TMHS 796: How Obesogens Cause Weight Gain & Detoxing Your Environment – with Dr. Vivian Chen
Digest
This episode of The Model Health Show delves into the world of obesogens, environmental chemicals that disrupt metabolism and increase the likelihood of weight gain. The episode features Dr. Vivian Chin, a medical doctor with extensive experience in both conventional and root cause medicine. Dr. Chin explains how obesogens can damage mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, and disrupt endocrine function. She highlights common sources of obesogens, including BPA in thermal receipts and plastic bottles, phthalates in plastic packaging and personal care products, and PFAS, the "forever chemicals" found in non-stick cookware and other products. Dr. Chin emphasizes the importance of supporting our bodies' detoxification systems to combat these pervasive chemicals. The episode then focuses on practical steps to reduce obesogen exposure in the kitchen, specifically addressing the use of aluminum foil, plastic cutting boards, and plastic storage containers. Dr. Chin recommends alternatives like unbleached parchment paper, wooden cutting boards, and stainless steel or glass containers. She also discusses the dangers of microplastics leaching from plastic containers, particularly during microwaving. The episode further explores the differences between healthcare systems in the UK and the US, highlighting the potential for financial incentives to influence medical decisions in the US. Dr. Chin shares her personal experiences as a patient in both systems, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based medicine and the need for greater transparency in healthcare costs. The episode concludes with a discussion of red light therapy, a modality that can help to recharge mitochondria and mitigate the damage caused by obesogens and other stressors. Dr. Chin explains the science behind red light therapy and its potential benefits for various health conditions, including skin health, muscle recovery, and mood. She also introduces the Loombox, a portable red light therapy device that she helped to develop, and offers a special discount for listeners of The Model Health Show.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces the topic of obesogens, environmental chemicals that contribute to obesity, and introduces Dr. Vivian Chin, a medical doctor with expertise in root cause medicine, as the guest for the episode.
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Obesogens: What They Are and How They Work
This Chapter delves into the science of obesogens, explaining how these chemicals disrupt metabolism and increase the likelihood of weight gain. Dr. Chin discusses the mechanisms by which obesogens damage mitochondria and disrupt endocrine function, highlighting common sources such as BPA, phthalates, and PFAS.
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Kitchen Favorites to Rethink
This Chapter focuses on practical steps to reduce obesogen exposure in the kitchen, specifically addressing the use of aluminum foil, plastic cutting boards, and plastic storage containers. Dr. Chin recommends alternatives like unbleached parchment paper, wooden cutting boards, and stainless steel or glass containers. She also discusses the dangers of microplastics leaching from plastic containers, particularly during microwaving.
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Electrolytes and Brain Health
This Chapter highlights the importance of electrolytes for brain health, focusing on sodium and magnesium. Dr. Chin discusses the role of electrolytes in providing energy for the brain and protecting it against diseases. She also promotes Element, a company that provides high-quality electrolytes, offering a free sample pack with every purchase.
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Healthcare Systems: UK vs. US
This Chapter explores the differences between healthcare systems in the UK and the US, highlighting the potential for financial incentives to influence medical decisions in the US. Dr. Chin shares her personal experiences as a patient in both systems, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based medicine and the need for greater transparency in healthcare costs.
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Plastic Water Bottles and Microplastics
This Chapter discusses the dangers of microplastics in bottled water, highlighting studies that show bottled water contains more microplastics than tap water. Dr. Chin encourages listeners to prioritize tap water or invest in a water filter.
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Red Light Therapy: A Mitochondrial Recharge
This Chapter delves into the science behind red light therapy, explaining how it can help to recharge mitochondria and mitigate the damage caused by obesogens and other stressors. Dr. Chin discusses the potential benefits of red light therapy for various health conditions, including skin health, muscle recovery, and mood.
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The Loombox: A Portable Red Light Therapy Device
This Chapter introduces the Loombox, a portable red light therapy device that Dr. Chin helped to develop. She explains the features and benefits of the Loombox, highlighting its power, portability, and ease of use. Dr. Chin also offers a special discount for listeners of The Model Health Show.
Keywords
Obesogens
Obesogens are a group of chemicals that disrupt metabolism and increase the likelihood of weight gain. They can damage mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, and disrupt endocrine function. Common sources of obesogens include BPA, phthalates, and PFAS.
BPA
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical found in many products, including thermal receipts, plastic bottles, and food packaging. It is an obesogen that can disrupt hormone function and increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible. They are found in many products, including plastic packaging, food packaging, and personal care products. Phthalates are obesogens that can disrupt hormone function and increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
PFAS
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of chemicals known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment. They are found in many products, including non-stick cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foam. PFAS are obesogens that can disrupt hormone function and increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are organelles found in most cells that are responsible for producing energy. They are essential for cell function and overall health. Obesogens can damage mitochondria, leading to reduced energy production and increased fat storage.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a modality that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cells and improve their function. It can help to recharge mitochondria, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Red light therapy has been shown to be beneficial for a variety of health conditions, including skin health, muscle recovery, and mood.
Loombox
The Loombox is a portable red light therapy device that was developed by Dr. Vivian Chin. It is designed to provide high-quality red light therapy for a variety of applications, including skin health, muscle recovery, and mood enhancement.
Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They are found in the environment and can be ingested by humans, potentially posing health risks. Microplastics can leach from plastic containers, particularly during microwaving, and are also found in bottled water.
National Health Service (NHS)
The National Health Service (NHS) is the publicly funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom. It provides free healthcare to all residents of the UK, regardless of their income or employment status.
Universal Healthcare
Universal healthcare is a system in which all citizens have access to healthcare, regardless of their income or employment status. It is often funded through taxes or government programs.
Q&A
What are obesogens and how do they affect our bodies?
Obesogens are environmental chemicals that disrupt metabolism and increase the likelihood of weight gain. They can damage mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, and disrupt endocrine function, leading to reduced energy production and increased fat storage.
What are some common sources of obesogens?
Common sources of obesogens include BPA in thermal receipts and plastic bottles, phthalates in plastic packaging and personal care products, and PFAS, the "forever chemicals" found in non-stick cookware and other products.
What are some practical steps we can take to reduce obesogen exposure in the kitchen?
To reduce obesogen exposure in the kitchen, consider using alternatives to aluminum foil, plastic cutting boards, and plastic storage containers. Unbleached parchment paper, wooden cutting boards, and stainless steel or glass containers are healthier options. Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers and be mindful of the types of plastics you use.
What are the benefits of red light therapy?
Red light therapy can help to recharge mitochondria, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. It has been shown to be beneficial for a variety of health conditions, including skin health, muscle recovery, and mood.
What is the Loombox and how can it benefit me?
The Loombox is a portable red light therapy device that provides high-quality red light therapy for a variety of applications. It is easy to use and can be used for skin health, muscle recovery, and mood enhancement.
What are the key differences between healthcare systems in the UK and the US?
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare to all residents, while the US healthcare system is largely based on private insurance. This can lead to disparities in access to care and financial burdens for patients in the US. The US system also has a greater emphasis on financial incentives for physicians, which can potentially influence medical decisions.
What are microplastics and why should I be concerned about them?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They are found in the environment and can be ingested by humans, potentially posing health risks. Microplastics can leach from plastic containers, particularly during microwaving, and are also found in bottled water.
Why is it important to support our bodies' detoxification systems?
Supporting our bodies' detoxification systems is crucial because we are constantly exposed to environmental toxins, including obesogens. Detoxification helps to remove these harmful chemicals from our bodies, reducing their potential impact on our health.
What are some ways to support our bodies' detoxification systems?
To support our bodies' detoxification systems, focus on a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Get regular exercise and manage stress levels. Consider incorporating practices like sauna use, dry brushing, and liver-supporting supplements into your routine.
Show Notes
Have you ever considered that common household items could be harming your health? If you’re looking to upgrade your environment to optimize your health, one of the best places to start is in your kitchen. Common kitchen staples like cutting boards and food storage containers can actually be a huge source of chemical exposure – and on this episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to learn why.
Today’s guest is board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Vivian Chen. After a personal experience that led her to root-cause medicine, Dr. Viv became passionate about helping others reduce their toxic load and upgrade the products in their environment. On today’s show, she’s sharing the shocking science behind obesogens, the common kitchen products that might be disrupting your health, and how red light therapy can improve your mitochondrial health.
This episode contains important conversations on how to replace and upgrade your kitchen staples in order to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals. Dr. Viv is incredibly knowledgeable in this subject matter, and I know you’re going to love her approachable, common-sense outlook. So click play, apply the tips that resonate with you, and enjoy the show!
In this episode you’ll discover:
- What obesogens are.
- The connection between mitochondria and metabolic health.
- Which common chemicals can disrupt your endocrine system.
- How using aluminum foil can damage your DNA.
- Why you shouldn’t put plastic items in a dishwasher.
- How using a plastic cutting board can expose you to microplastics.
- The best tips for upgrading your kitchen products and reducing your exposures.
- What the numbers on plastic packaging mean.
- Major differences between the US and the UK healthcare systems.
- What you need to know about drinking out of plastic water bottles.
- How red light therapy charges your mitochondria.
- The connection between mitochondria and most chronic diseases.
- Why Dr. Viv created the Lumebox
- How red light therapy can improve skin health and increase collagen production.
- The science behind red light for increased endurance and reduced muscle soreness.
Items mentioned in this episode include:
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- Thelumebox.com/model - Get an exclusive $280 off your red light therapy device!
- Connect with Dr. Vivian Chen Website / Instagram
Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation
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