What are Hormone Disruptors? Are YOUR hormones being disrupted?

Chemicals lurking in our food packaging

Our Endocrine system is a delicately balanced network of glands that regulates our hormone production, affecting our:

·      Mood

·      Sleep

·      Sex drive

·      Growth and development

·      Metabolism and weight

·      IQ

·      Blood pressure & heart rate, and much more.

Hormone or Endocrine disruptors are manufactured chemical products used in consumer items including food, drinks, toys, clothing, furniture, cleaning products, and more. These toxic chemicals can enter the environment, wreaking havoc on hormonal regulation and overall health in humans.

Even tiny doses of these chemicals can have devastating health consequences, and combinations of a few or many of these toxic substances are a recipe for disaster. Sadly, though, the effects are sometimes only noticed years or decades after exposure or after many years of low-dose exposure.

There has been a significant increase in the number and volume of toxic synthetic chemicals used in consumer products in recent times. The chemical industry is under-regulated, so consumers unknowingly purchase household and personal products containing chemicals that are harmful to the human body, leading to health issues.

What symptoms can hormone disruptors cause?

Hormone disrupters can mimic, block, or affect the normal function of our hormones, causing many health issues. Symptoms are many and varied but include:

·      PMS

·      Fibroids

·      Heavy periods

·      Weight gain

·      Hypothyroidism

·      Severe perimenopause

·      Changes to microbiome

·      Fertility and reproduction issues

·      Increased cancer risk. 

 There are also potential links to ADHD, Autism, asthma, diabetes and obesity, male reproductive disorders, prostate cancer, and Parkinson's symptoms, being suggested. Endocrine disrupters pass down generations through the placenta during pregnancy and breastfeeding after birth, placing a burden on tiny babies early in life.

Where are the worst hormone-disrupting culprits found?

1.        Food and water

2.        Packaging – food, toys, household items etc

3.        Clothing

4.        Toys

5.        Cleaning Products

6.        Furniture and Homewares

7.        Cosmetics and skincare

8.        Medicine

The Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disruptor List shows the top hormone-disrupting chemicals to avoid. It is estimated that 85,000 chemicals are used in consumer products, so this list is a fraction of the total chemicals in use today.

• BPA (Bisphenol A) – a chemical used in plastic, epoxy resins, receipts, tin can linings (BPA replacements are just as toxic and damaging)

• Dioxin - a toxic byproduct from chemical and herbicide production

• Atrazine – widely used herbicide and toxic weedkiller for corn, soy, etc. Common drinking water contaminant

• Phthalates - chemicals that make plastic, like cling wrap, more soft or pliable & make fragrances & cosmetics stick to the body for longer

• Perchlorate - a component in rocket fuel that can contaminate the water supply

• Fire retardants - found in furniture and children's pyjamas and foam underlay for carpets

• Lead – heavy metal paint, medicines, and potentially in the water supply

• Mercury – heavy metals found in fish and possibly the water supply

• Arsenic – heavy metal possibly found in water and rice

• Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) - "forever chemicals" that create a water-resistant coating in cookware, kitchen utensils, clothing, carpet, makeup, lining inside takeaway food containers and popcorn bags

• Organophosphate pesticides – found in fruit and vegetables

• Glycol Ethers - solvents in paint and cleaning products

A well- known additional one:

• Parabens - preservatives used in cosmetics, skincare and pharmaceuticals

 IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL FOR COMPANIES TO PUT TOXIC CHEMICALS IN PRODUCTS. While laws and policies need to be changed to prevent these chemicals from entering the environment and affecting us, we must also educate ourselves and take control of our health, as well as that of our families and future generations.

Like with EVERYTHING in life, we have choices! We can limit our exposure to endocrine disruptors by making informed choices. We can use the power of our consumer dollars to affect change and tell companies that we want only products that protect our health and well-being for generations to come!

1.        Avoid plastics! Avoid eating food from plastic and especially avoid heating food in plastic in a microwave. Get creative and find replacements for all the plastic that has insidiously taken over our lives. Use glass, stainless steel, and bamboo or wood in the kitchen.

2.        Avoid BPA (AND its newer replacements) by avoiding food in tins and takeaway food containers as well as coffee cups, for example.

3.        Use safe, natural household cleaners, or better still, make your own. Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice are AMAZING, as are the multitude of natural cleaning products available.

4.        Rethink birth control and unnecessary medications (listen to advice from your health practitioner to do so safely).

5.        Educate yourself and become proficient in reading labels on food and skincare/cosmetics. Yuka is a handy app to try.

6.        Eat real, wholesome food, and where possible, opt for organic options. Avoid processed foods, those with herbicide and pesticide residues, and opt for pasture-raised animal products instead.

7.        Buy and support local so you can get to know your suppliers and their philosophies and practices.

8.        Trade Teflon for stainless steel, cast iron, or enamel in the kitchen.

9.        Choose toys made with natural products, such as wood, felt, rubber, and wool. Our babies NEED us to be aware and protect them from chemicals.

10.   Filter your water so you're drinking the purest form possible.

11.   Choose natural fibres in clothing like cotton, wool and linen. Synthetic fibres are going through the washing machine and into the ocean adding to the microplastic load in our environment. They are also sitting against your skin – the largest organ in your body.

Sources:

https://www.taramd.com/post/endocrine-disruptors-hidden-causes-of-hormone-imbalance

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/9-ways-avoid-hormone-disrupting-chemicals

https://draxe.com/health/endocrine-disruptors-how-to-avoid-excess-estrogen/

https://yuka.io/en/endocrine-disruptors-health/

https://plantbasedmavens.com/how-to-avoid-endocrine-disruptors/

https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/ewgs-dirty-dozen-list-hormone-disrupting-chemicals

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK268889/