How to reduce your toxic load to support hormone balance
We are exposed to chemicals on a daily basis and they are impossible to avoid. They are found in the food we eat, the water we drink, to the air we breathe.
But how could chemicals affect our hormones?
Chemicals such as Pesticides, BPA, and phthalates often have endocrine disrupting properties. They can either increase levels of hormones in the body or hinder the breakdown of hormones. Healthy breakdown and elimination of hormones are essential for balanced hormones and optimal health.
Xenoestrogens are estrogen mimicking chemicals
This type of oestrogen is man-made and has an oestrogenic effect on the body. Meaning that it could disrupt the way our hormones work. We have oestrogen receptors all over the body and Xenoestrogens can dock onto them and make the body think that oestrogen is present. This can be harmful as Xenoestrogen can mimic and interfere with the actions of the body’s real supply of estrogen over time.
Xenoestrogens can be found in:
Plastics
Flame retardants
Cosmetics
Paints
Three key xenoestrogens to avoid are:
Parabens
Found in skin care, sun creams, and moisturisers. They are used to preserve the lotion and help them to penetrate the skin.
Phthalates
Phthalates can be found in perfumes, nail polishes, shampoos, soap, and hair sprays. Phthalates are chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastics. Phthalates have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues and may act as endocrine disruptors.
Bisphenol-A (BPA)
Found in reusable water bottles, plastic utensils, lining of many tinned canned foods, reusable plastic containers, and thermal paper receipts. BPA can leak into our food over time from tins especially if heated. Look for BPA free, though this may still contain disruptors. It is best to avoid plastic and select glass and steel containers where possible.
Other chemicals to avoid when reading ingredient lists are:
Surfactants
Sulfates are cleansing agents commonly found in shampoos and body washes. Ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) can be harsh on the skin and hair, leading to dryness, irritation, and allergic reactions.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used in some beauty products as a preservative. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues.
Fragrance
Synthetic fragrances often contain a mix of undisclosed chemicals, which can be irritating to the skin and respiratory system as well as being a potential endocrine disruptor.
Where to begin with it all?
I’ve been on a non-toxic beauty and “lower tox” journey for over ten years, when I first started there was very little on the market/it wasn’t very good. Non-toxic beauty refers to cosmetics and personal care products that are formulated without potentially harmful ingredients. Non-toxic products use safer, more natural ingredients that are less likely to cause harm to your body.
Embracing a lower toxic lifestyle requires making conscious choices about the products you use, the foods you eat, and your environment.
Here are a few tips to help you get you going:
Assess your current exposure
Where possible buy organic beauty products, personal care, and home products that are environmentally friendly. A great place to start to lighten your body load is with things that you use daily within your routines or are on your body for long periods, for example, nail varnish. Or that you use daily in and around your home, for example, candles and fragrances. Take a close look at your daily habits and identify areas where you may be exposed to toxins.
Start with small changes
You don't have to make all the changes at once. Please don’t go and throw everything away. Start with the things you use every day. Like certain foods you eat the water you drink, or how you store your food, or your body and face cream. Start by making one or two small changes.
Choose non-toxic alternative
Look for organic labeled products. There is little meaning or regulation behind terms like’ natural’, ‘vegan’, or ‘plant based’. They can still contain harmful chemicals. Use apps such as Think Dirty App or Yuka to scan the ingredients of products. It will then show in detail any potential harmful irritants or ingredients to avoid and give a rating.
Kora Organics
Naturismo
Ilia
Select more natural air fragrances and candles
Swap to lower toxic cleaning products
Kit&Kin
Eat a toxic-free diet
Where possible focus on consuming whole and organic foods, especially when selecting meat, fish, soy, and dairy. Why not look for a weekly organic veg box delivery from a company such as Riverford or Abel and Cole? Or look at the Environmental working group Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen list when purchasing your fruit and vegetables. I have written a journal all about this list and how to use it if you want to read more. Choosing to drink filtered water is something that we should be doing. The Yuka App previously recommended also rates food products according to their ingredients. Environmental Working Group and the Soil Association database are great resources to find out more information on the topic.
Reduce plastic use
Minimize your use of plastic products and use glass, metal or bamboo for example with food storage and water bottles. Also become aware about other exposures throughout your daily habits, for example that take away coffee with the plastic lid you buy every day and drink your warm coffee through. Do you really need the plastic lid? Could you choose to use your keep cup instead?
Get informed
Continuously educate yourself on the latest research on toxic chemicals and their effects on human health. Read “The Organically Clean Home” by Becky Rapinchuk for an easy DIY home cleaning solution. “Staying Alive in Toxic Times” by Dr Jenny Goodman is a great book that acts as a practical handbook on how to adapt your lifestyle to the season you are in and live your healthiest life. For something a little deeper on the topic, “The Toxic Solution” by Joseph Pizzorno is a very informative book.
Join a community
Connect with like minded people who share your desire to reduce toxins and chemical exposure. This is where social media can be a brilliant place to gain inspiration.
I hope this post gives you a little inspiration. The journal isn’t exhaustive on the topic however, if you want to reduce your exposure then hopefully this is helpful and act as a springing board to begin your journey. Please don’t go all guns blazing! Remember as always to start small and build yourself up. Start with what you use every day. The smallest of changes will help to make big differences in your overall health. There is no such thing as perfect, just do your best.
Much love,
Katie xx
DISCLAIMER: This journal is for information only and does not constitute or include any advice of any nature whatsoever. No reliance should be placed on the information or opinions in this journal. The reader should carry out their own research and consult with a suitably qualified medical practitioner.