Growth hormones are vital in animals and humans alike for healthy growth and development. But the storm lies in artificial growth hormones that are approved for use to boost the growth rate of cattle, poultry, and other animals. Artificial hormones are injected to increase milk production, raise profits for the food industry. The hormones find their way into our food source along with the milk. More research is needed to determine how safe and healthy these artificial hormones are for human use.   Meat and milk (and some food including plants) are never "hormone-free". All humans and animals produce hormones naturally.

Types Of Hormones Present In Food:

Hormones are present in most animal products, they are injected directly into the animals or added to their feed to enhance the production of eggs, dairy and meat production. Synthetic hormone recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone, rbGH, (also called bovine somatotropin) is widely used. This hormone is used to boost milk production in cows. Steroid hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are also given to cattle and other animals to stimulate growth and development.

Growth Hormones In Milk

As per the Food and Drug Administration, the quantity of hormones that filter into animal products such as milk and dairy is safe for consumption. Bovine growth hormones given to cows are natural hormones found in cattle. The growth hormones are natural proteins that are produced in the pituitary gland of both animals and humans. American authorities say using milk from hormone-treated cows is safe and healthy.

Insulin-like Growth Factor(IGF-1)

Insulin-like Growth Factor -1 or IGF-1 is also present naturally in both humans and animals. Synthetic varieties induce cattle to increase milk production, bone growth, and meat production. As the IFG-1 stimulates cell division, it may be linked to increases in the risk of certain cancers. However, the FDA states that milk from both treated as well as milk from untreated cows contains the same amount of IFG-1.

Disease Risks

According to recent research, drinking milk from treated cows during pregnancy may affect the health of infants in their adult years. However, more clinical research is needed to decide on the link between synthetic growth hormones in food and disease risk.

Foods That Trigger Hormonal Imbalance:

A poor lifestyle and dietary patterns can cause havoc with the hormonal balance in the system. The aftermath of this is weight gain, fatigue, headaches, hair loss, digestive issues and poor sleep schedule. Some of the foods that are known to have a negative impact on hormones include:

Caffeine

To all coffee lovers, beware excess intake of coffee triggers the brain, the caffeine in coffee raises cortisol production in the system. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is in peak amounts in the morning and lowest in the evening. Caffeine triggers the cortisol levels whenever consumed, which brings the body into a state of high alert. Hence, consuming too many cups of coffee or energy drinks can mess with your hormones.

Sugar Loaded Foods

Sugar in the body leads to a surge in insulin levels in the system. Insulin is a hormone responsible for metabolizing the sugar into energy. Excess intake of sugar-laden foods over a period of time leads to suppression of leptin and ghrelin hormones sensitivity, where both of these hormones signal satiety and control appetite. So keep in mind every time you grab a bar of candy or chocolate you are spiking the risk of diabetes and obesity.

Refined Foods

Gluten and sugar are the culprits that can increase inflammation and stress the adrenal glands and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases. Cookies, crackers, bread, pizza, burgers are all harmful to your health. These foods increase weight and hinder hormonal balance and reduce testosterone levels.