Effects of Endocrine Disruptors

Toxins are all around us – from the foods we eat to what they are packaged in and also what we put on our bodies.  The effects of endocrine disruptors are large.

What’s the big deal-eo?

So, what’s the big deal about endocrine disruptors anyway?  The problem is that these toxins confuse our bodies in thinking these are our natural hormones.  Since they act like our hormones, our bodies can’t tell the difference and so our bodies may not produce enough estrogen, for example, because it thinks it has enough.

In this case, you might be low on estrogen and not even know it.  But, you have symptoms of low estrogen like mood swings or UTI’s (urinary tract infections).  Or, on the flip side, if your body is tricked into thinking it has high estrogen, you may have weight gain or unusually heavy periods.  Great, huh?   How much are you bleeding?  But, the good news is you can make some changes.

Here’s more supporting information:  Plastic chemical early death.

Where do these toxins live?

Believe it or not, but these endocrine disruptors live in our fat cells and they can stay there for a very, very long time.  This also means that they are hard to get rid of.

The Culprits – the effects of endocrine disruptors

The biggest culprit of these toxic substances are xenoestrogens, which are not natural – they are man-made.  Xeno means foreign and therefore, not natural.  Our bodies don’t know the difference and that’s when the problem arises.

Xenoestrogens list

• Birth control pills – yep, these guys are a huge problem.  While they may help you in an unplanned pregnancy, it’s not helping your hormones in the way it needs to – at least not 100%.
• Phthalates and parabens – these are found in skin care products.  Remember to read your labels!
• BPA – we’re all becoming familiar with BPA’s in plastics.  Do you know what to look for and do you know not to put plastic in a microwave or leave a plastic water bottle in your hot car?  Do you also know that you should never freeze plastic?  And, you’re best bet is to use re-usable produce bags.
• Pesticides
• Non-natural sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or benzophenone.  Again, you need to read labels!!!

As you can see, the effects of endocrine disruptors can have an impact on the quality of our lives, including cancer.  It’s getting to know where the problems might be coming from in order to start making changes.  Knowledge is power and if you can start recognizing what you are putting in or on your body and what problems they may be causing, you can start to enjoy your life just a little more every day.  And, that’s what it’s all about.