Articles
What are endocrine disruptors?
Information (and misinformation) is everywhere in the media, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One topic that often raises questions is endocrine disruptors (EDCs). Our role at Sally-Ann Creed is to provide you with the science and context, we’re not here to create fear, but to educate and empower. In this blog, we’ll look at what EDCs are, where they’re found, how they may affect health and simple daily swaps to reduce exposure. According to the Endocrine Society (2025), “An endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) is defined as: ‘an exogenous chemical, or mixture of chemicals, that can interfere with any aspect of hormone action.’ These can include natural or manufactured chemicals, such as pesticides, biocides, chemicals in plastic polymers (including breakdown products or constituents), food contact materials, cosmetics, and others.” Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, mood and sleep. They’re made by your endocrine system which includes your pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands and ovaries or testes and travel through the bloodstream to act on target tissues. Examples include insulin, oestrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. Image source So why should we be aware of endocrine disruptors? Imagine your body is trying to send critical messages, and something external intercepts or “garbles” it. That’s what EDCs do, they disrupt communication, either by acting like hormones (mimics), blocking hormone receptors or interfering with hormone production or breakdown. When those signals get distorted, even slightly, the effects ripple through the body. You might feel it as changes in your menstrual cycle, thyroid function, sleep, mood, skin breakouts, energy, fertility challenges or weight regulation. Some recent studies are showing: Higher prenatal endocrine disruptor interactions were linked with more behavioural difficulties – Nature 2024. Reviews report associations between EDCs and earlier (or shifted) pubertal development – Jornal de pediatria (2022). In 2023, Europe’s food-safety authority set a much lower tolerable daily intake for BPA (0.2 ng/kg/day), reflecting new evidence. A European biomonitoring project found BPA in 92% of adults, with many exceeding thresholds compatible with that new limit. A 2023 Nature Communications study showed UV nail dryers can damage DNA and cause characteristic mutations in mammalian cells (lab data, not people). In fact, as of 1 September 2025, the EU prohibits TPO (a nail polish photo-initiator) in cosmetics. So we can expect to see more TPO-free formulations. Other studies are exploring links between EDCs and conditions such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, breast and prostate cancers and metabolic syndrome. What are examples of endocrine disruptors and where can we find them in day to day life? (For a more detailed table please see bottom of blog) ❌ Food contact and plastics: Some additives can migrate from packaging (cling wrap, plastic food containers), especially with heat, time, and fatty or acidic foods. ❌ Personal care and cosmetics: Certain fragrances, preservatives (eg some parabens), UV filters and nail products are frequent discussion points. ❌ Thermal receipts “till slips”: Many contain bisphenols (BPA/BPS) that can transfer to skin. ❌ Indoor dust: Household dust can carry phthalates and PFAS from furnishings and finishes. ❌ Pesticide residues on food ❌ Contaminated water or industrial pollution ❌ Cigarette smoke (active and second-hand) ❌ Cleaning products Image source This is particularly important during critical windows of development such as: Pregnancy and fetal development Infancy and early childhood Puberty Perimenopause and menopause What can you do to lower your risk? NB- You don’t need to overhaul your life in one day. But you can make smart, sustainable swaps that reduce your EDC exposure over time. Choose glass or stainless steel containers over plastic Don’t microwave food in plastic, use ceramic or glass Choose natural, fragrance-free or low-tox personal care Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products without synthetic scents Wash produce thoroughly and choose organic where possible Limit handling of thermal receipts Ventilate your home and vacuum regularly to reduce dust-borne chemicals Eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, rocket) to support liver detox (may consider milk thistle or Sulforaphane a compound from broccoli that helps our bodies natural detox system) Include fermented foods or probiotics for gut health Endocrine disruptors aren’t something to panic over, but they are something to be aware of. The goal isn’t to live in a bubble or throw out everything you own. It’s about building awareness and making small, consistent swaps that support your body’s natural ability to detox, balance and thrive. Chemical family What it is / role Where you might find it Label clues / aliases Simple swap Bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF) Monomers/thermal developers used in plastics & thermal paper Some can linings; thermal receipts; older rigid polycarbonate bottles/lids “BPA‑free” (may still use BPS/BPF); resin code 7 (PC); receipts rarely labelled Heat/store food in glass/ceramic/stainless; choose e‑receipts; avoid heating old polycarbonate Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, DINP; DEP common in perfumes) Plasticisers; solvents/fixatives in fragrance Fragranced personal care; PVC/vinyl (flooring, shower curtains); some packaging Fragrance/Parfum; PVC/vinyl; look for diethyl phthalate (DEP) in perfumes Go fragrance‑free or phthalate‑free; favour non‑vinyl materials; ventilate and wash hands after DIY Parabens (methyl‑, propyl‑, butyl‑paraben) Preservatives in cosmetics/toiletries Lotions, shampoos, make‑up, some wipes Ingredients ending “‑paraben” (e.g., methylparaben) Choose paraben‑free options; keep routines simple (fewer products) UV filters (oxybenzone/benzophenone‑3; octinoxate/ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) Organic sunscreen filters used in some cosmetics Certain chemical sunscreens; lip balms; foundations Oxybenzone / Benzophenone‑3 (BP‑3); Octinoxate / Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate If avoiding these, choose mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), plus hats & shade Triclosan Antibacterial agent (now less common) Older “antibacterial” soaps, some toothpastes/cleansers Triclosan; Triclocarban (bar soaps) Opt for triclosan‑free; plain soap + water for routine handwashing Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) Plasticiser/flame retardant used in some nail polishes Nail polish; occasionally other coatings Triphenyl phosphate; TPHP (metabolite DPHP isn’t on labels) Pick TPHP‑free polish; avoid skin contact with uncured gels; UV‑blocking gloves/SPF for curing lamps
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Menopause Hormones
It’s pretty clear that menopause affects your oestrogen and progesterone, but what does it do to your other hormones and endocrine glands? Let’s take a look! Leutinizing Hormone (LH) What does it do? It’s critical for your reproductive system. It’s what tells your ovaries to release an egg and make other important hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. What happens in menopause? The ovaries start making less oestrogen and progesterone, and LH levels go up. This hormonal shift is what causes menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep problems. Since LH levels are usually high during menopause, doctors can use them, along with other hormones, to figure out if you are going through menopause. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) What does it do? It works alongside LH in regulating the female reproductive system. FSH is crucial for the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. Like LH, the levels of FSH change during different phases of a woman’s life. What happens in menopause? The ovaries gradually lose their ability to produce eggs and hormones. In response to this, the body produces more FSH. These elevated FSH levels are associated with the onset of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Insulin What does it do? Insulin helps regulate your blood sugar levels by enabling glucose uptake into cells for energy. What happens in menopause? Hormonal changes can affect insulin sensitivity, and this can lead to increased insulin resistance. When your body becomes less responsive to insulin, your blood sugar levels rise. As a result, you may experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Cortisol What does it do? Known as the ‘stress hormone’, cortisol helps regulate various functions, including metabolism and immune response. It also helps you manage stress. What happens in menopause? Fluctuating oestrogen levels can affect cortisol production and regulation. When your cortisol levels are higher, you may experience increased stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Elevated cortisol also contributes to abdominal weight gain and may impact bone density and immune function. Leptin What does it do? This hormone is mainly produced by your fat cells and helps to regulate your energy balance. When your leptin levels are high, your brain gets the message that you have enough fat stored, and this reduces hunger and helps you to maintain a healthy weight. Leptin is usually highest in the evening and early morning hours, so your body can repair itself without getting hungry. What happens in menopause? Declining oestrogen levels can lead to increased leptin resistance, where the body doesn’t respond to leptin signals effectively. This can result in increased hunger and weight gain. Thyroid gland What does it do? This powerhouse produces hormones that are pivotal in regulating your metabolic rate, growth, and development. It exerts control over critical functions like heart regulation, muscle control, digestion, brain maturation, and the maintenance of strong bones. The thyroid gland relies on a sufficient supply of iodine from your diet to function at its best. What happens in menopause? Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in oestrogen, can affect thyroid function. Some women may experience hypothyroidism, where the thyroid becomes underactive, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Others might have hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid is overactive, causing anxiety, weight loss, and rapid heartbeat. Adrenal glands What do they do? Your adrenal glands play a vital role in your body’s response to stress and help regulate several essential bodily functions. They produce hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and aldosterone, and help you cope with stress, maintain energy levels, and keep your bodily functions in check. What happens in menopause? As oestrogen and progesterone levels decline, your adrenal glands try to step in by producing these hormones in small amounts. This added pressure can lead to adrenal strain and worsen menopause symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and stress. Hormone Function Changes Oestrogen regulates menstrual cycle and ovulation influences mood increases bone density influences cognitive health Declines Progesterone influences libido affects sleep and anxiety levels affects weight balance and fluid balance affects scalp hair growth Declines Testosterone influences libido affects muscle mass and bone density assists with mood regularity influences energy levels Declines FSH Stimulates your ovary’s follicles to produce oestrogen. As the follicles decline, so does your oestrogen, telling your brain to produce more FSH. This is why doctors often test FSH levels as a marker of menopause. Increases LH Responsible for ovulation. As oestrogen & progesterone levels decrease, LH will increase and will be another key blood marker to test your progression through menopause. Increases
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What you need to know about progesterone
Progesterone is often disregarded when we consider hormones, we mainly look at oestrogen and testosterone and forget about the incredible role that progesterone plays in a number of functions in the body and symptoms that irregular levels can create. Progesterone is considered the “feel good hormone” with its role in the production of GABA (a neurotransmitter) that helps promote better sleep and improves mood by creating a sense of relaxation and well-being. This detailed blog post is dedicated to educating us on all things progesterone, from where it is made, how low or high progesterone levels can affect us, and its role in our body- progesterone 101. “Progesterone is like the baby sitter for oestrogen. So when stress causes progesterone to plummet, oestrogen goes wild. (and not in a good way).” – Dr Mindy Pelz. Where is progesterone made? Progesterone is mainly made in the ovaries by a temporary structure called the corpus luteum, which forms after ovulation (when an egg is released). This structure lasts about 14 days and produces progesterone under the influence of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). Besides the ovaries, the adrenal glands, placenta (during pregnancy) and even the brain can also make small amounts of progesterone. Unlike oestrogen, which needs multiple steps and different cell types to be made, progesterone is created in just two simple steps. First, cholesterol is turned into a substance called pregnenolone, and then it’s converted into progesterone. How does progesterone affect our bodies? ✨ Sex hormone: Progesterone plays a key role in maintaining a regular menstrual cycle by working alongside oestrogen. It helps thicken the uterine lining in case of pregnancy and tells your body to shed that lining during your period if pregnancy doesn’t happen. It also helps with preparing breasts for pregancy (why women get tender breasts leading up to periods). ✨ Mood and brain health: Progesterone helps boost the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation, sleep, and a positive mood. When progesterone levels drop, GABA production decreases as well, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, sadness or depression. In perimenopause, lower progesterone levels often result in more frequent and intense mood swings. During pregnancy, higher levels of progesterone contribute to the sense of well-being that many women experience. However, after childbirth, the rapid drop in progesterone can lead to mood changes like the “baby blues” or postpartum depression. ✨ Muscles: Progesterone levels can affect muscle strength and performance. For example, during the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels fluctuate, some studies suggest that progesterone might have a relaxing effect on muscles, which can lead to a feeling of decreased muscle tension. This may contribute to a sensation of increased joint mobility during certain phases of the cycle. Progesterone also potentially influences muscle protein synthesis and impacts muscle strength/fatigue, especially in postmenopausal women. ✨ Weight: There are a number of ways that progesterone affects weight. Water retention, fat storage, metabolism and appetite and cravings. Progesterone can affect weight through its interaction with oestrogen. When hormone levels are ideal, progesterone and oestrogen have a lovely natural balance in our body, regulating the other’s effects. So while oestrogen promotes fat storage, progesterone allows our bodies to metabolise that fat. Progesterone also acts like a diuretic and helps with water loss and swelling. You can think of symptoms of water retention in menopause and post menopause when progesterone levels are low. ✨ Bone health: While many say that progesterone isn’t as vital or powerful in preserving bone mass as oestrogen, its role in balancing bone metabolism is crucial. Progesterone supports bone health by promoting bone formation (osteoblast activity) and working alongside oestrogen to maintain bone density. Bonus benefits of progesterone? ✨ Immune system: Oestrogen and progesterone work in opposition to regulate immune function. Oestrogen enhances the immune system by promoting inflammation, while progesterone reduces inflammation by activating anti-inflammatory T-cells. Basically, progesterone helps “calm down” the immune response, maintaining a balanced immune system. ✨ Sugar control: Both oestrogen and progesterone play a role in regulating blood sugar by interacting with cells in the pancreas. So when these hormone levels fluctuate or drop significantly, like during perimenopause and menopause, the body’s ability to manage blood glucose becomes less efficient. This explains why blood sugar regulation can become more challenging during these times. How progesterone levels fluctuate: “Progesterone is not a minimalist hormone. It leans toward excess, toward velvet, toward a thickening of the blood. Under its spell, the womb’s endometrial mat goes from a thin brown covering to a thick crimson pile, a wild, expensive carpet, bedding fit for a king. No amount of money could buy a mattress with the thickness, the precision, the pure comfort that progesterone produces; here is where you started your first perfect sleep.” – Lauren Slater In the menstrual cycle, At the start of the menstrual cycle (during your period), progesterone levels are low and stay that way through the follicular phase (when the egg is being matured). After ovulation, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone, produced by the corpus luteum (the structure left behind after the egg is released). Its levels peak in the middle of the luteal phase but drop if conception doesn’t occur, leading to the start of the next period. Interesting fact: Progesterone can influence period symptoms by affecting mood, bloating and cramping. High progesterone in the luteal phase (before your period) can cause water retention, leading to bloating. It also slows digestion, which may contribute to constipation. Since progesterone interacts with brain chemicals like serotonin, low levels before menstruation can lead to mood swings or irritability. What about during menopause? During perimenopause, progesterone levels fluctuate and gradually decline due to irregular ovulation- this can lead to symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances and heavier or irregular periods. In menopause, ovulation stops completely and progesterone production drops significantly, contributing to issues like poor sleep, low mood and bone loss. Since progesterone helps balance oestrogen- its decline may also lead to what some call “oestrogen dominance” in perimenopause before both hormones decrease in menopause. Some women use progesterone therapy to help manage symptoms like our Renewal Cream.
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Do you suffer from Rosacea?
Rosacea is a really nasty skin disorder affecting the curves and features of the centre of the face. It is often called acne rosacea. It’s generally characterised by one or more of the following: Light to heavy facial flushing (erythema) which can be transient or permanent Papules and pustules Telangiectasia – threadlike red lines or patterns that cross the face Rhinophyma – where the nose thickens and becomes bulbous Women of 30-50 are most often victims of this condition, and find it frustrating and embarrassing to deal with for obvious reasons. Allopathic treatments like cortisone and antibiotics are often used to treat it, but this doesn’t solve the problem in the long term. While its cause is supposedly unknown there are a number of factors which are known to trigger it including: Leaky gut syndrome (your gut flora are responsible for more than you know!). This one is the most obvious of all A mite that lives on the skin Poor diet and fizzy drinks Sugar/insulin dysregulation Auto-immunity Low immune status Various pathogenic bacteria living in the gut Helicobacter pylori (a germ that lives in the stomach) Some fungal infections (gut and on the skin) Alcohol is a known trigger if you are genetically predisposed Sometimes rosacea appears in people with autoimmune conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes type 1, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease, and is sometimes considered an auto-immune condition. However the ‘cause’ which makes the most sense, and where we’ve seen the best results, is in treating the gut and using supplements. Dysbiosis and gastrointestinal disorders in people lead to increased prevalence of the problem, and almost everyone we’ve ever seen with rosacea has leaky gut. Once this is addressed, the problem can be very efficiently controlled with a few basic nutrients. Natural treatments Clearly the GUT has to be addressed. Pathogenic bacteria may be assessed via a sophisticated stool test if you can afford it (not your regular lab). But if you don’t want to do this there is plenty you can do on your own. Some of these measures include: Dietary modification: this is absolutely essential if you want to beat it! NO more seed oils, margarine, gluten, dairy products other than butter, sugar, fructose, fizzy drink, alcohol, soya or processed food. Yes, it’s hard to start with, but so worthwhile Include healthy meats, eggs and other animal protein from grass-fed humanely reared animals. B12 is a KEY nutrient in dealing with rosacea. Get it from animal protein first and foremost. Eat more liver and eggs for vitamin A (vitamin A is only found in the animal kingdom and is not efficiently converted from beta-carotene to vitamin A in the body). This is one of your main ‘skin’ nutrients. Make sure your sugar and insulin levels are normal and that your homocysteine is low (blood tests will confirm this). Take a very good probiotic – MaxiProbiotic is an excellent one (from our online store) Take a good PREbiotic too – like MaxiPrebiotic – to allow effective implantation of probiotics – this takes time, and you need to keep up addressing the gut Take a good Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamine) under the tongue – every day Take a good B Complex daily as well – many B vitamins are missing in this condition and the condition responds well to a good B complex Make sure you are NOT trying to ‘alkalise’ your body! Forget the pH myth – it won’t do you any favours Pure Hydrolysed Collagen has a remarkable effect on skin MaxiMSM is also known to make a huge difference to the skin in a short time like collagen Zinc is a skin-specific nutrient and also encourages stomach acid production, and regulates insulin production. It is a fundamental nutrient in cell-mediated immunity and is an anti-inflammatory. Magnesium citrate is good for a number of things, but in this case for regulation of blood sugar if your problem is in this area – high blood sugar and insulin are VERY inflammatory and will drive this condition out of control Take 1000iu Vitamin D3 daily (make sure it’s D3 and not D2) – excellent for skin and has been shown to be effective in both rosacea treatment and autoimmune diseases. Direct sunlight can irritate rosacea, so in this case a supplement is much better than the sun itself Omega-3 fish oil has been shown to help in dealing with the inflammation of rosacea as it acts by competitively inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways – take a higher dose than usual if your skin is very greasy All of the above are available from our online store here.
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Emotional Eating
We don’t always eat just to satisfy physical hunger. Many of us also turn to food for comfort, stress relief, or to reward ourselves. When we do, we tend to reach for junk food, sweets, and other comforting, but unhealthy foods. You might reach for a tub of ice cream when you’re feeling down, order a pizza if you’re bored or lonely, or swing by the drive-through after a stressful day at work. Emotional eating is the use of food to make yourself feel better or to fill your emotional needs rather than your stomach. Unfortunately, emotional eating doesn’t fix emotional problems. In fact, it usually makes you feel worse. Afterward, not only does the original emotional issue remain, but you also feel guilty for overeating. Occasionally using food as a pick-me-up, a reward, or to celebrate isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But when eating is your primary emotional coping mechanism, that’s a bad sign. You get stuck in an unhealthy cycle where the real feeling or problem is never addressed. Emotional hunger can’t be filled with food. Eating may feel good now, but the feelings that triggered eating are still there. And you often feel worse than you did before because of the unnecessary calories you’ve just consumed. Compounding the problem, you stop learning healthier ways to deal with your emotions, you have a harder and harder time controlling your weight, and you feel increasingly powerless over both food and your feelings. No matter how powerless you feel over food and your feelings, it is possible to make a positive change. You can learn healthier ways to deal with your emotions, avoid triggers, conquer cravings, and finally put a stop to emotional eating. To stop emotional eating, you must find other ways to fulfill yourself emotionally. It’s not enough to understand the cycle of emotional eating or even to understand your triggers, although that’s a huge first step. You need alternatives to food that you can turn to for emotional fulfillment. Alternative Coping Mechanisms: Once you’ve identified the triggers, it’s essential to replace emotional eating with healthier coping mechanisms. Activities like exercising, meditating, journaling, or talking to a friend can help redirect your focus and alleviate emotional distress. Find activities that bring you joy and provide an outlet for your emotions, allowing you to break free from the reliance on food for comfort. Mindful Eating: Practicing mindful eating is another effective strategy to break the cycle. When you eat, pay attention to the physical sensations, taste, and texture of the food. Slow down, savor each bite, and listen to your body’s cues of hunger and fullness. By being present in the moment, you can differentiate between genuine hunger and emotional cravings, helping you make healthier choices. Building a Support System: Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can make a significant difference in breaking the cycle of emotional eating. Seek out friends, family, or support groups who can provide encouragement, accountability, and guidance during challenging times. Sharing your journey with others who understand and empathize can empower you to overcome emotional eating habits. Seeking Professional Help: In some cases, emotional eating may be deeply rooted in underlying emotional or psychological issues. Seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, can provide valuable insights and strategies for addressing the root causes of emotional eating. A trained professional can guide you through the process of breaking the cycle and developing healthier coping mechanisms. Combining these 4 strategies will help you not only heal any psychological issues you may suffer from, but also heal your relationship with food. You can even indulge in your favorite foods and feel full on much less. It takes time for the body’s fullness signal to reach your brain, so taking a few moments to consider how you feel after each bite—hungry or satiated—can help you avoid overeating.
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The Problem with Soy
Are you using soy milk thinking it’s healthier than dairy, or perhaps taking isoflavones for menopausal symptoms – or even eating tofu as a “healthy” alternative to animal protein? Many people today perceive soy products to be healthy, but nothing couldn’t be further from the truth. The risks to your health associated with soy are significant and worth looking at closely if you are considering soy as a dietary addition. While this article could go on for the length of an entire book, I’ll cover just a few areas to give you a good idea of the dangers you face when consuming soy products. Hormone Health Soy certainly is not a healthy alternative to HRT by any stretch of the imagination either, in fact it may worsen your symptoms. At the end of a 2-year study (published in Aug 2011 Archives of Internal Medicine) showed no improvement in symptoms or bone loss. Even a very small amount of isoflavones have the ability to disrupt hormonal balance (around 1 cup of soymilk). In fact dietary estrogens in the form of soy foods were found to have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system with the effects in women similar to taking the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen (Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine 1995 Jan;208(1):51-9). Thyroid Health A study done in 1999 found that just 2 tablespoons daily of roasted and pickled soybeans for 3 months (given to healthy adults receiving adequate iodine in their diet) was enough to cause thyroid suppression with the characteristic symptoms of malaise, constipation, sleepiness and even goiters (Nippon Naibunpi Gakkai Zasshi 1991, 767:622-629). It blocks the T4 to T3 conversion. Alternative to Animal Protein People eat soy to get ‘vegetable protein’ – but what they don’t realize is that the phytates in soy actually impede absorption of protein, deprive them of B12 and impede absorption of four key minerals: Calcium Magnesium Iron Zinc The phytates are deactivated when soy is fermented but how many people really eat it in the form of the traditional fermented form? Most ‘fermented’ soya is not made in the traditional method anyway. In the East very little soy is actually eaten and it’s all fermented in the ancient way. There is a dark side to soy too. In an excellent article entitled “The Ploy of Soy” by Sally Fallon and Mary G Enig, Ph.D., of the Weston A. Price Foundation – Fallon and Enig put the nutritional realities of soy consumption into perspective. Here are a few of the key points they make: Soybeans contain “antinutrients” that inhibit enzymes needed for protein digestion and amino acid uptake Soybeans contain hemaglutinin. A substance that promotes the clotting of red blood cells. Enzyme inhibitors are reduced in bean curd and tofu but not completely eliminated. When vegetarians substitute dairy products and meat with bean curd and tofu. they may risk serious mineral deficiencies. Kidney Stones Soy intake may also increase kidney stone risk. A 2001 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed how soybeans, tofu, and commercially processed soy products contain extremely high levels of oxalate. This is a compound that binds with calcium in the kidneys. It also increases the risk of kidney stone development. Genetic Modification 91-98% of the world’s soy is genetically modified. The genetic modification is done to impart resistance to the toxic herbicide Roundup. While this is meant to increase farming efficiency and provide you with less expensive soy. The downside is that your soy is loaded with this toxic pesticide. This toxic pesticide has been fingered in many cancers especially kidney cancer. There is also concern that it may cause Parkinson’s Disease. Inflammation & Allergies It’s also inflammatory. Inflammation from a soy allergy can develop anywhere in the body where there’s soft tissue. The most common places, besides in the gastrointestinal tract, are in the nose, lungs and skin. You could experience nasal congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, postnasal drip and sinus pressure pain from nasal inflammation, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The lungs can swell, leading to asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing. Hives, eczema and general itching are common skin inflammations from a soy allergy. Fattening Soy! Animals are fattened on corn and soy all over the world – it’s in the feed for every kind of animal, and is almost always genetically modified. If this fattens them, why would we think we’d not put on weight from soy? Soy is one of the most lucrative crops around. Sadly at the expense of other crops this awful bean is being grown instead of nourishing vegetables. As well as instead of putting animals back on the land. Over 350,000 farms in the United States produce soybeans. This accounts for over 50% of the world’s soybean production and $6.66 billion in soybean and product exports in 2000 (heaven knows what it is now…). Soy has a metabolic estrogenic effect in the body. If you’re male you may want to think twice before consuming processed or unfermented soy products, as these types of soy can be feminizing. Excess estrogen in men is a known cause for gynecomastia (fatty breasts in men), prostate enlargement and cancer. Women shouldn’t have excess estrogens circulating throughout the body either. Estrogen dominance is a known cause for PMS, breast cancer and other female disorders. If you can’t figure out why your stubborn fat and metabolic disorders increase the problem may well be the processed soy you are eating, perhaps without realising it. Whether it is soy milk, soy ice cream, veggie burgers, tofu or other processed soy based products, all overwhelmingly contribute to an excess of estrogen in the body. Bottom line soy is fattening for man and beast. Do You eat Soy? And in case you think you eat little or no soy – check the label. Surprise!! Soy is in everything today. From so-called health foods to cereals, breads, medications, meat products, protein bars and almost 100% of processed foods. You name it and you will probably find soy present. The only sure way to eliminate soy is to eliminate processed food completely and eat real food. It’s in everything from dog food to take-aways to baby food to vegetable oils. How to Recover from Being ‘Over-Soyed’ The gut will need healing if you have been exposed to a lot of soy. Eliminate all grains and all sources of soy. Introduce a lot of bone broths, sauerkraut, kimchi and other cultured foods, coconut oil and probiotic supplements.
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Candida 101
Candida albicans is a yeast/fungus that is found in all of our digestive systems. When kept in balance with our good bacteria, Candida doesn’t cause any problems. But Candida is “opportunistic” – which means, given the opportunity, it can, and will, grow out of control. When we have an overabundance of this yeast in our bodies we can develop issues. There are many strains, with Candida albicans being the most common. What causes Candida to grow out of control? It can start with just one course of antibiotics. Antibiotics wipe out bacteria both the good and bad. When our good bacteria levels are down, this can set up the perfect environment for Candida to take over. That is why it is absolutely essential to rebuild your good bacteria after a course of antibiotics. If you have had multiple courses of antibiotics, without replenishing with a high quality probiotic – the likelihood of you having a Candida overgrowth is quite high. Other things that contribute to Candida overgrowth include: • A high sugar diet: in order to survive, yeasts need sugar. So high sugar diets feed yeasts. That is why many people find relief from many issues from ketogenic diets (higher fat, low carb) – they literally starve the yeasts. • Antibiotics – in addition to taking antibiotics for infections, we are exposed to antibiotics in our food supply – when we eat animal products that have been treated with antibiotics, it could be affecting our gut bacteria balance. • GMOs/Pesticides – did you know that Roundup (the top pesticide used on our food and environment) was patented as an antibiotic before it found it’s purpose as a pesticide? So when we eat foods treated with Roundup – it could be affecting our bacteria balance. The top foods treated with Roundup are soy, corn, and wheat – see a pattern here? These are some of the top foods people are reacting to. • Medications – many medications can impact our gut bacterial balance including birth control pills, NSAIDs, and many others. COULD YOU HAVE CANDIDA? • Digestive issues – such as bloating, “beer belly”, constipation and/or diarrhoea • Toenail fungus • White coating on tongue • Hormone imbalances • Autoimmune conditions • Skin issues/rashes • Food intolerances • Recurring urinary tract and yeast infections • Chemical sensitivities, allergies • Depression, anxiety, mood swings • Brain fog, forgetfulness • Headaches, migraines • Stubborn weight gain • Fatigue • Frequent infections • Alcohol intolerance (get drunk easily, poor recovery) – Candida releases a toxin called acetylaldehyde, which is the same chemical that makes us drunk from alcohol. So those with Candida overgrowth may already be “pre-drunk” from the Candida. • Sugar cravings (yeast needs sugar to survive, so you crave it) WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT IN A NUTSHELL Follow a very clean-eating diet where you remove all the sugary, carbohydrate-rich foods for a month, eating vegetables, protein and fat – the yeast cannot survive on these. Anything remotely sugary like fruit, sugars, honey etc must be removed. You can use a good Candida-killing supplement programme too – and together this will sort it out. Here are our recommendations: 1. Eat fresh veggies, animal protein and healthy fats ONLY for a month – no rubbish 2. No dairy – make your own almond milk (NEVER buy it, the bought ones are all full of other nasties 3. No grains or seed oils – stick with the healthy fats like butter, olive oil, lard etc 4. Take Olive Leaf and MaxiProbiotic daily 5. Use Pure Hydrolysed Collagen daily too – as if you have Candida you will have leaky gut as well, and this is a marvellous way to very quickly heal leaky gut 6. You can use Keto Sweet – the new sweetener sweeping South Africa which has no carbs, no calories, no sugar – but tastes exactly like sugar 7. Try to have a relaxing time during the month while dealing with this. You’ll find these products above in our online store here
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Learn all about adrenal fatigue
You’ve probably heard the term ‘adrenal fatigue’ before. It’s used by some health practitioners to describe a syndrome (or group of symptoms) brought on by overworked and fatigued adrenal glands. Although the term has become more widely used in recent years, it’s currently not a medically accepted diagnosis. Here’s a closer look at this somewhat contentious syndrome – what causes it, the signs and symptoms, and what you can do if you suspect you’re experiencing some degree of it. First things first: what do your adrenal glands do? These two small triangular-shape glands that are located on top of your kidneys. These glands are well-known for secreting the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol – and as Healthline.com explains, they are responsible for producing additional hormones that help your body to burn fat and protein, regulate sugar and blood pressure. What causes adrenal fatigue? As with many other health problems, chronic stress is the culprit. When you experience stress, your body produces and secretes high levels of cortisol. Over a sustained period, this can overload or exhaust your adrenal glands to the point that they no longer produce the cortisol your body needs. What are the signs and symptoms? Cortisol is essential for health and if your body isn’t producing sufficient amounts, you may experience a range of unpleasant symptoms. The signs of adrenal fatigue typically include: Constant tiredness Weight issues Mild to severe depression Low stress tolerance Sleep problems Anxiety or panic attacks Low sex drive Mild to severe brain fog Gut issues An inability to adequately recover from exercise What can you do? If you think you’re experiencing adrenal fatigue, the following lifestyle changes can help you get back on track. Try to reduce stress. Remove stressors where you can and try to incorporate stress-management strategies into your routine, like yoga, breathing exercises or meditation. Eat healthy, whole foods. Aim for a lower-carbohydrate diet that includes enough protein – protein supports adrenal function – and healthy fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, olive oil,avocado oil, nuts and seeds,etc Ditch the junk. Avoid processed foods, foods high in sugar and salt. Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep negatively affects your health in a whole host of ways and can exacerbate stress levels, so make sure you get plenty of rest. Consider supplements. Adding the following supplements to your daily routine can be helpful: Vitamin C – supports the adrenal glands and helps to reduce the effects of stress on the body. Magnesium – has a positive effect on mood, sleep quality, and stress responses. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) – helps to support healthy adrenal function.
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