How Toxicity Impacts Our Metabolism and What You Can Do About It!

Toxicity is a growing concern in our modern lives and environments.

There are more and stronger chemicals than ever before in our air, food, water and environments.

On a daily basis, many of us take in toxic substances in our medications, water, processed foods, makeup, lotions and soaps. Further, stress, emotions and thought-patterns can also have toxic impacts.

Most modern diseases are influenced by the harmful impacts of this toxicity. Diets deficient in true nutrition and stuffed with additives, preservatives, refined sweeteners and overly processed ingredients stress the body and contribute to imbalance.

Stress, insufficient rest and sleep, lack of or the wrong types of physical activity and the enormous amounts of toxins and chemicals in our daily lives can overwhelm the body.  

Are you practicing yoga daily, eating your greens and getting plenty of physical activity but still cannot seem to shed those extra pounds?

Do you have trouble getting your blood sugar under control despite taking your medication? If so, obesogens may be to blame! One of the most common ways these chemicals impact us is by dysregulating our metabolism and contributing to our growing waistlines.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment, food and consumer products interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism and/or action.

These substances are widely present in foods, personal care products and building supplies. Scientists have coined the term “obesogens” to refer to endocrine disrupting chemicals that promote weight gain and obesity.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure to these chemicals and prevent obesity and diabetes!

1. Eat organic.

Conventionally-produced foods contain a variety of pesticides, herbicides, hormones, additives and other chemicals which impact our waistlines. It is not just about the calorie content of food!

2. Drink pure water.

Tap water often contains many unregulated contaminants including potential obesogens. Bottled water is not necessarily safer and may be contaminated with plastic residues that disrupt hormone balance. Choose a high-quality filtration system that can reduce these chemicals. Use reuseable stainless steel or glass water bottles when on the go.

3. Cook in a non-toxic manner.

The coatings on popular non-stick cookware contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) which are released into food and air with cooking. Safer cookware choices include stainless steel, glass and enameled cast iron.

4. Store food safely.

Plastic food storage containers can leech obesogens like bisphenyl A (BPA) into foods, especially when heated or microwaved. Choose ceramic or glass containers for food storage and heating. Making these powerful changes in your life will protect you and your family! Further, you may find they help you reach your optimal weight!

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Assistant Editor: Karissa Kneeland/Editor: Bryonie Wise

Photos via elephant journal archives.