Ever wonder how your body is out of sync? We’re talking about those daily energy slumps to mood swings; you never know where they come from. We hate to break it to you, but it may be due to the food you had over lunch break. We’ve explored the world of food science to bring you the 12 everyday foods that could be disrupting your hormones.
12. Caffeine
That coffee might do more than just wake you up from that afternoon slump. Excessive caffeine is found to stimulate the production of cortisol, which is the body’s primary stress hormone. You see, a chronically elevated cortisol disrupts your sleep and affects your insulin sensitivity. Even worse, it could suppress your reproductive hormones.
11. Refined Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup
Here’s one for the sweet tooth out there. Your high intake of refined sugars and high-fructose syrup might lead to insulin resistance. It’s a condition where your cells stop responding to the hormone insulin. This can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect your metabolism and reproductive cycle. It’s a sign to cut back on sugary snacks where these two ingredients are commonly found.
10. Trans Fat
It’s a fact that trans fat is bad for the heart, but it’s also a pain to your hormonal signals. These artificial fats are commonly found in many fried and processed foods, which can trigger inflammation and disrupt cell communication. The harm of it is that it could potentially disrupt the production of reproductive hormones that contribute to your insulin resistance.
9. Processed Meats
That deli sandwich comes with a hidden cost. Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and deli meat, are often filled with preservatives like nitrates and nitrites. They interfere with your hormone function and contain high levels of saturated fats. These harmful fats can come from packaging containing BPA or other endocrine disruptors. Just opt for fresh and unprocessed alternatives for better hormonal health.
8. Soy Products
While they’re known as a health food, soy is rich in phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. For individuals with existing hormonal imbalances, a high intake of soy, such as soy milk and tofu, is associated with disruptions in endocrine function. The concern arises from the high levels of soy-based formula in infants’ serum, specifically genistein levels, which are 20 times higher than in adults.
7. High-Mercury Fish
Fish can be a healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids, but larger predatory fish, such as certain types of tuna and swordfish, can contain high levels of mercury. Mercury is an endocrine disruptor that can disrupt your hormonal system, affecting glands such as the thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands. It interferes with hormone synthesis and receptor building, which leads to a range of health issues. Be mindful of the fish you eat.
6. Non-Organic Dairy Products
Non-organic dairy products refer to cows treated with synthetic growth hormones like rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone). This leads to an increase in levels of another hormone in the body. They can also come from residues of pesticides and antibiotics that may be considered endocrine disruptors. Opt for organic dairy to reduce your exposure to these hormone-disrupting chemicals.
5. BPA from Canned Goods
That can of soup may contain a chemical that mimics estrogen in your body. It’s the Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic compound found in the lining of many food and beverage cans. They can be transferred to your food, and once ingested, they disrupt the endocrine system by interacting with estrogen receptors. This leads to problems with reproductive issues, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of cancer.
4. Artificial Sweetener
That diet soda is not what it seems. They contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose that are endocrine disruptors. It was found that they can affect insulin secretion, glucose metabolism, and even the hormones that control your appetite. They’re even linked with sucralose consumption, which is associated with an increased risk of early puberty.
3. Packaged Food
Beware, as the sneaky chemicals in food packaging can transfer to the food you eat. Phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible and durable. Once you consume them, they become endocrine disruptors that interfere with the production of reproductive hormones like testosterone. They’re also linked to problems in the development of your reproductive system.
2. Yellow 5
This yellow dye is found in candies, sodas, and chips. Surprisingly, they are also found in some pickles. This Yellow 5 dye, also known as Tartrazine, can mimic the effects of estrogen in your body. Effects show that it increases breast cancer cells and has been linked to early puberty and other reproductive disruptions.
1. Red 3
If there’s yellow dye, then there’s also the controversial red one. It’s called Red 3 or erythrosine, which gives foods like maraschino cherries, candy, and popsicles a cherry color. The FDA has long recognized it as a carcinogen that interferes with thyroid hormone function by uptaking iodine. This leads to both metabolic and hormonal problems. It’s the food you’d definitely want to avoid.