You and I should be able to trust the FDA. After all, it’s their responsibility to protect the American public by ensuring the safety of our food.
Yet time and time again, the agency chooses to put Big Agra’s profits ahead of your health.
But after years of petitions demanding that the FDA ban phthalates in food, a lawsuit may finally compel them to act. Let me explain…
Recently, eight different health advocate groups got together to sue the FDA and demand that they ban endocrine-disrupting chemicals called phthalates from our food.
These synthetic chemicals have a direct anti-androgenic effect. In other words, they impact libido, fertility, and testosterone levels.
They reduce masculine traits. And they’re everywhere.
You can find phthalates in everything from dairy products and fish to baked goods and meat. Even infant formulas are full of these harmful chemicals.
And it isn’t just food either.
Phthalates are also used in plastic products to make them more flexible. The chemicals can enter our bodies through the skin simply – and even the air we breathe.
Our modern environment is tainted with these hormone destroyers at every turn.
Entire generations have grown up consuming these chemicals – and the effects have been disastrous.
Not surprisingly, the FDA is resisting calls to ban phthalates with every resource available.
Are “Everywhere Chemicals” Killing Masculinity?
It isn’t hard to find studies showing just how toxic these hormone-disrupting chemicals can be.
An animal study conducted by University of Illinois researchers revealed phthalates to be a direct threat to female fertility.
In this study, scientists gave female mice oral doses of phthalates for 10 days. In that short time, the mice were unable to become pregnant for up to nine months afterward.
The dose in this study is comparable to the level humans experience on a daily basis.1
Of course, there are more than just animal studies… The long-term effects of these hormone killers are reflected in how young boys behave.
University of Rochester researchers poured through data from 145 preschool children, examining the effects of two common phthalates in mothers’ prenatal urine.
The researchers linked the presence of phthalates to less masculine playtime behavior. They found that boys who were exposed to higher levels of phthalates were less likely to pick up toy trucks or engage in “rough play.”2
Research shows that exposure is linked to:3
- Early onset of puberty
- Interfering with the male reproductive tract development
- Interfering with the natural functioning of the hormone system
- Causing reproductive and genital defects
- Lower testosterone levels in adolescent males
- Lower sperm count in adult males
Bring Your Hormones Back In Balance
Phthalates are virtually impossible to avoid.
Not only are these “everywhere chemicals” in our food, but you can also find them in personal care products, medications, flooring, kids’ toys, detergent, and anything that contains fragrance.
You can’t wrap yourself in a plastic bubble for the rest of your life. And even if you could, it would probably have phthalates in it too!
I’ll tell you what I tell my patients… Protecting your hormone balance is critical in today’s modern world. Thankfully, I’ve found natural ways to counter the threat.
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- Try the “Queen of Herbs.” Holy basil is one of the most promising natural solutions I’ve seen. It’s called the “Queen of Herbs” for a reason. An animal study on the effects of holy basil found rabbits that received the herb saw increased sperm counts and hormonal balance compared to the control group. This included regulated testosterone production.4 Holy basil is available as a supplement in either pill or capsule form. I recommend taking up to 2,000 mg per day.
- Cleanse your liver. Your liver works non-stop to detox your body and break down chemical toxins. But in today’s world, it needs help. Milk thistle is one of the best herbs I’ve found for clearing toxins from your liver and restoring healthy liver function. Look for dried milk thistle extract. But make sure it has at least 80% silymarin, the active ingredient for liver cleansing. I recommend taking one 200 mg capsule twice daily.
- Get more zinc. Zinc plays a key role in testosterone production. A lot of zinc is concentrated in your pituitary gland, which plays a big role in your libido. My favorite way to get zinc is by eating animal meats like pork, beef, and lamb. Pumpkin seeds, oysters, and watermelon contain a lot of zinc as well. Supplementing is also an option. I recommend you get 30 mg of zinc per day.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD, CNS
References:
1. Chiang C, et al. “Subchronic exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and diisononyl phthalate during adulthood has immediate and long-term reproductive consequences in female mice.” Tox Sci. 2019;168(2):620-631.
2. Swan S, et al. “Prenatal phthalate exposure and reduced masculine play in boys.” Int J Androl. 2010;33(2):259-269.
3. National Institutes of Health. “Phthalates: The Everywhere Chemical.” https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/assets/docs/j_q/phthalates_the_everywhere_chemical_handout_508.pdf
4. Sethi J, e al. “Effect of tulsi (ocimum sanctum linn.) on sperm count and reproductive hormones in male albino rabbits.” Int J Ayurveda Res. 2010;1(4):208-210