Have you heard the radio ads recently talking about the choice or organic food and food produced by "conventional farming"? Organic (that is, USDA Certified Organic) food is free from pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. Conventional farming methods employ the use of weed killers and bug spray on your food. (Yes, you read that correctly- bug spray.)
The concern about "conventional" foods is that the chemicals in them are categorized as endocrine disruptors. This means they interfere with hormone production and signaling, cause cellular damage, tumors, cognitive problems, ADD, and learning disabilities.
Hormone disruption for men means less testosterone. When it drops sex drive goes down, muscles gets smaller, and you get fat stores in the chest/pectorals. That's right guys- man boobs. For women, interference with estrogen balance leads to a list of symptoms: meunstral cramping, endometriosis, and breast cancer. There is also a strong link between xenoestrogens and thyroid problems.
The good news is that you have a high level of control over your exposure to these terribly damaging chemicals. Here is a list of common offenders and healthier options you don't have to go searching for:
Personal care products: lotions, shampoo, conditioners, facial cleansers, etc. that contain ANY kind of "parabens". Replace with Sense Products from USANA Health Sciences.
"Conventional" foods: produce with bug spray on it, meats injected with growth hormones, antibiotics, and who knows what else. Replace with organic produce and grass-fed (free range) meats.
What should you do if you are already hormone imbalanced and you suspect xenoestrogens? You may do well to perform an "Estrogen Detox". This is accomplished without much difficulty as your body is supported nutritionally to rid the offending chemicals and restore proper hormone balance. Many hormonally related symptoms simply disappear. My favorite is to use Estrium, a protein-based neutraceutical shake from Metagenics.
Want specific help? Visit me here to learn about working with me or call 253-858-2474 and we can easily set aside a few minutes just for you!
In health,
Dr. Christian Cohen
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, HEALTHY LIVES
