Hormones are directly impacted by technology exposure.
Ever heard the term ‘Tech Diet’? It is the diet consumed to counter the negative effects of exposure to technology, especially on hormonal health.
Incidences of anxiety, depression, body image disturbance and internet addiction are some of the related mental and emotional conditions associated with high radiation due to technology device exposure.
Dr. Shimi Kang, a former Medical Director for Child and Youth Mental Health and a celebrity speaker emphasizes the complexities of brain reactions triggered by exposure to digital devices. She emphasizes that the following hormones directly get impacted by technology exposure and a replenishing diet that counters the detrimental effects of technology on these hormones must be consumed if you are a technology addict.
Adrenaline: A hormone related to the fight or flight response, this hormone’s response may get triggered when a social media post is liked or reshared. High adrenaline ups and downs can interfere with other hormonal activity in the body. Consuming foods such as legumes, whole grains and oranges can help balance adrenaline.
Dopamine: A neuro chemical responsible for triggering pleasure response in the body, dopamine is released to trigger a desire for instant gratification. Social media or other technology platforms that give us the drive for instant gratification directly impact dopamine. Foods such as blueberries, sweet potatoes, broccoli and raw chocolate help balance dopamine.
Serotonin: Released in moments of creativity on social media, serotonin can trigger when one is appreciated on social media. Foods that regulate serotonin include pineapple, spinach and nuts.
Endorphins: Endorphins are best released when we exercise and are known to induce feelings of gratefulness, calmness and belonging. Endorphins also act like painkillers in the body. On social media, endorphins can be released as an outcome of instant growth. Food to regulate endorphins include grapes, strawberries and yogurt.
Cortisol: Also known as the stress hormone, cortisol on social media may get triggered due to any stressful or unpleasant experience. Foods that calm cortisol production include pears, bananas and cherries.
Oxytocin: Hormone released when you feel a sense of connection such as may be a new friendship budding on social media. Oxytocin regulating foods include potatoes, sesame seeds, quinoa and pumpkin seeds.