And no, I don't been that sex. Actually, I am referring to the word as gender, so this post is pretty much 'PG' rated. I've been doing a lot of reading over the last couple of years about endocrinology and the complex way in which our bodies function. There is just so much going on below the surface every second of every day, from conception to death that it's hard to wrap ones head around it. The thing that further amazes me is how easily it can be thrown off balance and the ensuing havoc that can transpire. It's because of that, and the fact that as I age the requisite hormonal flux creates a whole new level of interest, that I offer this blog.
Now, more than any other time in history, it is imperative that we as individuals be informed. Don't always believe what you read, as there are a whole lot of other agendas being perpetrated that are often hidden from view; so do your own research and read the fine print before subscribing and supporting a particular viewpoint. And stay open minded... it's easy to disregard something that doesn't immediately feel right at first glance. You just never know...
OK, so you're wondering when I'll get to the point? It's really not a big secret, but we humans are the walking wounded. The food that we have been told is good for us is actually doing major damage. We are overweight, overstressed, and weakened from the barrage of ailments we are fighting against. Our food supply has been drained of most nutrients by over farming, pesticide use, pollution and water made toxic by run-off from manufacturing, clear cutting, etc. Then, to top it off, biologists are now creating genetically modified foods that (and really, let's be serious here) only serves big business. You just have to look at the ingredients list on the side of anything packaged or processed to realize we've come a long way, baby, and not in a good way.
I've mentioned before that I lived on a farm when I was little, and though we didn't have a lot of 'stuff', we had good food. Real food, grown in our garden, raised in our barns and coops. Yup, we drank milk right from the cow and lived to tell about it. (FYI: there is a big push right now to outlaw raw milk consumption by the gov't. Why does this not surprise me?) They have pasteurized the poop out of our milk supply to the point they now have to add back the vitamins they destroyed. Our food just tasted better back then; it had... (gasp!) flavour. Yet, that all is secondary to the real problems that are beginning to rear their ugly heads. What's really scary is how the food we eat is destroying the delicate hormonal balance that affects every part of our bodies. Have you ever noticed how soon girls are reaching puberty these days? One woman I read about was horrified when her six year old started menstruating. Six... that's grade one, people. I don't know about you, but I was playing dolls and swinging at that age. Boys are growing up with man boobs while the rates of infertility in the Western world are rising like never before. Testicular cancers used to be rare, but are increasing and found at a younger age. And I recently read an article in MacLean's that is promoting formula over breast feeding because of the way breast milk is becoming hormonally compromised. It's all as a result of the constant attack on our adrenal system that is throwing our hormones into revolt. Humans are carnivores by nature, and when all your meat is pumped full of growth hormones, we are unwittingly exposed and affected. And when our endocrine system goes off balance our bodies attempt to rectify it which causes all manner of problems to the liver, heart, kidneys, pancreas, brain... the list goes on. Diseases that we are seeing on the rise as a result includes all the inflammatory ones (arthritis, crohn's, ms, etc.) autism, cancers, ADHD, autoimmune and, well pretty much anything in between. So, what does one do? Well, firstly, don't take my word for it, do the research. I've read quite a few good articles on www.mercola.com which you can explore in their archives. (Ya, he tries to sell you stuff, but just ignore that part.) MacLean's Magazine also has some really good articles on this stuff as well. And, of course, Google is a researchers best friend, so use it with abandon! While you're busy reading all this, take the time to find where you can get organic, grass fed beef/pork and free range chickens/eggs. Support the little local farmer's as much as possible for your fruits and veggies. Oh, and stay away from flour, sugar and grains.... but that's a whole other topic!
So, you see hormones aren't just about sex, baby; they affect every function in your body.
Think about that next time you dig into that steak!
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