Disrupting the Endocrine

The endocrine system is responsible for regulating nearly everything in our body, from how tall we grow, to how hungry we are, to our fertility. Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are sneaky little things. Sometimes they act like a hormone (hormone mimicry) and send your body confusing signals. Some gum up the works and prevent the natural pathways from occurring. They might sit in place of a hormone and cause a feedback loop that shuts down your natural production of the hormones you need. If you struggle with fertility issues, thyroid problems, autoimmune issues, unexplained weight gain, or any other endocrine related problem, then you want to take especial care to avoid EDCs.

This is a list of the most common ones, although it is by no means exhaustive. Fortunately, there are generally simple steps you can take to avoid them. Here are my top 8:

1. Bisphenol A (BPA): This plasticizer lets plastics be flexible without shattering, so they are in many inexpensive food storage containers and water bottles. Switch to glass or metal food storage containers and water bottles, and never, ever heat something in plastic that you will later consume.
2. Dioxins: The precursor to dioxins are in plastics, too. But they won’t show up until you burn it. You know that horrible, pungent smell of burnt plastic? Yep, that’s dioxin and you don’t want to breathe it.
3. Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): These lurk in non-stick coatings on frying pans and saucepans. While they are inert at first, eventually after heating over and over, they begin to flake off and get in our food. Switch to cast iron or enamel.
4. Phthalates: Again, these are in plastics, especially the soft ones, like the ones used in baby pacifiers. Babies are just as happy to chew on a smooth, cool stone, like amber beads given to children to teethe on in Eastern European cultures. Look for phthalate free baby bottle nipples too.
5. Pesticides: Ideally, we could all afford organic produce, but the next best thing is to wash it well. A dilute solution of white vinegar will get rid of the majority of pesticide residue. This is especially necessary for leafy greens.
6. Fragrances: Artificial fragrances in scented candles, personal care products, and cleaning agents can all act like hormones or block pathways. Some essential oils will as well. Be particularly careful with what you are putting on your body as many of these easily cross the dermal barrier. Use baking soda or white vinegar to clean whenever possible.
7. Heavy Metals: Peeling paint in old houses, old lead plumbing, and silver amalgam fillings are just a few sources of heavy metals. Shellfish and oil packed tuna should be enjoyed in moderation, not daily. Swordfish is especially high in mercury.
8. Alkylphenol polyethoxylates: Certain detergents contains these substances to make them lather up. Read ingredients in soaps and shampoos to make sure these aren’t present.

If there were only one or two of these floating around, we would have a much better chance of clearing them from our system with no ill effect. But our toxic load from these increases yearly as our bodies bio accumulate these substances. Avoid them whenever you can, and support your liver function to help it eliminate as many as possible. Flush your system regularly with plenty of clean and/or filtered water. Remember these take time to leave your body, and effects are gradual, but certainly worth the effort.
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