Are you looking for easy ways to live chemical and xenohormone free? Today, exposure to xenoestrogens is a big concern for many people. Xenoestrogens are linked to issues with hormone balance, male and female fertility problems, birth defects, and even hormone-driven cancers.
What are xenoestrogens? Xenoestrogens are toxic chemicals not found in nature, which can bind to the body’s own hormone receptor sites, and interact with endocrine system function and health. They are hormone mimics. Xenoestrogens are believed to be able to block the ways that hormones move and how they are stored in the body. They may even alter hormone production at the most basic level.
What’s your chemical exposure? Chemical exposure is a regular part of human life. While not all chemicals are bad, the latest research finds that around 84,000 chemicals are added to foods and products in the US each year without adequate safety testing, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola. Many of these chemicals are suspected xenoestrogens that can affect hormones and fertility health. If you’re curious or concerned, talk to your healthcare provider about testing or explore testing options such as those offered by ZRT Laboratory.
10 Tips for Living Xenohormone and Chemical Free
Here are my top ten tips to avoid exposure to xenoestrogens and other toxic chemicals that could affect your fertility.
1. Buy only organic animal products! Non-organic animal foods are a very high source of chemical residues and xenoestrogens. In fact, following a mostly plant-based diet is one of the best steps to take to stop ongoing hormone disruption due to xenoestrogen exposure. If you eat meat or dairy, use only high quality, organic sources.
2. Choose organic for the “Dirty Dozen.” More than 50 active pesticide ingredients have been identified as endocrine disruptors by the European Union. People who routinely eat produce on the list of the “Dirty Dozen” or live in high agricultural areas are at a higher risk of exposure. It’s ok to enjoy the foods on the list, but buy them organic for your Fertility Diet.
3. Clear your cabinets of glyphosate-laced foods. Research from Friends of Earth Europe shows many foods test high in glyphosates, a toxic chemical from the pesticide Roundup. Glyphosate is linked to hormone disruption, digestive issues, immune imbalance and more. Just a few major crops that are heavily contaminated with glyphosates: soy, wheat, corn, oats, spinach, almonds, barley, canola, grapes, sugar beets. Non-organic rice is also at risk from drift from neighboring glyphosate sprayed crops. Pick organic and non-GMO options instead. Learn more: Glyphosate & Fertility: How To Protect Your Reproductive Health.
4. Skip products with parabens. Up to 85% of personal care products (makeup, hair products, moisturizers, perfumes, deodorant) contain parabens. Parabens are man-made chemicals designed to prevent bacterial spoilage or to add fragrance. Unfortunately, parabens are xenoestrogens that can be absorbed through the skin, GI tract and the bloodstream. Early research from the United Kingdom shows high content of six different parabens in a study of 20 cancerous breast tumors.
5. Avoid products with added phthalates. Phthalates – BPA, DEP, DEHP, BBP and more – are chemicals that are used to make plastics flexible and more difficult to break. They are also implemented as solvents for other materials. Common items that contain phthalates: cleaners, nail products, hair care, deodorants, perfumes, hard plastics (toys, food storage, medical devices). Look for BPA-free plastics, or better yet, use ceramic, stainless steel or glass for storage needs.
6. Look at organic, non-GMO, GMP verified supplements. Today, many supplement companies use organic, non-GMO, GMP verified raw materials in their products. Check labels and ask questions when you shop to find out more.
7. Consider Royal Jelly. Royal jelly may help prevent xenoestrogen uptake from receptor sites in the body. Japanese research published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry finds royal jelly can block the activity of harmful xenoestrogens like BPA (bisphenol A) in plastics. Learn more: Fertility Super Food: Royal Jelly.
8. Use DIM for estrogen balancing activity. DIM promotes healthy estrogen metabolism and balance. It can also aid the body in the breakdown and removal of excess estrogen.
9. Grow your own food. If you garden or grow your own food, practice organic growing techniques to protect yourself and your family.
10. Wear mostly natural fabrics. Choose clothing from fabrics like linen, wool, silk or hemp. Synthetic fabrics are usually treated with chemicals. If you like to wear cotton, remember organic cotton is your best bet. (Cotton crops are highly sprayed with pesticides.)
Take Steps To Reduce Your Chemical Exposure
While we can’t avoid all chemicals and xenohormones, we have learned so much about easy steps to take to limit your exposure. Start by making small changes in your daily routine. Organic foods and natural personal care items are available almost everywhere. Educated consumers have demanded more access to chemical-free, safe products, and the industry has risen to the challenge.
Remember: the water you drink may also be a high source of chemicals and toxins. Use a quality filtration system or purchase purified water that is not stored in BPA plastic.
If you have questions or your own tips on ways to live xenohormone and chemical free, please share in the comments below! We would love your feedback on this important topic!
Resources:
Video: Fertility Health – What you need to know about Xenohormones
Estrogen and Fertility – The Good, the Bad and the Necessity
Natural Fertility Tip: Easy Ways To Clean up Your Diet and Lifestyle
Elevated Estrogen Levels Linked to Toxins in Body Care Products
Parabens and How They May Impact Fertility Health
- Nakaya, M., Onda, H., Sasaki, K., Yukiyoshi, A., Tachibana, H., & Yamada, K. (2007). Effect of Royal Jelly on Bisphenol A-Induced Proliferation of Human Breast Cancer Cells. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 71(1), 253-255. doi:10.1271/bbb.60453 Retrieved from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1271/bbb.60453
- Darbre, P. D., Aljarrah, A., Miller, W. R., Coldham, N. G., Sauer, M. J., and Pope, G. S. (2004). Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 24: 5-13. Retrieved from http://www.dr-baumann.ca/science/Concentrations%20of%20Parabens%20in%20Human%20Breast.pdf
- Gillam, C. (2016, May). Not Just For Corn and Soy. A Look at Glyphosate Use in Food Crops. Retrieved from: https://usrtk.org/pesticides/not-just-for-corn-and-soy-a-look-at-glyphosate-use-in-food-crops/
- Phthalates. (2009). Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/pdf/Pthalates_FactSheet.pdf
- Mercola, J. (2015, June). Documentary Reveals How Prolific Chemicals Are In Our Daily Lives.
Retrieved from: https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/06/06/chemical-exposure.aspx - LaRue, A.(2018). Xenoestrogens: What Are They and How To Avoid Them. Retrieved from:
https://womeninbalance.org/2012/10/26/xenoestrogens-what-are-they-how-to-avoid-them/ - Pesticide-Induced Diseases: Endocrine Disruption. (2018). Retrieved from: https://www.beyondpesticides.org/resources/pesticide-induced-diseases-database/endocrine-disruption
- Pullen-Fedinick, K. (2015, March). Identifying Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Using ToxCast and Authoritative Lists. Retrieved from: https://www.nrdc.org/experts/kristi-pullen/identifying-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-using-toxcast-and-authoritative
- Toxic Chemicals. (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.nrdc.org/issues/toxic-chemicals
