Here in the United States, it is close to impossible to drive more than a mile without passing a fast food outlet or convenience store. Convenience foods, i.e. fast food, is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic that is a major health crisis here. For the purpose of this post, when I refer to fast food I am referring to any food that is processed before packaging, easily accessible and quick to eat, comes out of a bag or box, light on nutrients but heavy on calories, highly flavored and nutritionally barren. In other words, fast food is not limited to the food that is gotten through drive throughs but also includes breakfasts cereals, candy, cookies, soda, chips, white flour baked goods, etc.
Over the past 50 years as our country has been spending less and less time at home, with double earners, multiple children in various activities and working 50-60 hours a week to make ends meet, fast foods have filled a need for us. They are convenient, easy on-the-go options for a busy family. However, in this same 50 years, our overweight and obesity rate has climbed to 71% of our population. This may even be an understatement since it is based on a BMI of 25+. In countries with the greatest concentration of centenarians, a healthy BMI is considered 23 and below. If we use that number, 88% of Americans are overweight or obese. Not surprising, a recent study showed that only 2.7% of the population uses a healthy diet combined with exercise to adopt a relatively healthy lifestyle.
What does this have to do with hormones? Great question
Insulin Resistance
Fast food is often high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can lead to insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in the body. When you consume too much sugar and refined carbohydrates, your body produces more insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels. Over time, your body becomes resistant to insulin, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Leptin Resistance
Leptin is a hormone that regulates appetite and metabolism. When you consume fast food, your body produces more leptin to signal that you are full. However, consuming fast food regularly can lead to leptin resistance, which can cause you to overeat and gain weight.
Cortisol Imbalance
Fast food is often high in sodium and low in nutrients, which can lead to an imbalance in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that regulates stress in the body. When you consume fast food, your body produces more cortisol to deal with the stress caused by the high sodium levels. Over time, this can lead to an imbalance in cortisol levels, which can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health issues.
Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet is composed of 55% processed (fast) foods. About 33% of the SAD calories come from animal products and about 10% is fresh fruits and vegetables. [It is important to note that the FDA considers ketchup and French Fries vegetables, so that number could actually be closer to 5%.]
In conclusion, try to flip the switch on your daily nutrition and instead of getting the majority of your food from processed sources, get more from food that has to be prepared. Yes, it will take more time and planning. On the other hand, if it prolongs your life into the three digit age bracket, is it worth it?!
Radley West 