Pesticides, Weight Gain, and Insulin Resistance

By James LaValle, R.Ph, ND, CCN

If you are having difficulty losing weight even after dieting and exercising more, you are not alone. Over the years, I have helped probably thousands of people with the same problem, but I am finding this scenario to be much more common now than in the past. What I want you to know is that when you've tried everything and weight loss or lowering of blood sugar or lipids seems impossible, it could be that environmental toxins are disrupting your body.

Some pesticides, for instance, have been linked with suboptimal thyroid function and others to insulin resistance (IR). Certain pesticides that haven't even been used for years, like DDT, are still a problem because they are so persistent in the environment, and from there can get into our bodies.

Researchers call these substances persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The insecticide, dieldrin, is an example. This organochlorine pesticide was used on cotton and corn from the 1950s until 1970. And although its use was banned on crops in 1974, it was still used for termite control until it was finally banned by the EPA completely in 1987. Because it is tightly bound to soil and it evaporates very slowly, dieldrin persists in the environment even though it's no longer used.¹

So how does dieldrin affect us today? Plants absorb it from the soil, and water runoff carries the soil with the chemical into water supplies. When we eat plants grown in soil still contaminated with dieldrin, it enters our bodies. We can also get it from the flesh of animals eating contaminated plants or fish living in contaminated waters.¹

After being consumed, dieldrin is then stored in our body fat. And here's the problem: dieldrin may be linked to disruption in the thyroid hormones, T4 and TSH. One study found that women with significantly high dieldrin in their blood had decreased T4 levels and increased TSH.

This is exactly what is seen in a condition known as subclinical hypothyroidism. The body is still making thyroid hormone, but levels are lowered and so the person will start to see the symptoms of lowered thyroid, like weight gain and being cold, even with only moderately skewed levels.

In the study mentioned above, blood levels of dieldrin were significantly high in the hypothyroid of women with disrupted thyroid hormones compared to those with normal thyroid levels.² People do not realize there are many environmental pollutants that have this same effect.

People with high levels of POPs like organochlorine pesticides and PCBs are more likely to develop IR as well.³ And down the road, there is an increased risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and heart disease. And sure enough, the link has now been made between POPs and diabetes.⁴

So what is the solution to this problem? We have to try to reduce our exposures as much as possible by drinking water that has been purified with a good filtration system (reverse osmosis systems remove the most contaminants) and eating certified organic foods. This can help reduce any further pesticide load, but obviously does nothing to address the pollutants that permeate our soils and water from years past.

We can however help our body remove existing pesticides from our tissues by supplying nutrients and other substances that either promote detoxification enzymes in the body or that directly help remove toxic substances.

Glutathione is one of the primary detoxification enzymes in the body. It needs a steady supply of the amino acid cysteine (found in eggs, whey, and cabbage family vegetables), plus trace minerals like selenium and zinc, and B vitamins to prevent a build up homocysteine. Several supplement manufacturers make products that combine these nutrients to support internal production of glutathione.

However, since many pesticides tend to reside in the fatty components of our body, they can be very difficult to remove, and so far, the only effective way to remove them is through sweating, with the use of saunas for instance. Far infrared saunas are a new type of sauna technology that has been researched in Japan. This type of sauna is reported to be even more effective in removing toxic substances than traditional saunas because the rays penetrate deeper into the tissue. But any form of sweating is helpful, even sweating from exercise.

Unfortunately, weight and blood sugar management issues are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to health problems from environmental pollutants. Many of the substances are neurotoxic, and some suppress our immune system. So start doing what you can today to reduce the effects of pesticides on your health --and be aware that the research is really starting to explode on this topic.

We will be hearing more and more on this important topic, but as our knowledge progresses, I am sure we will also see new and improved products and technologies to help us remove these extremely harmful substances from our bodies.

References

1. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts1.html.
2. Rathorea M, Bhatnagan P. The Science of The Total Environment. Volume 295, Issues
1-3. 5 August 2002, Pages 207-215.
3. Lee DH, et al. Diabetes Care. 30:622-628, 2007
4. Lee DH, et al. Diabetes Care. 30:1596-1598, 2007

[Ed. Note: James LaValle, R.Ph, ND, CCN, is the founding Director of the LaValle Metabolic Institute, one of the largest integrative medicine practices in the country. He was named as one of the 50 most influential pharmacists in the US by American Druggist magazine. Dr. LaValle is the Executive Editor of THB's The Healing Prescription and the author of more than a dozen books including the bestseller, Cracking the Metabolic Code: 9 Keys to Optimal Health.]

Healthy Living: Best Picks for Low Pesticide Foods By Laura LaValle, RD, LD

More and more evidence shows that pesticides can disrupt our hormonal balance and even suppress our immunity and cause neurological damage. In past articles I have noted that to reduce your body's toxic burden from pesticides, one of the most important steps you can take is to eat organic foods as often as possible.

But for many people, the higher price tag on many of these foods can be cost prohibitive. If you can't afford to buy "all organic," here are some pointers to help you prioritize which foods to spend a little more on and which foods will be the lesser of evils if you can't buy the organic version.

First and foremost, I believe we should choose only organic red meat and dairy products as often as possible. Cattle take in pesticides by feeding on grains and hay treated with herbicides. Dairy products rank highest among dietary sources of organo-chlorine pesticide residues; these have been linked with causing insulin resistance.¹ And as we have discussed in past articles, cattle are often treated with growth hormones, which may also have negative health consequences. So choosing grass-fed, organic is the best way to go when it comes to meat and milk.

Eggs, also, are highly contaminated with organo-chlorine pesticides and are next in line after dairy products as far as total adult intake of this type of pesticide. Chickens eat pesticide-contaminated feed and in turn this contaminates their eggs. So choosing organic eggs is a must and relatively simple since organic eggs can be found in most grocery stores today.

When it comes to selecting produce, an organization known as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has provided a handy reference they call the "Dirty Dozen" -- a list of the most pesticide-contaminated produce in the US. The EWG has determined that if you choose organic versions of the Dirty Dozen and non-organic versions of the least contaminated produce, you can reduce your exposure to pesticides by 90%.

Currently the foods that are on the most-contaminated list are peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, pears, spinach, and potatoes. If you care to look for more info, the EWG will even provide you the names of the chemicals typically used on the food, and their effects on health.

For example, one pesticide called AZM has been linked to seizures, paralysis, and death in farm workers who are exposed to it. Although the EPA has recognized the problem and has banned AZM from being used in nuts and Brussels sprouts, the ban from its use on apples, blueberries, cherries, pears, and parsley will not be in effect until 2010! You can get the complete guide to pesticides in produce at http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php.

Other foods to consider choosing organic include nuts and seeds. Almonds and pecans are two that are sprayed frequently with herbicides and pesticides. Soybeans, too, are sprayed with some of the most toxic pesticides -- you should select organic soy products, especially for children. Dried beans, cashews, macadamia nuts, and sesame seeds have lower amounts of pesticide residues either due to less pesticide use during growth or because of processing, which removes most of the residues.

Choosing organic whenever possible certainly reduces the amount of pesticides your body must battle. And if you're on a budget, avoiding the Dirty Dozen and choosing the least contaminated can have a huge impact on your health.

Reference

1. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2008 167(10):1235-1246; doi:10.1093/aje/kwn028.

[Ed. Note: Laura B. LaValle, RD, LD is presently the director of dietetics nutrition at LaValle Metabolic Institute (formerly part of Living Longer Institute). She offers personal nutritional counseling at LMI for clients who need help with their diet in relation to illness or disease. Laura also provides educational services in the areas of health promotion, wellness, and disease prevention. To learn more, click here.]

Healthy Recipes: Artichoke and Cheese Dip By Laura LaValle, RD, LD

Even people trying to adhere to a wheat- and dairy-free diet can enjoy this classic dip. Look for goat or sheep's milk versions of your favorite hard cheese and a soy version of your cream cheese. When you pair the dip with gluten-free crackers or organic whole grain tortilla chips, you are off and running.

Time to table: 20 minutes

Serves: 12

Healing Nutrient Spotlight
A source of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and manganese

Ingredients*
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 oz grated Pecorino Romano (sheep's milk) or Caprino Romano (goat's milk) cheese
1/3 cup organic mayonnaise
1/4 cup soy or goat's milk cream cheese
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
12 oz canned or frozen artichoke hearts, chopped

*Choose organic ingredients for optimal nutrition.

Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°. Place minced garlic and chopped onion in a mixing bowl. Add grated cheese, mayo, cream cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper. Stir with a fork until all ingredients are well blended. Add artichoke hearts and blend well. Spoon mixture into a gratin or small casserole dish coated with non-stick spray. Bake for 15 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips, or for a lower carb version, on celery or other veggies.

Nutrition
95 calories, 7 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 4 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 3 g protein, 140 IU vitamin A, 15 mcg folate, 4 mg vitamin C, 15 mg calcium, 17 mg magnesium, 120 mg potassium, 150 mg sodium

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise’s Total Health Breakthroughs [Issue 09-23-08] which offers alternative solutions for mind, body and soul. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com/