Common Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Dietary choices may directly or indirectly affect endocrine function:
• Foods may overtly contain hormones – both natural (e.g. dairy) and synthetic (e.g. beef in the US).
• Many foods have endocrine effects e.g. phytoestrogens.
• Many chemical additives and residues have endocrine disrupting properties, either mimicking hormones, affecting hormone receptor function, and/or affecting hormone metabolism.
• Intake of food allergens and sensitivities increases physiological stress e.g. cortisol.
What are endocrine disrupting chemicals?
• Ubiquitous in modern life!
Plastics, medications, take-out food packaging, beauty products…
• Oxybenzone e.g. sunscreens.
• Pesticides/Insecticides/Fungicidese e.g. glyphosate, household/property use.
• Perchlorate e.g. industrial runoff into drinking water, fireworks.
• Parabens e.g. preservative used in many personal hygiene products, cosmetics.
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) e.g. broad industrial use, lubricants, plasticizers.
• Dioxins e.g. herbicide production byproduct, paper bleaching, such as emitted from trash burning.
• Bisphenol A (BPA) e.g. polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, such as in the lining of metal food cans, cash register receipts, and other food storage containers. Many “BPA-free” items now use BPS which is also an EDC.
• Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) e.g. non-stick pan, paper, dental floss.
• Phthalates e.g. plastics additive, “fragrance”, food packaging, nail polish and other cosmetics, toys, medical devices.
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) e.g. flame retardants, such as furniture foam and carpets.
• Triclosan e.g. anti-microbial agent used in personal care products, such as toothpaste, liquid soaps.
• Toxin avoidance: an important aspect of the “Minimize” component of the optimal health model. Begin with (1) foods/beverages (local, organic, fresh/ripe/frozen, don’t microwave in plastics, avoid canned foods) and (2) personal hygiene products.
Minimizing exposure to these chemicals will contribute to your optimal health!
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