Avoiding Xenoestrogens: Making Your Own Products At Home
Unfortunately in this modern world we have to deal with environmental contaminants in most of our personal and home care products. Many of these contaminants are known for having endocrine-disrupting chemicals in them, which disrupt our bodies and the ecosystem at large. Sometimes these chemicals behave like estrogen (xenoestrogens) or exert some sort of estrogen-modulatory effects, altering the function of the hormonal or endocrine systems. They can impair your ability to metabolize estrogen as well as hyperstimulate your estrogen receptors.
These endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) affect the fertility of both male (decline of sperm counts, prostate and testicular cancer) and female (decline in ovarian reserve, problems with ovulation, atrophy of cervical fluid glands, conditions like PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, and breast cancer) human beings, as well as skewing sex ratios in aquatic species, birds, and other mammals. They also have pretty drastic effects on growing fetuses, including physical and cognitive disabilities later in life.
Chemicals include dioxins, solvents, fire retardants, metals like mercury, BPA, pesticides and herbicides (especially organochlorines), parabens, fluoride, industrial pollutants, phthalates, plastics, polystyrene (styrofoam), PCBs, food additives, fragrances found in personal care products, and more.
It's worth it to take an account of what types of chemical laden products you use, and to make a plan for phasing them out. This does take some time, but it's worth it to make small changes little by little and watch your health improve. I've found that besides helping your endocrine system, liver, and gut microbiome, your skin will respond particularly well to these changes.
Here are a few of my lifestyle recommendations:
Purchase a water filter (Berkey, or ProPur). You can look up the contaminants in your tap water here.
Use a stainless steel or glass water bottle and avoid plastic water bottles.
Cook with glass, cast-iron, clay, stainless or carbon steel and throw away non-stick pans and pots.
Buy organic food, or even more importantly, food produced on small farms more likely to utilize best growing practices free of pesticides. Grow your own food in compost when possible.
Avoid canned foods and drinks.
Don't microwave food in plastic containers or covered in plastic wrap - don't use plastic wrap at all.
Use herbal remedies for minor cuts, bruises, burns, and colds, instead of store bought topical creams, NSAIDs, and conventional cough medicine.
Switch to non-toxic, preferably reusable, menstrual products like cloth pads and menstrual cups. Organic cotton tampons are also available.
Switch to non-toxic body products and makeup or learn how to make your own (lip balm is particularly easy).
Make your own laundry detergent, body lotion, toothpaste, and household cleaner.
Use essential oils as perfume instead of chemical laden fragrances.
Avoid air fresheners, dryer sheets, and scented candles.
Quit nail polish, or find a non-toxic alternative.
Avoid touching receipts on thermal paper.