Healthy Hormones

Lets talk about house hold endocrine disruptors...

First of all, what is the endocrine system? ⠀

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The endocrine system is a group of glands that release hormones to activate a set of target cells that then connect to specific receptors. Endocrine disrupters are dangerous because they can trick these receptors by mimicking a hormone, which can trigger a response and inappropriately turn on different hormonal processes. Or they can bind to a hormone’s receptor and block activation, preventing appropriate hormonal processes from taking place. ⠀

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Here Are Some Common Endocrine Disruptors You May Have in Your Home: ⠀

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• Plastic food containers and water bottles - Heating plastic containers, such as microwaving a takeaway container, or leaving a water bottle in a hot car can cause BPA to leach from the plastic. ⠀⠀

• Cosmetics and personal care products such as perfumes, nail polish, skin creams, shampoo and conditioner can contain phthalates and parabens. ⠀

• Common household items like your couch, mattress, water-proof clothing and non-stick cookware can contain flame retardants (such as PBDEs), stain and water resistant coatings (such as PFOAs), or non-stick coatings (PFCs).⠀

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• Cleaning products can contain potential EDCs, such as 2-butoxyethanol and methoxydiglycol. If they contain artificial fragrance they may also contain phthalates.⠀

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• Tin cans and jar lids are often lined with bisphenols, like BPA. And while many manufacturers are now making BPA-free products, the replacement chemicals being used to replace BPA may also present a risk. ⠀

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What are the potential risks to being exposed to endocrine disruptors?⠀

Stress Response

• Neurological and behavioral changes

• Irritability and reduction in stress handling abilities

Metabolism

• Some EDCs have been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes

• Some industrial chemicals and flame retardants can interfere with thyroid function

Reproductive Health

• Some classes of EDCs (DDT, BPA, phthalates, PCBs, others) can affect reproductive health by mimicking or blocking the effects of important sex hormones for male and female.

Development

• High exposures to EDCs during pregnancy can lead to low-birth weight

• Altered development

• Disrupted sexual development

• Weakened immune system

Cancer

• Exposure to estrogen or androgen mimicking EDCs can promote breast and prostate cancer growth and/or interfere with hormonal cancer therapy, which is why most patients going through these therapies are advised to live a low toxicity life during treatment.

• Prenatal exposure to some EDCs may after mammary gland development and increase the risk of breast cancer.

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To find alternatives or ways you can reduce your use of endocrine disrupting chemicals in your home, book via the link today.