5 Common Hormone Disruptors And How To Avoid Them
Hormone disruptors are things found in the environment that can literally disrupt the balance of your hormones. The more technical terms used are called “endocrine disruptors, “endocrine disrupting chemicals” or “EDC’s.”EDCs are chemicals that disturb the body’s hormone systems and can cause cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments of developing fetuses and children.
I honestly believe these are a MAJOR reason why so many women experience hormone imbalances and hormonal health issues and yet they are hardly ever discussed.
In today’s modern world we are bombarded with chemicals and most of them are not good for our health. There are government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration that are designed to protect us from harmful levels of these chemicals, but unfortunately they fall short.
As unfortunate as it is, you are probably learning that just because something is sold to you legally in a store, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t harmful to your health or body. It’s up to you to really use your critical thinking and detective skills to assess whether it is actually safe or not.
Here are 5 common endocrine disruptors that you should be aware of so you can take the steps to protect yourself:
Tap Water- If you still drink unfiltered water straight from the tap, it’s time to quit! Although tap water has undergone treatment to decontaminate it from bacteria and other harmful substances, it simply isn’t good enough.
There are still tons of hormone disrupting chemicals like fluoride, arsenic, chlorine, glyphosate, nitrates, PFAs and PFOAs, pesticides, possible lead, etc. There is even estrogen and pharmaceutical drugs found in tap water.
Do your body a major favor and invest in a quality water filtration system. There are options that fit all budgets, but I encourage you to do your own research because not all of them are quality. The EWG website has a great guide to choosing a quality water filtration option for you and your household.
Plastic-Have you noticed it is EVERYWHERE?! Plastic bags, plastic wrap, cups, utensils, tupperware, water bottles, packaging, clothing, furniture, toys, and the list goes on and on and on.
Plastics contain and leach hazardous chemicals that have been found to disrupt the endocrine system. One report found that there are 144 different chemicals and chemical groups found in plastic, one of which has become a very well-known endocrine disruptor-BPA.
You can start taking steps to reduce your exposure to plastic by investing in items made from alternative materials that have shown to be safer. Some examples include organic cotton shopping bags, grocery bags and clothing, reusable glass or stainless steel water bottles, glass tupperware, and wood or bamboo cooking utensils.
Dryer Sheets- Soooo many hormone disrupting chemicals. In one research study, researchers found 15 endocrine disrupting chemicals in 5 name brand dryer sheets.
You can achieve fresh smelling clothing without putting your health at risk. Buy reusable wool dryer balls and dot with a few drops of a quality essential oil like lavender. They work just as well, save you money, AND save your body from toxic chemicals.
Non-Stick Pans-Teflon and many other non-stick pan options create chemicals that provide that nice slick surface that makes them easy to use and clean.
Unfortunately, when heated those chemicals created a long chain chemical compound called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) that has been linked to many female hormone disrupting symptoms such as infertility, thyroid disease, and fetal development impairment.
If you truly want non-stick then a quality ceramic pan is a good option. Stainless steel and cast iron are also wonderful options and can be non-stick when used properly.
Fragrances-I know, we want to smell good and we want the things around us to smell good. Unfortunately, most items that list “fragrance” as a part of their ingredient list use toxic chemicals to create that smell.
The thing about the word “fragrance” on a label is that it could be a number of different chemicals that companies do not have to disclose. We do know that phthalates, a hormone disrupting chemical, has been found in most fragrances. This includes candles too ladies!
Choose “fragrance free” products like soaps, detergents, cleaning products, beauty products, and garbage bags. It’s a good idea to check ALL labels on everything you buy that has a label. Fragrances and other chemicals are found in the most unsuspecting everyday items.
If you really want to bust odors around the house try fresh cut flowers, throwing citrus peels down the garbage disposal, taking out the trash more often, putting an open box of baking soda in the fridge, and diffusing quality essential oils throughout the house.
Doing your best to reduce your exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals will go a long way to improving your ability to enjoy balanced hormones. This is all a part of holistic healing and wellness, which is what I teach to all of my clients.
One of my clients, Maddie, expressed her frustration to me one day saying, “How am I ever supposed to avoid all of the chemicals found in everything I wear, eat, and am exposed to on a daily basis?!”
My answer was, “You don’t, You can’t because that’s just not realistic in today’s world. What you can do is educate yourself on these matters and take meaningful steps to reduce your exposure. Support the companies who are doing things right, and do your best to keep it natural when it comes to the products you use and the food you consume.”
My goal with all my clients is to empower them with the knowledge to make better decisions and provide them with the resources to do so. This is the way you take charge of your own health so you can create sustainable wellness throughout your life.
If you’re ready to really level up your wellness game and learn how to create a healthy body through diet, lifestyle, and natural therapies, click here to book a complimentary discovery call with me to learn more about the programs I offer.