By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Men today face an uncomfortable fate that seems to be happening at younger and younger ages—at alarming rates.

Men’s testosterone levels have been declining for several decades. The average modern man has testosterone levels far below levels from even 50 years ago and most likely drastically lower than men hundreds of years ago.

While it is somewhat normal for testosterone levels to decline with age, there has been a generational drop, with every generation, since the 70’s or before. On average, our Gen Z men and millennials have significantly lower levels of testosterone when compared to their fathers and grandfathers—and probably farther back in the family tree.

Measuring testosterone levels in men only dates to the mid 20th century, and obtaining accurate measurement of testosterone in blood has only been possible since the development of radio immunoassay techniques in the 1960’s, otherwise, we would most certainly see a serious decline in testosterone going back several generations.

Average total testosterone level of a 60-year-old man in the late 80’s was approximately 17.5nmol/L or 504.32ng/dL, according to this 2007 study. However, a 60-year-old man in 2002 had an approximate total testosterone level of 432.28ng/dL. And this is 2023, with testosterone levels dropping even further. Based on this, average testosterone levels in men are declining by approximately 10-15% every year, but could be as high as a 25% drop in testosterone.

Research carried out on Finnish and Danish populations are showing similar trends. More recently, another large-scale study of Israeli men has shown average testosterone levels dropping between 2006 and 2019, by more than 10% across every age category.

This Finnish study also shows free testosterone levels declining, combined with higher levels of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), a substance that binds up free testosterone, making it unusable in the body.

What is the Difference Between Free Testosterone and Bound Testosterone?

Total testosterone levels include both bound and unbound portions of testosterone. These are calculated in a simple blood test that measures testosterone levels.

Total testosterone levels have been a primary indicator of men’s health and fertility for many years. But when measuring testosterone, it’s important to look at both bound and unbound levels of this hormone.

Free testosterone is considered “unbound testosterone” and can attach to receptors on any cell in the body. Free testosterone can freely execute functions such as regulate metabolism and execute cellular functions.

There are proteins in the body called Sex Hormone Binding Globulins. SHBG is made mostly in your liver. It binds (attaches) to testosterone. SHBG controls the amount of sex hormones that are actively working in your body. When testosterone is bound to SHBG, the body cannot access or utilize testosterone that is bound. Body tissues can only use free testosterone.

For various reasons, SHBG levels can be overly high, causing more bound testosterone that cannot be utilized. So even if testosterone levels are normal, a man can have symptoms of low T, if there is too much SHBG attached to testosterone. High levels of SHBG combined with normal T levels, also contribute to the low testosterone epidemic.

However, the problem is not just bound or unbound testosterone levels in men. Sperm counts are dropping, along with other reproductive disorders, like ED, impotence, and testicular and prostate cancer.

Testosterone is an important hormone. Testosterone is not only considered a man’s sex hormone—the thing that makes a man a man—but testosterone also has to do with a man’s overall health and wellness. Testosterone helps with mood, motivation, drive, a sense of wellbeing, hair growth, bone density, weight management, muscle size, and more.

Why are testosterone levels falling?

That’s a complicated question. The truth is, it’s not entirely clear, but it most likely boils down to a combination of factors that exist in the modern world. These things were not present in earlier times—or at least not to the degree that they are now in modern industrialized societies. So, it’s no surprise testosterone levels seem to be plummeting overall.

High Levels of Xenoestrogens Everywhere

It becomes more and more difficult to avoid encountering hormone-disrupting chemicals in our food and water supply, personal care products, cookware, sunscreens, lawn care products, household cleaners, and even pharmaceutical products.

Many of these chemical-based endocrine disrupters are dangerous because they mimic estrogen in the body. These synthetic estrogen-like compounds are called ‘xenoestrogens’. Xenoestrogens attach to estrogen receptors and amplify harmful effects of estrogen, causing natural hormones to go askew.

Xenoestrogens can contribute to unnatural early puberty, hormone imbalances, reduced testosterone and fertility, reproductive problems, and a higher risk of certain types of cancers. Xenoestrogens are also responsible for weight gain, erectile dysfunction, and ‘man boobs’.

Xenoestrogens cause an unnatural increase in estrogen in men, block the natural production of testosterone, and lower sperm count and decrease fertility.

Obviously, xenoestrogens sound like something people should avoid at all costs. But how do we avoid them when they are everywhere? It may be difficult to totally avoid them, but there are definite ways to reduce exposure to xenoestrogens. Let’s look at where xenoestrogens are found:

Xenoestrogens can be found in pesticides, plastics, fuels, foods, preservatives, and drugs. Many xenoestrogens are present in processed, packaged foods and conventionally grown produce—as either preservatives or pesticides.

There are also xenoestrogens in conventional dairy, meat, and eggs. Commercial dairy and egg farmers often feed estrogenic chemicals to dairy cows and chickens because it will increase production of their milk or eggs. This makes conventional dairy, eggs, and meat major sources of xenoestrogens. Growth hormones given to commercial livestock have estrogen-like qualities as well.

Plastics contain a lot of xenoestrogens, particularly in softer plastics like water bottles, soft drink containers, and storage containers. Worst of all are the plastic food containers that are used to heat up leftovers in the microwave. Microwaving sends a large dose of the xenoestrogens from the plastic into food.

High Cortisol and Testosterone

Life has become very competitive and very stressful. Jobs, money, family, climate change, pandemics, wars, and on and on. More people than ever are dealing with unprecedented levels of chronic stress today. While you probably already know that stress can impact moods, sleep, and immune function—it also can affect your testosterone levels as well.

High stress levels cause higher cortisol levels. According to research from University of Texas at Austin, chronically elevated cortisol levels will lower testosterone, increase the occurrence of impotence, and lower libido by inhibiting testosterone production in men.

Stress and cortisol can come from physical stress like exercise, or mental and emotional stress. Male athletes who are training hard tend to have lowered levels of testosterone as well. Athletes who overtrain, and don’t take enough time off for their bodies to recover, tend to have lower levels of testosterone than average. Reductions in testosterone at the low end of ‘clinically normal’ is generally true particularly with excessive endurance training.

The problem with stress and testosterone is that it can turn into a vicious cycle. Low testosterone levels lead to more stress, which raises cortisol and causes testosterone levels to drop even lower.

Researchers are still learning more about the direct physiological connection between stress and low testosterone. In addition to the physical response other side effects of stress like poor sleep, and low energy also contribute to lower testosterone levels.

Excess Alcohol

Men’s bodies contain three glands responsible for production of testosterone in men: The hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the testes. The hypothalamus releases a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which acts on the pituitary gland.

1. The pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
2. In response to circulating LH and FSH levels, your testes will begin to make more testosterone.

Alcohol disrupts testosterone production by interfering with the signals of all three glands. This results in the usual low testosterone symptoms: erectile dysfunction, infertility, and reduced male sexual characteristics. Alcohol also impairs the function of the testicular Sertoli cells that play an important role in sperm maturation.

Disruptions to these LH and FSH can lead a complete stoppage of sperm production. Studies have found that 50 percent of heavy drinkers had spermatogenic arrest compared to only 20 percent of men who were not heavy drinkers. They also found that men who drank heavily had significantly smaller testicles than men who don’t drink.

Alcohol is also a substance that can cause the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. When alcohol is consumed, alcohol stimulates an enzyme called aromatase, which initiates the process of converting testosterone into estrogen. So, testosterone levels decrease, and estrogen increases in response to drinking.

Overweight, Obesity and Testosterone

We all have body fat, but some of us have more than others. One of the biggest health issues in modern society is the prevalence of excess body fat and obesity. There are many reasons for this including, a poor diet high in carbohydrates and sugar, stress, lack of exercise, and sleep issues that can pile on the pounds.

Unfortunately, being a man and being overweight can cause free testosterone levels to drop drastically. There is a ton of evidence that shows obesity as being a primary factor in low testosterone levels. Obesity, in fact, is the number one most effective predictor of low testosterone in men—out of all possible risk factors.

The key reason is that fat cells contain aromatase. As with alcohol, aromatase converts testosterone and its ‘parent’ hormones into estrogen. What happens is this—when a man starts gaining extra fat, aromatase levels go up. This converts existing testosterone into estrogen. And by the way, abdominal fat contains the highest levels of aromatase.

Here’s an all-too-frequent-scenario of today’s modern man: Our modern guy is carrying around excess chronic stress from work, his home life, kids, and more. This causes him to have high cortisol levels which in turn begins to lower testosterone, and probably affects his sleep as well.

Cortisol also increases blood sugar and causes this guy to get the munchies and gain weight—especially around the midsection. Aromatase starts to increase.

To combat the excess stress, our guy goes out and throws back a couple pints every evening after work with his buddies, instead of heading to the gym to work out. The alcohol raises his cortisol levels and his aromatase levels. More testosterone is converted to estrogen and testosterone production also slows down. The excess alcohol, combined with the higher-than-normal cortisol levels begin to cause a ‘beer belly’ in our guy.

All these things increase aromatase, raising levels of estrogen, and lowering testosterone. Lower testosterone makes managing stress more difficult. In addition, low testosterone levels decrease muscle mass, instead of increasing it, meaning more body fat as well. Low T also means low motivation, so instead our guy feeling like he can ‘take on the world,’ he’d much rather sit on his couch with a cold one in his hand.

The result for our poor guy is a vicious cycle of low testosterone, high estrogen, low motivation, low energy, low libido, erectile dysfunction, ‘man boobs’, more body fat, loss of lean muscle tissue, along with irritability and depression. This is today’s man stuck in a downward spiral of stress, excess fat, and consuming too much alcohol and junk food. This happens every day, all the time, with too many men. No wonder average testosterone levels are way lower than the past!

Contrast that with a primitive man, who spent most of his day laboring or tracking animals. he was lean and muscular. Stress was short-lived, and not chronically present in his everyday life. Alcohol was not readily available, food was completely natural and void of excess sugars, and there were no processed vegetable oils and refined carbohydrates. And no xenoestrogens in his environment. This guy had plenty of testosterone, along with motivation, drive, high libido and energy.

How to Regain Control of Testosterone Levels

1. Cut out sugar, starches, carbs, and processed vegetable oils, and, if necessary, get a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to monitor blood sugar levels.
2. Eat REAL meat, especially grass-fed meat. Eat organic, grass fed dairy. Sorry vegans.
3. Cut way back on alcohol or quit all together. One drink per day should be maximum. Hint: sometimes it’s easier to quit totally then trying to reduce alcohol intake.
4. Remove or reduce xenoestrogens in your environment. Switch to natural, organic personal care products including shave cream, soaps, deodorant, shampoos, lotions, sunscreen, laundry soap, and cleaning products. Stop the cologne and body sprays. Avoid all plastic, especially if it is in contact with your food. Stop microwaving your food. Avoid other chemicals, solvents, and paints.
5. Get back to the gym! Lift heavy weights, sprint, and do intense exercise. Lifting weights and other intense exercise not only helps to increase testosterone levels but also burns fat, and increases lean muscle mass. Working out also decreases stress and cortisol.

As the article mentions testosterone is dropping at an alarming rate for men all over the world,  so if you’re a man over the age of 40, then pay attention…

If you’re a woman who loves her man, and is afraid of his increasing lack of masculinity, then please take a moment to read this very important message…

Today’s man, that’s you, is under attack from multiple angles – you’re being told that being a MAN is no longer allowed, and the foods and drinks you’re eating are slowly, and effectively stripping away your manhood, leaving you with…

An increasing amount of jiggly belly fat that will NOT go away, decreased sex-drive and E.D. problems, trouble sleeping, depression, lack of confidence, joint and muscle pain, risk of an early, and painful death…

…And just not feeling like a man anymore

But the good news is it’s NOT your fault – you’ve been lied to and deceived…

Click here to discover 1 simple trick, you can start doing today, to reclaim your manhood (more sex, less belly fat, more confidence, more strength, and…)

References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880087/
Ori Hofmekler, “The Anti-Estrogenic Diet, How Estrogenic Foods and Chemicals Are Making You Fat and Sick”, North Atlantic Books, 2007.
Joseph Mercola, “12 Food Additives to Remove from Your Diet’, Mercola.com,
July 14, 2009
Elizabeth Smith, MD, “Xenoestrogens interfere with Normal Hormones.” Endo101.com
https://ltmensclinic.com/how-stressful-times-can-impact-your-testosterone/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880087/
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-alcohol-affects-testosterone#effect-on-sperm
Fui MN, Dupuis P, Grossmann M. Lowered testosterone in male obesity: mechanisms, morbidity and management. Asian J Androl. 2014;16(2):223-231. doi:10.4103/1008-682X.122365
Corona G, Rastrelli G, Monami M, et al. Body weight loss reverts obesity-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Endocrinol. 2013;168(6):829-843. Published 2013 May 2. doi:10.1530/EJE-12-0955
Cabler S, Agarwal A, Flint M, du Plessis SS. Obesity: modern man’s fertility nemesis. Asian J Androl. 2010;12(4):480-489. doi:10.1038/aja.2010.38T
Saad F, Aversa A, Isidori AM, Gooren LJ. Testosterone as potential effective therapy in treatment of obesity in men with testosterone deficiency: a review. Curr Diabetes Rev. 2012;8(2):131-143. doi:10.2174/157339912799424573
Vingren JL, Kraemer WJ, Ratamess NA, Anderson JM, Volek JS, Maresh CM. Testosterone physiology in resistance exercise and training: the up-stream regulatory elements. Sports Med. 2010;40(12):1037-1053. doi:10.2165/11536910-000000000-00000
Grossmann M, Matsumoto AM. A Perspective on Middle-Aged and Older Men with Functional Hypogonadism: Focus on Holistic Management. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017;102(3):1067-1075. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-3580
https://www.everlywell.com/blog/testosterone/testosterone-weight-loss/
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/shbg-blood-test/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3955331/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323085#high-levels
https://www.medichecks.com/blogs/testosterone/why-do-gen-z-and-millennial-men-have-lower-testosterone

The post The Great Testosterone Reset appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at PaleoHacks, a leading publisher of daily health tips that I personally read every day.

By Casey Thaler, PaleoHacks.com

Coffee: since 54% of Americans over the age of 18 (1) drink this delicious beverage on a daily basis, some education on making coffee healthier is in order.

Unfortunately, a large majority of coffee drinkers are continually adding to their waistlines by drinking popular coffee store versions – which are typically loaded with tons of extra calories and sugar.

If consumed properly, coffee can actually aid in weight loss, so it makes sense to avoid the artificial creations made in stores. Or, if you still really need to get your coffee from a retail store, you can learn just how to make that cup work for you – instead of against you.

With 70% of the United States now overweight, and 30% obese (2), these simple coffee tricks could be the key factor in helping you shed those unwanted pounds. So read on to discover nine great (and easy) ways to make your coffee healthier!

1. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners And Refined Sugar

This trick may seem obvious, but you would be shocked to learn just how many popular versions of coffee are loaded with artificial sweeteners and refined sugar. For example, a chai tea latte (found at a popular coffee store that shall not be named) has 15 more grams of sugar than a Snickers bar does! Even less obvious versions of sweetened coffee may be packed with artificial sweeteners or extra sugar. A salted caramel mocha (again, found at an unnamed coffee chain) hits your bloodstream with a whopping 56 grams (!) of sugar. One daily unhealthy choice when it comes to coffee, and you can say hello to 5 or 10 extra pounds in a month or two.

To put this in perspective, the World Health Organization recommends that adults consume 25 grams (or less) of sugar per day. One daily unhealthy choice when it comes to coffee, and you can say hello to 5 or 10 extra pounds in a month or two. To give you another example, a typical Frappuccino can weigh in at 66 grams of sugar – yikes. Drinking coffee black is a simple way to avoid all of these issues, but I will also give you some extra delicious tips to help spice things up.

If you can’t go completely black with your coffee, try adding a small amount of stevia. While not 100% perfect, this choice is certainly better than consuming the artificial sweeteners and refined sugar which are usually found in most cups. Coconut sugar or organic maple syrup can also be used, but the real key here is adding a very small amount. Don’t go overboard!

2. Avoid Artificial Creamers

Almost as bad as artificial sweeteners, artificial creamers are packed with a wide array of things you don’t want to put in your body on a daily basis. What exactly do you want to avoid here? Well, a large assortment of artificial creamers are made with corn syrup solids and hydrogenated oils (trans fats). Major yikes.

You can improve your coffee by adding real cream. This means organic and grass-fed. Cream like this can be purchased at all major health food stores, and will give you the health benefits of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). There is also usually a nice amount of vitamin K2 present in full-fat cream. This is important because adequate intake of vitamin K2 has been linked with lower rates of cancer and heart disease. Full-fat cream has even been linked to more successful weight loss.

3. Use Filtered Water and Organic Beans

Coffee is 99% water. While this may seem obvious, we often don’t take into account the quality of that water when brewing a morning cup. Start with the highest quality ingredients, and you will ensure that best coffee possible. This goes for the beans, too. Always opt for organic, and spend the extra dollars if you have to. Coffee is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world, pesticide-wise, so you really don’t want to go with beans of dubious quality.

4. Add Cinnamon to Coffee

Want to add even more antioxidants to your coffee and control your blood sugar? I thought so. How exactly does one do that? It’s simple: just add a pinch of cinnamon to your cup! Interestingly, cinnamon has a fairly long history of use as both a spice and a medicine. While it can be used at any time of year, it no doubt tastes best during the cold, winter months.

And cinnamon itself has been linked with numerous health benefits. One of the most important is lower blood glucose levels after a meal. And in those with type 2 diabetes, cinnamon has been linked to lower serum glucose levels and an improved lipid profile.

5. Eat Before You Drink Coffee

While many of us start the day with a big cup of coffee, you actually may be lowering your energy levels by doing this. How is this possible? Well, quite simply, your body releases insulin in response to the caffeine found within coffee. This, in turn, causes a major drop in blood sugar, which leaves you feeling depleted and tired. Not a great way to start your day. Munch on a small snack during your morning cup, or even eat right before you drink. Your body will thank you for it.

6. Add Collagen to Coffee

Collagen is prevalent in a well-crafted bone broth, but it also makes a fine addition to coffee. Rich in the amino acid glycine, collagen has also been scientifically studied to help reduce joint pain.  Collagen also helps inflammation stay within an appropriate range, and aids in healthy tissue repair.

7. Add Grass-fed Butter to Coffee

The popularity of the Bulletproof Diet is undeniable. But what started the craze was the world-famous Bulletproof Coffee. By simply adding grass-fed butter to black coffee, you will get a nice brain-boosting buzz — as well as all the health benefits of grass-fed butter. Try blending the coffee with a handheld blender or latte frother if you are stuck with globs of butter on top of your coffee.

8. Add Coconut Oil to Coffee

Similar to adding grass-fed butter, coconut oil is loaded with healthy fats, specifically medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These MCTs have been linked to improved weight loss in multiple scientific studies. When it comes to brain health, coconut oil may also be largely beneficial. Some studies have examined the potential links between reduction in Alzheimer’s disease rates and daily ingestion of coconut oil.

One UCLA study even famously reversed some symptoms of Alzheimer’s. What was the methodology used? A Paleo diet and lifestyle! Since a typical Paleo diet includes coconut oil, it is wise to add a little bit of this fat to your morning coffee. I personally love the taste of coconut oil in coffee, even though I am typically not a coffee drinker. Yum!

9. Add Cocoa to Coffee

Love hot chocolate? Most of us have delightful memories of consuming this sugary delight in the cold months of winter. But worry not, because you can add some organic, unsweetened cocoa to your coffee, and bring back those warm memories! Cocoa has numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and a lower risk of cancer. Remember, don’t go overboard here. A small teaspoon is more than enough!

Bonus Coffee Tip: Try Brewed Chocolate Or Herbal Coffee

If you are looking for a true alternative to coffee, Choffy is a great one. With a taste richer than hot chocolate, and a brewing experience similar to coffee, this is a great way to lower your caffeine intake. I actually drink Choffy on a fairly regular basis, and don’t worry — Choffy is even Whole30 approved! 

Teeccino is another great alternative to regular coffee, as it is herbal and caffeine-free. I often recommend that clients lower their caffeine intake by slowing blending their coffee with increasingly large amounts of Teeccino. They hardly notice the difference by the time they are completely off of caffeine! Truly incredible stuff.

The Bottom Line

Remember, coffee from popular chains can be loaded with hidden sugars and many other artificial ingredients. Going with black coffee, or making your own, is a much healthier choice. Be sure to use filtered water and organic beans for homemade coffee. If you need a little more spice, try adding grass-fed butter, coconut oil, cinnamon, cocoa or collagen. Remember, healthier coffee doesn’t have to be boring. You can still get your morning caffeine fix – just do it in a more Paleo-friendly way!

— Casey Thaler
(The original article source is here)

The Death of Black Coffee:

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The post 9 Easy Ways To Make Your Coffee Healthier appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Many years ago, I had to call an exterminator to rid our home of some pesky flying ‘wood roaches’ that lived in the trees outside our Midwest home. These guys would get inside and fly around and I wasn’t too keen on that.

I had young children at home at the time, though, and didn’t want to expose them to any toxic pesticides sprayed around the house. I contacted the exterminator and he told me he would spray my house with a type of spray that contained ‘pyrethrins’. He assured me that the pyrethrin spray was completely natural and derived from chrysanthemums, perfectly safe and I had nothing to fear.

Well that wasn’t completely true. Yes, ‘pyrethroids’ as they are officially classified are considered safer than the stronger and scarier organophosphates (think Agent Orange) which originated as nerve agents during WW2. Those powerful toxins were banned by the EPA and have mostly been replaced with pyrethroid-type insecticides.

A specific group of bug-killers, pyrethroids and pyrethrins, have been soaring in popularity in recent years and now account for more than a quarter of the global market. Pyrethrum is the crude material that does come from chyrsanthemums, but the pyrethrins used in most pesticides are actually synthetic. Synthetic pyrethrins used in insecticide actually create a stronger response in the insect and kill it faster than natural pyrethrins. These chemicals act upon insect’s nervous systems, first making them extra active, then incapacitating them.

These pyrethroid insecticides are widely used, being sprinkled onto lawns, sprayed all over in community-wide mosquito elimination, sudsed onto dogs and cats as flea shampoo, and sprayed around the house to get rid of offending spiders, flying insects and cockroaches. These toxins are sometimes even used in human hair lice treatments, or in spray on bug repellents. The lovely green yards of suburbia are doused in it, as are our golf courses, nurseries and food crops.

Want to hear something shocking? Back in 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), found pyrethroids and pyrethrins in over 3,500 commercial products, and that doesn’t take into account the many ‘unofficial’ pesticides that often get used as well.

A recent study from the University of California shows that more and more of these pesticides are being used. Urinary samples were taken from both adults and children from 90 families, and over two-thirds of these people showed pyrethroid-related substances in their urine.

And this study from JAMA is even more alarming–2116 adults from the United States were observed over a 14-year period. This group been exposed to pyrethroid insecticides (according to urine testing), and it was found that this group had a much higher risk of death from all causes, especially cardiovascular disease. Environmental exposure to pyrethroid insecticides appears to be associated with a three times higher rate of cardiovascular disease and a 56% higher rate of early death. Astounding!

So, basically the so-called ‘safe’ insecticide that is virtually everywhere, is causing higher rates of death for those who have higher exposures. The unfortunate thing is that it’s hard to escape. Your office may be regularly sprayed for insects, as are hotels, airports, restaurants, and other public places. Your children’s school may be sprayed with it. Your food may be contaminated with it. And children and breast feeding mothers are the most vulnerable risk groups, as pyrethroids are most likely to be present in breast milk and, consequently, breastfeeding may be the starting point of their accumulation in the tissue of babies and young children.

What are the obvious effects of pyrethroids? When inhaled they cause coughing wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, and even chest pain. The skin reacts to pyrethroids by breaking out in rashes, itching or blistering.

Long term effects of pyrethroids disrupt the endocrine system and are considered a xenoestrogen, which mimics the female hormone estrogen. In women this causes excessive estrogen hormone buildup which can increase rates of breast cancer, as well as endometrial cancers. In men, it has feminizing effects, lowering testosterone, lowering sperm counts and causing ‘manboobs’.

Pyrethrin is considered a known carcinogen, and there is even evidence to show it harms thyroid gland and damages the liver. It is also considered a neurotoxin that can cause tremors, in-coordination, aggressive behavior and learning disabilities. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that pyrethroids are connected to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

A safe insecticide? Not hardly.

Be aware of innocuous bug spraying. Object to the blanket spraying for mosquitos in neighborhoods, avoid insect repellents or use natural alternatives. You can reduce your exposure to pyrethroids by being aware and choosing natural alternatives whenever possible. And remember that children and breast feeding mothers are most at risk. It’s not that important to have the prettiest yard in the neighborhood if it’s toxic and deadly. Squash that bug with your shoe or use essential oils around the house to repel bugs.

The Environmental Working Group has guides for natural bug sprays and other insecticides. Bugs are not our enemy, toxic pesticides are!

References
https://chriskresser.com/environmental-toxins-steps-for-decreasing-exposure-and-increasing-detoxification/
https://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents?utm_campaign=Chris%20Kresser&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=81931098&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_sH4hc-u2puQYm3AUGtqw5bGRwLcwIt6ivTRYsHZoARyGzFi6HQ-bDBO68GPbSuGgnO3xzkRsecakq35mVerDYAsLKqg&_hsmi=81956282
http://www.anapsid.org/pyrethroids.html
https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/19/5423480/popular-poison-pyrethroid-health-risks.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2757789?utm_campaign=Chris%20Kresser&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=81931098&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_sH4hc-u2puQYm3AUGtqw5bGRwLcwIt6ivTRYsHZoARyGzFi6HQ-bDBO68GPbSuGgnO3xzkRsecakq35mVerDYAsLKqg&_hsmi=81956282

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by Catherine Ebeling & Mike Geary
co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging &

Surrounded by a sea of plastic and hormone-disrupting chemicals that includes plastic water bottles, plastic soda bottles, plastic bags, plastic food containers, soaps, shampoos, food packaging and pans treated with nonstick coatings, studies are showing definite connections between plastic compounds and serious diseases like diabetes and obesity. Not only that, but more and more evidence is also pointing to other serious health issues such as infertility, hormone-related reproductive cancers, neurological issues and other disorders.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s) also referred to as “Xenoestrogens” or synthetic estrogens, cause serious health problems because they mimic estrogen among other hormones. By hijacking important chemical messengers in the body, EDC’s actually can change the way cells develop and grow. These chemicals are showing up in men, women, breastfeeding mothers and babies.

Xenoestrogens actually amplify the effect of estrogen in the body. These toxic hormones actually can build up over time, creating an overload of estrogen. Individuals with any kind of estrogen dominance health condition (such as breast or ovarian cancer) should be especially careful to avoid xenoestrogens. And this is especially harmful to men.

Xenoestrogens have been linked to feminization in men (man boobs, loss of testosterone, low sperm counts, etc.), infertility, and unnaturally early puberty in girls. This buildup of synthetic female hormones increases the risk of reproductive cancer as well.

Exposure of lab species and wild animals to xenoestrogens has been found to cause abnormalities in the reproductive systems of these animals. Xenoestrogens bind to estrogen receptors in both animals and humans including: reproductive tissue, body fat, the hypothalamus, and pituitary glands. And, studies in mice show that xenoestrogens can cause progressive degeneration of testicular tissue and sexual dysfunction in both sexes.

According to Andrea C. Gore, Professor of Pharmacology at University of Texas, and chair of a task force on hormone disrupting chemicals, “The evidence is more definitive than ever—EDC’s disrupt hormones in a manner that harms human health. Hundreds of studies are pointing to the same conclusion…You may have a healthy meal, but if it’s in a plastic container [or cooked in a nonstick pan], it’s leaching chemicals.”

Based on information from over 1,300 studies, there is strong evidence to show a link between common hormone disrupting chemicals and serious health issues such as:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Infertility/Impotence
• Hormone-sensitive cancers in women (breast, endometrial, ovarian)
• Prostate cancer
• Thyroid problems
• Poor brain development and brain function in young children
• Feminization in men: low sperm count, breast development

While there are about 85,000 chemicals known to be in use, it is not known for sure how many of these chemicals actually disrupt hormones, but at least 1,000 are known human toxins.

Some of the known EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA) found in food can linings, cash register receipts; phthalates found in plastics and cosmetics; flame retardant chemicals and various pesticides. The chemicals are so common that nearly every person on Earth has been exposed to at least one or more of these.

And a mother’s exposure to even tiny amounts of EDCs during her pregnancy can trigger obesity in her child. These EDCs can target cells in the pancreas, the liver and the fat cells in the body, leading the way for insulin resistance, and high insulin levels which are direct risk factors for the development of Type 2 diabetes.

When looking at just one of these endocrine disrupting chemicals, it was found that having higher BPA levels was associated with a diabetes rate 50% higher than having lower levels of this harmful chemical!

Two other chemicals, di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) and di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), both known as ‘phthalates’, used in plastic food wrap, soaps, cosmetics and food containers have been directly linked to insulin resistance and diabetes in children and adolescents, as well as high blood pressure.

• These chemicals are not the only offenders. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and xenoestrogens also include:
• Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S, which are used in some plastics, metal food cans, and cash register receipts
• Phthalates, a class of chemicals that are used to soften plastic and also used in some perfumes, soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics
• Some pesticides, like DDT
• Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical

These chemicals can act at very low doses.

EDC’s, which include xenoestrogens, can be found in pesticides, plastics, fuels, personal care products preservatives and drugs. Below is a partial list of some of the EDC’s we come into contact with on a daily basis:

• alkylphenols (chemicals used in the manufacture of other chemicals)
• atrazine (a common household weed killer)
• 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (sunscreen lotions)
• 4-hexylresorcinol (color preservative for shrimp and shellfish).
• butylated hydroxyanisole / BHA (a very common food preservative)
• bisphenol A (used in plastics including food containers and water bottles)
• DDT (insecticide)
• erythrosine / FD&C Red No. 3 (food coloring)
• ethinylestradiol (oral contraceptive pill)
• heptachlor (insecticide)
• nonylphenol and derivatives (surfactants, cleansers, emulsifiers for detergents; pesticides)
• pentachlorophenol (wood preservative)
• polychlorinated biphenyls / PCBs (oils, lubricants, adhesives, paints)
• parabens (skin lotions)
• phenosulfothiazine (red dye)
• phthalates (plasticizers)
• DEHP (plasticizer for PVC/polyvinyl chloride used in pipes and many other applications)
• Propyl gallate (used to protect oils and fats in foods from oxidation)

Many of the EDC’s listed above are contained in processed, packaged foods and in conventionally-grown, non-organic produce as either preservatives and/or pesticides.

Another group of xenoestrogens is found in commercially-raised dairy, meat and eggs. Commercial dairy and egg farmers often feed estrogenic chemicals to milk cows and chickens because it will increase production of milk and eggs. Commercially-raised meat and dairy get a double dose of xenoestrogens from the pesticides they ingest in their feed source as well. This alone makes commercial dairy, eggs and meat major sources of xenoestrogens.

Yes, this list can be mind-boggling and overwhelming. So what are the TOP TEN endocrine disrupting items to avoid? Let’s take a look at this list Dr. Joseph Mercola recently published:

1. Pthlatates in personal care products
2. Tap water AND individual plastic water bottles
3. Canned foods
4. Conventionally grown produce
5. Conventionally raised meat, poultry and dairy
6. Fish containing mercury
7. Kitchen products—nonstick cookware, plastic storage containers
8. Cleaning products
9. Office products—printer’s ink and toner
10. Cash register receipts

Yes, we are surrounded by these chemicals in every aspect of our lives, and they are hard to avoid. Here are some ways to minimize your exposure EDC’s and xenoestrogens:

• Avoid all synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides by eating organic whenever possible, especially the “dirty dozen*” of the highest sprayed produce.
• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides outdoors, especially on your lawn.
• Avoid all plastic containers, especially individual sized water bottles, and plastic food containers. Do not store hot food in plastic. Use glass whenever possible.
• Avoid microwaving in plastic and avoid using plastic wrap.
• Avoid using nail polish, avoid acrylic nails and nail polish remover
• Avoid lotions, hair products and cosmetics that are not “all-natural”. Especially avoid products containing parabens. Unfortunately, the more inexpensive brands usually have the most toxic ingredients.

• Eat only organic, grass fed meats and wild caught fatty fish as much as possible. Consume only organic dairy products.
• Use organic, natural soaps and toothpastes.
• Use natural household cleaners.
• Use only naturally based perfume or essential oils. Most commercial perfumes are full of petrochemicals and preservatives containing xenoestrogens.
• Use naturally based, non-petroleum based laundry detergents and dish detergents.

A healthy diet rich in certain foods is also a key way to avoid and combat these estrogenic compounds in our environment. Specific components of these foods help to block uptake and absorption of xenoestrogens as well and cleanse the body of any excess that may be stored. Eating a whole foods based diet, high in plant-based organic foods will help to keep your system clean. Follow a Paleo-style, unprocessed foods diet, like the Fat Burning Kitchen diet will also help you avoid these dangerous chemicals.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, radishes, turnips, and cabbage are estrogen inhibiting and prevent these artificial hormones from being absorbed into our system. Onions and garlic contain quercetin that is also anti-estrogenic, immune enhancing and detoxifying.

Omega 3 fats such as those in grass fed meats and wild caught fatty fish are also essential as a safeguard against xenoestrogens. Omega 3 fats have been found to be highly beneficial in estrogen balance and metabolism.

Other helpful foods included green tea, citrus fruits, organic (full fat) dairy such as grass fed butter and raw grass fed cheeses, raw nuts and seeds, avocados and organic virgin olive oil. Eating organic greens, herbs and organic fruit also adds to the antioxidant potential in the body further protecting and enhancing the body’s natural balance.

Protecting your body from these harmful chemicals is of the upmost importance, we cannot forget the importance of hydration for the body.

While science has proven drinking water regularly can help you lose weight…

You’ll need to drink at least 2 liters of water everyday for 3-6 months to see a difference.

Talk about endless trips to the toilet!

Not to mention, you’ll also need to follow a restrictive diet.

Thankfully, that’s all about to change.

Researchers at the University College of London discovered that when you add two tablespoons of this fat-burning “soda powder” to a glass of water…

Your body can flush out fat up to 720% faster!

Without having to wait 3-6 months to see any changes…

Thousands of people are losing up to 20 lbs of fat within just 2 weeks without following any

particular diet or exercise program.

You may find it hard to believe, but you can click the link below to see the shocking proof:

Add two tablespoons of this “soda powder” with water to shed up to 20 lbs of stubborn fat in weeks.

*The Environmental Working Group publishes yearly a “Dirty Dozen “list of top endocrine disrupters, and a “Dirty Dozen” list of the produce with the highest pesticides and preservatives. The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database lists brands that are free of most must-avoid ingredients and Care2 has compiled a list of non-toxic nail polishes. PETA also features a comprehensive index of beauty brands that do not test on animals.

Sources:

The Endocrine Society. “Chemical exposure linked to rising diabetes, obesity risk: Endocrine Society releases scientific statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 28 September 2015. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150928124400.htm.

Ori Hofmekler, “The Anti-Estrogenic Diet, How Estrogenic Foods and Chemicals Are Making You Fat And Sick”, North Atlantic Books, 2007.

Joseph Mercola, “10 Common Sources of Endocrine Disrupters and How to Avoid Them”, July 2015. Mercola.com

Joseph Mercola, “12 Food Additives to Remove From Your Diet’,
July 2009. Mercola.com

Quinn Phillips, Diabetes from Plastic?, November 8, 2011. Diabetes Self Management. Diabetesselfmanagement.com.

Chemical Exposure linked to Rising Diabetes Risk, Science Daily, September 2015.

Elizabeth Smith, MD, “Xenoestrogens interfere with Normal Hormones.” Endo101.com

News-Medical.net, Chemicals used in plastics linked to increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes in children and adolescents. July 9, 2015.

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