[green_box title=”Fertility Health – What you need to know about Xenohormones” ][/green_box]
Have you found yourself googling exactly what the word xenohormones means? Xeno WHAT? This video was shared live. Download the Instagram App to watch our live broadcasts!
Xenohormones, simply defined, are toxic substances not found in nature that have hormonal effects – estrogenic effects – on the body in both men and women. Xenohormones are easily absorbed through the direct contact with the skin, or by inhaling or ingesting them, and have been found to build up in the body over time, which can lead to a deficiency in progesterone.
How xenohormones have an estrogenic effect:
- They combine with estrogen receptor sites and activate the estrogenic action.
- They induce the formation of extra estrogen receptor sites (more than we need perhaps).
- Inhibit the ability of the liver to excrete estrogen(s).
Common Sources of Xenohormones
| dry cleaning almost all plastics nail salons, nail polish/polish remover emulsifiers in soaps conventional makeups conventional meat* |
solvents** and adhesives fabrics*** paint/varnish car exhaust PCD’s from industrial waste pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides |
*Meat from conventionally raised livestock (non-organic)- They feed them estrogenic drugs to fatten them up.
**Solvents can damage a developing fetus and should be strongly avoided by pregnant women, in any amount.
***Fabrics to avoid are: polyester, acrylic, rayon, acetate and triacetate, nylon, anything stain or static-resistant (anitstatic), permanent press, wrinkle-free, stain proof or moth repellent. These are all made from synthetic polymers or treated with chemicals.
Known Xenoestrogens to Avoid:
- Atrazine (weed killer)
- BHA (food preservative)
- 4-MBC (conventional sunscreen lotions)
- Food dyes… Erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3
- Bisphenol A or BPA (found in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin)
- Ethinyl estradiol (common in oral contraceptive pills – this is even released into the environment as a xenoestrogen through the urine and feces of women who use this)
- Heptachlor and dieldrin, DDT (insecticides)
Ways to Avoid Xenohormones:
1. Eat organic whole foods naturally high in fiber that supports healthy elimination and nutrients to support liver health.
- Learn “The Dirty Dozen” so these can be purchased organic.
- Learn “The Clean 15”, foods that don’t need to be organic.
- Avoid food preservatives and dyes.
2. Avoid exposure to pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers.
3. Use natural feminine care products and organic, natural body care products, including makeup.
4. Use low VOC paints, recycled unbleached paper products and non-chlorinated oxygen-based bleach in the laundry.
5. Avoid cooking in or anything heated in plastic!
6. Look for clothing made from natural fibers like:
| Cotton Silk Linen |
Hemp Wool Cashmere |
So, now what?
Run out and buy everything new? This is not most people’s reality. What may be more realistic, is to start where you think you are most exposed to xenohormones; diet should be toward the top of the list and then perhaps one or two lifestyle changes. Do you clean with conventional cleaning products? I find this is one of the easiest places to change because the price of natural cleaners isn’t that much different than conventional. Try not to be overwhelmed. I don’t want you to feel like you have to live in a bubble! Start small and make other changes as you are able.
