Can Plastic Make Us Fat?
We as a nation we are getting fatter and fatter. Our diet and sedentary lifestyle are to blame for, mostly. But research in the last ten years is increasingly proving us that there is more to the story. Exposure to chemicals is also an important factor in the growing epidemics of metabolic diseases, including obesity.
Just a few data to illustrate the seriousness of the problem:
- Nearly 70% of US adult population is overweight or obese.
- Childhood obesity has tripled since 1970.
- 85 million Americans have prediabetes
- 30 million have diabetes
If the trend is continuing this way, 1 in 3 will develop diabetes.
We are facing a health crisis and we should take it seriously.
My intention is not to make you feel depressed or hopeless, but in contrary to give you some valuable information that you can implement in your life.
Let’s talk briefly about “those pesky chemicals. What are they, where are they coming from?
We are exposed to harmful chemicals daily. They are in the food we eat, the air we breathe, in our home (flame retardants, spill resistance furniture, carpeting, mattresses, curtains, especially shower curtains, cleaning items, air fresheners, laundry detergents, fabric softeners). They are in our skincare products and makeup (moisturizers, foundations, nail polish, lipsticks, makeup removers), in our water, receipt paper etc.
The most well known are BPA, PVC, DDT, Phthalates, Atrazine, PFOA, Dioxine, Parabens, MSG and many more.
There are two ways they can make us fat.
A subgroup of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) called OBESOGENS can stimulate fat storage by increasing the size and numbers of fat cells, change endocrine regulation of fat tissue and alter insulin sensitivity.
They can also act as ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS (for us ladies in 40+ have to pay close attention to XENOESTROGENS, that are able to cause estrogen dominance) by blocking the hormone or stimulating hormone receptors (Xenoestrogens: meaning fake estrogens).
The approach “eat less, exercise, more” (calorie restrictions) doesn’t really work anymore. Yes, you can lose some weight while on “the diet” but it won’t be too long when the pounds start piling up again. Also, I want you to remember this; most of the toxic chemicals are lipophilic (means they like fat) and the excess is stored in our fat tissue. When we start losing weight and the body is not prepared properly, a large number of toxic substances will be released and circulating in our bodies. Not a good thing!!!
Also, important to remember, we are not talking here about high doses of toxic exposure that will take us to the ER. Those are very small amounts, but the chronic exposure will add up.
What can you do to avoid toxic chemicals and how to get rid of them?
Come back next week…I will be sharing simple, practical tips you will be able to implement and help yourself and your family.
Here is one tip:
Stop wasting your hard-earned money on plastic water bottles. It is more contaminated than tap water, it costs you a lot of money and besides that, it’s very bad for the environment. And don’t be fooled by BPA free claims!!! There are BPS and BPF equally bad, if not maybe worse.
RECIPE:
DETOXING GREEN SMOOTHIE 
Handful of kale and spinach
Bunch of cilantro
1 smaller cucumber
1 teaspoon chlorella
1 teaspoon ginger powder (or about 1 “ fresh ginger)
½ of avocado
1 teaspoon ashwagandha and maca
1 ½ cup water (or if you like more liquid consistency add 2 cups )|
½ cup blueberries
Blend everything well in a blender
To your radiant health, with love
Dr. Ilona