Advantages and disadvantages of hormonal diet
The hormonal diet is becoming more and more popular, and it is ideal for all those who are struggling with hormonal imbalance.
It is well known that our diet affects the overall health, quality of our skin, nails and hair. It is for this reason that the popularity of the hormonal diet is growing, which promises to lose up to 3 kilograms per week and, more importantly for many, balances hormones.
The hormonal diet is a diet plan based on a book written by Dr. Natasha Turner, a doctor of naturopathic medicine. The primary goal of this diet is to control fluctuations in female hormones that cause weight gain and other health problems. A three-week diet plan that lasts six weeks, according to those who have tried it, harmonizes hormones and fixes fluctuations that cause harmful effects through a particular diet. Additionally, the plan includes instructions for an exercise routine, detoxification methods, and the use of supplements.
How does a hormonal diet work?
The first phase consists of two-week detoxification in which several food groups are eliminated. These include gluten, cow’s dairy products, various oils, peanuts, sugar, artificial sweeteners, red meat, citrus fruits, alcohol and caffeine. During this phase, it is necessary to take supplements such as fish oil, anti-inflammatory drugs and probiotics.
In the second stage, some foods are added again while paying attention to the body’s reaction to each type of food. This phase is still restrictive because so-called foods that interfere with hormone work are avoided: fish that are considered to have high levels of mercury, non-organic meat and coffee, dried fruits such as raisins and dates, peanuts and high fructose corn syrup, as well as all processed, artificial sweeteners, nitrates and refined cereals.
The third phase adds physical activity, including cardiovascular exercise and strength training, and continues with the same foods from the second phase.
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Benefits of hormonal diet
The diet’s focus is on whole food rich in nutrients during the first six weeks. Removing refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup and highly processed foods as much as possible is good for all of us. Most of the foods included in the hormonal diet are in line with the pattern of the Mediterranean diet, rich in fiber and low in saturated fat. Foods such as beans and lentils, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins and unsaturated oils are still included in this diet and are generally well researched and good for long-term health.
Furthermore, a hormonal diet requires avoiding alcohol, fried foods, processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and foods rich in saturated fats, all of which are good things for our health.
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Disadvantages of hormonal diet
There is no research-based evidence to confirm that a hormonal diet will improve sleep, lead to radiant skin and healthy hair. Furthermore, the diet promotes weight loss of up to 6 pounds within two weeks, which for most is unrealistic and unsustainable.
In addition, a hormonal diet, while encouraging the preparation and cooking of most meals, which is a good thing, can be too demanding and unrealistic to maintain for all those who rely on packaged and processed foods for daily commitments.
Furthermore, if you really have a problem with hormonal imbalance, this is hardly a problem that you will solve within a time frame of six weeks. Changes in the blood picture take at least three months, and numerous studies have shown that eliminating certain foods does not correct hormonal imbalances. This diet is problematic in another respect - although it is desirable in theory, consuming only organic meat and organic coffee is unaffordable and too expensive for many.
Before you decide to try a diet that promises to improve your hormonal picture, consider whether it is truly an appropriate regimen for your weight or health problems. And remember that most people do not have a hormonal imbalance, but a lifestyle imbalance.
Post By: Vanessa F.
