It’s no secret that processed and packaged foods are unhealthy.
Wiser options include whole and organic foods and choosing them regularly has made a significant difference in my life since I began suffering from migraines when I had my first child. The migraines became progressively worse and more frequent when we moved to Florida. Coupled with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and ongoing weight-gain, I felt like I was spiraling out of control.
The breaking point finally came for me and I began my own personal journey to wellness. I was determined to utilize all the information I’d gathered through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.
I changed my diet radically.
I began to make wiser lifestyle choices.
I drank more water, got more fresh air and regular exercise, and went to bed earlier.
Just some consistent, persistent efforts over time led to some dramatic, and healthier results.
The migraines decreased in frequency and severity. My blood pressure returned to normal and my cholesterol even leveled off.
I share a bit of my story here because you may relate to it.
What’s most important though is the journey to health you’re on and how packaged foods could be thwarting your efforts and affecting your hormones.
Research indicates that more than 3,000 preservatives are added to processed foods and oftentimes, these chemicals aren’t even tested before being added to our food. Outrageous, right? What little research that has been conducted has proven these additives are harmful to our bodies, our hormones, and especially, our reproductive systems.
So let’s take a deeper dive. Here are some common ones:
Phthalates are chemicals added to foods to increase their longevity, duration, and life span.
One of the most commonly used phthalates is known as DEHP, which negatively impacts the male reproductive system, male sex hormones, and testosterone. It’s been reported that the presence of DEHP can lead to birth defects of the genitals of male babies and can cause poor sperm quality later on in their lives. It can also cause infertility issues.
Propylparaben is found in a number of food products including muffins and cinnamon rolls, common breakfast items we happily pass along to our children without a thought to the harm we’re causing them in doing so. Propylparaben causes impaired fertility in women and alters estrogen levels, playing a role in working with breast cancer cells leading the European Union to strictly ban the use of Propylparaben in all food products.
The United States has not followed suit, leaving a significant percentage of the population susceptible to this poison.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) is another killing additive and a known carcinogen, meaning it plays an active role in the onset of cancer in the human body.he European Union has also listed this additive as a strong endocrine disruptor. Consuming this additive along with our food can lead to diminished testosterone and thyroxine (a thyroid hormone) levels. This one also negatively affects sperm quality and contributes to increased reproductive and infertility issues in both humans and animals.
While we all love our chips, cookies and baked treats, and even allow our children to enjoy them too, these indulgences, along with processed meat, contain the highest proportion of harmful additives and poisonous chemicals.
For these reasons, (and to avoid the migraines), steer clear of packaged or processed food. Instead, pay close attention to what you’re eating every day and prepare fresh food at home as often as possible. This way, you’re taking the very best care of yourself and your hormones – as well as your loved ones.
Weight weighing you down? Cravings taking control of your life? Want to avoid the belly bloat, mood swings, and get on the path to a healthier you? I’d love to help. You’re not alone and you certainly don’t have to go through it alone. Let’s find some solutions together. Schedule your Balance Your Hormones~Balance Your Life Clarity Call with me today. Let’s chat discuss what you’re going through right now and how we can make it better. It’s entirely free and free of obligation too.
Schedule >>HERE.
MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED QUINOA SALAD
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 2 limes zest and juice
- 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled
- 2 ounces kalamata olives chopped, with brine
- ¼ cup fresh parsley stems removed and chopped
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package directions. Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork and stir in lime zest, lime juice, feta cheese, chopped olives, and fresh parsley until thoroughly combined. Season with black pepper, to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.