Obesogens can make it hard to lose weight and make us sick
Today, I will explain what Obesogens are and how they can affect your healing and weight loss with Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's.
Obesogens are artificial chemicals believed to contribute to an inability to lose weight.
They are found in various food containers, plastic bottles, cars, plastics, cookware, and cosmetics. When these chemicals enter our body, they can disrupt our normal functions and promote fat gain. We don't want that - with a sluggish thyroid losing weight can be difficult without adding fuel to the fire.
I was that person in my 20’s who was against aluminium in my deodorant and promoted free-range eggs to anyone that would listen. So it was natural for me to move towards more natural products as I grew older. I will suggest alternatives to consider with every Obesogen - don't worry.
Obesogens are Endocrine Disruptors.
Obesogens are their very own category of endocrine disruptors — i.e. chemicals that can interfere with our hormones. Some activate estrogen receptors, which can cause harmful effects in both women and men.
Obesogens promote obesity by altering the programming of fat cell development and interfering with the hormonal control of appetite and satiety. They can also increase the bad effects of high-carb and high-sugar diets. We really don't want that!
Here are 6 obesogenic chemicals that may be present in your home at this very moment.
1. Bisphenol-A (BPA)
(BPA) is manmade and found in many types of products, including baby bottles, plastic food and beverage containers, as well as metal food cans. BPA exposure has been linked to insulin resistance, heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, thyroid dysfunction, & cancer.
Alternatives are storing water and food in glass containers. Never drink water from a hot plastic bottle or one that might have been stored in the sun at any time during transportation or while waiting to be stocked on shelves. The BPA leaching increases when heated. This is a good reason to also not heat food in plastic in the microwave.
Use stainless steel to store your water at home and use a stainless steel water bottle when out - double-walled water bottles keep your water cold too.
Steer clear of plastics with the number 3 or 7 on the bottom, which may leach BPA.
Instead look for the numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, which are unlikely to contain BPA.
Keep water bottles cool (warm temperatures increase BPA leaching) and never microwave plastic.
2. Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics soft and flexible. They are found in food containers, toys, beauty products, pharmaceuticals, shower curtains, fake fragrances & paint. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors as well and can affect metabolism
They are associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Another thing we want to avoid at all costs!!
Alternatives: Use natural makeup/hair and beauty products - there are loads available. I always check the ingredients to ensure they are all-natural. Avoid plastic toys for kids and use wooden toys or fabric ones. Use fresh flowers or lavender in a vase instead of fake fragrances and air fresheners. Store food in glass. Anything “fake” is likely on obesogen. For example air fresheners and fake fragrances.
3. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
PFOA is found in Teflon non-stick cookware and it's been found in microwave popcorn and pizza boxes! It has been associated with various diseases in humans, including thyroid disorders, low birth weight and chronic kidney disease.
Alternative; Use stainless steel/cast iron cookware instead of teflon. Use ceramic dishes for the oven.
4. Dioxins
Dioxins are found in the environment but also in bleached paper products, & in making pesticides/insecticides. Don't even get me started on spraying chemicals into our food chain!
Tampons are another item we need to think about as they are made with bleached cotton unless you seek out unbleached tampons and sanitary pads. Long-term exposure has been linked to impairment of the immune system, and the endocrine system and reproductive functions.
Alternatives: Buy organic or spray-free food from local farmers markets or grow your own food. Buy unbleached sanitary products (especially tampons).
5. Insecticides/Pesticides
To get more yield the old fashioned farming methods have been replaced with intense farming and spraying out the old crops to grow the next. They no longer compost or use old fashioned methods of fertilising, and the plants actually become weaker and need more chemicals to protect them from insects and disease. Farming now uses a phenomenal amount of sprays which are obesogens. Organophosphates & Organophosphates are usually found in insecticides and herbicides.
Alternatives: Buy organic or spray-free food from local farmers markets or grow your own food.
6. Organobromines
This obesogen can be found in the flame retardant sprayed in new cars, on to new furniture, and children's sleepwear.
Alternatives: If you buy a new car have the windows down for the first month as much as you can. Ask for your new furniture to not have any flame-resistant spray added. Keep kids out of commercially bought sleepwear.
Some more ways to have a cleaner and less toxic house and life are;
- Buy wild fish, and meat products that are hormone- and antibiotic free.
- Buy meats straight from the butcher counter (instead of pre-packaged) and ask that they wrap them in brown paper.
- Eat fewer canned foods. Opt for frozen or fresh instead. Can linings contain BPA.
- Cook more at home (or learn to cook) and grow your own vegetables and fruit where possible. It's the only way to really know what's on your food.
I hope this has helped - let me know what changes you're going to make this week!