SOLUTION: CUT THOSE CHEMICALS

EvEry day we are exposed to hundreds of chemicals: from pesticides on fruit and vegetables to washing powders and the lotions we put on our skin. But what does this mean and does it really matter?

As well as disrupting the thyroid gland, causing low libido and erectile dysfunction, persistent organic pollutants ( POPs) can cause hair loss, poor attention, memory loss, low mood and fatigue.

There is some evidence that tiredness is caused by low signals in the brain. This means that the neurons — building blocks of the brain that transmit information — are functioning at a low level. This can be due to low thyroid function, the adrenals — two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys — not working sufficiently and causing high cortisol (stress hormone) and low DHEA (a steroid hormone that increases energy), and sleep disruption.

But it can also be due to exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, nickel and aluminium, cleaning solvents, pesticides and herbicides. Smoking, alcohol and high levels of caffeine with sugar can also cause neuronal hypo-excitability.

Switching to organic fruit and vegetables and cutting down on processed foods is the main way to decrease your exposure to such chemicals — which brings us on to what we eat.