Recipe: Balance Bliss Ball for Hormonal Health
Hormonal imbalances have a cascade of effects, from physical symptoms such as acne, weight gain/loss, irregular menstrual cycles, hair thinning and dry skin, to emotional issues like low libido, mood swings, anxiety and depression. Every individual has a unique composition of hormones depending on their gender, age and stage of life, and unique symptoms when things are off. This makes it difficult to diagnose a hormonal imbalance through tests alone, but the body does not lie.
Hormones are a combination of the water and fire element, similar to digestive enzymes and stomach acid. They are a function of pitta dosha, but rely on the balance between all three doshas to maintain their proper function. Too much kapha can cause weight gain, water retention and excess estrogen/ low testosterone, while excess vata will show up as low libido, anxiety and dryness whether it is skin, eyes or reproductive organs. A hormonal imbalance often begins with digestive issues such as bloating, constipation or sensitive gut. In women, this may be linked to particular times in the menstrual cycle such as ovulation or menstruation. Weak digestion causes the accumulation of toxins or ama which will interfere with the production and flow of hormones through the body. The endocrine system is one of the most sensitive systems because it also processes and digests thoughts and emotions. Stress, fear, anger and anxiety can all interfere with the natural balance of hormones and increase ama which leads to further imbalance.
Once there are symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, the most powerful remedy is not to fix the hormones but to focus on diet and lifestyle first. Everything a human consumes is transformed and assimilated into the mind and body over a 30 day period; the mind and body are built every month from the choices of food, fluids, movement and thought. This is an opportunity to focus on a few key items that play a major role in hormonal health:
Good quality fats and Omega-3s such as ghee, avocado, olive oil, butter, etc which provide energy for hormone production and storage;
Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables with plenty of fibre and vitamins which support hormone detoxification organs such as the liver and gall bladder;
Exercise and breath work promotes heart health and the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, which allow hormones to be released and reabsorbed as needed;
Minimise hormone disruptors such as plastics, BPA, pthalates and parabens in food and drink, clothing, soaps and haircare, make up, household cleaning products, etc;
Get the correct quality and quantity of sleep to maintain hormonal homeostasis, rejuvenate the physical and subtle bodies, and reduce toxins and inflammation;
Practice mindfulness, yoga and meditation to reduce stress, tension and anxiety, encourage the body to relax from the top down, and naturally manage stress hormones.
An accessible and often under-utilised source of good fat that is particularly helpful for balancing hormones is flax seed. These tiny seeds from the Linum usitatissimum plant are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, soluble and insoluble fibre, protein, Vitamins B1, B6 and E, as well as magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. They promote healthy bowel movements which encourage detoxification of ama, support hair and skin health, and are used to reduce symptoms of menopause and prevent breast cancer. It’s best to have 1-2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed per day, and the recipe below will have you doing that in easy, bite-sized balls of bliss with only six ingredients!
Ingredients (makes approximately 22 balls)
2/3 cup medjool dates, pitted and soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
2 cups flax seed meal
1 cup almond meal
1/2 cup ground peanuts
2 tspns cardamom powder
1-2 tbsp ghee
Blend the dates into a smooth paste using a few teaspoons of the soaking water.
Lightly roast the flax seed, almond meal and peanuts separately, and allow to cool slightly.
Evenly mix all ingredients together with a fork, and shape into small balls.
Store in an airtight container in the pantry for one week, or in the fridge for 3 weeks.
Options:
Add 2-3 teaspoons of carob powder in the autumn/winter or desiccated coconut in the summer for a seasonal flavour.
Swap the dates for a natural sugar such as jaggery or cane sugar if needed.
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