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3 Types of Foods That Can Affect Hormonal Balance

 

Medical Reviewed By Lucas Rosa

PhD in Molecular Biology

 

 

Discover 3 types of foods that can cause hormonal imbalances within our bodies.

 

Food Affects Hormonal Balance

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various functions in our bodies, including development, mood, and reproduction.

The food we eat can significantly impact hormonal balance by either disrupting it or supporting it. It can either provide hormones with the nutrients that they need to function or deprive them of it.

By understanding which foods to avoid, we can take proactive steps to maintain optimal hormonal balance. Let's explore 3 types of food that can affect hormonal imbalance and how to avoid them.

 

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1. Highly Processed Foods

Highly processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives, all of which can disrupt our hormonal balance.

Trans fats, commonly found in many processed foods, can interfere with estrogen and testosterone levels causing hormonal imbalances. Furthermore, highly processed foods often contain high levels of sodium and preservatives, which can disrupt hormonal production and stress hormone levels.

Replacing highly processed foods with less processed, whole, nutrient-dense options can greatly support your body's hormonal balance.

 

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2. Foods High In Added Sugars

Added sugar is a major culprit when it comes to hormonal imbalances.

High sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance, which affects the balance of several major hormones, including insulin, cortisol, and leptin. This can result in conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Reducing your consumption of added sugar is important for maintaining hormonal balance. Read the labels on foods and drinks that you purchase to see the sugar content. Also, opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation, and focus on eating whole fruits instead of sugary snacks.

 

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3. Dairy Products

There are many benefits to consuming dairy, but having a high dairy intake can lead to hormonal imbalances.

Dairy products are a rich source of natural hormones, including insulin growth factor (IGF-1) and estrogen, which can boost our natural hormone levels, but overconsumption of these products can create imbalances.

Dairy is beneficial for our bodies, but overconsuming dairy is what can lead to hormonal imbalances. The recommended amount of dairy intake ranges between 2 - 3 servings daily.

 

Possible Health Effects of Insulin Imbalance (5)-1

 

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of certain foods on hormonal health is a major step towards achieving hormonal balance and well-being. By avoiding foods that disrupt hormonal balance and incorporating healthier alternatives, you can support your body's natural hormonal functions.

Remember, maintaining hormonal balance is a holistic process that involves diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management. Taking proactive steps today can lead to a healthier and more balanced tomorrow.

 

 

Source:

Cleveland Clinic. “Hormonal Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance. 

Cook Unity. “How Much Dairy per Day Is Good for You?” Cook Unity, 2023, www.cookunity.com/blog/how-much-dairy-per-day?srsltid=AfmBOor8RhxWdMRm8BNpsa1gpw-_Jvtheg9UKRfdhpKpzU0YmvJRiDA6. 

Government of Canada. “Limit Highly Processed Foods.” Government of Canada, 10 Oct. 2018, https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/healthy-eating-recommendations/limit-highly-processed-foods/. 

Harvard Health. “The Sweet Danger of Sugar.” Harvard Health, 6 Jan. 2022, www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar. 

Herbert, Lynne. “Soy Intake and Hormonal Health Complications.” Montana State University, www.montana.edu/hhd/graduate/dietetics/blog_posts/Soy_hormonal_health.html. 

Kim, Keewan, et al. “Dairy Food Intake Is Associated with Reproductive Hormones and Sporadic Anovulation among Healthy Premenopausal Women.” The Journal of Nutrition, vol. 147, no. 2, 23 Nov. 2016, pp. 218–226, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5265695/#:~:text=Total%20and%20high%2Dfat%20dairy,with%20serum%20luteinizing%20hormone%20concentrations, https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.116.241521. 

Malekinejad, Hassan, and Aysa Rezabakhsh. “Hormones in Dairy Foods and Their Impact on Public Health - a Narrative Review Article.” Iranian Journal of Public Health, vol. 44, no. 6, June 2015, p. 742, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4524299/. 

Marks, Vincent. “How Our Food Affects Our Hormones.” Clinical Biochemistry, vol. 18, no. 3, June 1985, pp. 149–153, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3888442/.

Mount Sinai. “Soy Information.” Mount Sinai Health System, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/soy. 

North Valley Women's Care. “4 Foods That Cause Hormonal Imbalance: North Valley Women’s Care: OBGYNs.” North Valley Women’s Care, www.northvalleywomenscare.com/blog/4-foods-that-cause-hormonal-imbalance. 

Thomme, Gina Van. “7 Examples of Processed Food.” MD Anderson Cancer Center, 29 Sept. 2023, www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/7-examples-of-processed-food.h00-159621801.html. 

Whitbread, Daisy. “Top 10 Foods Highest in Sugar (to Limit or Avoid).” My Food Data, My Food Data, 12 Dec. 2011, www.myfooddata.com/articles/high-sugar-foods.php. 

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