Time to Detoxify

Researchers have found that adults over the age of 40 who have higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine tend to be obese, have more abdominal fat, and are insulin resistant. Studies have shown these metabolic disorders can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.(1) (2)

BPA is classified as an endocrine disrupter. Its chemical structure is similar to thyroid and estrogen molecules. This similarity can result in BPA binding to estrogen and/or thyroid hormone receptors. The result of a foreign substance binding to our hormone receptors is that the receptor can be either stimulated or inhibited. Either way, these endocrine disrupting substances wreak havoc with our hormonal system.

BPA is used in the manufacturing of plastics, in epoxy resin linings of food cans and in thermal receipt paper. Furthermore, it has been found in baby bottles and used as part of dental sealant. It can contaminate food and enters the body easily through skin or by ingestion.
Research has shown that BPA in rats can inhibit activation of thyroid hormone. In humans, this problem is known as T3 resistance syndrome. T3 resistance syndrome can lead to all of the signs of hypothyroidism such as weight gain, fatigue, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

The study I cited above was done in China. BPA levels were measured in 3,390 adults over the age of 40. BPA was measured in urine samples. The researchers reported the highest BPA levels were associated with obesity and elevated concentrations of insulin. In fact, the scientists reported those in the highest quartile of BPA had a 50% increased risk in generalized obesity, 28% increased risk of abdominal obesity and 37% increased risk of insulin resistance.

We presently have an epidemic of thyroid problems, diabetes, and obesity. I have no doubt that much of our health problems are due to the increasing toxic load we are exposed to. What can you do?

First, it is important to exercise and sweat. This helps the lymph system drain into the liver. This drainage pathway facilitates toxin removal from the body. Second, drink adequate amounts of clean water. Avoid drinking water out of plastic water bottles. If you carry water, use a glass container. Keeping the body hydrated is a must for ensuring the body’s ability to detoxify.

Next, it is vitally important to eat healthy food. Organic food, free of toxic pesticides and synthetic hormones, is a must. Try not to buy food wrapped in plastic. Finally, do not wrap your own food in plastic. Wrap food first in parchment paper, then place the plastic wrap around it.

Finally, an occasional liver detoxification program can help. My partners and I have developed a product, Total Liver Care (TLC ) that is designed to ramp-up the detox pathways of the liver. We spent nearly 20 years trying different combinations of items until we came up with the formula for TLC. Take 1 scoop of TLC twice per day along with alpha lipoic acid 300mg twice per day. I suggest doing a liver detox protocol three or four times per year. Both TLC and alpha lipoic acid can be obtained from my office—www.centerforholisticmedicine.com.

Helping the body detoxify is a good thing. Detoxification can improve your metabolism, give you more energy, and help you lose weight. I highly recommend doing a detox program a few times a year.
(1) Journal of Clin. Endocrin. And Metab. Jc.2011. p. 1989
(2) Environmental Health News. Jan 4, 2012