In previous issues of this newsletter we’ve written about the dangers of foods and chemicals that create xenoestrogens (estrogen mimickers) within the body.The surplus of estrogen, in men and women, can lead to numerous cancers, infertility, diabetes, excess fat, poor muscle repair and even psychological issues.Worryingly, scientist have identified yet another set of hormone disruptors called ‘obesogens’.
Whilst a poor diet and lack of exercise are the leading causes of our obesity epidemic, it appears that these obesogens are also contributing. They promote fat storage by activating the glucocorticoid receptor, which causes cellular insulin resistance. In other words, your body handles calories differently and stores fat faster.To make matters worse, these chemicals set up camp in your fat cells and refuse to leave. At least until you lose a significant amount fat.Unfortunately though, that then releases these obesognes back into the blood stream which starts the whole fat-gaining process again.
Obesogens are created from the hundreds of different chemicals we come into contact with numerous times each and every day.
They’re in the air we breathe, the foods we eat, the clothes we wear and the items we touch. So how can we reduce our exposure? Short of living like a cave-man, there are a number of steps you can take.
- Remove your shoes when you come in the door so you don’t track pesticides into your house,
- clean and dust surfaces and floors often,
- avoid air fresheners, fabric softeners, and personal care products that contain phthalates,
- don’t buy non-stick cookware (choose cast iron or stainless steel),
- don’t store food in plastic containers (use glass instead),
- avoid eating foods that come wrapped in plastic,
- try to buy organic food (many fungicides and insecticides are obesogens),
- don’t buy toys made with phthalates,
- avoid stain and water-protecting treatments on furniture and carpets.
Lastly, work up a sweat as often as possible as this helps rid the body of any recently acquired obesogens that have yet to establish residence in fat cells.