Endocrine Disruptors and How They Influence Body Weight

The world in which we live in today is increasingly being bombarded by chemicals and synthetics of all types. Growth hormone use in animal husbandry has provided for overly fattened livestock that is ready for slaughter and the marketplace in record time.

Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides have increased the yields and supposed quality of fruits and vegetables grown on huge agribusiness farms. Use of these chemicals has given us beautiful lawns, flowers and shrubbery to adorn our houses. Super cleaning products and aids have made us more efficient in cleaning our homes, cars and the environment.

Preservatives have significantly extended the shelf life of many foods and beverages that we consume. Additives and processing aids have increased the flavor and taste of foods and beverages. Chemicals have allowed us to be able to create many products without having to rely on Mother Nature's involvement.

Detergents and fabric softeners get our clothes cleaner while making them softer and smelling fresher. Fragrant body soaps, deodorants, lotions, perfumes, colognes and hair products allow us to be clean and well groomed while moisturizing our skin and increasing our sex appeal by making us smell good.

When we get sick or when that annoying ache or pain happens, we can go to the drugstore and get one of the numerous over the counter or pharmaceutical chemical concoctions that will rid us of what ails us. Birth control pills help women to avoid unwanted pregnancies. The list goes on and on regarding the environmental chemicals and toxins that we come in contact with every day.

What we have failed to realize is that these environmental chemicals are a big part of the reason that obesity, chronic and life threatening diseases are on the rise.

Pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and many other environmental chemicals that we are exposed to daily have the ability to act like naturally produced hormones within our bodies. They damage the glands while altering the function and activities of the hormones of our endocrine system. Collectively, these environmental chemicals and toxins are known as ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS. They block, mimic, and / or disrupt the normal function of the endocrine system. These endocrine disruptors have been found in the foods and beverages that we consume as well as being found extensively throughout the environment that we live, work, and play in. Many of these toxic compounds have also been identified as carcinogens which is substantiated by the increased incidence of certain types of cancers. Endocrine disruptors are well known and they are widely discussed within the medical profession.

When certain glands become unhealthy, the hormones that they produce become damaged or altered. When this happens, muscles that give your body tone and shape can shrink which makes the muscle weak and flaccid. In the process of muscle breakdown, the protein is converted into sugar which can become fat that is deposited and stored around the midsection. The otherwise toned body becomes flabby, stressed, and weak. The body takes on one of the four (liver, adrenal, thyroid, ovary) altered body shapes that are indicative of problems within the endocrine system.

The proof is overwhelming as statistics confirm an obesity epidemic and related health issues where these endocrine disruptors are found. Girls are starting their menstrual cycles at younger and younger ages. Boys and men are developing breasts. Birth defects have increased. The incidence of cancer and other health anomalies are all on the rise as a result of our exposure to these harmful chemicals. Similar findings in animals that are exposed to these environmental toxins further substantiates the harmful effects of endocrine disruptors.

Weight loss and successful long-term weight management cannot happen when there are internal problems and issues with the glands and hormones of the endocrine system. What you see on the outside is a reflection of what is going on inside. Being obese or carrying excessive body weight is a sign of an UNHEALTHY endocrine system! The desire to lose weight must first focus on restoring these important glands and hormones back to a healthier state of being.

Limiting exposure to these harmful toxins is key to maintaining healthy endocrine glands and hormones. Combined with eating the right foods, repair of the endocrine system is possible. A healthy endocrine system facilitates achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight. When these glands and hormones are not compromised weight loss can happen naturally.