Let's Discuss: The Oft-Overlooked Nutrient That Helps Balance Mood & Hormones

The recent emphasis on slow-living practices in mainstream culture parallels the increased attention on hormonal balance—and that’s not a coincidence. One of the best ways to balance your hormones naturally is to focus on reducing stress—aka, slowing down when you need to. 

You may or may not already know that your brain is sensitive to the absence or deficiency of vitamin C1. This is precisely how vitamin C influences your mood. 

While vitamin C’s role starts in the brain, it trickles down throughout the entire body to help balance hormones. For example, vitamin C plays an essential role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (think: fight-or-flight stress response).

In fact, "The adrenal glands house the greatest concentration of vitamin C in the whole body and are necessary for proper cortisol output2,” registered dietitian nutritionist Emily Achey, M.S., R.D., INFCP, previously told mbg. 

By supporting the oxidant versus antioxidant balance in the adrenals, vitamin C supports emotional well-being and a number of other physiological functions, as adrenal glands are involved in regulating metabolism and healthy blood pressure, supporting the immune system and more.

The benefits of vitamin C certainly don’t stop there, either. This essential nutrient plays a critical role in immune health, skin health, iron absorption, and more. Suffice it to say: You should definitely make sure you prioritize vitamin C for overall health, hormonal balance included. 

There are plenty of steps to take when it comes to balancing your hormones, from relieving stress to eating balanced meals and more. Vitamin C also plays a role in hormonal balance, as well as mood regulation—so make sure you get enough. Not sure how much you need to check the box? This guide will help you out.