Obesogens. They are endocrine disruptors and they are natural and man-made chemicals that alter the regulatory system that controls your weight. Obesogens increase the amount of fat cells you have while at the same time decreasing the amount of calories you burn. In addition, they change the way your body manages hunger.
New research studies are being conducted on the effects of obesogens on the body. To understand what obesogens are and how they are making people fat, you first need to know how these chemicals work.
Obesogens interfere with the body’s natural hormones. Hormones are responsible for just about every function in the body, including metabolism and fat burning. Obesogens disrupt hormones by either copying their natural action or by preventing them from functioning properly.
When Obesogens mimic hormones, it can cause an influx of reactions as the body tries to compensate for too much hormone. When Obesogens block hormones form functioning properly, those hormones cannot do their job, which in turn affects systems in the body. Again, this includes metabolism and fat burning.
These chemicals cause the body to store more fat. What’s worse, they can actually alter cells in the body, reprogramming them to become fat cells. Some obesogens interfere with the production of leptin and prevent it from being released into the body. Leptin is the hormone that send the signal to your body that you are full. Without it, you are likely to overeat.
Obesogens can make the liver become resistant to insulin. When this happens, the pancreas go into overdrive trying to produce more insulin. The excess amount of insulin in the body results in energy being converted to fat.
Wonder where these hormone disruptors are hiding? Unfortunately, they are everywhere.
Foods
If you’re not eating fresh, whole foods, you’re probably consuming obesogens every day. These hormone-disrupting chemicals can be found in just about every grocery store aisle, thanks to high fructose corn syrup. As you know, this artificial sweetener can be found in everything from drinks and snack foods to breads and condiments. High fructose corn syrup, one of the main sources of Obesogens, is so sweet that it interferes with insulin levels and hunger levels.
This is what happens…..
-Obesogens make the liver resistant to insulin
-The pancreas start making more insulin
-Hunger increases and you eat more
-The excess insulin turns all that extra food into fat
Tap Water
Pesticides affect a lot more than just the insects they are designed to control. These powerful chemicals seep deep down into the soil and remain there for years. As they accumulate, they find their way into our faucets and show up in our drinking water. The main obesogen in tap water is called atrazine. It is a pesticide that is banned in Europe but not in the United States. Atrazine slows thyroid hormone metabolism. Another source for obesogens found in your faucets is called tributylin. This fungicide is used to paint the bottom of boats to prevent fungus growth. When ingested, it stimulates the production of fat cells.
Water Bottles and Cans
Bisphenol-A (BPA) has been shown to increase insulin resistance in animal studies and is most commonly found in the lining of cans and sports water bottles. BPA is a synthetic estrogen that is used to harden plastics. Even though it has been banned from some plastics, such as baby bottles, it is still present in many others.
Non-Stick Pans
Animal studies have shown that individuals who are exposed to Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) early in life have an increased risk of developing obesity later in life. This chemical is used to make items non-stick. Although this is found mainly in Teflon products, it is also used to create the lining inside of microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes.
PFOA’s also interfere with thyroid glands. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it cannot regulate the hormones that are responsible for controlling weight.
Shower Curtains
Phthalates, the chemicals found in shower curtains and air fresheners, can lower testosterone and slow down metabolism. This can cause you to gain weight and also reduce your muscle mass. Phthalates are also found in vinyl flooring and the shrink wrap used on meats at the grocery store.
Now that you know about obesogens, try some of these tips to avoid them:
1. Buy wild fish. Steer clear of canned fish such as tuna.
2. Use a filter on your tap to keep out the atrazine and other chemicals that accumulate in your water. Make sure it is a granular activated carbon filter.
3. Use aluminum water bottles. If you opt for plastic bottles, check to make sure it is BPA free. Most plastics that contain BPA have the number 3 or 7 on the bottom. Try to avoid these and stick to ones with the numbers 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6.
4. Eat fewer canned foods. Aside from the obesogens found in the lining, canned foods are high in sodium, preservatives and artificial ingredient. Stick with natural, fresh or frozen foods to lose weight and improve your health.
5. Throw out those non-stick pans. Opt for cast iron or metal cookware.
6. Don’t buy pre packaged meats. Purchase fresh cuts of meat straight from the butcher if possible. Be sure to purchase meats that produced without hormones and ask for brown paper wrap instead of plastic.
7.
Don’t use air fresheners. To freshen the air in the room, open the
windows. Create your own natural scents to infuse into the room. Boil
some cinnamon sticks, make a homemade room spray with fresh squeezed
citrus juice and lemon oil or use dried spices and herbs to make your
own potpourri
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