As your daughter goes through the change from childhood to womanhood, you want to be there to nurture her and help her to develop into a happy, confident young woman… without the worries of roller-coaster hormones. Puberty can be a major hurdle for some, and imbalanced hormones can knock even the most self-assured girls. If you have had problems with your hormones, fertility or menstrual cycle, then as a mother you will have extra reasons to be looking for natural ways that you can help your daughter have an easier future. Armed with the right tools she is more likely to reap the benefits of happy and well-balanced hormones.

Recent research in the global medical community have deepened our understanding of the importance of hormones to our overall health and the significance of keeping them balanced. Research is also showing that a nourishing diet, specific nutrients and avoiding certain environmental toxins can help to successfully manage and regulate our hormones. With this knowledge, we can empower our daughters from the start of puberty, reducing the stresses and any negative impact hormonal changes can cause both monthly, and in the longer term. Supporting girls transition to womanhood through a solid foundation of nourishment and health is the key to nurturing a well-balanced, confident young lady. In this post, I will share my top 7 tips to teach your daughter happy hormone habits:

“Darling daughter here are 7 ways to protect, nourish and support your hormonal health now, and at every stage of your happy, healthy life…

1. Always nourish yourself and eat three proper meals daily containing good levels of protein, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables. Where possible eat organic and eat a broad range of plant-based foods every week.

2. Eat flax seeds regularly. Flax seeds also known as linseeds are the richest dietary source of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen. A phytoestrogen is a plant-based nutrient that is very similar to the female hormone oestrogen and can help you to regulate your female hormones.

3. Enjoy cruciferous vegetables daily, these include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and rocket. These wonder veggies help your liver to detoxify any excess oestrogen you are exposed to. Kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts contain the powerhouse nutrient Diindolylmethane, (or DIM for short) that has a direct effect on hormonal balance.

4. Fermented foods are a fantastic way to feed your gut flora which supports your body’s development, immune system and brain. Try and include food such as live natural yoghurt, kefir and kimchi, otherwise, choose a good quality probiotic. We know that women with PCOS suffer from chronic inflammation which impacts on insulin resistance and weight gain. But did you know that our intestinal flora mediates this inflammatory process? This is another reason to keep your gut flora nourished.

5. Drink at least 1.5 litres of filtered water daily. Water should always be filtered to avoid the excess oestrogens in tap water. Choose a glass or stainless steel water bottle to avoid unwanted xenoestrogens (see below) from plastic bottles.

6. Choose paraben and toxin free cosmetic and beauty products. Did you know your skin is your largest organ and is just like a living sponge?  Paraben’s and other nasties can be directly absorbed and cause hormone disruptors known as xenoestrogens, which have been linked to certain cancers. This is why buying lovely natural skin care products is an easy way to keep your hormones happy. Triclosan is also an endocrine disruptor and is found in antibacterial soaps and some toothpastes, so always check the labels and try and avoid these where you can.  Also always choose natural deodorants for similar reasons.

7. Use unbleached and organic sanitary towels and tampons. The toxins in most sanitary products can be directly absorbed by the body, in fact, the vagina is one of the most absorbent parts of the body. Sanitary towels and tampons often are made with materials that create dioxins (a known hormone disruptor), which has also been linked to immune system repression and reproductive issues. They are also bleached with chlorine that can disrupt the fine balance of your vaginal flora. Other chemicals used can encourage blood withdrawal and thus heavier periods, which is not what any young woman wants. Non-organic tampons and towels are not biodegradable and thus can damage the environment…..and we all want to care for our planet. You can see why there are many reasons to choose organic cotton sanitary products, so please always have some handy.

It might not always feel like it, but being a woman is exciting and empowering, and looking after your health and hormones is the fuel to power your dreams. Love Mum xx”

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