Did you know that hormonal symptoms are showing you that your body is out of balance?
Many women experience one or more symptoms over their lives, such as sore breasts, painful periods, heavy bleeding, acne that comes up around the time of their period, or food cravings. I do believe that an increase in endocrine disorders (this refers to all the glands that secrete hormones) are due to many factors, and one of those is because the delicate balance of our hormones can easily be disrupted by environmental toxins. Men are also affected by these toxins, however I am focusing more on women in this article.
There are many man-made chemicals that mimic and alter hormone functions. These chemicals are called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and they are found in household cleaning products, food additives, plastics (think gladwrap, water bottles, microwavable containers), skincare products, flame retardants in furniture and clothes, paint, electronics, pesticides and non stick cookware. Also heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, lead and bismith.
When you look at that list (that was just a brief summary) it can seem overwhelming.
However, you just need to start somewhere, and gradually increase your toxin free alternatives. This will be an important first step to improving your hormonal health. Let's go into a bit of detail.
1. Change all cleaning, personal care and make-up products to natural alternatives.
Transitioning to natural alternatives can be easy and economical when simply switching over as you run out of each synthetic product. You can start making your own skincare and cleaning products. There are many resources online on how to do this.
Note: Synthetic perfumes and air fresheners contain phthalates, a known EDC group - so check labels and if they say ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’ on labels, think phthalates.
Here is a video of how to make your own hand soap with 5 ingredients.
2. Store and heat all food in glass or stainless steel containers
Plastic containers are comprised of EDCs such as bisphenol-A (BPA). Unfortunately changing to BPA-free products doesn't guarantee safety - they contain BPE or BPS which are similar compounds. Further, when we heat these containers/bottles, the chemicals can transfer in a higher number into the food or water. Think microwaves, water bottles in a hot car, storing food in a plastic container and covering with glad wrap while still hot!
Avoiding plastic containers is a powerful step in reducing exposure to EDCs.
Use glassware for home storage and metal tins for school lunches.
I've even seen suggestions of taking your own dish when getting such things as chinese food or salads takeway that are put in plastic containers.
3. Install a water filter
Unfortunately most 'town' water contains chlorine, fluoride (and other chemicals) which can both negatively impact your thyroid gland. This important gland overseas the body's
metabolism, which out of balance may have serious implications. If you can't easily install a water filter, there are a range of other options available, such as filtering jugs, buying alkaline water and using crystals or pebbles.
4. Go for organic meat, fresh produce and free range eggs
This reduces your intake of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are EDC chemicals that resist degradation, bio-accumulate in water supplies, soils and crops, and are then consumed by livestock, and us. Where possible, start growing your own food, again there are many resources around nowadays showing how to grow fruit and vegetables in small spaces, in tubs, window sills. If you aren't in a position to buy organic, or can only purchase some organic fruits and vegetables, go for those of dirty dozen, on the list above. The clean 15 are sprayed less and would be less harmful. Soak your fresh produce in a sink with apple cider vinegar to eradicate the spray residue.
5. Increasing Your Toxin Elimination
You can also encourage the detoxification and removal of stored environmental toxins from your body. This may be particularly pertinent for those in professions who have ongoing exposure to chemicals; such as hairdressers, painters, cleaners, miners, metal workers, mechanics or those in aeronautical services.
Two tips to encourage healthy detoxification for these people in particular (but which benefits everyone), include:
- exercise which promotes the circulation of blood and lymph, enhancing the elimination of waste products from your body. It also increases the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to your organs and muscles for optimal repair and functioning.
- dry skin brushing. As your skin is a major organ of elimination, removing any build-up of dead skin cells increases your body's capacity to detoxify and eliminate toxins effectively.
Avoiding environmental toxins is specifically indicated if you are a poor methylator, (this is identified by having the MTHFR gene test) you are less able to detoxify effectively. Link to read here.
If you are aware that you have had exposure to environmental toxins the 21 Day Wholefood Cleanse or the Health Reset Detox are two options that can help.
If you would like to find out how I can help you with your health, book a 15 minute free Discovery Call.