Does this shampoo make my butt big?

All this time we were worried about whether jeans are making our butts look big. Little did we know that it may not be what we're putting on our butt, but what we're putting in our hair that counts the most.

Baby got back

I recently went along to a PT to have a Poliquin Biosignature test done. Basically someone takes a pair of scalples and measures the width of 12 skin folds of the body (yes, some would consider it cruel unusual punishment). The theory goes that hormonal imbalances are the causes of fat in the body, with different skin folds representing different hormones.

By measuring the skin folds, you are able to tell how balanced the body is in regards to a specific hormone. For example, cortisol, a stress hormone, is associated with fat on the stomach. This means it could be the holy grail to fat loss - or of "spot reduction"- being able to target fat loss from certain areas of the body.

My results varied everywhere from 2.3mm (pecs) to 53mm (hamstrings) fat, with an overall body fat percentage of 17.4%. (Something that I'm incredibly proud of given a little over 3 years ago it was close to double that.)

The area of most concern was my hamstrings - my butt. My sister has always pointed out to me that I have a "booty butt", and I'd learnt to love my JLo butt.

The PT explained that this typically represented a hormonal imbalance with estrogen. I was quick to conclude that this must mean an end to my weekly roast chicken feast. It turns out to be something far more innocuous - not what goes in, but what goes on - cosmetic products!


Xeno... what?

Parabens are commonly used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products as preservatives. In studies it has been found that they behave as xenoestrogens, or estrogen mimickers. This has led many health-conscious groups denouncing the use of them, including the Breast Cancer Fund, who have identified them as an endocrine disruptor. Thus, upsetting the estrogen balance in the body and resulting in excess storage in the hamstrings.

Just in case guys are zoning out with all this talk of estrogen and breasts - this is also for you. Exposure to environmental estrogen has been linked to sterility disorders in men.

Keeping pretty without parabens

Our household is pretty environmental-health-concious; we use ENJO products, avoid any harsh chemicals and typically by eco-friendly detergents. So I was surprised to find a number of the products in our bathroom shelves in fact contained parabens. The six household varieties of parabens are: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, and benzylparaben - basically look for 'paraben'.

Currently my favourite paraben-free brands are Natures Organics for shampoo and conditioner and Sukin Organics for face care. I'll be sure to be experimenting over the next couple months, so I'll keep you posted.

Staying hydrated without BPAs

I jumped on the BPA-free water bottle bandwagon early this year, bought a Camelbak water bottle and haven't looked back. Turns out going BPA-free might've also meant giving my booty a boost.

Like parabens, BPAs have also been identified as xenoestrogens and over the past few years have faced tightening restrictions due to their toxicity; the EU is set to outlaw the use of BPAs in baby bottles from March 2011.

Plastics to be particularly weary of are those with recycle codes 3 or 7 (the number in the recycle symbol). Similarly, it's worth avoiding putting hot liquids or foods in plastic products as BPAs are more likely to leach when exposed to heat.

The 80/20 Rule

Of course, getting the butt you've always dreamed of also means movin' it. I've found that there's 80/20 rule - outcomes are based 80% on diet and 20% on exercise. So my PT has thrown in a decent amount of squats and lunges to help shape and tone :)

"Lose fat by eating fat!"

People have been raving about fish oils all year, and with good reason. Fish oils (specifically the Omega-3s they contain), regulate insulin, encourage fat burning and boost serotonin levels. Meaning you're less likely to reach for the chocolate cake at 3pm, will probably have a smaller butt, and feel happier for it.

If you've tried with fish oils before, I can't help but encourage you to try again. I've experimented with liquids and capsules of various brands. If you're feeling "hardcore", try a liquid version, though most people find it too messy/smelly. There are plenty of capsules out there, including a new Blackmores Daily which is by far the best-tasting one I've come across. I'd have to admit that the Poliquin EPA-DHA capsules (which many PTs seem to promote/sell) are my personal favourite. Vego or really just don't like the taste/smell? Linseed oil is a good alternative to getting your Omega-3 intake.

For those who just don't like taking supplements full-stop, this article is worth reading about the shift in our dietary balance of Omega-3s and Omega-6s. There's no reason why we can't eat enough Omega-3s naturally, but it means some pretty big shifts in the average diet.


The Challenge: Cut out cosmestics that contain parabens, get yourself a BPA-free water bottle and throw back some Omega-3s. Your butt might thank you for it :)