The main hormone that causes skin to break out in acne is Testosterone, for males and females. Having a diverse diet with the right foods helps to keep it in balance. The following six foods proactively balance ones hormones, plump up the skin, ward off wrinkles and prevent acne.

Hormone Regulating Foods List:

QUINOA

Packed with protein, magnesium and phosphorous a complex carbohydrate that regulates blood sugar levels and keeps them stable.  Elevated blood sugar triggers Insulin which then raises Androgen levels. So swap your breads and white rice for Quinoa. Brown rice is good as it is high in the B Vitamins, which are needed for energy production, nerves, and digestion.

ALMONDS

If your skin is breaking out and driving you nuts reach for the almonds, they increase the  adiponectin hormone which regulates blood sugar. They also help to shrink testosterone  which in excess can make the skin look drier and thinner. Aim for eleven almonds per day, or substitute cow’s milk for Almonds.

AVOCADOS

Full of good fats which support the manufacture of cholesterol a key component in hormone synthesis. Healthy fats fill up the skin cells natural  bilayers so that the membranes stay in shape allowing the skin to retain water so it looks plump, and not dry and dull. Avocados are full of fatty acids, potassium, vitamins Cand E and lutein which helps to prevent sun damage.

SALMON

Really good for the brain and heart health, Omega 3 fatty acids are a core building block in cholesterol and hormones. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help to calm skin eruptions like excema and acne. Buy only the wild caught and not from fish farms as these fish are full of antibiotics.

EGGS

We need the yolk as it contains HDL cholesterol which helps to create hormones, leading to softer, supple skin. Also high in Vitamin D.

BROCCOLI

….and spinach and brussel sprouts. All dark green leafy veggies contain sulforaphane and indole-3 carbinole which improve the liver’s ability to metabolize oestrogen. Oestrogen increases collagen which helps to keep the skin firm and taut and plumps up blood supply to the skin so that it can repair quickly. As we age Oestrogen decreases in females and everything shrinks.  Eat at least ½ cup of dark green veggies per day.  

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Poppy Osprey: Naturopath, Nutritionist And Herbalist

Poppy’s passion is Herbal Medicine. She believes in the intrinsic healing powers of herbs, and the fact that they get into the blood stream quickly, means that they are readily available wherever they are needed in your body. Herbs have been used by man since time began and are the basis of many well known pharmaceutical medicines used today !