The Silent Disruptors of Health

Do you remember the male frog exposed to an herbicide found in tap water that ended up with female anatomy?  That endocrine disruptor was known as atrazine which is substance present in water and many consumer products.

Even if you have no knowledge of them, endocrine or hormone-altering chemicals are alive and well and guaranteed to influence your health. It’s almost like a thief that came in the in the middle of the night. You know something happened or is missing but you can’t quite put your finger on it. This topic is very complicated, but I will break it down as simply as I can.

What are endocrine disruptors?

They are substances that can interfere with our body’s natural hormones leading to many simple to complex health issues. We are just starting to see the great impact on our society given the levels we encounter daily.

The Endocrine Society which is a group of scientists, physicians and other health care professionals in over 100 countries suggest that more than twenty-four percent of human disease such as cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, neurological disorders, reproductive challenges, inflammation, immune, autoimmune and hormone disorders are due to endocrine disruptors, so this is something to seriously give pause to.

The EWG (Environmental Working Group) reports 8 categories of endocrine disruptors and how to avoid them.  Here is a small snapshot of what they are and where they are found.

Parabens:

Parabens are used for preserving food, and personal care products. They have the ability to disrupt reproductive organs thus affecting fertility as well as raising the risk of cancer. Names to be aware of are parabens, butyl and propylparaben.

Cosmetics, food products, personal care products, and pharmaceutical products usually contain parabens. Opt for organic clean products free of fragrances or those that say “paraben free.”

Pesticides:

Pesticides are used for annoying pests and weeds on non-organic crops. Since the pandemic the use of pesticides has skyrocketed to cut down on time to harvest crops.  Glyphosate (AKA Roundup) is a major herbicide (a type of pesticides that is toxic to plants) that is used in food crops including wheat, corn, soy, coffee, and alcohol. Glyphosate is the world’s most heavily applied herbicide. One can be exposed via air, water, dust and food residues.

Pesticides/herbicides are associated with cancer, damage to the nervous system and the gut microbiome. Buying organic when you can is key to avoiding pesticides as much as possible.

Phthalates:

Phthalates are chemicals used to stabilize fragrances in cosmetics and other products (think candles, perfumes, cleaning products, plug-ins, air fresheners, detergents, cosmetics). If you consume foods packaged and stored in plastic containers there can be significant exposure as well. Foods that contain fat more readily absorb the chemicals in the plastic like meats, milk, butter, and cheese but also precut veggies and fruit can be a significant source.

Men and women who use multiple personal care products per day can get high exposures. For example, men using aftershave, cologne, deodorant, face or body washes can significantly lower testosterone levels. Women who use face creams, perfume, and makeup can expose themselves to high levels on a daily basis.

Phthalates are associated with reproductive issues, kidney and liver problems.

Simple ways to lower exposure to phthalates are to dust and vacuum frequently, use a HEPA filters, avoid vinyl flooring and products with “fragrances” or “parfum” found in many personal care and cleaning products.

Perchlorate:

Perchlorate is used in fireworks, matches, signal flares, rocket propellants and can be found in food and water.  Perchlorate can disrupt your thyroid hormones and make them less efficient.

Although these are not easy to eliminate, avoid the above products as much as possible, have a whole house water filtration system installed and drink only filtered water.

Heavy Metals:

Heavy metals are used in many personal care products like lipstick, whitening toothpaste, eyeliners, amalgam fillings, and nail color.  They exist in certain types of rice, fish, baby and toddler foods, and especially apple juice.

Heavy metals are quite serious in that they can lead to brain, kidney and liver damage as well as cause obesity and metabolic changes.

PFAS:

Known as “forever chemicals” PFAS are found in drinking water, makeup, dental products (fluoride, toothpaste, dental floss), electrolyte drinks, sanitary pads, ketchup, fast food packaging containers (think of all the pizza and microwave popcorn). Other products that have PFAS are those used for waterproofing, and lowering stains on carpets, Teflon or nonstick pans, many fabrics (especially activewear), and toilet paper. They can impact hormone balance (estrogen, testosterone and thyroid hormones)

Avoid stain, flame retardant and water-resistant treatment for clothing, bedding, curtains and nonstick utensils, and cookware. Use air purifiers, water filters and avoid vinyl products.

BPA:

BPA is an industrial chemical that is used to manufacture polycarbonate plastic.

It can be found in the liners of canned foods, thermal paper for receipts, water bottles, baby bottles, sippy cups, plastic wraps, takeout containers including coffee cups.

Think of all the times you went out for coffee at your favorite place – you are getting exposed to BPA via the liner in the cup and when it becomes hot it makes that exposure much more intense.  Also think of all the coffee pod machines and how the convenience is costing you your health.

One study showed BPA appearing in the urine within 2 minutes of handling a receipt. Think of cashiers at stores who handle hundreds of receipts – certainly a health hazard!

BPA can be absorbed through your skin after touching receipts and get into your bloodstream within seconds. Clothing worn for a few hours at a time can end up in your bloodstream as well.

As with other endocrine disruptors BPA can cause infertility and changes to the brain and nervous system as well as cause heart abnormalities, increased blood pressure, obesity and changes to the metabolism. It also can alter the gut microbiome leading to obesity, especially in children.

Oxybenzone:

Found in many sunscreens, this chemical can interfere with the endocrine system, even after a single application of sunscreen.  Oxybenzone can change birth outcomes and increase risk of breast cancer.

How to Start the Process:

This amount of information is overwhelming (even I’m overwhelmed writing it) so how do you start the process?  The first step is educating yourself and if you are reading this blog, it’s a first step – having awareness allows you to make more informed decisions in your purchases moving forward. Each time you make a different decision you are planting a seed towards better health. Here are a few suggestions to start the process:

1. Filter your water and consider a whole house filtration system. If that is not an option filter your drinking water and consider a filter on your kitchen sink and showerheads. A reverse osmosis system is recommended as it takes out everything and optimally finding one that adds in essential minerals.
2. Purchase a good air filter with a HEPA for your home and office.
3. Change your pans – get rid of any nonstick pans and replace with those with ceramic or porcelain coating.
4. Start lowering your use of plastics (coffee out, food purchased in plastic containers like prepared foods, fruit or veggies) and never microwave food in plastic containers. Limit take out and hot foods in plastics (fast or processed foods, pizza, popcorn). Get rid of plastic cutting boards. Steer clear of plastic wraps. Use glass bottles whenever possible or those that are BPA free.
5. Re-evaluate all personal care products especially those with fragrances or parfum – opt for those made only with essential oils.
6. Vacuum and dust regularly. This reduces microplastic exposure from household items sluffed off from pillows, sofas, carpets or things brought into the home.
7. Eat fresh, organic foods rather than canned or processed.
8. Instead of plastic toys opt for those made of wood, cotton or natural fibers.

Although we are bombarded with endocrine disruptors on a daily basis even making 1-2 changes can lower that chemical in your system right away. It will take the load off your liver which is constantly working to help keep your body clear of toxins. This is about living intentionally and making those small choices towards your health.

So the next time you have more aches and pains, some brain fog or don’t feel quite right it may be your liver trying hard to help get rid of some unwanted visitors in the form endocrine disruptors. Thank your liver for giving you the head’s up and grab a flashlight to shine the light on the disruptors of your health!