Don't Disrupt Your Hormones

It was a proud moment for Endocrinologists when we were able to claim fat as the ultimate endocrine organ. Previously, adipose tissue (AKA Fat) was thought merely as an inactive tissue responsible for storing energy in the form of fat. Now it is known that our fat is much more active. Adipose tissue is a major player in the regulation of metabolism via the release of hormones such as leptin (we have discussed its role in satiety) and the cytokine TNF alpha (involved in systemic inflammation). Therefore it is not hard to fathom that any substance that interferes with our endocrine system will have potentially harmful effects on our metabolism. Well, recently it has become public knowledge that the majority of us encounter these types of substances on a minute by minute basis. The term endocrine disruptor chemical (EDC) is most likely something we will all be hearing a lot about now and in the future.

The basic definition of an endocrine disruptor is an exogenous (outside the body) substance that acts like a hormone in the endocrine system and disrupts the physiological function of endogenous (normally occurring) hormones. A few examples of EDCs include pesticides (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBS,used as industrial lubricants and coolants), Bisphenol A (found in plastic bottles and baby bottles, dental materials, and food and infant formula cans), phthalates (soft toys, medical equipment, air fresheners) and phytoestrogens (soy). Initially the concern regarding EDC exposure was predominantly surrounding reproduction since hormones are the major contributing factor. EDCs have been identified as a likely culprit in the increased incidence of undescended testis in newborn boys, an overall decreasing sperm count, breast cancer and early puberty. These are no doubt very scary findings and now EDCs are being identified as one of the potential etiologies for the current obesity trend. The exponential increase in obesity correlates with the widespread use of industrial chemicals.

Studies in this area of research have demonstrated that the effect of EDCs occur at the fetal and neonatal stages of development which are obviously crucial stages. Increased exposure of these substances during these critical developmental stages in animal studies appeared to disrupt the normal process of fat regulation. Results demonstrated elevated levels of leptin and insulin at younger ages and prior to the development of obesity which indicates the presence of dysregulation. An alteration of genes governing metabolism during development may predispose people to a lifelong struggle with weight. The animal studies have shown that low birth weight animals exposed to EDCs develop weight rapidly, often doubling their weight in 7 days, and similar studies in low birth weight children are showing similar trends.

Given these implications it is reasonable to assume that people who eat "healthy" and exercise but continue to struggle with weight despite their greatest efforts may have been exposed to these EDCs at a young age or may have a high level of exposure currently. Unfortunately this seems to be yet another basis for confusion in this nutrition conundrum. I recently read an article in Men's Health Magazine called "The New American Diet" by Stephen Perrine and Heather Hurlock that provided some valuable insight into this new facet of nutrition.

Since pesticides and their metabolites can spur fat cell development at any age it is worth the extra price to go organic in certain areas. A study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives showed that children who ate fruits and vegetables free of pesticides for just 5 days reduced their urinary levels of those pesticides to undetectable levels. According to the Environmental Working Group you can reduce pesticide exposure by 80% by knowing which fruits and vegetables to consume. Peaches, apples, celery, kale, strawberries, lettuce, cherries, carrots and pears are all high in pesticides so it may make sense to buy organic in these items.

We may not be tasting plastic but we are consuming it. 93% of Americans have detectable levels of BPA. Again, plastic mimics estrogen and can predispose to fat. A few points to consider, don't heat up plastic, try to avoid plastic wrapped meat and try to cut down on canned goods.

When it comes to meat, organic/grass fed is much better for a wide variety of reasons. In order to produce "fast" food conventionally grown beef is high in growth hormones that we are consuming. These hormones are obesogens that cause us to gain weight and experts have surmised this may be playing a role in the obesity epidemic.

In my opinion, I saved the best for last. Soy was the new health craze for the last decade. Thought to be good for the heart, specifically in women, many of us started drinking soy milk and eating more tofu and edamame. It turns out that soy is not all it was cracked up to be. Since we would have to eat about 2 pounds of soy per day to reap its heart benefit the American Heart Association withdrew its support of soy. Soy, specifically in men, causes the formation of more fat cells since it is estrogenic. Soy is present in french fries, salad dressing, baby formula and even chicken and fish since they now feed on soy to help them gain weight.

For me, this has been one of the most interesting entries to write since it is a relatively new body of information to consider and there is much more research to be done in this area. I also found in mind blowing!

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