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Five Natural Ways to Lower Your Estrogen Levels
September 13, 2009 by Jenn
Filed under Estrogen Dominance Treatment
Okay, you’ve determined that you are dealing with estrogen dominance. So what can you do now to correct the situation? There are several 
steps you can take using natural methods to bring down the levels of estrogen in your body. Here’s five simple ways to start your estrogen level heading in the right direction.
5. Choose Organic Foods
One of the most common ways estrogen levels are raised in our bodies is by the consumption of xenoestrogens, or man made chemicals that mimic the estrogen our bodies produce. They are in the pesticides used to ‘protect’ non-organic fruits and vegetables and are also in commercially raised meats and poultry. Cattle, hogs and poultry are often fed hormones, antibiotics and other additives to make them grow faster and larger. Canned foods get xenoestrogens from the plastic lining in the cans. You’ll find xenoestrogens in an abundance of processed foods, so the safest choice is to avoid those grocery items.
Instead, choose to eat organic foods that are not contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals. Pick lean meats, fruits and vegetables that are certified organic.
4. Choose Cruciferous Vegetables
When your body metabolizes, or breaks down, estrogen to prepare it for elimination, it can make two forms of metabolites. One is a form that is negative to our bodies and keeps estrogen levels high, the other is a positive form. We want more of the positive form and cruciferous vegetables help us achieve that goal. Cruciferous vegetables are tasty items like Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and several others. But, if you’re like most people, you don’t get enough of these types of vegetables. Did you know you can get your cruciferous veggies in a pill called DIM?
3. Limit Your Consumption of Dairy Products
According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, dairy milk is responsible for up to 80% of the estrogens we consume. Why? Probably because cows are milked frequently when they are pregnant and their estrogen levels are elevated, so the amount of estrogen in their milk is also high. A healthier option is to opt for milk made from almonds or rice.
2. Cut Down on Alcohol Consumption
Estrogen is metabolized in the liver and alcohol can slow or impair the liver’s function. The result is a buildup of estrogen in the body, increasing the risk for estrogen dominance. You should limit your alcohol intake to one drink a day or, for best results, eliminate alcohol altogether from your diet.
1. Exercise More Often
A study conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center provided convincing evidence that high intensity exercise at least 5 times a week could lower estrogen levels by as much as 7%. In order to achieve that effect, you need to do exercises that get your heart pumping. Simple stretching exercises do not provide the same positive results.
Although there are other steps you can take to help lower your estrogen level, these are 5 simple changes you can make right away. Not only will you be taking positive actions to control your estrogen dominance, you’ll be creating a lifestyle that has a number of other health benefits as well.
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