This is because a healthy diet supports the return to a natural balance of hormones. So which foods are more likely to be included in a teenager's diet and which ones should be eliminated? We suggest!
Table of contents:
- Hormonal disorders in teenagers - types and causes
- Effect of diet on hormonal balance and well-being
- Diet of a teenager with endocrine disruption
- How to build healthy habits in teenagers with endocrine disruption?
Puberty is a time of intense hormonal changes, which can lead to various problems such as acne, irregular periods or weight fluctuations. The right diet can help to rebalance hormones and improve a teenager's wellbeing. Good sources of protein, fat, as well as fibre, vegetables and fruit are particularly recommended in the diet of a teenager with hormonal disorders. All highly processed foods, which can exacerbate the inflammation that accompanies hormonal fluctuations, should be eliminated from the diet. Remember that a healthy diet is only one part of supporting the treatment of endocrine disruption. Ongoing care from an endocrinologist and, in some cases, a dietician is also important.
Endocrine disorders in teenagers, photo: panthermedia
Endocrine disorders in teenagers - types and causes
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of teenagers being diagnosed with endocrine disorders. Their causes are complex and range from genetic factors, to the presence of other diseases, to the influence of the environment in which the child is growing up and their lifestyle. The most common endocrine disorders in adolescents include:
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acne,
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low/excessive growth,
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irregular menstrual periods,
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premature/delayed puberty,
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thyroid hormone disorders (hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's disease).
Hormonal disorders can also be accompanied by other health problems that negatively affect the well-being, as well as the self-esteem, of adolescents. These include:
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weight fluctuations,
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insulin resistance,
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sleep problems,
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hair loss,
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mood disorders,
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excessive hair loss,
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concentration problems,
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lack of appetite/excessive appetite.
Effects of diet on hormonal balance and well-being
Although adolescents with endocrine disorders should be under the constant care of an endocrinologist, their eating habits are also crucial to their wellbeing and faster recovery.
What should teenagers with endocrine disruption eat, photo: panthermedia
Some disorders will require an individualised nutritional approach, however, most recommendations boil down to applying general principles of healthy eating.
The diet of a teenager with an endocrine disorder
The overarching goal of the diet of an adolescent with an endocrine disorder is to provide all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. It turns out that, in many cases, deficiencies of certain vitamins or minerals can exacerbate hormonal fluctuations. For example, too little protein in the diet can hinder the treatment of hypothyroidism, while an excess of simple carbohydrates promotes insulin resistance and weight gain.
Endocrine disruption in teenagers - recommended products
When planning meals for your child, be sure to include the following ingredients:
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protein products - in a teenager's diet, protein is essential for proper tissue growth and development. In addition, it promotes the regulation and production of certain hormones, such as thyroid hormones, insulin or glucagon. So give your child products such as legumes, eggs, fish, lean and unprocessed meat, unsweetened dairy products and nuts,
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vegetables and fruit - they are a source of many valuable vitamins, minerals and fibre. Their presence in the diet reduces the inflammation accompanying hormonal disorders. In this case, there is no limit to their consumption. Include them preferably in every meal,
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sources of healthy fats - fat, although notorious, is essential for, among other things, the production of sex hormones. In a healthy diet, the quality of fat is crucial. Those with health-promoting and hormone-balancing properties can be found primarily in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, avocados and oily fish,
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sources of fibre - this regulates the hormones responsible for feelings of hunger and satiety. In addition, it helps maintain a healthy body weight. Recommended sources of fibre are groats, brown flour products (e.g. rye or graham), vegetables, legumes, brown rice, cereals, nuts and seeds.
What children with endocrine disorders should not eat, photo: panthermedia
Endocrine disruption in teenagers - contraindicated products
Restoring hormonal balance requires the elimination from the diet of foods that are devoid of health-promoting nutrients. Here are examples of these:
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fast foods, instant foods, processed meat products - they are sources of trans fats, simple carbohydrates and salt that are harmful to health. In addition, they are devoid of vitamins and minerals,
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salty snacks - are rich in salt and hydrogenated fats. An excess of these can disrupt thyroid function, cause swelling, and induce inflammation in the body,
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sweets, confectionery, sweetened fizzy drinks - these products have a high glycaemic index and are distinguished by their high sugar content, which promotes overweight, blood glucose fluctuations and exacerbation of inflammation.
How to build healthy habits in adolescents with endocrine disruption?
Learning new eating habits is a process that requires time and commitment from both the child and the parents themselves. So how do you manage a dietary change aimed at supporting hormonal balance? Here are our suggestions:
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add a portion of vegetables or fruit to each meal. One portion is, for example, 1 apple or 1 tomato,
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educate your child on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and adequate sleep. These elements also have an impact on hormonal balance,
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give your child high-protein breakfasts. They are filling and support hormone regulation,
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instead of sweets , choose for example fruit mousse, nuts or sugar-free oatcakes,
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Pay attention to theglycaemic index of products. Reach for those with a medium or low index to avoid rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations can lead to feelings of drowsiness and increased cravings for sweet snacks,
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include a source of fibre in every meal.
Endocrine disorders in children: contact your doctor, photo: panthermedia
Remember to introduce each change gradually. The more new things there are, the easier it is to get discouraged. It is worthwhile for you to set an example for your child and also reach for healthy products and snacks. If you experience difficulties in composing your child's meals or notice that the symptoms of hormonal disorders do not subside or even get worse, consult a specialised dietician and a doctor.
