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Count Toxins, Not Calories

What makes us fat? Well, contrary to popular belief it's not as simple as too many calories. In fact, there are many factors that can cause us to gain weight, and one of the major factors is the hormonal and physiological affect certain foods and substances create when they enter our bodies regardless of calorie content. Do they cause a spike in insulin? Do they alter thyroid function? Do they alter gene expression? Do they create a stress response? Do they make you feel lethargic? There are even certain substances, when ingested that actually cause disruption in hormonal processes and metabolism. 

So what is a hormone? Well, a hormone is simply a compound that is released into the blood that is designed to interact with another organ, tissue, or cell; organs that secrete hormones are called endocrine glands. Some examples of endocrine glands in the body are the hypothalamus that helps to create the brain body connection, the thyroid gland that helps to regulate metabolism, and the testes/ovaries that release different sex hormones. Basically, hormone communication can be compared to sending a letter to someone that instructs them to perform a certain task. 
Unfortunately, toxins are everywhere, and when they enter our bodies they can wreak havoc on normal body function. Within the scope of toxic chemicals, there is a class known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). These toxins are found in our environment, in our food, and products we use. These EDCs can specifically interfere with hormone synthesis, hormone metabolism, and interfere with normal hormone function by affecting the thyroid, neuro-endocrine glands, sex organs, and insulin/glucose regulation. When this happens, the delicate balance of hormones can be disrupted resulting in major issues. 
Now obviously we are talking about toxins in relation to weight gain, but these different EDCs can cause many other problems such as cancer and infertility. Many of these chemicals are found in different cosmetic products, pesticides, plastic products, industrial solvents, and some petroleum based products. So basically, in stuff that is around us 24/7, and that is why it is so important to try to eliminate as many toxins as possible in your daily life. There is a more extensive list at the end of this article. 
There is also a class of toxins that is closely related to EDCs called "obesogens", and just like the name suggests, these toxins can be a factor in weight gain and obesity. Obesogens are found in the foods we eat, in different pharmaceutical drugs, and industrial compounds. These toxins can cause the number of fat cells to increase, because the fat cells to increase in size, affect hormones that control appetite and satiety, and affect overall metabolism. One of the scariest effects of obeseogens is their potential to act on DNA without actually changing the genetic code, not only causing the individual to be more prone to obesity, but also passing the trait of obesity to their offspring. Just like many toxins, obesogens can be found in synthetic products, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. Some notable obesogens are fructose, MSG, nicotine, estradiol, and lead. 
When we consume toxins, our bodies have different mechanisms in place to help neutralize them and make them able to be excreted via urine or stool. When we are exposed to too many toxins, they can travel around the body, and since many are fat soluble they will embed themselves into different fatty organs like your endocrine organs or brain. These toxins can remain there for years causing that gland to function poorly. Over time, as more and more toxins build up in the body, these different organs and glands begin to malfunction more and more, and create the ideal conditions for hormone and chemical imbalances to occur. These malfunctions can lead to many different conditions and dysfunctions including weight gain.
The main function of fat cells is to store fat to be used as energy at a later time. However, there is some evidence that suggests our bodies use fat cells to store excess toxins because so many toxin are fat soluble. So just as fat is important for energy, it may also be important in keeping toxins out of other fatty organs such as the brain. So if you are consuming or exposed to high levels of toxins, your body may be more inclined to increase fat as a means of toxin storage as well.
Another way toxins can affect you, when it comes to weight gain, is by affecting your mental status. There is a link between depression, fatigue, and lethargy caused by toxins that can be associated with excessive weight gain. If you think about it, eating healthy, working out, and putting the necessary disciplines in your life to live a healthy lifestyle takes a lot of motivation. Being exposed to different toxins and chemicals, whether from the environment or diet, can cause people to lack the motivation and energy necessary to accomplish what is needed to lose weight. So without eliminating toxins from your diet or environment, it can be extremely difficult mentally to overcome the obstacles that are preventing weight-loss.
Hopefully at this point you aren't freaking out, but have totally re-thought the "calorie in, calorie out" model. So where do you go from here? Well, start eliminating toxins from your life. Try to eat organic foods, wash produce well, drink filtered water, use glass containers as much as possible, and avoid eating processed foods. The truth of the matter is, we will never be able to avoid all toxins, but our bodies have many very sophisticated mechanisms in place to eliminate toxins. Plus, because of epigenetics, we know that gene expression has a lot to do with the environment you place your body in. So by eliminating toxin exposure, your body will actually be less likely to express genetic traits that can lead to weight gain. 
In the end, don't use this as an excuse, because none of these factors override your free will, but it does mean some people will have to work a bit harder than others to lose weight. On the bright side, we all know people who overcame obesity, even though they might be more predisposed to it than others, proving it is possible.
Just like anything in the body, it all comes down to expression. Are you exposing yourself to toxins causing your body to express dysfunction, or are you trying eliminate as many toxins as possible and providing your body with what it needs to help itself detox and expressing health? A little can go along way when it comes to eliminating toxins from your life. So if you are looking to lose weight, instead of looking at the calorie content on the food label, try eating whole foods, eat until you are full, and avoid processed foods and chemicals as much as possible. I guarantee that if you do this, that you will not only lose weight, but also see a transformation in your overall physical and mental health as well!
List of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (1)
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 
  • Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) 
  • Dioxins
  • Plastics
  • Bisphenol A (BPA)
  • Plasticizers 
  • phthalates
  • Pesticides
  • Methoxychlor
  • Chlorpyrifos
  • Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) 
  • Fungicides
  • Vinclozolin 
  • Pharmaceutical agents 
  • Diethylstilbestrol (DES) 
  • Phytoestrogens 
  • Genistien 
  • Coumestrol



1) Functional Medicine University. Insiders Guide: Sources of Toxins. pg10.

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