Xenoestrogens: Hidden hormones in our environment

Xenoestrogens: Hidden hormones in our environment.

Most of us think hormones only come from inside the body. NOP!

Every day we are exposed to chemicals in our environment that can interfere with our hormonal system. These chemicals are known as Xenoestrogens; literally meaning “foreign estrogens.”

Xenoestrogens are a group of endocrine disrupting compounds. They don’t become estrogen, but they mimic estrogen, bind to estrogen receptors, or interfere with the way estrogen is produced, transported, or broken down in the liver.

Think of estrogen receptors as door locks and estrogen as the correct key. Some xenoestrogens resemble that key {Master key} closely enough to fit into the lock and send signals they were never meant to send.

Others block the lock or change how the body’s own hormones work.

Unlike the estrogen your body naturally produces, which is carefully regulated, many xenoestrogens come from our environment. We didn’t evolve alongside many of these synthetic compounds, and long-term exposure may affect your health. They silently contribute to estrogen dominance.

+ Food packing: plastic food containers, soft plastic water bottles, plastic wraps and canned foods(some contain BPA or similar compounds)

+ Kitchen: Non-stick pans, Coated air friers.

+ Personal care products with pthalates, preservatives and parabens: Perfumes and fragrances, some lotions and body creams, shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics and makeup, certain nail polishes,some hair relaxers and hair products.

+ House hold products: Some liquid detergents, fabric softeners, air fresheners, scented candles, scented soaps, cleaning sprays and some disinfectants.

+ Agriculture: Certain pesticides, herbicide and industrial pollutants that contaminate the soil and water.

All these things play a role in:

+ Hormonal imbalance.

+ Earlier puberty.

+ Early menopause, which is becoming common nowadays.

+ Reduced fertility in men and women.

+ Pregnancy complications.

+ Metabolic disorders such as obesity and insulin resistance.

+ Changes in thyroid function.

+ Hormone sensitive cancers.

Remember that these conditions are multifactorial: Genetics, lifestyle, diet, body weight, physical activity, and many other environmental factors also play major roles. You don’t have to live in fear, but you can make practical choices:

+ Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers. Limit the use of the microwave.

+ Frequently use glass,ceramic, or stainless steel containers. If you have to use plastic, make it the hard plastic.

+ Drop processed and highly packaged foods.

+ Live in a well ventilated house with sunlight exposure.

+ Prefer coconut oil as skin care or body lotion.

+ Normalize reading ingredients. TV adverts tart your emotions.

The things that you have control over, do them. Just be practical.
#WellnessWednesday