Mirena and Acne: Natural Remedies for Hormonal Imbalance

Natural remedies for hormonal imbalance may include herbal extracts from naturopathic sources, but food is also a natural remedy for many ailments. Since the problem with Mirena and acne has a hormonal cause, aiming for foods that regulate hormones in the body is a natural choice.

Estrogens can decrease the amount of androgen that is secreted from the ovaries and adrenal glands. Naturally occurring plant based estrogens can be obtained by consuming good quality soy products like natural organic soy yogurt. These phyto-estrogens are known to be biologically active in the human body. If soy products are unsuitable for certain individuals then an anti-inflammatory diet that creates the correct balance of prostaglandins to regulate androgen activity in the body is recommended by nutritionist Monica Reinagel. A list of foods to include and avoid is provided in her published book. However some basic principles are outlined below.

The Inflammation-Free Diet

An unbalanced diet can produce elevated levels of inflammatory prostaglandins which do not balance the androgens that cause acne. A typical example is a diet too high in omega 6 fatty acids. Whereas other nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids work to reduce the amount of inflammation by increasing the level of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. These anti-inflammatory prostaglandins balance androgen levels. Fish oil is rich in omega 3 and valuable in reducing inflammation. Other anti-oxidants that increase anti-inflammatory responses are vitamins A, C, E and selenium. Zinc can also inhibit the enzyme that converts androgen to DHT in oil producing cells, thereby helping to reduce acne. Food types rich in all these elements are recommended in this diet.

Apart from relief from acne, other more serious conditions may be avoided by adhering to the principles of the inflammation-free eating plan. Some of these chronic disorders include arthritis, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Elimination of excess hormones

Excess hormones need to be detoxified and excreted from the body. The liver is the major detoxifying organ and needs to be functioning optimally to prevent a build up of chemicals, drugs and hormones. Therefore the Liver Cleansing Diet by Sandra Cabot is also recommended for this purpose. As it happens, many of the principles of this liver cleansing program agree with the recommendations in the Inflammation-Free eating plan. It is possible to simply follow the liver cleansing diet and simultaneously achieve a good balance of inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory food types.

The liver cleanse is an eight week process initially to detox the system, but the broad principles can be adhered to for life. Long term adherence is recommended for those people with chronic inflammatory disorders. Anyone experiencing problems with acne or other hormonal effects from the Mirena device may also benefit. An explanation and example diet plan including recipes can be accessed for free at the links below. Food is the most natural remedy for hormonal imbalance.

Detoxing from Drugs and Chemicals

Liver Cleansing Principles

Detox Eating Plan

Recipes