Our endocrine system, which manages our body’s hormones, is susceptible to being put out of balance by everyday exposure to different chemicals. One of the largest influences is a class of chemicals called xenoestrogens.

WHAT ARE XENOESTROGENS?

Xenoestrogens are man-made chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system by sending false signals. These synthetic chemicals can be up to 1,000 times more powerful than our naturally made estrogens and are stored in our fat cells and are hard to detoxify. Xenoestrogens mimic estrogen in the body and can out-compete the estrogen we make, potentially leading to estrogen dominance.

Estrogen dominance can impact our bodies in many ways, from sugar metabolism, fat build up and break down, energy level, and neurotransmitter production leading to anxiety and depression. It can also put you at higher risk of thyroid dysfunction, breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and autoimmune disease.
WHERE ARE XENOESTROGENS FOUND?

  • Plastics (toys, water bottles, disposable cups, plastic wrap, food containers)
  • Pesticides/Herbicides/Insecticides (on non-organic fruits and vegetables and even tampons)
  • Tap Water (chlorine and other chemical treatments, runoff byproducts)
  • Chemicals in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, sunscreen, hair dye, nail polish, nail polish remover, and other body care products
  • Cleaning products (home and industrial)
  • Canned foods
  • Receipts
  • Laundry products (detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, etc.)
  • Perfume/Air Fresheners
  • Birth control pills
  • Building materials & Home furnishings (including furniture, carpets, window drapes, mattresses/foams, and bedding)
  • Photocopiers and printers
  • Artificial food dyes

While this list may seem overwhelming, the good news is there are ways we can reduce our daily exposure.

WAYS TO REDUCE XENOESTROGEN EXPOSURE:

  • Eliminate as much plastic from your home as possible
  • Buy or make natural skincare and beauty products
  • Buy or make natural cleaning products
  • Get a water filter (for your shower as well)
  • Replace plastic water bottles with glass or metal (NOT aluminum)
  • Avoid synthetic perfumes or air fresheners
  • Ditch the non-stick pans
  • Choose organic, preservative-free food
  • Use glass containers for food instead of plastic
  • Purchase air filtering plants
  • Say No to Receipts