If you are struggling to stop gaining weight, obesogens may be partly to blame.
Biologist Bruce Blumberg of UC Irvine coined this term to describe chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors. Although most endocrine disruptors are chemical, some are found in natural substances. Even the American Medical Association acknowledges the link between gaining weight and these chemicals.
A broader definition describes obesogens as any substance that inappropriately affects the balance of fats and how fats are stored in your body.
They affect your metabolism and your energy and promote additional fat gain by increasing your appetite for more food.
Xenoestrogens are estrogen mimicking chemical obesogens that have been making headlines because of their health effects. They cause cancer and may be connected to thyroid disease and weight gain.
One reason you add pounds is to provide a safe place to store toxins. In its wisdom, your body does this by increasing fat production and holding onto its fat. Otherwise, toxins can cause illness or even death.
Research shows that estrogen disruptors can alter your genes. Babies in the womb are vulnerable to developing too many fat cells when their mothers are exposed to them. Umbilical cords of newborns reveal hundreds of chemicals.
Obesogens are found in thousands of products. One example is Bispenol A (BPA) found in #3 and #7 plastics. BPA disrupts the endocrine system and hormone signalling. Some savvy manufacturers now replaced BPA with the equally toxic BPS in flexible plastic products.
These chemicals are also in medications, cooking utensils, food storage containers, household cleaning supplies and personal care products including shampoos and cosmetics. They are in our water supply thanks to herbicide and pesticide runoff as well as excreted medications like birth control pills.
Obesogens are added to processed foods and are found in fattening foods fed to animals being raised for food. What they eat, you eat.
That new car smell? It comes from a variety of chemicals including phthalates. This plastic softener is found in many products including shrink wrap, vinyl shower curtains, floors, vinyl dashboards and car seats. It is in fragrance products, air fresheners and dryer sheets. Because phthalates may lower testosterone and metabolism you can lose muscle and gain fat.
In our modern world it is impossible to totally avoid obesogens. The trick to limiting your exposure to these toxins is to choose natural products as much as possible.
Jack LaLane was known to say, If God didn't make it, don't eat it. Apply this truism as well to what you drink, breathe, and put on your body.
Choose safe food and drink ware.
Filter your water with a high-quality activated-carbon water filter before drinking to remove chemicals.
Use a BPA-free reusable water bottle. Only drink from a No. 2 or 4 plastic cup. Better yet, use glass or stainless steel instead.
Be aware that plastic contains other chemicals besides BPA.
Cook and store foods safely.
Use non-toxic cleaning and personal care products.
It is almost impossible to avoid exposure to obesogens. These chemicals are just about everywhere. However, you can greatly reduce your intake by following the above tips. Limiting obesogens is important for losing weight and protecting your health.
For Educational Purposes Only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult with your health provider before using natural remedies and/or complementary therapies if you are pregnant, nursing, or you are being treated for a medical condition. Be aware that certain herbs and supplements interact with medications.
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