Pheromones, Birth Control and Organ meat
Our hormones are heavily affected and influenced by many different factors. When we consider what we are exposed to on a daily, weekly and monthly cycle, it is reasonable to predict and assume that this exposure will have a significant impact. Although this list is not exhaustive, it gives us a good idea of what we are dealing with and provide us with a solid understanding.
Some factors include;
*Sleep
*Diet
*Exercise or lack of movement
*Stress
*Chemicals or hormone disrupters (think of ingredients in makeup, deodorants, beauty products, perfumes, shampoo’s, candles etc.)
*Birth control
*Prescription drugs including antibiotics
*Synthetic hormones
*Plastics (think about what we drink out of, cook with, store food in etc.)
*GMO food
*Our exposure to light (think Circadian rhythm)
*Coffee (it can be linked to raising cortisol levels)
*Travelling across time zones regularly
*Alcohol and smoking (deplete Testosterone levels and raises Estrogen)
*Mineral deficiencies
*Excess weight
*Breast implants
*Thyroid issues
*Chlorine, fluoride, lead, mercury etc.
* Fire Retardants
*Pesticides, herbicides etc.
*Unfiltered water
How does this exposure affect us? And what are the long-term effects of this exposure?
What we do know from research is that exposure can cause adverse reactions within our bodies as they mimic hormones and throw off natural homeostasis. Sometimes we see immediate results from this, and sometimes it takes some time to show. In either case, when this happens, we expect to see outcomes such as ; thyroid issues, metabolism issues, increase in diabetes, developmental issues (puberty), reproductive issues, immune dysfunction, metabolic disorders, focus issues (ADHD is linked even after ordinary exposure), significant testosterone decline in both men and women, hormone imbalances and an increase in estrogen in both men and women, menstruation issues, impaired sexual function, impaired libido, Depression, anxiety, weight issues, bone health concerns, adrenal fatigue and an increase in Cancer and related outcomes.
One of the biggest contributors to the decline in women’s health, is Birth control. It not only amounts to over 8 billion dollars for the Contraceptive market (2019), but since its inception in the 1960’s, we have witnessed an increase in hormone related disorders, fertility issues and Cancers. As of 2019 approx. 842 million women around the world were utilizing Birth control methods to prevent pregnancy, combat PMS issues or support hormone dysfunction. The rebound effect from the use of Birth Control presents issues like hormonal dysfunction, migraine’s, nausea, eating disorders, acne, bloating, insomnia, melasma, mood swings, mood disorders, weight gain, blood clots, gallbladder issues, high blood pressure, liver issues, heart attack and stroke. Female sexual dysfunction from BC also leads to issues with adequate lubrication, pleasure, orgasm issues, less frequent desire for sexual activity, and arousal issues. When we consider this, it posses the question, can we do things differently?
Additionally, Recent studies have shown over the last 14 years, when women are on the BC pill, they attract mates that smell less masculine and more feminine. This is due to the Birth Control pill falsely mimicking pregnancy in the body. When the body believes that it is pregnant, you are drawn to nurturing and biological relatives for protection. It changes your smell to others, and you become less attractive to a potential mate. Birth Control suppresses your natural sex drive, decreases testosterone and increases estrogen. When estrogen increases, we also see a rise in Cancer related cases. The body is unsure of how to rid itself of the increased estrogen, so it is stored in the tissues. The process in which we attract mates occurs with a messenger called Pheromones. Pheromones are chemicals that animals (humans too) excrete through the skin, hair, saliva and body secretions. They act like hormones, signal others and influence our behaviours. This includes who we are attracted towards and who we attract. When we use and are exposed to the things previously mentioned, the body becomes confusion with hormone production. Hormones are heavily influenced by external and internal chemicals and substances. The introduction of synthetic products create imbalances to this sensitive process. The direct result impacts who we choose as our mate, who we have children with and our children’s hormones. So, what does this mean?
Birth Control coupled with the previous endocrine disrupters mentioned above creates a storm for hormonal issues and affect who we are, how we conduct ourselves and the decisions we make. We are at a time in our lives where hormone dysfunction is at all time high. Men have the lowest testosterone in our lifetime and women have the highest hormone imbalances. When we consider all that we are exposed to, it is no wonder we are living with high probability of health issues, anxiety and depression.
The good news is we can reverse the damage that has been done and it starts with our diet.
How and what we eat is the first step in preventing more damage and starting the recovery process. Processed foods, most packaged foods, and phytoestrogen influencing foods should be removed from the diet where necessary. We should also consider our intentions for eating. This is important because it creates a schedule that our body can get onboard with, instead of snacking all day long creating continuous digestion. Keeping this in mind, when we can create a balanced time period for eating a meal, we see a decrease in stress response in the body and more balanced hormones. Coupling this with choosing nutrient dense food that is free from hormones, antibiotics, pesticides/herbicides, the outcome by these changes has shown marked hormone improvement.
Some foods that help with this task include; farm raised -free from (grass fed if you can) meats, wild game, free from soy/corn eggs, organ meats (the most nutrient dense foods in the world), organic or free from fruit, healthy fats (tallow, butter(grass fed if you can), ghee, MCT oil (C8), coconut oil, cacao butter, avocado oil, very clean olive oil), raw milk or cheese, kefir, bone broths, collagen, veggies (think squashes, pumpkins etc.), (think eating with the season in Canada at this time of year). Lastly, limiting seed oils, gluten (grains), regular dairy, soy, corn and alcohol will all support the endocrine system and your hormones.
Change your exposure within your home by using shampoo’s, body products and cleaning products that are considered free from hormone disrupters. Look at your toothpastes, deodorants, and what other products that may be unnecessary for you to be exposed to.
Consider your water and a water filter for your shower and drinking water. Look at quality and I suggest getting a water test completed to see exactly what you are being exposed to. (You can get them completed for fairly cheap).
Exercise or movement is essential for balancing hormones and supporting the body in chelation of toxins. This can include breathwork, grounding, cold exposure therapy, sauna’s, NIR/Red light therapy, and steam rooms. Movement in any form also supports a healthy brain, positive outcome and a decrease in depression/anxiety among other things.
Minerals and Supplements can also support bringing the body into balance. Before running out and starting on random products, it is best to have an assessment by a trained health practitioner.
Consider alternative methods to birth control such as Fertility awareness methods, condoms, Daysy Fertility monitor, diaphragm, and withdrawal method are some options that may work for you and your lifestyle. Although not mentioned in this blog, it is important to consider all impacts on our hormonal systems, and this includes Vasectomy procedures and surgical procedures to alter women’s reproductive systems. New studies have shown that there is a link to long term depression in men who have had this procedure completed. The risk for anxiety was increased by 2.88 times and 4.79 times greater in men who have had a vasectomy. In women who had tubal ligation or hysterectomy, the increase in depression/anxiety was 2.34 times higher.
Finally, Psychological wellbeing can be supported by considering who we surround ourselves with. Are those around you lifting you up? Are they encouraging you to grow, change and adapt through learning and challenging yourself? Are they helping you question and gather new goals? Are they like minded? Are you feeling supported? Our direction in life is heavily influenced by where we see ourselves and our sense of belonging. Find the person or people who help you become active members of your own lives. Acknowledgement and self-reflection of where we are in our lives and where we need to be to feel optimal is of the utmost importance. By defining this, it increases our passion for life, ourselves and our earth. One small step at a time can help you feel better and although these seem minor in nature, these considerations have been shown to impact greatly.
If you need support along this journey, or aren’t sure where to start, reach out!