This post was written by Dr. Michele Helfgott, Integrative Medicine, Parkview Health.
In previous blogs, we've discussed how factors like life stages and aging, lifestyle habits and medications can influence hormone health. However, your hormones can also be affected by external factors, such as substances in your daily environment. In this post, we focus on the many unsuspecting sources of endocrine disruptors in the home and strategies for lessening their presence.
What is an endocrine disruptor?
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences defines endocrine disruptors as "natural or artificial chemicals that may mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones, known as the endocrine system. These chemicals are linked with many health problems in both wildlife and people."
Common sources include:
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Bisphenol A (BPA)
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Phthalates
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PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")
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Pesticides
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Heavy metals
Who should be worried about endocrine disruptors?
Pregnant women, developing fetuses, infants and children are the most at risk from harmful substances. Their bodies are undergoing periods of development, which makes them more vulnerable. These groups also experience higher exposure rates based on their weight. Additionally, these chemicals can easily cross the placenta and be transferred through breast milk to the baby.
However, the dangers of endocrine disruptors are a universal issue and should be a concern for everyone, regardless of gender or age. Think of your body like a road. The more harmful things you ingest, the more stretched your body’s capacity is to process and eliminate the toxins. Inevitably, a traffic jam occurs and results in early puberty, infertility, breast cancer and various other health issues that are becoming more prevalent.
How do we avoid endocrine disruptors?
Manufacturers and advertisers are aware that people are concerned about plastic use, so they use buzzwords like “BPA-free” to persuade you that their products are safe. BPA is a common endocrine-disrupting chemical in plastics, but the BPA-free plastic product you are using likely still has other phthalate components, which are just as harmful. For example, even if the container you’re using isn’t plastic, if it is paper or cardboard with a shiny coating, it may contain substances our bodies weren't meant to process.
Everyone should look for ways to reduce their plastic use as much as possible. This can be overwhelming and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Changing one thing at a time over time is better than doing nothing.
Consider starting with these swaps:
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Non-stick pans and cookware for stainless steel or cast iron
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Plastic eating utensils for silverware
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Coated paper plates for glass plates
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Plastic food storage for glass containers
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Plastic coffee machines or plastic pods for pourovers in a glass container, or a stainless steel percolator
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Tin foil and cling film for food-grade silicon covers and reusable bags
I frequently caution my patients about the cleaning products they use in their homes as well. If it has more than five ingredients and you don't know what they are, don't use it. Instead, try trading:
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Candles and plugins for diffusing essentials or soy candles that contain essential oils
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Scrubbing powders for baking soda
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Glass cleaner for distilled white vinegar and water
For more smart swaps, check out this list developed by the Silent Spring Institute based on their study examining consumer products for the presence of 66 endocrine disruptors and chemicals associated with asthma.
Final thoughts
So many of the harmful endocrine disruptors we find in our kitchens and throughout our homes are incorporated into products to make life easier. Unfortunately, in pursuit of convenience, we have really hurt ourselves, trading health for it. While we can't eliminate all encounters with these chemicals, choosing more sustainable products can contribute to creating a healthier and safer home environment for you and your family.
For more information on how endocrine disruptors can impact your health or to schedule an appointment with a PPG - Integrative Medicine provider, please call our office at 260-425-5970.
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