Month: October 2024

In the modern world, plastics are ubiquitous, perhaps making life convenient but carrying hidden – and not so hidden – costs. One of these is the impact of plastics on your endocrine system. The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs in your body that produces, stores and secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are chemical substances that act as messengers, controlling and regulating many key functions, including growth and development, metabolism (how your body converts food into energy), sexual function, reproduction and mood. Major components of the endocrine system include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas and gonads (ovaries in females and testes in males). Each gland produces specific hormones that target particular tissues and organs, orchestrating a harmonious balance that maintains health and homeostasis in the body.

Microplastics and human reproductive health

A groundbreaking study has found microplastics in testicular tissue, sparking concerns over male fertility. These tiny plastic particles, which pervade water, food, and even the air we breathe, are feared to disrupt hormonal function, including the regulation of testosterone and sperm production. The exact mechanism remains under investigation, but the correlation between environmental pollutants and declining sperm counts in recent decades is alarming. The presence of microplastics in such a sensitive area highlights a direct pathway through which these particles could be causing significant harm. 

Researchers have also found that these tiny particles can make their way into breast milk, potentially exposing infants to microplastics from birth. This discovery is particularly alarming because breast milk is often the sole source of nutrition for infants, and the presence of microplastics could pose unknown health risks (breast milk remains the best nutrition for newborns, however). These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence that microplastics are pervasive in our environment, infiltrating not just the world’s oceans and wildlife but human bodies as well.

Xenoestrogens: The chemical mimics

The potential for microplastics to interfere with the endocrine system is a significant concern, given that these particles can carry and leach chemical contaminants, acting similarly to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like xenoestrogens. Further complicating the plastic problem are xenoestrogens themselves – synthetic compounds found in many plastics that mimic natural estrogen. These chemical impostors can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, triggering or blocking hormonal activity inappropriately. Xenoestrogens are particularly pernicious because they can accumulate in the body over time. These scenarios can have various health implications, including impacts on fertility and menstrual cycle health, along with increased risks of some cancers.

The mechanisms of disruption

Xenoestrogens like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, commonly found in plastic containers, water bottles, and even on receipts, can leach into food and drinks, particularly when plastic containers are heated. Once inside the body, they can bind to estrogen receptors, either mimicking the effects of natural estrogen or blocking them, which disrupts the body’s hormonal harmony. This disruption can impair reproductive health, alter metabolic processes and increase the risk of certain cancers.

Addressing the challenge

The omnipresence of plastics in daily life makes total avoidance nearly impossible, but there are several steps you can take to minimise exposure and mitigate risks. Choose glass or stainless steel containers for food storage, especially for heating and carrying water. Avoid microwaving plastic containers or covering food with plastic wrap in the microwave. Be cautious with plastics labelled with recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene), and 7 (bisphenols). Opt for fresh or frozen foods over canned goods, as can linings often contain BPA or other bisphenols that we currently know less about (than BPA). Use natural cleaning products and cosmetics free from phthalates and other synthetic additives.

For many of us, our liver health isn’t something we think about daily – unless something goes wrong. Yet, subtle signs can hint that your liver may be calling out for a little extra care. Ignoring these signs is like ignoring a ‘check engine’ light on your car’s dashboard. You can keep driving for a while, but eventually, the issue might lead to a breakdown.

As we move into the brighter, busier days of summer, it’s the perfect time to consider whether we’re supporting our liver or putting it under unnecessary strain. From the annoying roll of fat under the bra line or pec muscles that might suggest a struggling liver, to the energy dips that leave us longing for too many naps, our bodies often find ways to whisper before they start to shout.

Let’s walk through some of the signs that might indicate your liver could use a helping hand, so you can move into the warmer months not only feeling lighter but also with a revitalised sense of health and wellbeing.

Liver roll

Where we hold body fat offers us information about what’s happening inside our bodies. An increase in tummy fat can indicate insulin resistance is occurring, a thickening of the torso is often linked to excess cortisol. If you notice a roll of fat just under the bra line in women or the pectoral muscles in men, this visual clue could indicate your liver is ‘overwhelmed’.

Elevated cholesterol levels

The liver plays a crucial role in managing our blood cholesterol levels. The cholesterol we consume has minimal direct impact on blood levels for most individuals (although what we consume can directly impact liver function and hence blood cholesterol levels). Acting as a traffic controller, the liver regulates the distribution and reabsorption of cholesterol, which directly influences the cholesterol readings on blood tests. However, the liver’s efficiency can be compromised if it doesn’t receive adequate support, a situation heavily influenced by our lifestyle choices, and this can result in elevated blood cholesterol levels. 

Stubborn body fat

When the liver is taxed and cannot efficiently process ‘toxins’, these toxins have to go somewhere and so the body has a backup system – it stores them in places such as our bones, brain and fat cells. This storage can make it particularly challenging to lose body fat, as the body retains the fat to keep the stored toxins from circulating. 

Recurring headaches 

An overwhelmed liver may fail to effectively break down toxins, leading to more frequent headaches as these toxins linger in your system.

PMS or challenging perimenopausal symptoms

The liver plays a critical role in managing sex hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone. When the liver is overwhelmed or functioning suboptimally, it can struggle to effectively metabolise these hormones, leading to hormone-related symptoms. This can intensify premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and contribute to more painful, heavy, and clotty menstrual cycles. It can also exacerbate perimenopausal symptoms. Essentially, when the liver can’t regulate hormones efficiently, excess hormones or concerning forms of estrogen can circulate in the body, exacerbating the impact on a woman’s cycle through all stages of life. 

Skin breakouts or rashes

The main roads of elimination of waste out of the body are via the bowels and urine. Yet if the liver is overwhelmed, the skin can become a ‘secondary exit ramp’. As such, congested or inflamed skin can be an indication that your liver is not currently able to keep up with its load. 

Waking Between 1-3 AM

Your liver, an essential multitasker, not only does critical detoxification work and produces proteins, but it also stores crucial nutrients. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each organ has a specific time during which its activities are heightened, with the liver’s peak hours being from 1 to 3 am. Modern chronobiology, which studies biological rhythms, supports this ancient view, suggesting that disruptions in our sleep cycles can influence organ function, particularly the liver’s.

During these early morning hours, the liver is actively engaged in detoxifying the blood, metabolising fats, and processing various biochemicals. Normally, this process does not interrupt your sleep. However, if the liver is overburdened – due to excessive alcohol consumption, eating too many ultra-processed foods, exposure to environmental toxins, or prolonged stress – it may struggle, leading to sleep disturbances or nighttime overheating.