In hormonal balance with Ayurveda!

How you can positively influence your cycle with a healthy diet

You may be wondering what hormones and the female cycle have to do with my diet? I can tell you: a lot. An unhealthy, one-sided diet or strict diets have a significant negative impact on your hormonal system. If the female hormones become unbalanced due to inadequate nutrition, this has various physical and psychological effects. Infertility, menstrual problems, weight problems, thyroid problems and many other problems can be the result.

For years, protein was the superstar macronutrient for me. I tried to avoid the bad carbohydrates and fats as much as possible in order to stay slim and fit. Unfortunately, I didn't know at the time that this was seriously weakening my hormonal health. The result was an irregular cycle and the absence of menstruation.

No sugar and no fat mean sustained stress

New, modern diet trends have repeatedly manipulated us negatively in this regard in recent years. It was recommended to eat a high-protein diet, which, as far as I know today, puts our bodies under constant stress. The reason: There is no constant supply of glucose (sugar) to the brain. This means that the glucose stores in the liver and muscles are plundered. This ongoing stress situation triggered by a low-carbohydrate diet is pure poison for the female cycle. We need all three macronutrients for healthy hormone production, a stable cycle and a functioning thyroid.

A few years ago, we were told that a fat-free diet would prevent us from gaining weight and would keep us slim. Retailers responded by offering a huge number of fat-free products. However, avoiding fats also has a very negative effect on the production of the hormones estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Fat is also the carrier for vitamins A, D, E and K - vitamins that are essential for our health. If we eat too little fat, the brain lacks nutrients that, among other things, make us feel full. The result is cravings and weight gain. A balance of healthy fats, polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, but also saturated fatty acids, is essential for hormone production.

What does Ayurveda say about carbohydrates, proteins and fats?

In Ayurvedic nutrition, no distinction is made between the macronutrients carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The focus is on the properties, tastes, thermal properties and effects of foods as well as the methods of preparation and their effect on our body and psyche.

Ayurvedic dishes tailored to the individual's type with effective spices ensure that all tissues as defined by Ayurveda - blood plasma, blood formation, muscle and fat tissue, bones, joints, brain, bone marrow and the hormonal system - are optimally supplied with nutrients, while digestion and metabolism are functioning properly. In order to keep our body in balance and thus strengthen physical health, the female cycle, the digestive system, organ functions, all metabolic processes and mental health, it is important to prepare each meal in such a way that it is easily digestible. This is how the organism and our tissues are optimally nourished.

What Ayurvedic dishes can do

However, the basis of an Ayurvedic menu does indirectly take into account the important combination of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Ayurvedic dishes contain healthy, complex carbohydrates such as pulses, grains, vegetables such as sweet potatoes, root vegetables, zucchini and pumpkins, which provide us with energy, fill us up and stabilize our blood sugar. Quite different from simple carbohydrates, such as those found in industrially processed sweets, cakes and lemonades. In Ayurvedic dishes we also find healthy proteins, mainly from plant-based protein sources. These include lentils, chickpeas, beans, nuts, seeds, but also milk, dairy products, meat and fish.

The interaction of saturated fatty acids (coconut oil, ghee) and unsaturated fatty acids such as vegetable oils (sesame, walnut, olive oil), nuts and seeds provides our body with important energy, nourishes our cells, our hormone levels and brings our doshas (bioenergies) into balance.

Ayurvedic plants that support women’s health

• Shatavari
  According to Ayurveda, Shatavari , the Indian asparagus, has a positive effect on our reproductive organs and balances dry and inflamed mucous membranes. The plant is said to have a cell-rejuvenating effect and is used for menopausal symptoms, menstrual irregularities, infertility and loss of libido. The plant also supports digestive processes and acid regulation.

• Ashwagandha
  The powder from the Ashwaghanda root has a calming effect on the nervous system. It is one of the rejuvenating medicinal plants at the cellular level, especially for the muscles and bone marrow. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for weakness, tissue deficiencies, exhaustion, overload and stress. Due to its clarifying and nourishing effect, it is one of the most important plants for the mind. Ashwaghanda has a Vata and Kapha reducing effect.

• Guduchi
  This plant is part of the list of Rasayana plants , which in Ayurveda have a rejuvenating effect on our cells. It stimulates blood formation and boosts our digestive power. This is why Guduchi is used for skin and vascular diseases as well as for immune deficiencies. Guduchi balances all three doshas.

• Amalaki
  The Indian gooseberry is one of the most effective fruits in Ayurveda. As a rasayana, it has a rejuvenating effect. Amalaki has a positive effect on all body tissues, such as blood, bones, the liver and the heart. Amalaki promotes circulation and digestion. The fruit has an extremely high vitamin C content, which strengthens our immune system.

• Lady's mantle, yarrow, St. John's wort, cinquefoil, shepherd's purse, red clover, hops and yam root are among the herbs known for their hormone-regulating, antispasmodic or anti-inflammatory effects.

You can find many of these special plants in our product Mohini - Woman in Balance.