So for a couple of months, I’ve been wanting to have my Biosignature, hormonal body fat testing, done but never got around to it.  So finally last weekend I had it done.  Basically, they take skinfold measurements at 12 different sites.

Fat Testing

What is Biosignature Body Fat Testing

For example, the thickness of a person’s umbilical skin fold (your gut) is a direct reflection of cortisol (the stress hormone) output. A relatively fat midsection indicates stress levels are high and/or the ability to handle stress is low. The good news is that 1) it’s not your fault and, 2) it can be changed.

My assessment came back that I am at 23% body fat (typical of an active female) and the main issues are my hamstrings, showing a high exposure to environmental estrogens – soy, pesticides, plastics, parabens, phthalates, BPA and the need to help detoxification/ avoid exposure.  This makes sense as first I’m a female use different products on a daily basis that have these environmental estrogens and also have been drinking a soy-based protein shake for a year.

I stopped drinking these shakes and have also replaced my shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, laundry detergent with organic and non-toxic items (Check out what I use now )  I have also stopped using regular cleaners.  When you think about how many chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis it is actually pretty scary and we don’t even take into account what these chemicals could be doing to our bodies.  So I ditched the shower cleaner, tilex, windex, all those regular household cleaners and have replaced them with vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap.  That is step one.

Step two is to help my body rid itself of these chemicals.  It was recommended I drink this “cocktail” in the morning and evening to catch all these excreted estrogens and prevent them from reabsorbing and becoming a bigger issue.

Cocktail Ingredients

This will help my body rid of the toxins instead of holding onto them.  It was also suggested I take a multi-vitamin and a magnesium supplement.  I was already taking the magnesium supplement called CALM but you need to be careful with this product.  If you take too much you will know…….you will be on the toilet 🙂

So I just started taking Magnesium Glycinate which is 4 different chelates of magnesium. Chelates are far better absorbed than the inexpensive magnesium salts. They are also better retained in body tissue.  It was recommended to take it at night so I took it before bed and I felt that relaxing feeling but when it was time to go to bed I couldn’t fall asleep.

I contacted the person who did my Biosig and he suggested taking it earlier as when we are so deficient in Magnesium, the initial dosing helps the KREBS CYCLE (The sequence of reactions by which most living cells generate energy during the process of aerobic respiration) first give you energy……then it restores sleep and the nervous system.  So I took it earlier yesterday and I had no trouble falling asleep this time and this morning I felt different…….I felt refreshed.  As refreshing as you can feel at 5:45am…….. that is the only way I can explain it.  I felt like I actually had a good sleep.  I don’t have trouble falling asleep and am a sound sleeper but I always wake up every morning feeling not rested so I definitely knew something was different this morning.  This is a GOOD thing!!

Biosignature practitioners are very Paleo with their diets and of course, this way of eating was recommended for me.  I kind of follow that way of eating just instead of the meat I have other sources of protein.  I let them know I’m not eating meat so will be adjusting to fit the way I eat.

It was suggested that I also add coconut oil- rich in lauric acid which is great for the heart, it also promotes a healthy thyroid/ metabolism and clears the gut of intestinal pathogens.

What are Phthalates

Phthalates are used in cosmetics, perfumes and fixatives, aerosols, paints, lotions, air fresheners, shampoos, conditioners, lubricants, medications, medical bags and tubing, antifoaming agents, skin emollients, nail polish, and false fingernails. They are not required to be listed in the ingredient list, and can often be disguised under the term “fragrance”. In one study of 27 female and 23 male healthy subjects, food was the main source for DEHP.7 For some phthalates, the most significant exposure may be via inhalation of aerosols that can deliver highly absorbable phthalates. Skin exposure from lotions and creams can easily reach nearly 1000 mg/day.8 Seven of the most commonly encountered phthalates in consumer products were detectable in 81% of infants, which demonstrated widespread exposure from lotions, powders, and shampoos.9

Steps to Reduce Elevated levels of Phthalates and Parabens

1. Avoid ingested, topical, and airborne phthalate and paraben sources to reduce elevated levels. Exposure to plastics, paints, and cosmetics that are not labelled as “phthalate-free and paraben-free” should be reduced in the home, at work, and in personal grooming. Read
labels and avoid anything that mentions “fragrance” on the ingredient list.

2. Increase excretion and metabolism to enhance the rate of removal from the body. Increasing phthalate-free fluid intake can improve rates of excretion, leading to lowering of tissue levels.  Exercise stimulates hepatic detoxification enzymes and promotes excretion via the kidneys and skin30, and use of saunas can further enhance removal of phthalates in sweat.

3. Eat foods and take nutritional supplements that stimulate detoxification or improve intestinal binding to lower absorption also benefits toxin removal.  Oligoantigenic diets containing whole, organic foods, including dark-coloured vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains along with the detoxification stimulating components from such foods are usually recommended for the patient with elevated levels of urinary phthalates.

So I know that it is impossible to not be exposed to these chemicals and we can’t live in a bubble but we certainly can make choices of what products we use on our bodies and in our homes.  Remember, the skin is the largest organ and all of those chemicals from lotions and potions are absorbed into your skin so ditch the chemical-laden hormone-disrupting conventional beauty and cleaning products and try to switch to something that will not harm your health.