Try me-Cruciferous Veggies

When your hormones start fluctuating, you can end up with too much estrogen circulating in your system because there’s not enough progesterone being produced to move it out. This is where cruciferous vegetables play a big role in balancing your hormones.

-Cruciferous vegetables contain indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and diindolylmethane (DIM), compounds that help metabolize estrogen more efficiently. This is crucial during midlife, as estrogen fluctuations can contribute to symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, and mood swings. I’ve had all three of those symptoms and I can tell you they are no picnic. I will eat ALLLLLL the broccoli and brussels to mitigate them!

Cruciferous vegetables—such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage—are especially beneficial in midlife because not only do they support hormonal balance, but they also encourage detoxification and overall health. Here’s why they matter:

-These veggies support phase 1 and phase 2 liver detox, helping the body process and eliminate excess hormones and toxins, which can otherwise contribute to inflammation and sluggish metabolism.

-In midlife, when thyroid function can naturally slow down, eating these veggies cooked can provide benefits without compromising thyroid health. Check with your doctor if you have thyroid concerns to make sure these veggies are right for you.

-Rich in fiber and prebiotics, cruciferous vegetables promote gut health, reduce bloating, and support regular digestion—key for maintaining metabolism and reducing midlife weight gain.

-Their high levels of sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant, help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer.

-Loaded with vitamins K, C, and folate, cruciferous vegetables support bone density (critical in midlife to prevent osteoporosis) and heart health by reducing inflammation and supporting healthy cholesterol levels.

Now y’all know I am not a doctor so please take all this with a grain of salt (also good for electrolyte balance) and do your research. But after doing a gut reset over the last year with my functional health practitioner I did learn a thing or two about my body and how best to support it through midlife and later. Our bodies are inevitably going to change and if something helps me I want to share it with my people.

Here are some of my favorite ways to sneak in more of these powerhouses.

-Frozen cauliflower added to my smoothies is a game changer. Makes them super creamy and you don’t taste it at all.

-I love all things pickled so a scoop of sauerkraut every day hits the salty spot, with an added bonus of probiotics.

-Super simple and delicious salad with artichoke hearts, shaved brussels, and white beans. Toss with lemon vinaigrette and you have a hearty, delicious side.

How do you incorporate cruciferous veggies into your day?