How To Reduce Toxin Exposure To Support Hormone Health - Dr. Courtenay Boer, ND
It’s no secret that our environment can affect our health…
Factors are diverse, from the quality of the air we breathe, to the food we eat, to the clothes we wear and beyond. Environmental toxins are ubiquitous in our world and they have significant consequences for health and hormones. Many of these toxins have been found to have endocrine-disrupting properties, so we label them as endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs. Some of these EDCs have been identified as xenoestrogens, which means they are exogenous (environmental) chemical compounds that mimic estrogen in the body and can modulate estrogenic activity.
All EDCs can exacerbate hormone imbalances, and EDCs have been shown to impact female and male fertility and alter menstrual cycle length. Some EDCs have been hypothesized to increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, while others may play a role in estrogen-dependent cancers, and have been linked to increased obesity rates in children. Importantly, some EDCs have also been shown to have epigenetic effects through action on the ovaries, resulting in transgenerational impacts that can affects a person’s children. The long-term effects of EDCs aren’t fully understood (and are hard to study!). We do know that, unlike endogenous estrogens, xenoestrogens have also been shown to remain in the body longer, accumulating in fat tissue due to their lipophilic (fat-loving) nature.
Some of the most well-studied and concerning endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in the environment are:
1. Bisphenols (like BPA)
a. BPA is a chemical used in the production of certain plastics (polycarbonate and epoxy resins), and is widespread in plastics such as water bottles, food containers, baby bottles, lining of beverage cans and canned foods, and thermal paper (receipts and tickets). As an EDC, it has been associated with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), infertility, endometriosis and menstrual irregularities. Higher BPA levels have also been linked to increased miscarriage risk, lower birthweight, and higher rates of pre-term birth.
2. Phthalates
a. Mostly known as plasticizers (used to increase the flexibility of plastic), phthalates show up in many common plastic products like toys, vinyl flooring, and food packaging. They are also found in cosmetics, shampoo, nail polish, perfumes, lotions, and other scented products. Phthalates have been shown to affect human fertility, in particular high levels have been positively associated with lower sperm motility. They have been associated with increased waist circumference and insulin resistance in males, and endometriosis in females. Phthalate exposure in pregnancy has also been associated with an increased risk of pre-term birth.
3. Parabens:
a. Parabens are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. They are known xenoestrogens, and have impacts on fertility. They have been associated with diminished ovarian reserve, and studies have also shown that higher levels of parabens in couples trying to conceive are associated with longer times to conception. There is also concern over perinatal paraben exposure and the potential effects on brain and immune system development. They are also particularly concerning for their role in estrogen-dependent breast cancers.
4. Triclosan
a. Triclosan is an antibacterial agent used in personal care products like soap, toothpaste, and detergents. It has been associated with diminished ovarian reserve and poor IVF outcomes. It has also been shown to induce estrogenic activity in certain cancer cell lines.
It can be overwhelming and scary when first learning about EDCs. They’re everywhere, and there is convincing research that tells us we should be avoiding them! The truth is, while it may be nearly impossible to completely avoid toxins completely, making small, every day decisions to reduce exposure to EDCs can make a big difference.
Some practical ways to reduce your exposure are:
Switch out plastic food containers for glass or metal, and limit plastic wraps (at the very least, do not heat food in plastic containers)
Use a glass or stainless-steel water bottle, rather than plastic water bottles (even the BPA-free ones!)
Leave the receipt at the counter - choose an e-receipt rather than handling paper receipts
Check the labels of canned foods and choose BPA-free cans, or even better limit canned foods
Check your cosmetics labels and swap out products for those free of EDCs
Look for fragrance-free products and limit synthetic air fresheners, candles, perfumes, and scented household cleaning products