Sugar and Sex Hormones

There is a gene in our body, named SHBG, that regulates estrogen and testosterone.  This gene is closely linked to the condition of the liver.  Why does this matter?  Sugar is metabolized in the liver and when the liver is overloaded with sugar it converts the sugars into fat.  Too much fat in the system shuts of the gene SHBG, which gives direction to the sex hormones in the body.  The troubles that can follow are cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, PCOS and INFERTILITY and more!  The gene is especially affected by High Fructose Corn Syrup and refined table sugar.

“This gene produces a protein that binds to the sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen and carries them into the bloodstream. Only the hormones that are free and unattached to the protein can enter cells and be active. Hence, if the SHBG gene is shut down and is not releasing any SHBG protein, then greater amounts of estrogen and testosterone are released throughout the body.”  Tamara Hardison, Too Much Sugar Affects Sex Hormones.  Full article HERE.

An increase in these hormones is particularly hard on the body.  Acne, infertility, polycystic ovaries, uterine cancer and more.

Another great article: Hormone Disorder Could Be Caused By Sugar.

But are the sex hormones all that is affected by high sugar and fat intake?  You tell me - below is a list of what hormones do.  (source: wikipedia Hormone)

• stimulation or inhibition of growth
• mood swings
• induction or suppression of apoptosis (programmed cell death)
• activation or inhibition of the immune system
• regulation of metabolism
• preparation of the body for mating, fighting, fleeing, and other activity
• preparation of the body for a new phase of life, such as puberty, parenting, and menopause
• control of the reproductive cycle
• hunger cravings

I think it's safe to say that too much sugar has a full scale effect on our health - mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual.