The Hormone Smoothie

Most women believe that they’re controlled by their hormones.

When in harmony, you feel well-rested, emotionally stable and ready to get it on with your partner.

But when your hormones are unbalanced, say hello to exhaustion, mood swings and kiss your libido goodbye. Oh, and don’t forget the hormonal acne that pops up along your chin, jawline and neck.

Although, what women often forget is that they can take control of their hormones.

How? By starting with your diet.

The Hormone Smoothie includes foods that naturally support your hormones and your blood sugar. Let’s chat about why happy blood sugar is critical here.

How Blood Sugar Levels Impact Hormones

In order to clear up your hormonal acne and all of the other symptoms of hormone imbalance, you need to understand the connection between blood glucose levels and hormones.

The hormone that regulates blood sugar levels is called insulin. It helps to bring glucose, a form of sugar broken down from the digestion of food, from the blood into the body’s cells and turn it into energy. When you eat or drink, blood sugar levels rise and the pancreas releases insulin into the blood.

However, if you eat foods high in refined sugar, they will spike your blood glucose and insulin levels. Eating those foods often can result in chronically elevated blood-insulin levels and increase the production of androgen hormones. Too many androgen hormones contributes to more sebum (oil), which leads to clogged pores and then inflammatory acne.

Consistently high insulin levels can also decrease sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). When your SHBG levels are too low, it can lead to symptoms of estrogen dominance like acne, breast tenderness, bloating, constipation, low energy, mood swings and sugar cravings.

Benefits of the Hormone Smoothie

Balanced blood sugar levels and hormones begins with eliminating blood-sugar-spiking foods and consuming blood-sugar-stabilizing foods. 

And the hormone smoothie is filled with the good-quality protein, fibre and fat necessary for that.

Blood Sugar Balancing Foods

The hormone smoothie contains hemp hearts, which are an excellent source of complete protein. This macronutrient is crucial for stable blood sugar levels because it slows down digestion and reduces the risk of blood sugar spikes. Protein also plays a role in the release of leptin and ghrelin– the hormones that govern your appetite and food intake. This means that protein can increase your feeling of fullness and reduce overeating.

The hemp hearts and coconut butter in the hormone smoothie are two examples of healthy fats. This macronutrient is crucial to hormonal balance because it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce stress hormones in the body. Plus, healthy fats assist your body in absorbing fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Nutrient deficiencies not only impact your hormones and skin, but your overall health (including your mood).

The hormone smoothie also includes cinnamon. Studies show that this spice can improve blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.

Detoxifying Foods

Another important step for balancing hormones is to detoxify the liver. This powerhouse organ is responsible for hundreds of functions in the body, including hormone metabolism. However, if your liver is overburdened with toxins, you’re more likely to have hormone imbalances.

An easy way to detoxify the liver is to consume cruciferous vegetables like the cauliflower in the hormone smoothie. Cauliflower can help process and remove excess estrogen from the body and thus, reduce symptoms of estrogen dominance.

The cherries in the hormone smoothie are high in fibre, which will help to eliminate excess estrogen through the stools. Fibre is important for regular bowel movements to keep waste (containing acne-triggering toxins and hormones) moving on out of the body. 

On top of the fibre, cherries are abundant in melatonin to help with sleep and opposing excess estrogen. 

Cherries are also rich in magnesium, which can help lower cortisol, balance adrenaline and promote restful sleep as well.

The Hormone Smoothie

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Author: Katie Stewart Wellness

Ingredients

• 2 cups non-dairy milk adjust to desired smoothie thickness
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup frozen organic cherries
• 1/4 cup frozen cauliflower
• 3 tbsp hemp hearts
• 1-2 medjool dates
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional boosters:

• 1 serving collagen powder
• 1 tbsp coconut butter

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to the blender (including any optional booster) and blend on high until smooth. Enjoy.

Notes

If you don't have any cauliflower on hand, try adding in another cruciferous veggie like kale to support liver detoxification. Baby spinach is also another easy one to pop in place.