easily. We see this, not only as we head into perimenopause and menopause, but also when we’re feeling sick, stressing too much, or eating badly. The side effects can include hormonal breakouts, mood swings, and random mental breakdowns! Can you relate? We certainly can. Take heart though. With the help of the following aids, you can give yourself back a bit of balance.
1. Probiotics:
Probiotics are bacteria that have a positive effect on the digestive system and help to balance both the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’. In doing so they can calm digestive issues and help with weight management. You’ll find them naturally in some foods such as kefir, yoghurt, gherkins, olives, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha and dark chocolate (yuss!). It’s a good idea to add some of these to your diet on the daily. Also, look for a good quality probiotic capsule that – to keep it simple – contains lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and/or saccharomyces boulardi – a yeast found in probiotics.
2. MCT Coconut Oil:
MCT or Medium Chain Triglycerides are mostly derived from coconut oil and help to increase metabolism and keep your brain healthy. The medium-chain triglycerides are shorter than the fatty acids in standard oils and more easily digested. It’s one of the reasons they’re riding a wave of popularity right now as well as being a mainstay in the keto diet. In addition, MCT oil helps with hormone balance, weight loss, and energy. That doesn’t mean you should OD on it, as with anything moderation is key. Add a spoonful to your coffee or use it in a salad dressing but bear in mind that standard coconut oil is better for cooking.
3. Golden milk:
The main ingredient of golden milk is turmeric – a spice that’s being talked about everywhere at the mo’ as it’s so beneficial for mental and physical health. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and very helpful with joint pain and arthritis. Golden Milk is helpful with bloating and other digestive issues like wind and heartburn as well as headaches and menstrual problems.
All you need is:
Ingredients:
1 cup of dairy-free milk (dairy can be problematic post-40)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
A dash of coconut oil
Method:
This is a very forgiving recipe so the amounts above are just a guideline. Bring them all together in a saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes. Serve in your favourite cup. Simple as that.
Notes:
Use cow’s milk if you must but bear in mind that it can be difficult to digest for some people.
You could add some cinnamon or ginger for flavour variety if desired.
