Hormone Disrupting Chemicals
I don't know if it's aging or being female or just the reality of life today but it feels like a lot of my research around clean living comes back to the functions of our hormones and the endocrine system. And from everything I read there is not enough information on our endrocrine system and the way it impacts our day to day. But one thing that keeps coming up is that we are impacting its function with chemicals in our daily lives. I was shocked to learn the following: "Synthetic chemicals in products like plastics and fragrances can mimic hormones and interfere with or disrupt the delicate endocrine dance. We’re exposed to these chemicals daily, and we’re especially vulnerable to them during phases of accelerated development—in utero and throughout childhood." This video is a good overview of Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). According to the World Health Organization, "Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and potential EDCs are mostly man-made, found in various materials such as pesticides, metals, additives or contaminants in food, and personal care products. EDCs have been suspected to be associated with altered reproductive function in males and females; increased incidence of breast cancer, abnormal growth patterns and neurodevelopmental delays in children, as well as changes in immune function." Yikes, all very scary consequences to man-made products. A lot of my posts on this site are geared around specific ways to avoid a lot of these chemicals, but for my list loving friends, here are a few easy things that we can do to help reduce our exposure:
1. Wash your hands
2. Vacuum/Dust Frequently
3. Avoid fragrances
5. Check your cans
6. Reduce certain foods
7. Filter your water
8. Check your personal care products
9. Change your cleaning products
If you want to learn more, I found this site very helpful and this one gives a lot more information and some of the chemical names to avoid.
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