For the Girl Who Knows She's Worth More than a Toxic Relationship with Her Environment

Endocrine Disruptors: We Can’t Change Our Environment... Or Can We? By Allison B. Jung, PA-C.

We’ve all heard the encouragement to “go organic” or to choose “natural.” But do you know why? And does it actually matter?

The answer is a resounding “YES!” But some of the recommendations out there are truly unattainable. So let’s discuss what environmental toxins are, why they are harmful to women, and practical tips to avoid them. 

First, how can our environment be toxic? There are many toxins embedded in the air, water, food supply, and products we use. Some are unavoidable (like ozone and smog), but many (if not most) are. We want to avoid these toxins because they act as Endocrine Disruptors.

An Endocrine Disruptor is a substance that mimics our hormones (delivery trucks within our body) and blocks receptors (destination of the delivery), thus changing hormone production and messing up the entire endocrine (hormone) system. 

These Disruptors Can Lead to Conditions like

• PMOS: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, formerly known as PCOS, which causes irregular cycles and an overdose of testosterone

• Endometriosis (which causes painful periods)

• Premature Ovarian Failure (early menopause) + Infertility

• Estrogen Dominance (which can lead to uterine, breast and ovarian cancers)

• Metabolic conditions like Insulin Resistance (which leads to weight gain, obesity, and eventually diabetes)

Let’s name the most common types of endocrine disruptors. When you name them, they become less frightening. They include BPA, Phthalates, Parabens, and Pesticides.

BPAs

BPAs can be found in disposable drink bottles, food containers, and plastic utensils. Heat will release this chemical into the food or drinks within the containers. 

     What to Notice? Plastic water bottles and soda cans (think about the high temperature in that 18 wheeler on its way to the grocery store), canned foods, and plastic containers to warm up food in the microwave. 

   What to Choose? Glass or stainless steel reusable water bottles and porcelain plates or glass containers for microwaving food. Even “BPA free” plastic containers have been shown to contain BPA, so don’t always trust the labels. Choose fresh foods over canned.

Phthalates

Phthalates are usually listed as “parfum” or "fragrance" on ingredient labels. They are very difficult to avoid. 

    What to Notice? Phthalates can be found in: dish soap, laundry products, shampoo, conditioner, air fresheners, deodorants, and cleaning products. 

     What to Choose? There are many great fragrance-free options. However, it can get very expensive very quickly to replace these products all at once. Choose one product a month, test brands, and see which you like best.

Eventually, you can greatly reduce your exposure to these chemicals, and thus the diseases they are linked to.

Parabens

Parabens are a preservative for shelf-stable foods and products. 

 What to Notice? When purchasing  personal items like hair products, lotion, and sunscreen, as well as processed foods like packaged baked goods, canned or jarred fruit and vegetables, condiments, cereals, and processed meats, always read the labels and avoid anything with a chemical ending in the word “paraben.”

   What to Choose? Fresh produce, baked goods, and meats instead of packaged options. Try a recipe that cooks lots of food with few ingredients. It is cheaper in the long run!

Pesticides

The use of pesticides has exploded over the last 20 years. Ewg.org lists the worst pesticide-laden produce every year. 

 What to Choose? Organic, organic, organic! If you can’t buy organic, then soak your fresh produce in baking soda and water (1tsp: 2cu). 

Take Away: Although the concepts contained in this article can be scary, we have the power of choice. We can direct our endocrine delivery system to move smoothly by purchasing toxin-free food and products. These choices encourage our healthy hormones and lower the risks of cancer and metabolic diseases. I also encourage you to seek involvement in legislation that bans the use of endocrine disruptors, as many countries have done.