You may not have heard the term ‘endocrine disruptors’, but I can guarantee you will have encountered them more or less every day for most of your life. It’s incredibly common for most people to be completely unaware of them, when the reality is they are a silent threat lurking in our everyday environment. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals which can interfere with our body's hormonal systems, and are far more prevalent than most people realise. From the food we eat to the products we use on our skin, endocrine disruptors have become an unavoidable part of modern life. And whilst it's impossible to eliminate all exposure, there are practical steps we can take to minimise our contact with these harmful substances and support our body's natural detoxification processes.
Understanding Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism, or elimination of our natural hormones. They can mimic oestrogen in problematic ways, block the action of hormones, or even alter hormone levels altogether. This disruption can lead to various health issues, including developmental problems, reproductive disorders, and possibly contribute to the development of certain cancers.
In terms of where they are often found, the answer is, in short, everywhere. They are in plastics, pesticides, personal care products, and even in our food and water. Common endocrine disruptors include:
1. Bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic containers and tin food cans (it’s also found in receipts!)
2. Phthalates in flexible plastics and many personal care products
3. Pesticides and herbicides used in conventional agriculture
4. Flame retardants in furniture and electronics
5. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing
The Invisible Impact on Health
The effects of endocrine disruptors can be far-reaching, yet often very subtle. They've been linked to various health conditions, including:
Reproductive issues and fertility problems
Developmental delays in children
Hormonal imbalances
Thyroid disorders
Certain types of cancer
Metabolic disorders, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes
The connection between endocrine disruptors and metabolic health is particularly concerning, as these chemicals can interfere with our body's ability to regulate our metabolism and overall energy balance. Not to mention that when our liver becomes overwhelmed with toxins, the body often stores these harmful substances in fat tissue, creating a vicious cycle that can contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
Practical Steps to Reduce Exposure
Whilst it's impossible to completely avoid endocrine disruptors, we can take steps to minimise our exposure. We have most control over our home environment so here are some things to consider:
In the Kitchen:
Choose organic produce when possible, especially for the "Dirty Dozen", which is a list of fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues - search Dirty Dozen for the country you live in as these can vary between Europe and the US
Use glass or stainless steel tupperware instead of plastic
If you do use plastic tupperware, avoid heating your food in it - transfer it to a heat-resistant container and then heat up
Opt for more natural cleaning + laundry products - there are some fantastic brands out there - a website like WellEasy lets you choose from a selection that they’ve carefully curated [ Use code HORMONIOUSLY10 for 30 day free trial and money off your first order]
Personal Care:
Choose natural, fragrance-free personal care products. I love Therapi Honey Skincare [HORMONIOUSLY for 10% off order] for nourishing skincare, and Evolve [HORMONIOUSLY15 for 15% off] is a great option for body care.
Opt for epsom salts in the bath rather than scented bubble baths
In the Home:
Remove shoes before stepping into your house to avoid bringing in dirt and chemicals from here, there and everywhere
Use an air purifier that has a HEPA filter, especially in the bedroom and even more so if you live by a main road
Choose natural fibre clothing and bedding wherever possible
Dust and vacuum regularly to remove the buildup of dust which can have chemicals sitting in it
Get rid of all scented plug ins and air fresheners - choose essential oil diffusers instead
Water:
Use a high-quality water filter for drinking - TAPP provides multiple options including whole house filters or counter top options that are made of glass
Consider a shower filter to reduce exposure through skin absorption - TAPP also provides shower filter options
Supporting Your Body's Detoxification
Detox is a word that’s thrown around as if it’s something we need to do intentionally, yet our body is an expert at naturally detoxing if it has the right environment to do so. It’s important to support our body’s natural detoxification process so that it is able to eliminate any endocrine disruptors that have made their way into our system. Here are some of my recommendations:
Eat a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) to support liver detoxification
Include foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens
Stay hydrated to keep your bowel movements regulat to help move toxins out of the body
Incorporate regular exercise into your routine as it helps stimulate the lymphatic system, aiding in toxin removal
Try to jump in a sauna to allow the toxins to sweat out
Prioritise quality sleep, as this is when the body performs a lot of its detoxification
Use stress management tools, as chronic stress can impair detoxification. Think about things like meditation or deep breathing to regulate your nervous system
It's important to remember that we're all doing our best with the information we have. There's no such thing as perfect when it comes to avoiding endocrine disruptors, so the goal is progress, not perfection. Start with small, manageable changes and gradually incorporate more as you become more aware and comfortable with the process.
Whilst endocrine disruptors can feel overwhelming, remember that every small step counts. By making informed choices about what we bring into our homes and put into or onto our bodies, we can significantly reduce our exposure to these harmful chemicals.