I wanted to have a heart-to-heart with you about something that’s been on my mind for a while. It’s a topic that might make you feel a bit frustrated or even triggered, but please bear with me because I believe it’s crucial for your journey towards hormonal balance and fertility.
Over the years, I’ve learned so much about health, nutrition, and how our bodies respond to different foods. My own experiences with a sensitive digestive system and hormonal imbalances have taught me some hard truths that I want to share with you. Certain foods are often marketed as "healthy," but in reality, they can be quite the opposite. Trust me, I’ve felt the effects firsthand, which is why I’m so passionate about this topic.
I know how it feels to be overwhelmed with conflicting information, especially when you’re trying to manage painful menstrual cycles and worries about fertility. It’s a tough road, but remember, you are not alone in this. We’re in this together, and I’m always on your side.
So, let’s dive into three common health foods that might not be as beneficial as they seem.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is often hailed as a wonder ingredient in the health food world. It’s used to add a cheesy flavour to various dishes and is popular among those following a plant-based diet. However, there are some things you should know:
MSG Contamination: Nutritional yeast contains glutamic acid, a component of MSG, which can be highly addictive and potentially harmful to your digestive system. It’s not just a little toxic; it’s quite aggressive, leading to digestive issues and even stomach aches, especially if you have IBS like I did and can still flare up if I come into contact with foods like these.
Made from GMO Beets: The primary food source for nutritional yeast is processed GMO beets. Yeast absorbs the properties of what it consumes, making it indirectly GMO, even if it’s not labelled as such.
Adrenaline Trigger: When you consume nutritional yeast, it can cause an adrenal high, leading to an epinephrine surge. This reaction is your body’s way of dealing with what it perceives as poison.
Irritation and Chronic Conditions: Nutritional yeast can irritate your digestive tract and exacerbate existing conditions, making it difficult to identify the root cause of your symptoms.
Misconceptions About Vitamin B12: Many think nutritional yeast is a good source of vitamin B12, but the B12 it contains is added during processing and isn't the bioactive form beneficial for the brain or nervous system. Like fortified white bread, nutritional yeast needs added nutrients because it lacks essential ones naturally. Therefore, it's best to supplement with a high-quality vitamin B12 rather than rely on nutritional yeast.
I came across these insights while reading Medical Medium books, which have been incredibly eye-opening for me in terms of understanding how certain foods impact our health.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another popular health trend, often touted for its supposed benefits. But here’s the reality:
Dehydration: ACV can dehydrate your body at a deep organ level, which is counterproductive when you’re trying to cleanse and heal. It can preserve toxins and drive them deeper into your tissues rather than helping to eliminate them.
Toxin Penetration: Vinegar can allow toxins to penetrate your cells and organs by drawing out water, which can trap these harmful substances inside your body.
Robbing Hydration: By sucking water out of your cells, ACV depletes your body’s deep hydration reserves, which are crucial for organs like the liver so your body can properly cleanse and detox.
Kombucha and Fermented Foods
Fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi, and yogurt are often seen as gut health saviours. However, the truth is a bit more complex:
Fermentation Myths: While fermentation was historically a method for food preservation, it’s not necessarily a healing technique. Fermented meats are particularly harmful, harbouring microorganisms involved in decay, and are unsuitable for a healthy gut. While fermented vegetables like kimchi and sauerkraut are less harmful, they still don’t provide the right microorganisms for true healing. The microorganisms beneficial to our health thrive on fresh, raw vegetables and herbs, not fermented foods.
Dairy Issues: Even non-dairy yogurts don’t resolve the issue as they still may not provide the right microorganisms for true gut healing.
Misleading Health Claims: People might feel better after adding fermented foods because they cut out harmful foods like gluten and dairy simultaneously. The fermented foods themselves are not necessarily the healing factor.
The real issues to your hormone and fertility health lie deeper, addressed through cleanses, detoxification, and proper nutrition. True health solutions lie in understanding and addressing the real causes of chronic illnesses, such as pathogens and toxic heavy metals, rather than adding these so-called health foods that don’t help you move forward, unfortunately.
I know this is a lot to take in, and it might even go against some of the "science" you’ve heard. But remember, science is an ongoing investigation, not a definitive set of rules. We have to approach it with an open mind and a critical eye.
So, What Are Your Alternative Options?
Nutritional Yeast Alternatives
Homemade Vegan Cheese: Create your own cheese alternatives using wholesome ingredients like potatoes, nuts, and herbs. Here are some of my favourite recipes:
Alternatives to Kombucha and Fermented Foods
Lemon Water: Start your day with a refreshing glass of lemon water. It’s hydrating, alkalizing, and supports liver detoxification.
Sparkling Water with Citrus or Fruit: For a fizzy drink alternative, try sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh juice or a few slices of fruit. It’s a delightful and hydrating choice.
Sprouts: Incorporate sprouts into your salads. They are rich in beneficial microorganisms that promote a healthy gut and provide natural probiotics.
Apple Cider Vinegar Alternatives
Vinegar-Free Dressings: Opt for dressings made without vinegar. Use ingredients like lemon juice, fresh herbs, and olive oil to create delicious, tangy dressings.
Vegetable Washing: Instead of using vinegar, wash your vegetables with baking soda or a gentle dish soap. This method effectively removes residues without dehydrating your cells.
*Remember: ACV can still be used externally, such as in hair rinses or skin toners, but it's best to avoid internal consumption to prevent dehydration and toxin retention.
Your journey to hormonal balance and fertility is unique, and it’s important to find what truly works for your body. Avoiding these so-called healthy foods might be a step in the right direction. Always listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to question popular trends.
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