It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know we live in a
toxic environment these days. The air we breathe, food we eat, water we drink,
personal care products we put on our bodies, and cleaning supplies all have the
potential to contain ingredients that can disrupt our hormones and adversely
affect our health.
Infertility is at a high for men and women now. It is not
uncommon to see hormone levels in young adults normally only seen in the aging
population. Why? Let’s look at some of the things we are exposed to on a daily
basic that are known Endocrine Disruptors
that can change
how our bodies make and metabolize hormones:
Common Endocrine Disruptors
1. Glycol Esters
– These are present in
paint, brake fluid, cosmetics, and cleaning products. Studies have linked these
products to infertility, birth defects, lower sperm counts, blood
abnormalities, cancers, asthma, and allergies. Try your best to use “Green”
cleaning agents and cosmetics along with low VOC paints.
2. Organophosphate
pesticides
– These chemicals are most prevalent in pesticides and have been
linked to brain abnormalities, neurological disorders, infertility, low testosterone
levels, and thyroid function. They were originally used in chemical warfare
during WWII and if they target insects’ neurological systems you can bet they
can affect ours too! Whenever possible, buy organic, non GMO foods or grow your
own without chemical pesticides!
3. Dioxin
– This agent is a poisonous, industrial byproduct found in many foods, personal
care products, and vitamins. It has shown to negatively affect sperm count and
motility, cause immune suppression, contribute to autoimmune disorders, and
possibly cancers. READ LABELS and run away from products containing this
ingredient. Limit your consumption of meats, eggs, fish, and butter unless they
are organic.
4. Flame Retardants
known as Polybrominated Diphenyl Esters (PBDEs)
– These nasty chemicals can
affect memory, cognition, and hormone levels. Trace amounts have even been
found in breast milk. PBDEs are used in couches, furniture, bedding, drapes, clothing
and carpeting. Go Green when you can and use HEPA air filters!
5. Phthalates
– These chemicals are found in plastics and can cause abnormal hormone
fluctuations, low sperm count and motility, birth defects, even premature cell death
of testicular cells. They have also been linked to thyroid dysfunction,
diabetes, and obesity. Try to stay away from plastic bottles, plastic wraps,
plastic food containers, toys, shampoos, and conditioners with this ingredient.
Even if it says “BPA free” it still can contain other toxic chemicals known to
hinder your health.
6. Perchlorate
– This is a rocket fuel additive found in most milk and produce, according
to the Environmental Working Group. Perchlorate inhibits proper iodine
absorption which can lead to thyroid dysfunction and several other health
conditions. Sea Kelp is an excellent natural source that supports thyroid
function. A high quality water filter can help remove Perchlorate from your
water.
The detoxification process in the body is very import to
help clear these toxins and help keep the body healthy. Glutathione is produced
in the liver and is a key player in this detoxification process. You can Pliposomal form for maximum absorption.
Make sure to drink pure, filtered water and approximately
one half your body weight in ounces daily as your base line. Weekly Epsom salt
baths help with detoxification as well as InfraRed saunas. Eat plenty of green
leafy vegetables to aid in the Methylation process, good fats like olive oil,
avocados, coconut oil, and grass fed organic butter. Keep your meat consumption
low and choose wild, cold water fish in small amounts. Fruits should be limited
to one serving size daily: either 1 orange, 1 apple, or ½ cup berries because of
the high sugar content.
Eat Real Food, not Genetically Modified, packaged, or
processed foods with harmful ingredients and toxic chemicals. If you can’t get
fresh vegetables, frozen organic ones are better than canned. Read the labels,
if you can’t pronounce the ingredient your body won’t know what to do with it
and it’s probably bad for you!
Keep it simple and try to pick foods as close to the
original source they come from. That way your body will benefit most from them.
For more information contact me today and I'll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific health concerns. Schedule a consultation by calling (615) 828-7729 or send an email.
In Health,
Pattie Rose, MSN, FNP-BC, ABAAHP
Center for Health & Wellness
Healing Mold Sickness, LLC and PattieRose.com
Medical Disclaimer: Pattie Rose serves as a functional medicine consultant along with your current health care provider. She is not considered a replacement for your primary care physician. All the recommendations included in this website are not meant to diagnose or replace supervision by a medical professional. If you should experience any adverse reactions, please contact your primary care physician.
