Bacon, overweight, extra pounds? What if it’s all the hormones? A hypothesis that finds substance in the thought of the American endocrinologist Thierry Hertoghe, a supporter of the principle according to which everything is regulated by hormones. In conclusion, any hormonal imbalance affects our health and it can degenerate into diseases such as diabetes and thyroid problems. But there is a diet that chooses the foods and the times in which they should be consumed according to the action of the hormones.
THE HORMONES THAT REGULATE METABOLISM
The optimal diet, according to the principles of the hormonal diet, is therefore that which takes into account the regulatory hormones of the metabolism.
«The secret of this diet? It would seem right correct and restore the correct hormonal balance. -explains the nutritionist Francesca Beretta. – At the basis of this theory are the metabolic regulatory hormones. Insulin, hormone produced by the pancreas after a meal in order to keep blood sugar always within certain ranges (it serves to let sugars enter cells). If in excess it causes weight gain. The glucagon is the hormone produced by the fasting pancreas. The cortisol is the stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It uses proteins and fats for energy purposes, promotes the accumulation of localized abdominal fat. The thyroid hormones are those produced by the thyroid, stimulate the metabolism because they favor the production of energy in the form of heat. There ghrelin is the hunger hormone, produced by the stomach. If in excess it facilitates weight gain and fat mass. There leptin is a satiety hormone, produced by adipose tissue. Reduces appetite and stimulates energy metabolism. While the neuropeptide gamma it is a polypeptide that increases appetite ».
HOW DOES IT WORK?
«In practice, in this dietary scheme one must carefully choose the foods to be consumed (mostly integral, also inserting a lot of fish and eggs that stimulate the sensitivity of leptin receptors) and suitable times throughout the day. For example, it is not recommended to eat after dinner. This diet is basically low-calorie, with fewer carbohydrates and more protein than a classic Mediterranean diet. Carbohydrates must be low on the glycemic index and are concentrated in the early part of the day. They must always be consumed cooked and raw vegetables at the beginning of the meal to promote better glycemic and insulin control. Must reduce your tea and coffee intake because by stimulating gastric secretion and appetite ».
Another of the pillars on which this diet is based is personalization. «This food approach always goes customized according to the type of individual “imbalance”: for example, a diabetic person will have to pay close attention to insulin and therefore to the glycemic index and load of foods, or a hypothyroid person will have to increase the intake of iodine-rich foods to improve the functionality of his thyroid and so on “.
ARE THERE CONTRAINDICATIONS?
“Being a diet with fewer carbohydrates and more protein, people with kidney damage or high uric acid problems should pay attention. The hormonal diet can help restore the right hormonal balance, but it does not cure diseases. It is therefore always good to consult a doctor or dietician before starting »concludes the nutritionist.
Opening photo: credit Getty Images
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