Foods That Naturally Increase Progesterone

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By Juniper Russo Tarascio
eHow Contributing Writer

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Very few foods contain hormone compounds that are bioidentical to human progesterone. However, many women have successfully overcome fertility problems, high-risk pregnancy, and hormonal imbalances like PCOS using foods that naturally increase progesterone levels.

Plant Progesterones

Wild yam is famous for containing hormone-like compounds that are very similar to progesterone, and it may encourage the body's own production of the hormone. Bear in mind that the sweet potato, a different vegetable, does not contain these compounds.

True Progesterone

Egg yolks and dairy products both contain respectable amounts of true progesterone, but it is not known how directly they interact with the human body's own progesterone stores.

Foods with Vitamin B-6

Walnuts, whole grains, fortified cereals, and soy milk all contain large amounts of vitamin B-6, which is essential for maintaining ideal estrogen-progesterone balance.

Foods Containing Zinc

Zinc is essential to producing adequate levels of progesterone, so high-zinc foods like red meat, shellfish, chicken, and turkey can all increase progesterone levels.

Culinary Herbs

Turmeric, found in curry, can increase the body's progesterone levels, as can thyme and oregano. Including one of these in every meal may help to maintain good hormone balance.