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THE BETA SWITCH: THE NEW STUBBORN FAT SOLUTION FOR WOMEN
We’ ve been told for years that soy foods are good for us, however it’ s now coming to light that over-consumption of soy products can lead to significant hormonal imbalances( in both women AND men). This is due to the high levels of phyto-estrogens contained in some soy products.
Many people eat a diet high in soy for the supposed health benefits, but they don’ t realize that they may be doing much more harm than good.
* Studies have shown that overconsumption of soy blocks the absorption and action of thyroid hormone( responsible for your metabolism) and may even induce autoimmune thyroid disease.
Soy products are often one of the main sources of protein for vegetarians. That, combined with the typical vegetarian diet of high carbohydrate and fat consumption, makes it easy to see why many vegetarians have trouble losing body fat.
Personally, I avoid soy like the plague.
** Note that not ALL soy products contribute to excess estrogen. Some fermented products such as soy sauce and tempeh appear to be ok. The fermentation process inhibits the hormonal effect. This is good, because I like my soy sauce.
Environmental‘ Obesogens’
Scientists have recently discovered that certain things in our environment can also wreak havoc with our hormones.
Everyday chemicals— particularly those in certain foods, pesticides, canned foods, and plastics— are partially to blame for the obesity epidemic. These estrogenic substances in significant enough amounts can trigger your body to hold on to its stubborn fat stores.
* Reference: Hormonal Balance, Understanding Hormones, Weight and Your Metabolism- Scott Isaacs( M. D., F. A. C. P., F. A. C. E.)
These environmental estrogens mimic hormones and cause all kinds of chaos in your body, including:
• Forcing your pancreas to crank out too much insulin, encouraging your body to store fat
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