Research Report

Environmental Toxins and Metabolism

Exposure to certain plastics correlates with male obesity and diabetes:

With the advent of plastic, there has been an environmental revolution in our homes. Plastic is everywhere in our lives from our cars to our children’s cups and plates.

Recently there has been growing concern for the impact plastic may have on our health. Research shows that exposure to certain chemicals has a negative impact on testosterone production in men. One such compound, Phthalates, has been proven to increase abdominal obesity and insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes) in Men.

Phthalates are common in cosmetics, soaps, pesticides, lubricants, plastics and paints. Up to 75% of Americans have detectible levels of phthalates in their urine.

Phthalates block testosterone in men, children and infants. It has been seen in neo-natal intensive care units that infant boys exposed to phthalates via plastics show alterations in their secondary sex characteristics. These alterations were originally attributed to the estrogen like activity of plastics. Now we understand that the phthalates also block testosterone as well as stimulate estrogen.

The hormone imbalance of low testosterone and elevated estrogen in men causes a type of metabolic syndrome that is very similar to womens Syndrome X.

When treating low testosterone, it is important to find and eliminate the cause. Frequently, effective treatment can be as simple as promoting the body’s ability to eliminate the offending plastic/phthalate. Often it involves supporting the liver in estrogen metabolism. Low testosterone is not terribly difficult to treat once the source of the deficiency is discovered.

If you are concerned about having low testosterone, or male obesity with insulin resistance, contact Dr. Stula for a consult.