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Dietary Diversity

Meaning

Dietary diversity is the practice of regularly consuming a wide variety of foods across and within all major food groups to ensure a comprehensive intake of macro and micronutrients, as well as bioactive compounds. In the context of hormonal health, this variety is essential for providing the necessary substrates for steroidogenesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, and enzyme cofactors. A high degree of diversity supports a resilient and adaptable gut microbiome, which is directly linked to estrogen and thyroid hormone metabolism. Clinicians advocate for diversity to mitigate the risk of nutrient deficiencies and support systemic metabolic flexibility.