According to Sue Ryskamp, a senior dietitian at Michigan Medicine’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center, lots of things we love to eat can increase inflammation that not only leads to chronic disease, but also has a negative affect on our hormones, which can put folks in a really bad mood.
Macaroni and cheese: Foods that are high in saturated fats, like macaroni and cheese, can contribute to inflammation, Ryskamp said, and in turn, affect your hormones. Try having a small portion of this comfort food with a side of kale salad, she recommended, as vegetables contain thousands of phytonutrients (plant hormones) that have a hormone-balancing effect in the body, Ryskamp said.
Soda: Soda contains a lot of sugar, often in the form of high-fructose corn syrup, Liz Weinandy, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Fox News. And high-fructose corn syrup can affect our insulin levels even more than plain table sugar, she said, which is important given that insulin is an essential hormone that helps our body use energy in food.
Hot dogs: Processed meat such as hot dogs can be another big offender when it comes to stress and inflammation, Ryskamp said. Their high saturated fat content can contribute to inflammation, which in turn can create a hormonal imbalance. Indulge only once in awhile, and if you can, try to go for a less-processed version, such as an organic hotdog or one made from grass-fed versus corn-fed beef, she recommended.
Candy: Refined starches and sugars, even “healthier” sugars like agave and honey, can also contribute to inflammation, Weinandy said. They can alter our hunger hormones, especially insulin, she noted. Try limiting sweets and desserts as much as possible.
Source: New York Post
Comments