Another crop of chemicals comes home to roost

You’ve probably noticed that I talk about endocrine disrupters a lot. The come up regularly in my books and lectures. You may also recall that I mentioned the topic here just a few weeks ago.

My interest in these environmental toxins may seem fanciful on the surface — maybe even obsessive, like in some kind of sci-fi conspiracy. But that really couldn’t be further from the truth.

The fact is, that endocrine disruptors have been wreaking untold havoc on our bodies for decades already. And we’re only just beginning to see the consequences firsthand.

Of course, as is often the case with these matters, the writing’s been on the wall for years. And, as with any controversy that implicates big businesses, I expect we’ll just continue to ignore it until the big wigs can’t deny the truth any longer.

But dare I say that a day of reckoning could be near?! Because yet another study has emerged, showing just how big of a hazard these chemicals really are to public health.

This was a Chinese study, which researched over 400 young males between the ages of nine and 16. And it’s the first study to deliver solid evidence that exposure to pyrethroids—a commonly used pesticide—speeds up puberty, even at levels routinely present the human population.

More specifically, researchers found that a ten percent increase in a pyrethroid metabolite called 3-PBA was associated with increases in both luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. (Hormones primarily seen in females.)

Increased urinary levels of pyrethroid metabolites also raised a boy’s chances of early puberty by 113 to 268 percent.

In other words, boys with just a ten percent higher level of pyrethroid metabolites—again, we’re not even talking about extraordinary levels of exposure here—were at least (and often more than) twice as likely to experience advanced puberty.

And if these pesticides are hijacking the endocrine system, who knows what other effects they could ultimately be having? Especially considering how incredibly commonplace they are—and not just in China, either.

All in all, pyrethroids make up about 30 percent of insecticide usage worldwide. Common sources of residue are—brace yourself—vegetables, milk, and baby food. They’re hanging out in pretty much every indoor environment you encounter day-to-day.

Our exposure to pyrethroids is virtually constant — with residues turning up in the urine of more than 60 percent of kids in China, the U.S. and other countries.

But it’s also worth noting that, while this particular study focused on boys, young girls are also starting puberty at earlier than ever — the consequences of which remain to be seen. (In boys, we currently know that higher risk of testicular cancer and depression are two of the major risks.)

I know it may seem like this is just one more thing to worry about in a world full of hidden threats. But I urge you NOT to throw your hands up and admit defeat. Because even as the powers-that-be continue to stick their heads in the sand, you can still take proactive steps to protect yourself and your family.

Eat organic as much as possible to avoid consuming invisible toxins. Also be sure to stay hydrated — plenty of fluids help to expel toxins. But simply subscribing to this newsletter was probably the best first step you could take. Because ignoring the facts won’t keep you in good health.

And unlike a lot of the so-called “authorities” out there these days, I’m not in the business of denial.

I’ll keep you updated on this story as it unfolds.
Source:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/878085


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