Beans and the Follicular Phase
During this phase, our system is flooded with new hormones: estrogen, testosterone, and FSH. Support healthy production by consuming healthy fats and manage the influx in hormone production by eating beans. Generally, these hormones are energizing, so as we naturally socialize and engage with others, practice mindfulness with the body around potential stress inducers. Just because our bodies support more sociability during this phase does not mean we need to burn ourselves out, especially by doing activities that do not serve our longevity. It is important to note that excess stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, can lead to hyper anxious and flighty sensations in the body. When the body is in a sustained state of stress, the body may not ovulate. Without ovulation, our bodies will wane on progesterone production. If the stress persists, our bodies may even favor cortisol production over that of progesterone. If you feel like you are a high adrenaline maker, consuming beans and their soluble fiber will also mitigate adrenaline and cortisol build up that may couple the natural increase in activity.
