Be aware of 10 side effects of common foods
[Introduction] Besides weight gain, I rarely think that food could cause any other complications or side effects. Aren't side effects something only associated with drugs or medical treatments? However, the foods we eat every day also affect our health.
Among these side effects, some are very serious, some are unsettling, and some can be extremely embarrassing.
Here are 10 side effects caused by common foods:
1. Body Odor
Research has found that red meat can have an adverse effect on body odor.
2. Acne
High saturated and trans fatty acids can increase subcutaneous fat, which can stimulate acne. Scientists also point out that drinking milk frequently can lead to a high incidence of acne.
3. Allergies
Allergies are the number one side effect of food. Theoretically, any food can cause an allergic reaction. But in fact, 90% of allergic reactions are caused by the following 8 types of food: milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts (including Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds, and pecans), fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat.
4. Candidiasis (also known as yeast infection)
An overgrowth of normal yeast in the body leads to a yeast infection, and food achieves this by affecting the body's yeast levels (food provides nutrition for yeast). Foods that may lead to yeast infections include: sugar, vinegar, refined carbohydrates, baking powder, and foods rich in yeast.
5. Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Many foods can cause heartburn. Some foods can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (a muscle that allows food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach), which can lead to higher levels of stomach acid in some situations. The above situation greatly increases the chances of acid reflux. The most common foods that trigger heartburn are citrus fruits, fried and fatty foods, vinegar, tomatoes, and chocolate.
6. High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
Animal foods contain relatively high levels of cholesterol. Consuming these foods can increase the cholesterol level in human blood, increasing the risk of heart disease. Related foods include: brains, internal organs (liver, kidney, spleen), and eggs of cattle, pigs, and sheep.
7. Kidney Stones
High animal protein and low fiber can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Some studies suggest that calcium intake in the diet should be increased, while the intake of salt and animal protein should be reduced, and foods rich in oxalic acid should be reduced, such as spinach, cocoa, nuts, chili, and tea. Oxalic acid combines with calcium to form calcium oxalate, which cannot be absorbed by the body and is excreted in feces.
8. Cognitive Impairment and Memory Decline
A study conducted by the medical center at Rush University in Chicago pointed out that, especially for some elderly people, if their food intake contains too much copper, it will slow down their learning and thinking abilities and cause a rapid decline in memory.
9. Edema
High-salt, high-sugar, and high-sodium foods can cause edema. The body needs a certain concentration of salt to maintain the balance of the internal environment, but excessive salt intake will increase the salt concentration in the body. In order to dilute the excessively high salt concentration, the body will retain a large amount of water, leading to edema.
10. (Migraine) Headaches
Foods can trigger not only migraines but also tension-type headaches—a feeling like wearing a "tight band" around the head, causing pain throughout the entire head. They cause headaches by affecting chemicals in the brain or by chemically altering the size of blood vessels. Some people may experience more blood flowing to their heads due to high levels of the amino acid tyramine and phenylethylamine in food, leading to headaches. Common foods that may cause headaches include: aged cheese, beer, red wine, chocolate, and foods containing nitrites (such as smoked or preserved meat products).