Day 5: Crush Some Cruciferous Veggies
It’s the last full weekend before Christmas, and all through the town, Christmas cocktails are flowing… meaning estrogen levels are on the rise.
One alcoholic beverage can increase estrogen levels in the body for up to 24 hours. Still, this time of year, there’s bound to be more than one drink with back-to-back holiday festivities. Our bodies may not get a full 24-hour break for estrogen levels to fall back to normal.
Aside from alcohol, there is a whole category of toxins called xenoestrogens, such as plastics, that we likely encounter more frequently this time of year that also increase estrogen.
Constantly elevated estrogen levels from alcohol consumption or toxin exposures can lead to estrogen dominance, which can trigger thyroid imbalances, sleep issues, and mood swings.
But don’t worry, you can still indulge this holiday season if you focus on crushing some cruciferous veggies when you eat.
Cruciferous vegetables are a staple in an anti-estrogenic type of diet or lifestyle. They contain a compound called DIM (3’3 diindolylmethane), which helps your body remove estrogen through the liver.
DIM isn’t the only reason why cruciferous veggies are anti-estrogenic. Most of them also contain chlorophyll (found in the green leaves), which aids in reducing estrogen through improved liver health.
Next time you eat, see where you can incorporate some of these cruciferous veggies…
- Arugula
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Collard Greens
- Kale
- Mustard greens
- Radish
- Turnip
- Watercress
Some of my favorite holiday side dishes include roasted Brussels sprouts and kale salads.
Keep that estrogen in check by crushing some cruciferous veggies as we wind down the year!
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