What you eat in each part of your cycle plays an important role in hormone balance. Nourishing your body at different stages makes sense as hormones fluctuate, there is loss of blood that we want to replenish, and it's comparable to the seasons of the year. Energetically certain foods are better suited for each phase. Here is a guideline:
While You're Bleeding…
Be sure to consume cleansing green plant foods, high in fibre and cellulose, to pull out unopposed toxic estrogens from the previous cycle, cooked lightly or in soups for warming effect. These iron-rich greens combine well with red meat to build the blood after menstrual bleeding.
In the Second Half of the Follicular Phase (after bleeding until ovulation)…
Support your recruiting and maturing follicles and building them up of estrogen levels with fat-rich foods like avocado, coconut, egg yolk, fatty fish like salmon and cod, and whole fat dairy (preferably organic).
After Ovulation and possible fertilization if trying to conceive…
Enjoy foods that keep your body temperature warm and don’t cause a lot of digestive distress. Butternut squash soup made with onions (not overly heating ginger), beef stew, chicken soup, bone broths, and curries, and congee will do the trick!
In the Second Half of the Luteal Phase (the week leading up to your period or pregnancy test)…
Help your blood sugar stay balanced with foods that have a low glycemic index value. Nix bread, refined carbs, and shards and keep a healthy trail mix on hand made of nuts and seeds, dried red fruits and berries (goji berries, cranberries, golden berries aka gooseberries, cherries) and sprinkle pomegranate seeds generously if in season. The nutrients in red berries help to nourish your blood, which is very important to keep the uterus lining thick during this time of possible implantation or to promote a smooth flowing bleed. Use lots of different coloured and flavoured foods to move with the fluctuating hormones this week to help you feel more balanced.
Kelsey Bru is a licensed acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist in the Comox Valley, British Columbia specializing in fertility and women's health. She loves sharing her passion for natural approaches to women’s health through her online articles and at her clinic, The Remedy Room, on Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay. Call for an appointment at 250-800-7738.
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