Hormones control and regulate many of your physical and mental processes. Fluctuations in hormonal levels may occur for a variety of reasons, and the foods you consume can affect the production of certain hormones. So, depending on the changes you make, going on a new diet may alter your hormones. Consult your doctor before beginning a new diet, especially if you have a chronic illness or take medication on a regular basis.
Hormones in Food
Consuming foods that contain hormones can increase the presence of these hormones in your body, although your digestive system can help break down protein hormones, eliminating them in the form of harmless substances. The meat industry often uses hormones to help animals gain weight or produce milk, and the FDA allows certain steroid hormones in food production. These include estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, melengestrol acetate, trenbolone acetate and zeranol. Consuming a diet that includes meat containing these hormones may cause hormonal changes that lead to early sexual development in children. Although more research is necessary, some preliminary studies indicate foods containing steroid hormones may cause hormonal changes in your body that could increase your risk of reproductive cancers, according to the Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors at Cornell University.
Carbohydrates
Dr. Barry Sears, a biochemist, determined that an excess amount of carbohydrates in your diet increases the production of insulin, according to Columbia University Health Services. A diet that contains large amounts of carbohydrates may lead to weight gain, due to an increase in insulin. The hormone insulin plays a role in managing the use and storage of glucose. Excess insulin may affect the level of eicosanoids, hormone-like substances that may play a role in the development of arthritis, heart disease and cancer.
Iodine
Iodine is a trace element that supports the health of your thyroid, a gland responsible for controlling certain hormone levels. Consuming a diet that contains insufficient amounts of iodine may lead to a deficiency. A diet that includes goitrogens, substances that can affect thyroid hormone production, can also lead to low levels of iodine in your body. Goitrogen foods include cabbage, cauliflower, soybeans and broccoli. Symptoms of an iodine deficiency include fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation and weight gain. Foods that contain iodine include milk, shrimp, tuna, eggs and seaweed. Iodized table salt also contains added iodine.
Precautions
Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms of hormonal changes, such as irregular menstrual periods. Making radical changes to your diet can result in nutritional deficiencies, making it important to discuss dietary changes with your doctor or nutritionist.
