Written by: Marsha Roopchand-Walker, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In today’s modern world, we encounter numerous substances that can disrupt the endocrine system that creates disharmony with our hormones causing havoc to our health. From the air, we breathe to everyday household items and even the food we consume, these hidden threats can silently disrupt our endocrine system, leading to a range of adverse effects. In this article, I will shed light on the top 20 endocrine disruptors that are commonly found in our environment. In addition, I will discuss the importance of implementing a holistic approach to detoxification, including fasting, exercise, meditation, and sleep.
Here's a list of 20 known endocrine disruptors you should be aware of
1. Bisphenol a (BPA)
Found in plastic bottles, food containers, and canned food linings, BPA has been linked to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, developmental effects, increased cancer risks, and potential impacts on the cardiovascular and metabolic systems.
2. Phthalates
Commonly found in plastics, personal care products such as lotions, creams, perfumes, and cosmetics, phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to reproductive abnormalities, hormonal disturbances, reduced fertility, developmental and behavioral issues, and potential effects on the respiratory and immune systems.
3. Dioxins
Industrial byproducts often present in herbicides and pesticides, dioxins can cause endocrine disruption, immune system suppression, developmental issues, reproductive problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Dioxins can also be found in feminine products such as tampons and sanitary napkins which are used to bleach these products and make them white according to madesafe.org
4. Atrazine
Used as an herbicide in agriculture with the highest use on field corn, sweet corn, sorghum,and sugarcane. Atrazine has been associated with hormonal disruptions, reproductive effects, developmental issues, and potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
5. Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs)
Found in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and food packaging, PFCs can interfere with hormones, leading to reproductive problems, hormonal imbalances, developmental issues, liver toxicity, and potential effects on the immune system.
6. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Industrial chemicals used in electrical equipment and flame retardants, PCBs, can disrupt hormones, causing developmental effects, reproductive issues, neurological problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
7. Parabens
Widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals, parabens can mimic hormones and lead to hormonal disturbances, reproductive issues, allergic reactions, and potential effects on breast tissue.
8. Triclosan
An antimicrobial agent found in soaps, toothpaste, and household cleaners, triclosan can interfere with hormones, potentially leading to hormonal disruptions, bacterial resistance, impacts on thyroid function, and ecological consequences.
9. Organophosphate pesticides
Widely used insecticides in agriculture, organophosphates have been linked to hormonal disruptions, neurotoxicity, reproductive issues, developmental effects, and potential impacts on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
10. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
Used as flame retardants in furniture, electronics, and textiles, PBDEs can disrupt hormones, resulting in hormonal imbalances, developmental effects, neurotoxicity, potential impacts on the liver and thyroid function, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
11. Lead
Commonly found in old paint, water pipes, and certain consumer products, lead exposure can lead to neurological damage, cognitive impairments, developmental issues, reproductive problems, and potential impacts on the cardiovascular and renal systems.
12. Mercury
Primarily found in certain fish species and dental amalgams, mercury exposure can result in neurological and developmental issues, reproductive problems, potential impacts on the cardiovascular system, and toxicity to multiple organs.
13. Cadmium
Found in cigarette smoke, batteries, and certain food products, cadmium exposure has been associated with hormonal disruptions, reproductive issues, kidney damage, potential effects on bone health, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
14. Ethylene oxide
Used in the sterilization of medical equipment, residual amounts of ethylene oxide can be present on certain products. Skin contact with these products can lead to the absorption of ethylene oxide, which is classified as an endocrine disruptor. It has been linked to hormonal disturbances, reproductive issues, potential impacts on the respiratory system, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
15. Glyphosate
The active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, glyphosate exposure has been associated with endocrine disruption, potential impacts on the liver and kidneys, developmental effects, and a possible link to certain cancers.
16. Nonylphenol
Found in certain cleaning products and industrial applications, nonylphenol can disrupt hormones, leading to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, potential impacts on the liver and kidneys, and potential ecological effects.
17. Benzophenones
Used as ultraviolet (UV) filters in sunscreens, lotions, and skincare products, benzophenones can be absorbed through the skin and may interfere with hormone function. They have been associated with hormonal disturbances, potential impacts on the reproductive system, and allergic reactions.
18. Tributyltin (TBT)
Used in marine antifouling paints, TBT is an endocrine disruptor that can lead to hormonal disruption, developmental issues, potential impacts on the immune system, and ecological impacts.
19. Brominated vegetable oil (BVO)
This Food additive which is banned in Europe is still used in the U.S. and is deemed safe by the FDA can be found in soft drinks and has been linked to numerous health hazards, including harm to the nervous system.
20. Phytoestrogens
Derived from plants that are naturally occurring estrogen-like substances have been found to disrupt sex hormones causing hormonal imbalance resulting in developmental and reproductive abnormalities as well as increasing the risk of blood clots that can lead to stroke, can cause diabetes as well as cancer at high levels.
21. Perchlorate
Impacts the thyroid where it can interfere with the uptake of iodine by the thyroid, disrupting the production of thyroid hormones such as hypothyroidism, developmental and reproductive effects as well as the risk of thyroid cancer. The chemical can be found in drinking water, some fruits and vegetables grown in soil as well as in the air.
We may not be able to avoid all toxins,but there are several ways in which we can lower our risk of exposure to these hormone disruptors and one of them is by reading this article as well as reading labels on the products we consume. By educating ourselves on the subject we empower ourselves on the journey to better health. Reading labels is just as important and by doing so we
are able to make more informed and responsible choices. When you know better, you simply do better!
You may want to consider fasting as an option to detoxify the body allowing the body to reset itself. Now, you must know that the body is always working towards homeostasis or balance but by fasting and eating less you allow the body to rest and heal itself in a more efficient manner.
Be sure to exercise! Movement is a way to keep the fluids moving throughout the body which helps our immune system. Movement helps the lymphatic system by moving the lymph fluid out of the body and removing toxins.
Sleep is one of the most important factors for good health and the body naturally works on its own to detoxify itself. The human body has body intelligence, we just assist by implementing healthy habits to maintain good health and wellness by eating the right foods and exercising. We also can do the opposite in which we slowly destroy the body and bring about illness and disease with our poor health choices and habits.
Try conducting an elimination diet to see what foods could be negatively impacting your hormones as well as conduct an inventory of your household products and discard products that may contain any of the chemicals listed. Research studies have shown that indoor air can be just as dangerous to your health or worse than outdoor air. You may want to consider an air purifier for your home to improve the air quality in your home.
Meditation has been found to be beneficial for not only reducing stress levels and improving one's mental health but has been shown to have beneficial effects on the endocrine system, promoting hormonal balance. Stress management techniques should be a part of your daily routine which includes breathing exercises.
The hydration of clean water is essential for flushing out toxins from the body in addition to herbal teas such as burdock root, dandelion, and milk thistle tea. Mindful eating should be a common practice where you take time to chew your food as well as eat when satisfied, not when full. Limit your use of alcohol, processed foods and lean more towards whole foods and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your physician prior to any fasting or exercise routines.
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Marsha Roopchand-Walker, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Marsha Roopchand-Walker is a celebrated author and holistic health coach, renowned for her expertise in self-love healing, pain and stress management, in addition to brain health. Her journey to becoming a sought-after leader in the field of natural healing began with her own personal health struggles. Having experienced the physical and emotional toll of being anemic, vitamin deficient, and plagued with joint pain, anxiety, and depression as well as hormonal issues Marsha knows firsthand the transformative power of natural remedies. Her commitment to helping other women heal their bodies without the use of medications has made her a trusted voice in the wellness community. Marsha's passion for helping others u
