LET’S TALK ABOUT HORMONES
I want to give you all a bit of an understanding about the relationship between endocrine function (hormones) and toxicity in our environment. How that then effects reproductive health, conditions, mood, drive and pretty much most other systems and parts of the body.
Firstly, all Men and Women have Testosterone and Estrogen, among other hormones, and BOTH are key to our health, whether male or female.
Mainly reproductive and sexual health but they play a role in other systems and functions of organs too and can effect levels of other hormones like the Thyroid hormones in the body.
Hormonal disrupters can disrupt systems that control metabolism, energy balance and appetite control!
They also increase energy storage in fat cells as opposed to where your body needs it.
BPA exposure in the womb can lead to a higher risk of obesity in later life.
ENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS
These nasty chemicals found in our environment are also called hormonally active agents and can act like hormones in our body, binding to receptors making them over active and blocking our other hormones, causing an imbalance. They therefore effect the production of hormones and can cause different negative long terms effects in the body.
A little example, since the introduction of petrochemicals and plastics into our society in the 50’s, normal sperm counts since 1973 (first sign of a drop) have HALVED! they have found that this is due to a women’s exposure to phthalates whilst carrying baby boys in utero.
For more detailed information on this and the effects of phthalates, look up Dr Shanna Swann’s work.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to avoid exposure to these as soft plastics and other plastics are used in all parts of the agricultural and commercial process.
Just wait till next time you go shopping and realise 
HOWEVER !
You CAN clear most of these from your body and REDUCE your exposure by conditioning your personal environment and that of your family or potential family.
DETOXIFICATION PATHWAYS
1. The BEST way to detoxify your body is … you guessed it… SWEAT! Whether that be by being active in the gym or at home, but the best way would be a Sauna or steam room!
NO … detox teas and aloe vera diets do not work, your body does this naturally every day anyway
2. Ensuring you look after your Liver and Kidney’s and their functioning.
Sorry but alcohol and a diet rich in bad trans fatty acids really inhibits this.
Drink plenty of water each day and reduce levels of refined salt!
HOW YOU CAN CLEAN UP YOUR PERSONAL ENVIRONMENT AND REDUCE EXPOSURE?
Here are a few key hacks to reduce your exposure and clean up your personal environment.
1. NEVER cook, heat or microwave food in plastic containers
2. Store food in glass tubs and drink water out of glass or stainless steel bottles!
Even “BPA free” isn’t free of disruptors. If you do use any plastic, for a bottled drink or what your yoghurt comes in, then at least check the bottom to see if it has a number in the symbol, then remember this rhyme.
“1, 5, 4 & 2, all the rest are bad for you
Optimally you’d not use any at all.
3. Reduce the amount of processed foods you eat. The more processed a food The more it’s been exposed, passed through or stored in plastics. This also goes for the food sources exposure to pesticides and other refined ingredients.
4. Buy Organic foods and try to not get foods wrapped in soft plastic. Pesticides contain hormone disrupting compounds so buying organic, especially leafy greens, is optimal. Simply google a list of foods most exposed to pesticides.
You can also wash your friit and veg in a mix of water, vinegar & bicarbonate.
5. Throw away any Tefal or teflon coated non stick pans 
These leach onto your food when cooking. Go for a non toxic pan like the Greenpan brand, any ceramic pans or use stainless steel and use beef dripping, butter or EV olive oil
6. Personal care products 
makeup, moisturisers, shampoos etc.
In the UK we have pretty good regulations on what can be added to products (11,000 different things are restricted here compared to just 11 in the USA) but it doesn’t do any harm to check or swap out. There’s app’s where you can scan your products and it will tell you. Try to buy “clean” “plastic free” “organic” products where you can.
7. Clear plastics out of your kitchen. Check for utensils, plates, cups and storage and just make the switch to metal, wood, glass and ceramics.
I hope this hasn’t put the fear of God in you but it’s important to be aware and talk about these things. The good news is you can take action, clean up your own personal and families environment. Your body is pretty amazing at sorting itself out too. You’re already doing the hard part of sorting out your fitness and nutrition, after that there’s also a lot of measures and supplements to help with hormonal imbalances or improvements. Sleep isnalso a massive one to get right.
Team Sozo