Plus Tips to Minimize Your Exposure
Xenoesstrogens are Endocrine disruptors that are more damaging to your health than you realize.
If you have been using some of the most expensive make up out there, or use plastic containers, plastic coffee makers, and drink out of plastic bottles- You need to reconsider it right now!
Many of us don't even consider every aspect of the make up we are wearing everyday or the plastic in the coffee maker, flame retardants in our clothes, couches, mattresses, chemicals in household cleaners, or even plastic bottles.
Organic food is definitely better for us, but sometimes we just don't want to pay the more money.Unfortunately, all of those chemicals in conventional make up can be affecting your body's naturally functions due to the fact that they all contain endocrine disruptors called, xenoestrogens.
Endocrine disruptors is the term used to describe a type of chemicals that alters the normal function of hormones. Typically, our endocrine system releases hormones that signal different tissues telling them what needs to be done. When chemicals from the outside enter our system, they have the opportunity to mimic our natural hormones; blocking or binding hormone receptors. This definitely is particularly detrimental to hormone susceptible organs such as the uterus, the breast, the immune and neurological systems, as well as human development.
So What Exactly are Xenoestrogens?
Xenoestrogens are a sub-category of the endocrine disruptor group that specifically have estrogen-like negative effects. Estrogen is a natural hormone in humans that is important for bone growth, blood clotting and reproduction in women and men.
The human body regulates the amount needed through elaborate biochemical pathways. When xenoestrogens access the body they raise the total amount of estrogen which leads to a process called, estrogen dominance. Xenoestrogens are not biodegradable so, they are saved in our fat cells. Build up of xenoestrogens have been exposed in many conditions including: prostate, testicular and breast cancer, obesity, infertility, early onset puberty, miscarriages, endometriosis, and diabetes.
Environmental Xenoestrogens and Their Role in Inflammatory Cardiometabolic Risk on Obesity:
Some chemicals used in consumer products or manufacturing (eg, plastics, pesticides) have estrogenic activities; these xenoestrogens (XEs) may affect immune responses and have recently emerged as a new risk factors for obesity and cardiovascular disease. However, the extent and impact on health of chronic exposure of the general population to XEs are still unknown.
In this study, scientist objective was to investigate the levels of XEs in plasma and adipose tissue (AT). They evaluated (Xenoestrogens) XE levels in plasma and visceral and subcutaneous AT samples of Portuguese obese (body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m 2) women undergoing bariatric surgery. Association with metabolic parameters and 10-year cardiovascular disease risk was assessed, according to menopausal status (73 pre- and 48 postmenopausal). Levels of XEs were determined by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection.
The results showed that XEs are pervasive in this obese population. Distribution of individual and concentration of total XEs differed between plasma, visceral AT, and subcutaneous AT, and the pattern of accumulation was different between pre- and postmenopausal women. Additionally, they found a significant associations between XE levels and metabolic and inflammatory parameters . In premenopausal women, XEs in plasma seem to be a predictor of 10-year cardiovascular disease risk.
What Products Contain Xenoestrogens?
- Skincare:
- 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) (sunscreen lotions)
- Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben commonly used as a preservative) in make up and beauty products
- Benzophenone (sunscreen lotions). There are better and safer options when it comes to sunscreens.
- Industrial products and Plastics:
- Bisphenol A (monomer for polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin; antioxidant in plasticizers)
- Phthalates (plasticizers)
- DEHP (plasticizer for PVC)
- Polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (flame retardants used in plastics, foams, building materials, electronics, furnishings, motor vehicles).
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Erythrosine / FD&C Red No. 3
- Phenosulfothiazine (a red dye)
- Butylated hydroxyanisole / BHA (food preservative)
Food:
- Pentachlorophenol (general biocide and wood preservative)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls / PCBs (in electrical oils, lubricants, adhesives, paints)
Building supplies:
- Atrazine (weed killer)
- DDT (insecticide, banned)
- Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (one of the breakdown products of DDT)
- Dieldrin (insecticide)
- Endosulfan (insecticide)
- Heptachlor (insecticide)
- Lindane / hexachlorocyclohexane (insecticide, used to treat lice and scabies)
- Methoxychlor (insecticide)
- Fenthion
- Nonylphenol and derivatives (industrial surfactants; emulsifiers for emulsion polymerization; laboratory detergents; pesticides)
-
Other:
- Propyl gallate ~ Propyl Gallate is an aromatic ester of propyl alcohol and Gallic Acid. Fragence, perfumin. Concerns: Classified as toxic or harmful (only for products for use around the mouth; products for use on the lips) [4]
Insecticides:
- Chlorine and chlorine by-products
- Ethinylestradiol (combined oral contraceptive pill)
- Metalloestrogens (a class of inorganic xenoestrogens)
- Alkylphenol (surfactant used in cleaning detergents
So what can you do to avoid these common chemicals? The following list was adapted from the organic excellence website.
How Do You Minimize your Personal Exposure to Xenoestrogens
Womeninbalance.com[2] had this comprehensive list to limit your exposure to toxic endocrine disruptors
Food- Avoid all pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
- Choose organic, locally-grown and in-season foods.
- Peel non-organic fruits and vegetables.
- Buy hormone-free meats and dairy products to avoid hormones and pesticides.
- Reduce the use of plastics whenever possible.
- Do not microwave food in plastic containers.
- Avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for storing or microwaving.
- Use glass or ceramics whenever possible to store food.
- Do not leave plastic containers, especially your drinking water, in the sun.
- If a plastic water container has heated up significantly, throw it away.
- Don't refill plastic water bottles.
- Avoid freezing water in plastic bottles to drink later.
- Use chemical free, biodegradable laundry and household cleaning products.
- Choose chlorine-free products and unbleached paper products (i.e. tampons, menstrual pads, toilet paper, paper towel, coffee filters).
- Use a chlorine filter on shower heads and filter drinking water
- Avoid creams and cosmetics that have toxic chemicals and estrogenic ingredients such as parabens and stearalkonium chloride.
- Minimize your exposure to nail polish and nail polish removers.
- Use naturally based fragrances, such as essential oils.
- Use chemical free soaps and toothpastes.
- Read the labels on condoms and diaphragm gels.
- Be aware of noxious gas such as from copiers and printers, carpets, fiberboards, and at the gas pump.
To learn more about ingredients and xenoestrogens check out the following websites:
Truth in Aging Better NutritionSo, How Do You Detox Your Body from Xenoestrogens?
In her fabulous and super detailed article Dr. Stephany Trensyansky ND. explains some of the best ways to get rid and avoid Xenoestrogens:
* Avoid plastic packaging. Food can absorb chemicals from plastic containers. Buy in bulk, and bring your own cloth bags. Use glass containers whenever possible.
* Avoid hormone-containing meat, dairy and poultry by purchasing organic, vegetarian or free-range options from your natural food store.
* Eat organic foods whenever possible. "Certified organic" is your best bet for contaminant-free eating.
* Drink natural spring water. See alive #238 for information on home water treatment options.
* Increase phytoestrogen foods such as soy, flax seeds, green vegetables, fruits and nuts.
* Increase your intake of indole-3 carbinols by munching on broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts.
* Detoxify your body
Detoxification Protocols
* Follow a two-day liquid fast followed by a five-day diet of only fruit, vegetables, rice and rice protein powder. An excellent referral book is The 7-Day Detox Miracle (Prima Publishing, 2001) by Peter Bennett, ND.
* Improve circulation and sweating via hydrotherapy, sauna and exercise.
* Avoid constipation by increasing water and fibre intake. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide the fibre and living enzymes needed for good digestion and elimination.
* Maximize liver function with specific foods such as celery, carrot, beets and parsley.
* Drink plenty of water to support the elimination of toxins through the kidneys. Reduce coffee, tea and cola drinks to help avoid dehydration.
Additionally, Xenoestrogens are commonly found in products like:
- Pharmaceuticals (birth control)
- Fingernail polish, makeup, lotions
- deodorants and sunscreen
- Phthalates (plasticizers)
- Building supplies such as wood preservatives
- Electrical oils and adhesives. [3]
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