Common Chemicals are Lowering your Testosterone

In our modern world, men are bombarded daily with female hormones mimickers. This silent epidemic is decreasing the root of masculinity: testosterone.

Every man has some estrogen and estrogen plays an essential role in male well being. For optimal wellness men should have no less than 4 parts testosterone to 1 part estrogen. When the estrogen to testosterone ratio is balanced a man experiences well being, mentally, sexually and physically.  

In our modern world unfortunately men are being subjected to estrogen mimicking substances called xenoestrogens which lower their testosterone.  These chemicals are unfortunately becoming more and more common in our foods and environment.  This has led to an epidemic of younger and younger men with low testosterone.  

Read on to learn about this silent T killer and what men can do about it…

The hidden testosterone-killing chemicals

Thanks to the chemical industry, you’re putting untold numbers of endocrine-disrupting chemicals called xenoestrogens into your blood every day that mimic the female hormone estrogen. Here are some of the worst offenders . . .

Phthalates

Used to soften plastic. Found in vinyl flooring, detergents, automotive plastics, soaps and shampoos, deodorants, perfumes, hair sprays, plastic bags and food packaging

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Common in plastic products such as reusable water bottles, food cans, and dental sealants. According to the Environmental Working Group, which publishes its “Dirty Dozen of Endocrine Disruptors,” BPA is #1.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Used in water- and grease-resistant food coatings and non-stick cookware.

Bovine growth hormones

are estrogen-mimicking and growth-promoting chemicals added to commercial dairy products.

Metalloestrogens

are a new class of estrogen-mimicking compounds. They include a number of metals, such as aluminum, copper, lead, mercury, barium, cadmium, tin cobalt, and others which are added to thousands of consumer products, including vaccines.

When these estrogen mimickers get into your blood, they adhere to estrogen receptors on your cells. Since the receptors take in information for the cells, this allows the chemical estrogens to instruct your body to look and feel more like a woman.

This triggers a series of physiological events. For one, a man’s testosterone levels drop and estrogen levels rise. When that happens, fat starts to accumulate in his breasts and belly. His muscles shrink, and he become soft. He also feels tired or moody and lack sexual desire. It’s a vicious circle.

When estrogen gets the upper hand, it’s downhill from there.

Where Are These Chemicals Coming From?

Unfortunately, xenoestrogens seem to be everywhere – in our foods, skin care, personal care, and household cleaning products. Their effect on our body and overall well-being can be quite alarming, yet there are things you can do to avoid or minimize their effect.

Here are some key areas where these man-made “feminizing” chemicals can be found…

Food

• They’re found in most non-organic fruits and vegetables treated with pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
• They’re also found in additives and preservatives in beverages and packaged processed foods of all kinds, including cookies, sodas, breads, muffins, cereal, chocolate, ice-cream, and frozen foods.

Receipts

• Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make thermal paper for grocery store receipts, bus tickets, airplane tickets, and most everything that’s “instantly printed” after your purchase.

Toilet Paper

• According to one study, toilet paper contains BPA. That’s because toilet paper is mostly recycled BPA-laden thermal paper mentioned above.

Plastics

• Plastic products may be the #1 reason why male testosterone levels are plummeting globally. They’re filled with estrogen mimics and other testosterone lowering chemicals such as BPA and phthlates.
• Think all BPA-free products are safe? Nope! According to one research report, many manufacturers simply replaced BPA with another less known chemical called Bisphenol S (BPS). This is equally as toxic, but research suggests in some ways worse than BPA. And even if they don’t have BPS, they’re likely to contain other estrogen mimics.
• The list of plastic products is almost endless and are a part of our everyday life. They include such things as plastic bottles, Tupperware containers, plastic bags, plastic toys, inflatable toys, garden hoses, vinyl flooring, vinyl shower curtains, and much more.

Canned Foods and Non-stick Cookware

• The epoxy lining in nearly all aluminum cans is made with BPA.
• Especially with acidic contents, like tomatoes or soda, then it breaks down the lining and you’re drinking BPA.
• Stainless steel cans are a safer alternative since they don’t use BPA linings as the case with aluminum cans.
• Non-stick cookware such as Teflon release endocrine-disrupting perfluoralkyl compounds when overheated.

Cleaning & Personal Care Products

• Most major brands of cleaning & beauty products are loaded with chemical estrogen ingredients, such as laundry detergents, dryer sheets, artificial air fresheners, fabric softeners, shampoos, moisturizers, deodorants, hair sprays, perfumes & colognes, spray tanning solutions, makeup, toothpaste, and personal hygiene products.

Old Water Pipes

• Not all, but some old water pipes were coated with BPA to extend their life.
• Numerous studies have found traces of BPA, phthlates, and other endocrine disruptors in the U.S. water supply.
• Highly recommended: Use a water filter!

Pesticides, Herbicides & Fertilizers

• One of the worst offenders is glyphosate, a herbicide developed by GMO giant Monsanto. It goes by the name of Roundup and is used on “Roundup Ready” crops. This means Roundup can be used on those crops genetically modified to resist the herbicide.

So What can we do?  We can be empowered with the knowledge of how to limit our intake of these substances. Sadly however in our modern world it can be nearly impossible to be unaffected by these everyday chemicals.  Checking testosterone levels biannually with a blood tests and being aware of the symptoms of low testosterone. Working with a well informed health care professional who can help you correct hormone imbalances can help you be your best self for your family, for your self and for the world.