Women typically deal with more health issues than men. While there are those who account this to the fact that women pay much closer attention to their health than our male counterparts. The truth is that due to our hormonal abilities we tend to have more issues pop up than men. While it is true that estrogen increases our immune response excess estrogen brings with it its own set of health issues.

Unfortunately, women have a much more difficult time keeping their estrogen levels balanced. This is largely due to the fact that our bodies cycle and thus are required to produce their own estrogen. Normally this is fine, however, when we are exposed to more estrogen via our external environment our bodies don’t magically stop producing estrogen. Not only that, but our bodies are only able to process so much estrogen at a time. This can often lead to estrogen dominance which can result in endometriosis, PCOS, auto-immune diseases, cancer, and more.

The Silent Threat

While there is no getting around the fact that our bodies need estrogen. There is a way for us to help limit how much estrogen we are exposed to externally and even a way for us to help our bodies process excess estrogen our bodies are exposed to. When it comes to reducing our estrogen levels the best place to start is by eliminating as many environmental estrogens as possible. Estrogen-based chemicals are used in pesticides, preservatives, makeup, cleaning supplies, water, and even more. While this knowledge can feel overwhelming at first the key is to start small with one or two things consistently and add to it as time goes by. For example, the first thing I would suggest to clients is to eliminate as many processed foods as possible. To be honest, this can be more difficult than it sounds. However, this step eliminates more estrogen than any other step and even comes with additional health benefits to boot!

How to Prevent Endometriosis And More

Step two would be to detox regularly using natural means at least once every three months and at first, you may need to do a detox every other month for at least two to three rounds. Focusing first on getting accustomed to natural whole foods will make this much easier. After each month I would suggest taking things a step further each month. The third step would be to swap out your cleaning products for a more natural approach. Essential oils and vinegar work wonders. Step four would be to swap out your makeup and beauty products for a more natural alternative. When in doubt I suggest making your own from scratch. For recipes check out my website AskDrDee.com where I post new recipes every week!

For individuals who are looking for even more ways to naturally balance out their hormones, I would urge you to take an even closer look at foods. For example, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and stinging nettle help reduce excess estrogen. While things like beets and apples are high in estrogen. It is amazing to me just how powerful nutrition can be at helping us restore and improve our health. Food has so much more power than we give it credit. The best part is all you have to do is give it thirty days and you can see and feel a difference!

Spicy Pesto Pasta

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 6

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 shallot minced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp oregano dried
• 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 3/4 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 3 Tbsp vegan butter
• 1 pound gluten-free pasta
• 1/3 cup vegan parmesan
• 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped

Directions:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil, shallot, garlic, and oregano. Cook until the shallots begin to caramelize which takes about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in the vodka, and cook an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the pesto and cream. Season to taste and keep warm over low heat. Prepare pasta as instructed. Once al dente reserve 1 1/2 cups of pasta water. To the sauce add the pasta, 1/2 cup of pasta water, and butter. Toss until the butter has melted. Add in the parmesan and basil stirring to combine everything. If you like your sauce thinner add more pasta water. Top with more cheese and basil.

German Chocolate Fudge Pie

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Serves 10

• 9-inch gluten-free pie crust
• 1/2 cup vegan butter melted
• 3 egg yolks lightly beaten
• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups coconut flakes
• 2 tsp pure vanilla
• 1/2 cup vegan butter room temp
• 3/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 14 ounce condensed coconut milk
• 1 1/2 cup pecans chopped
• Pinch of sea salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl combine melted butter, sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and 2 eggs. Blend until well combined. Stir in flour, and cocoa until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center no longer jiggles and a toothpick comes out clean. To prepare the frosting, stir condensed milk, egg yolks, and butter over medium heat. Whisk constantly until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, coconut, pecans, and a pinch of salt. Cool the pie completely before frosting.

Pumpkin Punch

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 6

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup pumpkin butter
• 8 ounces vanilla vodka
• 4 ounces brandy
• 12 ounces ginger beer
• 2 apples thinly sliced
• ground cinnamon sugar for rims

Directions:

Into a large pitcher combine cider, juice, butter, vodka, and brandy. Chill until ready to serve. When ready add apple slices and ginger beer. Fill with ice and stir.

Sweet Potato Tahini Noodles

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 6

• 2 small sweet potatoes
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 8 ounces rice noodles
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp chili paste
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 inches fresh ginger grated
• 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup coconut amino
• 3 cups spinach
• toasted sesame seeds to top with
• sea salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and combine the sweet potatoes, 2 Tbsp oil, syrup, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss until evenly coated and roast for 25-30 minutes tossing again halfway through. During the last 5 minutes add the spinach and toss with 1 Tbsp of oil. Once potatoes are caramelized and greens wilted remove from heat. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the directions on the package. Into a blender combine tahini, amino, syrup, chili paste, ginger, garlic, and 1/4 cup water. Blend until smooth and pour over the hot noodles. Top with lime juice, cilantro, and basil. Toss to combine and portion out. Add potatoes and greens on top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Get Started Today

Keeping your body free of toxins and free radicals is necessary to maintain a healthy life and a healthy mind. There are tons of foods you can add to your regular diet to help your body with its critical detoxifying processes. If you are looking for a safe and all-natural way to detox your body at home be sure to check out my Balancing Abundance Program. Because detoxing is so important and realistically everyone should be doing it on at least a seasonal basis I have taken the time to put together a program to help you do just that. Here’s the thing, I know working with me one-on-one can seem difficult to get into (due to limited space) and I wanted to be able to give everyone an additional solution that has no limits. You deserve to be happy, healthy, and successful at everything you do so here are some recipes to help set you up for success!

 Need A Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. We all have to deal with our health daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day, you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help, I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as acting as a sounding board, do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected], or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!