MAXIMUM Health
Beware ‘obesogens’ in household products
contact with food can leach obesogenic compounds into the food. This also includes plastic water bottles, plastic utensils, drinking cups, plates, and other plastic kitchen items. Each of these items should be avoided. (The use of microwaves increases the leaching as well.) Plastics also contain synthetic estrogen, which contributes to hormonal disruption. Instead of storing most foods in plastic, opt for glass containers and Mason jars. Note: Plastic containers can be used for foods like Endocrine Disruption pretzels and non-food items, such as storage for items The hormone system regulates the body’s metaboin the garage. lism, energy, hunger and feelings of fullness. Exposure • Filter drinking water – Even though the Safe to obesogens can lead to metabolic distress, which Water Drinking Act regulates 91 contaminates, tap could disrupt the endocrine system. For example, when water containing lead is still a serious problem. the signals to alert the body of hunger and fullness are • Opt for a natural deodorant – There’s a big altered, a person may continue eating when they are difference between antiperspirants and deodorants. actually full. In time, this could lead to weight gain. Rosie Main People like antiperspirants because they eliminate This overeating increases the risk of other health sweaty armpit stains. However, antiperspirants contain issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and compounds that are intended to block the sweat glands. Small gel plugs coronary heart disease. Medicines are then prescribed to combat these were created to literally block sweat glands. obesity-related ailments, while the actual cause of the weight gain (obeThis is important because sweating is one of the ways toxins are sogens) goes undetected and untreated. removed from the body. These ingredients also have fragrances, which means they contain synthetic chemicals like phthalates and parabens, which are endocrine disruptors. For this reason, using deodorants may Decreasing Obesogen Exposure be a healthier option. Identifying top sources of obesogen is a critical first step in improvFortunately, there are many non-toxic deodorants to choose from that ing a person’s health. Obesogens are found in more than just household do not have these synthetic compounds. products. Here are a few tips on reducing exposure to this dangerous chemical: • Eat organic fruits and vegetables – Many of the pesticide resiPutting It All Together dues on conventional fruits and veggies contain obesogens. Switching to Obesogens in household products are used in many facets of modern organic varieties can have an immediate impact on decreasing the levels life. While removing these harmful chemicals may seem daunting, it of obesogens in the body. should be viewed as a systematic phase-out. It doesn’t have to be done • Avoid home fragrances – Scented candles, air fresheners, plug-ins overnight or on a weekend. It may take several months or longer, but and other types of home fragrances all contribute to indoor air pollueven the smallest changes can have a tremendous impact on a person’s tion. According to the EPA, scientific evidence indicates indoor air can health over time. n be “more seriously polluted” than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Rosie Main, D.C., owns Main Health Solutions at 2300 W. Everest Lane, • Eliminate fabric softeners – The toxins in fabric softeners can Suite 175, in Meridian. She is also the host of Maximized Living Radio be inhaled and absorbed through the skin via clothes, bed sheets, etc. on 94.1 The Voice and KIDO 580 AM. For more information, visit • Decrease the use of plastics – The plastics that come into MaximizedLivingDrMain.com. By Rosie Main Obesogens are defined as “foreign chemical compounds that disrupt normal development.” They are also defined as chemicals that “alter lipid homeostasis and fat storage, change metabolic set points, disrupt energy balance or modify the regulation of appetite to promote fat accumulation and obesity.” There are a few ways obesogens affect the body.
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This tribute to our friend & colleague is a compilation of all his articles; Dan’s personal photos & art, even some that were never published. You’ll thoroughly enjoy this walk down memory lane.
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36 November / December 2020 | Christian Living
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