Raw Carrot Salad for Hormone Balance

The raw carrot salad was originally developed by Dr. Ray Peat, a biologist who specializes in hormone physiology, as a way to support hormonal balance. According to Dr. Peat, raw carrots contain a unique fiber that binds to endotoxins and excess estrogen and safely eliminates them from the body. According to his research, he found that when his female patients consumed a raw carrot salad once or twice daily, they experienced the following benefits: 

Safely Detoxes Excess Estrogen

Excess estrogen, otherwise known as estrogen dominance, is a common hormonal imbalance women experience which includes a variety of symptoms (painful and heavy periods, cramping, pms, acne, weight gain, headaches, etc.)

Raw carrots contain a unique fiber that effectively binds to excess estrogen in our intestines and helps the body safely eliminate it via our bowels, helping to reduce uncomfortable menstrual cycle symptoms. 

Safely Eliminates Endotoxins

Just like with estrogen, the raw carrots’ unique fiber is also highly effective at binding and safely eliminating endotoxins, also known as Lipopolysaccharides (LPS). These inflammatory bacterial toxins are most often accompanied by an infection or intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and are often associated with hormonal imbalance. 

Promotes Regularity + Boosts Digestion

The high amount of fiber contained in raw carrots is effective at assisting the body with regular bowel movements, which is how we safely eliminate excess estrogen and endotoxins. Additionally it works to increase gut transit time, meaning you’re more effectively digesting and eliminating your food (aka less bloat/constipation/digestion discomfort). 

Supports Optimal Liver Health

Approximately 70% of hormonal conversion takes place in the liver, it is the gateway to efficient energy production and hormonal balance. When the liver is overburdened (due to chronic exposure to toxins, alcohol, medications, caffeine, stress, etc.) it has a really hard time keeping up with the demand for detoxification and hormone conversion. 

The salad essential assists the liver and GI tract in detoxification via elimination of excess estrogens and endotoxins. This reduces the heavy load the liver carries, helping to mitigate symptoms such as low metabolic function (low thyroid), pms, fatigue and bacterial overgrowth. 

Boosts Thyroid Function

When you support liver function, you also naturally boost thyroid function, as one of its many roles is to convert inactive thyroid hormone T4 into its active version T3. This works to boost metabolic function, energy production, cognitive function, hair and skin quality and so much more. 

Boosts Gut Health

Raw carrots produce anti-bacterial and anti-fungal substances that help prevent bacterial and fungal overgrowth in the intestine (and gut health is directly linked to hormone health!)

Reduce Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms, including: 

Because raw carrots work to support liver, thyroid and gut health as well as safely eliminate excess estrogen and endotoxins that can negatively impact hormones, consuming a raw carrot salad daily can reportedly help with the following:

• Reduce PMS

• Reduce Period Pain

• Reduce Metabolic Stress

• Reduce Headaches/Migraines

• Reduce Anxiety/Depression

• Reduce Bloat/Breast Tenderness

• Reduce Skin Rashes/Acne

• Reduce Fatigue/Brain Fog

  
  

RAW CARROT SALAD INGREDIENTS

While I love customizing the raw carrot salad to make it super delicious, the original raw carrot salad recipe contains a few simple ingredients:

+ Raw Carrot

Dr. Peat’s recipe calls for 1-2 large raw carrots, shredded lengthwise, to reap the benefits listed above. 

+ Apple Cider Vinegar

The acetic acid of raw apple cider vinegar helps to increase the germicidal effect of the carrot fibers. White or red vinegar, as well as lemon juice are all effective alternatives. 

+ Unrefined Coconut Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Using an oil rich in saturated fat such as coconut, olive or avocado oil also helps to further reduce bacterial overgrowth in the digestive tract. 

+ Sea Salt

Sea salt contains trace minerals important for thyroid function, as well as elevates the taste. 

 

HOW TO MAKE RAW CARROT SALAD

One of the reasons why I love the raw carrot salad is because it’s so simple to make! The key is to use 1-2 rinsed and dried organic raw carrots (cooking them destroys the fibers) and shred them lengthwise using a grater (this is said to help with the creation of “long” fibers). Once your carrots are shredded, drizzle on a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and a sprinkle of sea salt.

HOW TO CONSUME THE RAW CARROT SALAD

In order to reap the purported benefits of the raw carrot salad, it’s important to consume consistently, i.e. daily. It is also said it works best on an empty stomach to help with gastrointestinal absorption.

RAW CARROT SALAD SIDE EFFECTS

It’s important to note that some people with severe hypothyroidism may have a hard time converting the beta carotene in the carrot to usable Vitamin A (retinol). This can typically be resolved by rinsing your carrot after it’s shredded to wash any excess beta carotene off. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid cooking the carrot which can release beta-carotene, contributing to that anti-thyroid effect. 

RAW CARROT SALAD FAQ’S

Can I eat just the carrot?

Yes! Because the raw carrot is the main hormone balancing ingredient, you can substitute the raw carrot salad for a raw peeled carrot daily. That being said, the carrot combined with the oil and vinegar of the salad works to further promote the gut and hormone health benefits. 

Can I cook the carrots?

No! Cooking the carrots destroys the fibers needed to eliminate excess estrogen and endotoxins. Additionally, cooking the carrots releases beta carotene that can have a negative impact on the thyroid. 

Can I use a different oil?

Yes, but you want to stick with oils low in polyunsaturated fats and avoid those like canola, sunflower, soybean, safflower, corn, etc. which can trigger inflammation and suppress thyroid function. Extra virgin olive oil, organic unrefined coconut oil or avocado oil are best. 

Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes! Apple cider, red and white vinegars all are considered antiseptic agents that work to reduce bacterial overgrowth. 

How often should I eat raw carrot salad?

In order to reap the full benefits (listed above), Dr. Peat recommends eating the raw carrot salad daily. 

If you don't like carrots, at least start by consuming it during the follicular and ovulatory phases of your menstrual cycle, when estrogen is rising and at its peak.