Contaminating Pesticides Secretly Deprive You of Your Sleep Hormone
In a concerning discovery, a study conducted by the University of Buffalo has revealed that the common pesticide carbaryl interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep and wake cycles [1]. This widespread insecticide, used extensively in agriculture worldwide, is known to suppress melatonin production in the brain's pineal gland.
The implications of this discovery are far-reaching. Carbaryl's presence in conventional produce can lead to exposure through fruits and vegetables [4]. This, in turn, has been linked to increased brain inflammation, nervous system disruptions, and sleep disturbances, particularly among farmers [1][2].
The solution? Choosing organic produce or taking the time to thoroughly wash conventional produce can help minimise exposure to these potentially harmful substances [4]. Organic produce, which avoids or strictly limits synthetic pesticide use, can be a healthier choice for those seeking to reduce their intake of pesticides like carbaryl.
It's important to note that certain foods should be given special consideration. Fruits and vegetables with edible skin, such as apples, grapes, and peaches, tend to have higher pesticide residues [4].
The study also found that another pesticide, carbofuran, has similar effects on melatonin production. Carbofuran can be found on a variety of foods, including cilantro, cucumbers, green beans, hot peppers, potatoes, grapes, wheat flour, and many others [4].
While the cost of organic produce may be a concern for some, it's advisable not to compromise on fresh fruits and vegetables for the sake of affordability. Organic food co-ops can help make organic foods more accessible and affordable [4]. Additionally, growing some of your own food can provide peace of mind, knowing exactly what's going into each bite.
The master hormone, melatonin, plays a crucial role in maintaining our health. When it's not working properly, it can increase the risk of age-related diseases. However, it's worth noting that this fact is not directly related to the pesticides discussed in this article [4].
Both carbaryl and carbofuran have been tied to other diseases such as diabetes and cancer [4]. To help decide what foods to buy organic, the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen can be a valuable resource [4].
Lastly, it's important to remember that maintaining brain health is crucial. Phosphatidylserine (PS), a nootropic that promotes brain health, memory, clarity, reasoning, and comprehension, is a key building block for the cells in the brain [4].
In conclusion, the common pesticide carbaryl, found in many conventional produce items, has been linked to sleep disturbances and brain health issues due to its interference with melatonin production. To minimise exposure, choosing organic produce or thoroughly washing conventional produce is recommended.
The University of Buffalo's study suggests that widespread pesticide carbaryl, found in conventional produce, may lead to increased brain inflammation, nervous system disruptions, and sleep disturbances, especially among farmers. Organic produce, which avoids or limits synthetic pesticide use, can be a healthier choice for mitigating exposure to such substances.
Moreover, another pesticide, carbofuran, similar to carbaryl, also impacts melatonin production and can be found on various food items like cilantro, cucumbers, green beans, hot peppers, potatoes, grapes, wheat flour, and many others.
While the cost of organic produce may be a concern for some, growing some of your own food, joining organic food cooperatives, or consulting resources like the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen can help make healthier and more affordable choices.
Lastly, maintaining brain health is essential, and supplements such as phosphatidylserine (PS), a nootropic promoting brain health, memory, clarity, reasoning, and comprehension, can aid in this regard.
