What Might be CAUSING Low-T?

Chances are good that chemicals in the environment are responsible for the increasing numbers of men reporting symptoms of Low T. 

According to the study published on August 14, 2014 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism there is “… evidence of reduced levels of circulating testosterone were associated with increased phthalate exposure…" study author John Meeker, of the University of Michigan School of Public Health in Ann Arbor, said in a journal news release.

The findings "may have important public health implications, since low testosterone levels in young boys can negatively impact reproductive development, and in middle age can impair sexual function, libido, energy, cognitive function and bone health in men and women,".

• Phthalates are used in many products, from enteric coatings of pharmaceutical pills and nutritional supplements to viscosity control agents, gelling agents, film formers, stabilizers, dispersants, lubricants, binders, emulsifying agents, and suspending agents.
• Products include adhesives and glues, agricultural adjuvants, building materials, personal-care products, medical devices, detergents and surfactants, packaging, children's toys, modelling clay, waxes, paints, printing inks and coatings, pharmaceuticals, food products, and textiles. 
• Phthalates are also frequently used in soft plastic fishing lures, caulk, paint pigments, and sex toys made of so-called "jelly rubber".
• Phthalates are used in a variety of household applications such as shower curtains, vinyl upholstery, adhesives, floor tiles, food containers and wrappers, and cleaning materials.
• Personal-care items containing phthalates include perfume, eye shadow, moisturizer, nail polish, liquid soap, and hair spray. They are also found in modern electronics and medical applications such as catheters and blood transfusion devices. 
• The most widely used phthalates are DEHP, DIDP, and DINP. DEHP is the dominant plasticizer used in PVC. Phthalates are used as solvents in perfumes and pesticides.

Approximately six million tons of plasticizers are consumed globally every year, most of which is in the United States. Assume this is true – and the evidence seems clear that it is – what can we do about it? The sad truth is practically nothing. We can’t avoid all of the sources and it is unlikely that all the makers and users phthalates will change their ways just because the chemicals are destroying our health. Why, then, is it important to bring this to our attention?

This discovery supports many other studies that repeat the same warnings over and over again – the environment is degrading at an ever-escalating rate. 

While it is wise to be concerned about GMOs, it is unwise to ignore all of the other toxic substances that are everywhere. 

Merely adding testosterone supplements or applying creams/gels is not the answer to declining levels./ However, that seems to be the current trend, especially if you are inclined to  trust all the advertising for prescription replacements. Advertising is designed to sell something, not necessarily solve a health problem.
Buck the trend. 

• Eat better - steer clear of GMO, products packed in plastic, hot beverages in plastic/foam cups, organic. 
• Exercise - three to four days of moderate exercise (brisk walk) per week. 
• Drink clean water us use a reverse osmosis filter to remove as many toxins as possible. 
• Don't take drugs. 
• Avoid phthalates in its many sources.

Every little change can add up to improved health. 

Nothing is insignificant.