The Root Causes of Poor Male Health
Frequent trips to the doctor’s office is often a sign of unaddressed problems that demand some kind of attention. Many health problems that plague young men these days are preventable, however the factors that causes recurring doctor visits are rarely identified.
Endocrine disruptors are pollutants in our environment that create changes within our bodies’ hormones and even the expression of DNA. Whenever there are significant changes to your hormone production, this can affect everything from your physiology, overall mood, and metabolism.
When an individual encounters any of these health issues, their doctor is the person sought after for medical advice that can remedy their situation. Doctors that specialize in hormone production (endocrinologists) can test for unbalanced hormone levels and solutions for treatment, but rarely can pinpoint causes for their patients symptoms.
Without this knowledge, the average person is bound to the advice of experts susceptible to exposure of pollutants in the environment themselves. The blind leading the blind.
Exposure to pollutants can come from a range of sources, including cooking with certain kitchenware, bottled water, tap water, cleaning products, hygiene, paper, and a majority of our food supply. People are ignorant to much of this information because the products that create hormonal problems are ones frequently marketed over the television and radio broadcasts.
This brief article is a quick reference of some the most common source of pollutants that the average male is exposed to in the 21st century.
Top 5 Male Endocrine Disrupters to Avoid
Think of the body’s of hormone production system being much similar to the engine block of your automobile that you drive. There are typically 6 to 8 cylinders that work together to regulate the flow of oxygen and gas to propel the vehicle forward.
The human body is similar to that of an engine as there are various hormones that act on the organs within the body to produce a state of balance or equilibrium (homeostasis). Without homeostasis the body cannot function properly and health starts to deteriorate.
Endocrine disruptors are recognized in the body as hormones, which cause the body to become confused when we consume large quantities of these pollutants. Once enough pollutants begin to accumulate, the body expresses this imbalance as common health symptoms that go under the radar. Oddly enough, health deterioration is often first recognized as lower libido or erectile dysfunction in males.
These hormonal changes not only affect changes in the reproductive organs, but also the immune system and behavioral patterns. Until the source of these disruptors are identified, change rarely happens:
Plastics are one of the biggest pollutants on Earth, which is why there’s around 270 tons of plastic lying in the planet’s bodies of water.
Plastics are also horrible pollutants because of the chemicals they contain, which are BPAs, phthalates, and parabens. These chemicals accumulate along with other pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals that are disposed of in our water supply.
The chemicals from plastics are released when they’re heated, which breaks down and leaches into water and food containers. Food radiated in plastic inside microwaves often tastes different and is contaminated with these chemicals when consumed.
Environmental changes have become a challenge for doctors who are now screening men at younger ages for hypogonadism, which negatively affects the sex organs in the womb and causes low testosterone levels.
This could explain the recent rise in TRT treatment in men under 25 over the past few years.* Similarly, plastics also have an effect on the food signal receptors in the brain and can alter the hormones responsible for hunger and satiety.
Plastic Products:
Plastics are some of the most common synthetic materials that are used, with most sources of food wrapped in plastic for storage and convenience. Plastics contain dangerous chemical compounds and breakdown into microplastics, contaminating almost everything we consume. In a typical year the average male is consuming close to 10 credit cards of plastic from the products they use and the packaged food products they purchase.
Stay away from/replace the following plastic products from your kitchen: cutting boards, condiments (ketchup/mustard/sauces), plates, cups and utensils.
Snacks:
Snacks are really food products that more often are marketed to us rather than being sought after for their health benefits. When a snack is marketed as healthy, it’s usually a processed food wrapped in fancy plastic packaging that entice consumers to buy it. You shouldn’t be snacking on any of these fake foods and neither should your children. Try to completely avoid all packaged snacks and foods when possible.
Fragrances:
The first thought that comes to mind when thinking of fragrances for men are body sprays/cologne sold in departments stores/online. Fragrances are also found in many their hygiene products, including soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. These fragrances contain chemicals known as phthalates, which cause fragrances to hold their scent longer and also allow plastics to become more flexible.
Fragrances can be a problem for males because of the amount of products that uses them and the amount of fragrances many males apply to their skin on a day to day basis. Opt for organic or natural fragrances, such as essential oils or incense that could be used for your home.
Toilet Paper:
Toilet paper products were seen as more than a commodity for the first time 5 years ago and had people in droves at stores fighting for rolls. Toilet paper is a relatively new invention that is made with processed pulp like regular paper. The difference is that this paper is lined with PFAS, which are chemicals that soften paper and makes it durable. Toilet paper also contains formaldehyde, BPAs, and phthalates that lead to cancer and reproductive problems.*
Using this product repetitiously over one of the most sensitive areas of the body isn’t smart and risks exposure to many of these toxic chemicals. Avoid using it whenever it is possible and/or find alternative toilet paper products that have been screened for these chemicals.
Sugar Free Foods/Drinks:
When sugar became vilified in the media over 30 years, there began a steady rise in the popularity of sugar free food products. Sugar is seen as a toxic, empty calories and sugar-free products have taken its place as a pleasureable substitute. While sugar alternatives can taste similarly to the real sugar (sometimes), they also contain rebranded chemicals that were first experimented on rodents for product testing.
Humans are the latest test victims for the food industry and many males are addicted to diet sodas and 0 calorie maple syrups. These food products contain dangerous sugar alternatives that destroy gut bacteria,* alter satiety hormones, and create an insulin like response in the bloodstream. This can effect your metabolism and balance with the other hormones within the body.
Solutions
Endocrine disruptors are the new fear porn for the health/wellness industry because of the thousands of different compounds that have an impact on our environment. The industry have made them the new target culprit just like saturated fat, sugar, carbs, or excessive protein.
Instead of fearing hormone altering chemicals that are in the air, water, and food supply, it’s wise to focus on what you can control. It’s impossible to completely avoid poisons from various sources, but you can become aware through your purchasing power.
Plastics aren’t a necessity to use and purchasing glass/wood as an alternative is always the best solution. These materials also last longer and do not breakdown as easily as plastic products.
You can also start by reading labels more often. Reading labels have become more popular with the food products on the shelves, but should also consistently be done for all hygiene and home cleaning products. Organic, simple ingredient products can be found by researching recipes that can be made simply at home in your kitchen.
Doing any of these preventative methods helps avoid unnecessary exposure and give you the advantage of consuming less poisons than the average person.
The Wrap Up
Worldwide males are struggling with the rising presence of endocrine disruptors in the environment and the lack of awareness of what’s causing their health problems. Seeking treatment for health symptoms is not addressing the root cause and will lead to frustration towards professionals that are not knowledgeable of this information. Although pollutants are a concern for many adults, replacing harmful products that you’ve become familiar with healthier alternatives can be the start to removing excess poisons from your body.
