Toxicity and hormones: endocrine disruption
It's no secret that hormones are the body's chemical messengers . They travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs. They take effect slowly and, over time, affect many different processes, including: Growth and development.
They are extremely important in both humans and animals, and imbalances in these can lead to serious health problems and even put lives at risk in severe cases.
If you have reached this blog, we are sure that you will find it interesting to discover how certain compounds may be affecting our optimal hormone production and what consequences this may have for our health and quality of life. This is exactly what we are going to talk about, as well as propose alternatives and solutions that may be interesting.
Content:
1. Endocrine disruptors
2. Current epidemic
3. Factors that affect the endocrine system
4. Soy and feminized fish in Japan.
5. Mercury and sexual hormones.
6. Atrazine and hermaphrodite frogs.
7. Natural solutions
We know that talking about gender identity, sexuality and hormones is a controversial topic today more than ever, and that is why we have decided to share some information that will at least bring new questions and perspectives to understand our body regardless of what your ideals and/or position are regarding this topic.
Our intention is to make alternative tools and information available to those interested in optimizing their diet and thus trying to reduce exposure to certain compounds in order to balance the hormonal system naturally.
Endocrine disruptors:
You are probably aware that heavy metals such as mercury, some foods (especially GMOs) and certain pesticides act as endocrine disruptors and are part of a problem for well-being and development that science has now proven. But what is really hidden behind the term "endocrine disruptors" that health and wellness specialists have been using so much lately?
A surprising fact is that available statistics reveal that almost 80% of women suffer from some form of hormonal imbalance. It is estimated that almost 2.2 billion women over the age of fifty worldwide will suffer from hormonal imbalances by 2025. Drugs such as synthetic thyroid hormones are the second most prescribed drug in the US, which gives us an idea of the huge problem that exists in the world regarding endocrine system dysfunctions and the lack of solutions that attack the root of the problem.
For men, it’s normal for testosterone levels to decline as they age, but for a variety of reasons, there has been a decline in population testosterone levels with each generation since at least the 1970s. This means that, on average, Gen Zers and millennials have significantly lower testosterone levels compared to their predecessors.
But what is it about younger generations that has caused this trend?
The average testosterone level of a 60-year-old man in 1987 was about 17.5 nmol/L, according to a 2007 study in Massachusetts. Compared to a 60-year-old man in 2002, his testosterone level was closer to 15 nmol/L.
Based on available data, average testosterone levels in men are declining by about 1% each year.
Research conducted on Finnish and Danish populations has shown the same trend. And even more recently, a large-scale study of Israeli men has shown how average testosterone levels have declined between 2006 and 2019, by more than 10% in almost all age categories.
Of course, we can't know for sure whether 60-year-old millennials and Gen Zers will have lower testosterone levels — at least we won't know for a few decades — but it seems very likely.
Worryingly, testosterone levels are not the only problem. Sperm counts are declining significantly and some reproductive disorders, such as testicular cancer, are increasing.
Optimal hormone levels in both men and women are essential for proper body function, mental health and well-being.
Below is a list of some of the main factors that can promote imbalances in our hormonal system:
1. Stress and mental health issues: Did you know that chronic stress can drastically alter your hormone levels? The stress hormone cortisol can throw your endocrine system out of balance and cause problems like adrenal fatigue, weight gain, and thyroid dysfunction. Additionally, anxiety and depression can negatively affect the production of sex hormones, which can lead to disorders like erectile dysfunction and infertility.
2. Obesity, lack of exposure to sunlight and a sedentary lifestyle: It is no secret that excess weight can trigger a cascade of hormonal changes in the body. Insulin resistance, leptin and adiponectin are just some of the hormones that can be affected by obesity. And if you also lead a sedentary lifestyle, the situation gets worse, as exercise is essential to maintain hormonal balance in the body.
Lack of sufficient micronutrients due to an increasing consumption of processed, mass-produced and genetically modified foods: Did you know that a lack of certain nutrients can affect your hormones? For example, vitamin D deficiency can affect testosterone production and low intake of healthy fats can decrease the production of sex hormones. In addition, processed and genetically modified foods often lack essential micronutrients to keep hormones in balance. For proper hormonal functioning, a multimineral balance is essential, which not only helps us with the body's chemical processes but also helps retain other micronutrients such as vitamins and other minerals.
Exposure to toxic compounds, heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, radiation, and inflammatory processed foods: We live in a world filled with toxic chemicals and inflammatory foods that can wreak havoc on our hormonal balance. Constant exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, radiation, microplastics, and processed foods can disrupt the production of hormones such as thyroid and growth hormone. Additionally, many processed foods contain inflammatory ingredients that can cause chronic inflammation and disrupt hormone production in the body.
Although most of the studies that we are going to present below are not related to humans, they are related to substances known as endocrine disruptors for humans and how they affect certain animals hormonally. We cannot affirm that they act in the same way in humans even though we know that they are endocrine disruptors for both animals and people, but it is an interesting point of view to question how this invisible pandemic may be affecting our body.
Soybeans:
Is it true that the Japanese use soybeans to turn male catfish into females?
Japanese culture and cuisine are fascinating, but some practices in the food industry in the Land of the Rising Sun can be shocking. One of them is the way certain aquaculture farms produce catfish, which are rumored to use soy to transform males into females. But how true is this claim? Let's explore this topic in depth and understand the truth behind this practice.
According to several scientific papers, there appears to be some truth behind the rumor: Japanese farms do use soy to transform males into females at early stages of catfish development. The study "Induction of genetic female in a mono-sex culture of male Asian catfish for aquaculture" published in the journal Aquaculture Research, for example, details a technique for converting males into females by feeding diets high in soy protein at specific days of development. However, it is noted that this process requires careful attention by experts to avoid negative effects on the growth and health of the fish.
Although the practice is common in certain parts of the Japanese fishing industry, its legality is debatable. The catfish farming plan published in 2013 by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries prohibits the use of hormones, both natural and artificial, for fish production. However, there are no explicit mentions of using soy or other compounds instead. In other words, the legality of using soy to turn males into females is an ambiguous issue, and while it has not been established as illegal, it has not been established as legal either.
But why is this done? The main purpose of converting males to females is to increase the growth rate of the fish and reduce the number of unwanted animals on the farm. Females grow faster and are more profitable, so farms strive to maximise their production. The growth rate of males can be affected by aggressive behaviour and territorial conflicts, which is not a problem with females. Also, using only males means having to discard half of the population that is not needed for production.
As far as food safety is concerned, there is no evidence that catfish produced using soybean feed are unsafe for human consumption. Japan's Agriculture and Fisheries Agency has set standards to ensure the safety of food produced by the industry, and catfish produced through conventional methods or through male-to-female conversion are subject to similar scrutiny regarding food safety.
While the idea of converting males to females in catfish production using soy is controversial and may seem strange, there are established scientific methods for doing so safely and without negative effects on the quality of the final product. As with many aspects of the food industry, it is important for farms to adhere to food safety and quality standards set by regulatory bodies. With adequate information and a greater understanding of these practices, we can make informed decisions about our diet and the foods we choose to consume.
Studies: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210526/p2a/00m/0sc/014000c
Mercury:
The presence of mercury in our environment may have a significant impact on the hormonal health of both animals and humans, according to several recent studies.
A 2009 study published in the journal PLoS ONE examined how mercury levels affected luteinizing hormone in male and female free-range chickens. Luteinizing hormone is essential for regulating testosterone production in males and ovulation in females. Chickens exposed to higher levels of mercury experienced significantly lower levels of luteinizing hormone, which can negatively impact their sexual development.
The following article, published in National Geographic based on a study from the University of Florida, explains how mercury can affect the sexual behavior of birds. This study found that finches living in areas with high levels of mercury contamination are less likely to mate successfully. Males that contain higher levels of mercury in their system often mate with other males, while females become less likely to mate in general. These findings make it clear that mercury can have a significant impact on reproductive behavior patterns in animals.
Study: https://news.ufl.edu/archive/2010/11/uf-study-white-ibis-mating-habits-altered-by-mercury-consumption.html
Article: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/101203-homosexual-birds-mercury-science
Another study, again in birds, found that mercury may be linked to homosexuality in species like the black swan. Black swans have been known to form same-sex pairs, and researchers found that male swans exposed to higher levels of mercury were significantly more likely to mate with other males. While more research is needed to fully understand the connection between mercury and homosexuality in animals, this study raises interesting questions about how chemicals may affect sexuality.
Finally, a 2011 study of mercury exposure in industrial workers found that chronic exposure to low levels of mercury was linked to decreased testosterone levels. Additionally, workers exposed to higher levels of mercury experienced significant changes in estrogen levels and a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction. More research in humans is needed to fully understand the effects of mercury on sex hormone levels, but these findings are concerning.
Overall, these studies highlight the potential impact of mercury on hormonal health in both animals and humans. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, but it is important to consider the potential risks of mercury exposure and how it may affect our sexuality and sexual development.
Atrazine:
For several years, studies have been conducted on the effects that atrazine can have on sexual hormones in both animals and humans. Although its use has been banned since 2004, its presence has still been detected in water sources and in products imported from some countries such as Morocco, among others.
A study conducted by Uppsala University in Sweden in 2017 showed that atrazine can affect both sperm and testosterone production in animals. Furthermore, research conducted by Dr. Tyrone Hayes of the University of California showed that atrazine can cause changes in the sexual development of amphibians, leading to the presence of hermaphrodite individuals.
In humans, atrazine may affect testosterone production, which in turn may result in decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Some studies have also shown a possible link between atrazine and prostate cancer.
Although bans on atrazine use have been effective in some countries, its presence in certain sources of drinking water and in imported products is a cause for concern.
Studies:
http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1069950/FULLTEXT01.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1874169/
What can we do to combat this epidemic naturally?
It is clear that living in modern society entails a greater or lesser exposure to the aforementioned factors that affect hormonal balance and although eliminating it 100% is impossible, it is feasible to reduce it and help our body eliminate exposure to toxins, radiation and oxidative stress in a natural and healthy way.
1. Stress and mental health problems:
Introduce practices such as breathwork, which are simple and effective, that help regulate the nervous system and connect with the state of rest and digestion in order to get out of that state of alert that so affects our health when maintained for long periods of time. This state of defense and alertness encourages the production of hormones related to stress.
Using the Sauna weekly and taking ice water baths has proven to be excellent for regulating our stress, hormonal levels, happiness and positivity.
2. Obesity, lack of exposure to sunlight and sedentary lifestyle: One of the major problems of obesity is that many toxic compounds such as mercury and other toxins are fat-soluble and are therefore easily stored in fat. We recommend daily exercise and a diet rich in real, unprocessed foods, free of processed vegetable oils, low in processed sugars and rich in healthy fats and proteins, as well as daily exposure to direct sunlight.
For the above mentioned 3 and 4 we propose a 100% natural solution that works positively in several ways, it is a substance which has been shown to regulate hormonal levels in both men (testosterone and others) and women (thyroid and others) attacking several essential flanks for hormonal balance, this substance is known as fulvic acid:
This substance is responsible for nourishing with 70 different highly available minerals as well as 16 amino acids, which will act as pieces of the chemical molecular puzzle of hormones, which are produced by the endocrine system and glands; without minerals there are no hormones.
In addition to nourishing, it is also capable of intelligently "collecting garbage" in both body fluids, blood and tissues, being able to cross the blood-brain barrier, a function that no natural chelating agent performs as effectively as Fulvic Acids.
Its chelating action adheres to positively charged molecules of heavy metals and other endocrine disruptors and integrates them into the fulvic chelate, to reuse or eliminate them effectively.
It is also an excellent natural anti-inflammatory and neutralizes radiation at the cellular level and the oxidative stress caused by it, making it an essential tool to combat one of the most important silent epidemics of the 21st century.
At Bionobo we are aware of the importance of having tools that help us deal with exposure to these factors.
It is important to remember that the following factors are of great help when it comes to supporting the body in maintaining a balance:
- Eat organic foods without pesticides or herbicides.
- Eat real, unprocessed foods.
- Do not drink hot beverages from cardboard or plastic takeaway cups
- Use non-toxic cleaning products (clothes, home, dishes)
- Use natural personal care products
- Eliminate processed sugars and processed sugary drinks
- Eliminate the consumption of anti-nutrients such as gluten
- Consume filtered water and/or from a natural, uncontaminated source
- Eliminate processed vegetable oils, margarine and fried foods.
- Exercise daily at least 4-5 days a week.
- No smoking
- Eat foods that help lymphatic drainage
- Reduce overall exposure to toxic compounds.
Testosterone and Fulvic Studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26395129/ Thyroid Studies: https://fulvic.info/fulvic-acid-thyroid/
If you have any questions about how to use this compound, please email us at hola@bionobo.com and we will answer all your questions.
We would like to clarify that our intention is to raise awareness about how external factors affect the hormonal functioning of the body and that this has a direct relationship with how we feel and the chemical reactions that occur in the human body.
We attach two videos where we explain everything about this compound and how to use it:
