The potential impact of hormones added to food on the early development of young girls and boys is a major concern. The body relies on a delicate balance of chemicals and hormones, and introducing external hormones through diet could disrupt this balance, potentially leading to earlier puberty or other changes in natural bodily functions.
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system, which are secreted directly into the bloodstream and transported to various tissues and organs, regulating physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis.
High doses of hormones in foods could potentially alter the natural biological characteristics of young boys and girls, causing them to deviate from their natural state. Hormonal imbalances can disrupt normal growth and development, possibly leading to earlier puberty, alterations in behavior, and other health issues by interfering with the body's endocrine system.
The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and release hormones, which play a crucial role in maintaining the body's internal balance. In females, the endocrine system produces estrogen and progesterone, regulating the menstrual cycle, reproductive system, and secondary sexual characteristics. In males, the endocrine system produces testosterone, regulating sperm production, muscle mass, and secondary sexual characteristics.
According to the Cornell University Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors in New York State," certain hormones can promote faster weight gain in young animals and reduce the waiting time and feed consumption before slaughter in meat industries. In dairy cows, hormones can increase milk production, enhancing the profitability of the meat and dairy industries. In the 1980s, it became possible to produce large quantities of pure bGH using recombinant DNA technology."
" In 1993, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), also known as bovine somatotropin (rbST), in dairy cattle. Recent estimates by the manufacturer of this hormone indicate that 30% of the United States (US) cows may be treated with rBGH. The female sex hormone estrogen was also shown to affect growth rates in cattle and poultry in the 1930s."
"Once the chemistry of estrogen was understood, it became possible to make the hormone synthetically in large amounts. Synthetic estrogens began being used to increase the size of cattle and chickens in the early 1950s. DES was one of the first synthetic estrogens made and used commercially in the US to fatten chickens. However, it was found to cause cancer, leading to its phased out use in food production in the late 1970s."
Countries with stringent food safety and health regulations, including those in the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, and Japan, often restrict or ban American meat products due to concerns about hormone treatments and other regulatory differences. These regulations ensure that meat products meet local health and safety standards.
Potential Factors Contributing to Early Puberty
When young girls experience early puberty, it raises concerns about potential influences on their development. Factors contributing to early puberty in girls may include exposure to external hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in the environment and foods. Hormones used in meat and dairy production might contribute to earlier puberty. Studies have shown that external hormones can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to premature development.
Chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and pesticides can mimic or interfere with the body's hormones, potentially leading to early puberty. Increased body fat can lead to higher levels of estrogen, triggering early puberty. Diets high in processed foods and low in essential nutrients might influence hormonal balance and development.
Early puberty can lead to a higher risk of developing conditions like breast cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease later in life. Girls experiencing early puberty may face psychological challenges, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression due to the early onset of puberty and body changes.
To minimize exposure to added hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, parents and caregivers can make dietary choices, including opting for organic or hormone-free food products. They can also minimize exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals by avoiding plastic containers for food storage, using natural cleaning products, and choosing personal care products free of harmful chemicals.
Opting for a holistic physician offers a comprehensive method to healthcare that takes into account the individual as a whole and emphasizes preventive measures, tailored therapies, and lifestyle adjustments. Embracing this approach can result in enhanced health results, increased patient contentment, and a more engaged approach to self-care.
Citations:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Your Endocrine System. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/endocrine-system
MedlinePlus. (2020). Endocrine System. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/endocrinesystem.html
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Endocrine system. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/what-is-the-endocrine-system/art-20313278
Carwile, J.L., & Michels, K.B. (2011). Urinary Bisphenol A and Obesity in NHANES. Journal of the American Medical Association, 306(20), 2218-2220. DOI:10.1001/jama.2011.1755
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2010). Endocrine Disruptors. Retrieved from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm
. https://www.treningsforum.no/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3002;sa=showKarma Sources:
Kaplowitz, P. B. (2006). Link between body fat and the timing of puberty. Pediatrics, 117(6), 2085-2092. DOI:10.1542/peds.2005-2642
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2010). Endocrine Disruptors. Retrieved from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm
Biro, F. M., & Deardorff, J. (2013). Identifying the causes and consequences of early puberty. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 9(5), 257-270. DOI:10.1038/nrendo.2013.56
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