The Best Foods for Your Hormones in Your 20s, 30s, and 40s

Your hormone levels can have a major impact on your body and the way that you feel. In fact, they control just about everything, from your appetite to your libido and, of course, the number you see when you step on the scale.

And despite the major role hormones play in our overall health, it’s also fairly easy to throw them completely out of whack. Stress, sleep deprivation, and caffeine consumption can all wreak havoc on your hormone levels and result in symptoms like mood swings, weight gain, and fatigue. Additionally, your hormone levels tend to fluctuate as you get older, and your hormone needs can vary based on your age group.

Fortunately, incorporating a few hormone-friendly foods into your diet is one of the easiest ways to balance your hormones. They can help boost your energy levels, alleviate stress, and lower your risk of disease. Here’s a look at the best hormone-friendly foods for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

In your 20s

Cinnamon

This spice is associated with plenty of potent hormone-balancing properties. Studies show that cinnamon can keep insulin levels under control and may also help:

• reduce PMS symptoms

• lower blood sugar levels

• increase lean body mass

Dark chocolate

Good news for chocolate lovers! Dark chocolate has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands during times of stress. But while the occasional square or two of dark chocolate may be okay while cramming for a final exam or after a long day at work, remember to enjoy this sweet treat in moderation.

Salmon

The heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in salmon could help promote insulin sensitivity, leading to less insulin production and a decrease in androgen synthesis. Androgens are a type of hormone that stimulate sebum production in the skin and elevated levels may be linked to acne.

Green tea

Not only is green tea chockfull of health benefits, but it may also help raise levels of epinephrine, a hormone that can help provide extra energy during times of intense stress — perfect for 20-somethings trying to navigate grad school or new careers.

In your 30s

Eggs

Eggs contain a good amount of vitamin D, a hormone that’s important for many aspects of health. Getting enough vitamin D from either food sources or sunlight exposure may help:

• promote bone health

• reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer

• stabilize blood sugar levels

• improve immunity

Avocados

High in heart-healthy fats, avocados can help you maintain normal cholesterol levels, which is essential for the production of many important hormones in the body.

Kale

This leafy green vegetable is loaded with micronutrients and health-promoting properties. Studies have also found that increasing your intake of vegetables like kale could help improveinsulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Brazil nuts

These nutrient-rich nuts are one of the best sources of selenium, a mineral that plays an essential role in the production of thyroid hormones. Alterations in thyroid function can lead to several adverse side effects such as fatigue, weakness, and weight gain.

In your 40s

Tempeh

This fermented soy product is high in phytoestrogens, a plant compound that imitates the effects of estrogen in the body. Because estrogen levels begin to decline with age, eating foods like tempeh could help balance hormone levels as you get older.

Flaxseed

Ground flaxseed is another good source of phytoestrogens and has been shown to be as effective as hormone replacement therapy in reducing some symptoms of menopause.

Yogurt

This dairy product is high in calcium, an important mineral when it comes to bone health. It may help by regulating levels of parathyroid hormone, a hormone that controls the amount of calcium in your bones and blood.

Quinoa

As you get older, your metabolism can start to slow down and the extra pounds can begin to stack up quickly. If you find that your hunger levels are out of control, your hormones may be to blame. Ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone, is responsible for stimulating hunger. Quinoa, meanwhile, is high in both fiber and protein, two important nutrients that have been shown to reduce levels of ghrelin and decrease hunger.