5 Foods That Cause Hormonal Imbalance in Your Body

Hormonal imbalances create negative health consequences and could increase serious risks. At different stages of life, people experience changes in their hormones, and doctors prescribe hormone therapy to correct health-related issues. Unfortunately, even with hormone replacement or balancing treatment, what the person eats plays a role in how well the treatment works. By avoiding these 5 foods, women and men prevent serious risks related to their hormones.

Dairy Foods

Studies show that dairy foods are harder for the body to process and digest. They can cause gut inflammation and digestive issues. People that consume dairy products too often increase their risk of diabetes, and they will see high cholesterol levels. Studies show that milk contains growth hormones that are known to cause liver damage. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome will also see an increase in their PCOS symptoms and increased estrogen production. (1)

Coffee, Tea, and Caffeinated Soft Drinks

Daily consumption of coffee, tea, or caffeinated soft drinks increases cortisol levels. The hormone affects how the body manages stress levels. If they drink too much of the beverages, their caffeine levels can cause irregular sleep cycles, decrease their metabolism, and affect their immune system negatively. Health experts recommend decreasing consumption to one cup each day, and the person can increase water intake to prevent further negative effects.

Sugary Snacks

By consuming sugary snacks in moderation, the person won't face as many negative repercussions, but if they eat them excessively, sugary snacks take a toll on their health. The person will gain significant amounts of weight, and this will prevent the body from regulating its blood glucose levels. They could develop diabetes and require medication to balance their insulin levels. An increase in sugar intake affects the skin negatively, and it may trigger acne and increase the frequency of breakouts.

Processed Foods and Ready-Made Meals

Processed foods and ready-made meals are convenient, but they are not healthy. The foods cause electrolyte imbalances that affect the body negatively. The regular consumption of meals leads to increased weight gain, decreased metabolism, and a greater risk of gastrointestinal diseases.

Patients who are diagnosed with serious gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis consumed a larger amount of processed foods. They need to switch to healthy foods such as lean meats and vegetables. Convenience meals are fine once in a while, but they should never be the person's primary diet. (2)

Slow Down On the Carbs

When it comes to hormones, carbohydrates are the worst foods anyone can eat if they are experiencing any imbalances. Carbohydrates affect cortisol levels negatively, and the foods turn into sugar as soon as they are digested. People turn to carbs when they are stressed out because they crave these foods. Unfortunately, carbs will lead to hormone imbalances that affect the body negatively. It is fine to eat carbs in moderation, but they should avoid eating too many carbs during every meal. By finding a balance between carbs and lean proteins, women and men control weight gain and won't see serious decreases in their metabolic rate.

Hormonal imbalances have negative effects such as weight gain, insomnia, hot flashes, acne, and for some infertility. Doctors provide treatments to restore hormonal balance, but the foods the patients eat affect their hormone levels, too. By learning what foods trigger hormonal imbalances, their patients avoid further negative effects.