Hyderabad: Fast food, an easy option to convenience meals, has proved to cause hormonal disruptions.
Recent studies suggest that the consumption of fast food leads to phthalate metabolites. Due to this, fertility problems and hormonal disruptions can occur, the studies further claimed.
Dr D. Nageshwar Reddy, a senior gastroenterologist, said, “Consumption of fast food leads to the metabolic syndrome. Our body has incretins and anti-incretins. The former is good as it metabolises sugar as well as fat. It can be increased by eating natural fruits and fibrous vegetables. On the other hand, fast food increases anti-incretins which increase lipids and abdomen fat and lead to hormonal changes.”
The food alone does not cause harm but the packaging adds its share. Gastroenterologists claimed that when hot food is packed in plastic, it causes more harm than good. The usage of plastic gloves while handling ingredients could also cause phthalate migration.
The studies stated that DEHP and DiNP are two components chemically bonded to plastic which were found among persons who consumed fast food on a regular basis.
Dr K. Somasekhar Rao, a gastroenterologist, said, “Most of the fast food is fried in oil, which is not changed. The usage of super-saturated fat in the food can alone cause hormonal imbalance which, in turn, could cause infertility.”
He further stated that those who are prone to decrease in hormonal levels suffer more as the luteinizing hormone and the follicle-stimulating hormone found in women tend to decrease with the regular consumption of fast food.
The doctors claimed that the health issues related to fast food arise largely due to the high calorie content as it is rich in oil and fat. Since it is cooked in large quantities, hygienic cooking methods are often overlooked. Dr T. Lakshmikanth, a senior doctor said, “We see so many cases of youngsters with PCOD (polycystic ovary syndrome). When one’s calorie intake is disproportionate to the energy output, it leads to a hormonal disruption which affects ovulation. It could harm fertility in men, too, by reducing their sperm count.”
Many cases of infertility are due to fast food consumption. It also leads to an increase of anti-incretins which increases lipids.
