Magnesium and calcium are helpful in relieving symptoms such as nervousness, cramping and irritability, and can be found in foods such as avocados, cantaloupe melon, seafood, bananas, brown rice, raw almonds and pumpkin seeds.
Drink plenty of bottled spring water (preferably from glass and not plastic bottles), unsweetened fresh juices (it is always better to have the whole fruit rather than the juice as your sugar intake is higher with juices, and you may miss out on a lot of the fibre and other vitamins and minerals) and herbal teas.
Follow a regular exercise plan to help circulation and the elimination of toxins. Exercise may also aid in reducing cramps due to menstruation. Avoid smoking and, where possible, reduce stress in your life.
Where possible, choose foods that are organic as non-organic foods may contain unwanted hormones and chemicals.
Foods to avoid:
Alcohol – due to its high sugar content and tendency towards nutrient deficiencies and cellular toxicity.
Dairy products like milk and cream cheese as these can be high in lactose, the milk sugar that we find difficult to digest after the age of four years. Kefir (a fermented milk drink) and certain live yogurts are good for your gut and general health.
Saturated fat as found in red meat (except for grass-fed beef), sausages, cold cuts and bacon.
Foods containing high sodium, canned foods, fast foods and junk foods. Sodium causes water retention and the excretion of calcium. Sea salt in moderation, however, is good for your health.
All sweets and sugars – they will rob the body of nutrients and stress your metabolism.
Caffeine – as found in black tea, chocolate, colas and coffee. Caffeine has a diuretic effect that can cause mineral depletion when taken in large amounts. Some people are genetically more sensitive to caffeine.
Tap water may contain high levels of oestrogen.
Avoid taking birth control pills if possible.
THYROID
Thyroid balancing recommendations
Foods to eat:
Organic, fermented dairy products such as natural unsweetened yogurt or kefir with live cultures.
Zinc-containing foods that boost the immune system such as raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds, nuts, mushrooms, chickpeas and lentils.
Iodine is good for the thyroid, especially when combined with selenium. Choose foods that are rich in iodine, such as saltwater fish, sesame seeds, seafood, kelp, Nova Scotia dulse seaweed, asparagus and sea salt.
Eat lots of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.
Foods high in B vitamins, like organic brown rice, oats, rye, wheat germ and molasses. B vitamins impart a benefit upon immune function and stress.
In addition, be sure to perform daily exercise to improve circulation.
Foods to avoid:
Processed and frozen ready-made foods. White flour and white rice products that are lacking in nutrients.
All fried foods.
Avoid excessive fluoride and chlorine found in tap water and toothpaste – they can block iodine receptions in the thyroid gland. Cooking with tap water or drinking it after boiling is not so bad as the chlorine will evaporate, reducing the levels. It is important to appreciate that fluoride in toothpaste is important for dental health, and the small amounts that are effective and present do not pose a risk to health, as far as evidence is concerned. Note that fluoride toothpaste should only be introduced after the age of 3 years in children.
Hydrogenated oils, margarine and shortening (or vegetable oil dripping).
Sugars, artificial sweeteners and sweets can weaken the immune system and may lead to auto-immune conditions of the thyroid.
Consume these foods in moderation: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard greens, kale, peaches, pears, radishes, spinach and turnips. Known as goitrogenic foods, they may further suppress thyroid function.
TESTOSTERONE
Testosterone balancing recommendations
Foods to eat:
Dandelion greens and parsley.
Vitamin E containing foods such as soy beans, cornmeal, unrefined oils, Nova Scotia dulse seaweed, wheat germ and dark leafy green vegetables. These foods and their vitamin E content are excellent for the circulatory system and act as an antioxidant.
Fresh fruits and vegetables for their high vitamin, mineral, enzyme and fibre content.
Foods that are high in zinc and essential fatty acids such as raw unsalted nuts and seeds, including pumpkin and sunflower, organic eggs, fish, seafood, sardines and dried legumes.
Wholegrain cereals and breads, organic brown rice, kamut grain, (a protein, and fatty acids, rich Khorasan wheat grain, that is gaining popularity, and is available in health food shops or sections of the supermarkets. oats and spelt. Unrefined cold-pressed flax seed oil, walnut oil and fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Foods high in selenium such as tuna, mackerel, Brazil nuts, wholegrains, garlic and onions.
Vegetarians can enjoy fermented organic soy such as tofu and miso.
Be sure to participate in a regular fitness programme of both cardiovascular and resistance training. Practice relaxation techniques, avoid smoking and second-hand smoke inhalation.
Foods to avoid:
Processed foods such as instant and pre-prepared fast foods.
All white flour products, including white bread, white rice, pasta, buns, pita, etc.
Hydrogenated oils, shortening, butter substitutes and margarine.
Carbonated drinks, tap water and excessive alcohol.
Artificial ingredients such as preservatives, additives, artificial colour, sweeteners and flavourings.
Excessive amounts of caffeine (keep it under three single shots per day).
Sugar and sweets.
Pesticides – be sure to clean all fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
Fast-grown meats containing hormones and antibiotics (livestock matures over a longer period if it is naturally grass fed. To grow and mature cattle more quickly they are fed on grains and corn, and other types of artificial feeds, and may be stimulated with growth and sex hormones in order to accelerate the maturation process. One of the problems of feeding ruminators, i.e. animals with two stomach chambers