Some things you need to know about Xeno estrogens
Do you know what Xenoestrogens are?
For sure you know estrogens when you are a woman, but do you know what xenoestrogens are? Xenoestrogens are a chemical substance – often present in the petrochemical industry – that has been incorporated in an enormous amount of products. In clothes, plastic toys, food, cleaning products, makeup, skin creams, household appliances, furniture and so on. So, chances are that you are exposed to them every day. You will absorb the substances through your skin, your lungs, and digestion. When in your body they will behave like real hormones or have a disruptive effect on the functioning of your body’s own hormones. They are also referred to as fake or pseudo-estrogens. In recent decades, much has been said about its health effects. The pseudo-estrogens have been associated with various health complaints. Think of, poor sperm quality, reduced fertility, early transition, impaired thyroid function, various types of cancer, obesity, diabetes, ADHD and a decrease in IQ. Discover which hormone disruptors you can avoid.
Xenoestrogens: endocrine disruptors
Attached is an overview of the most famous endocrine-disrupting substances, also known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, which confuse your hormone balance and can damage your health.
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in polycarbonate plastic, epoxies, and epoxy resins and as a hardener in plastics. Includes plastics, baby bottles, food packaging (in plastic and inside food cans), receipts and recycled paper towels and toilet paper.
- Phthalates or plasticizers for plastics. They occur in PVC floors, plastic tiles, carpet with plastic backing, vinyl wallpaper, shower curtains, etc.
- Triclosan is an antibacterial substance. You can find it in, for example, care products such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lotions, deodorant,…
- Organotin compounds are used as preservatives, stabilizers, and biocides. For example, you will find in all kinds of PVC products such as gloves plus coatings for baking trays and baking paper.
- Parabens or preservatives and have a bactericidal and fungicidal effect. They are found in many care products, medicines, food, tobacco, and shoe polish. Butyl and propyl parabens enhance the action of estrogen, which can lead to contact allergies.
- Synthetic UV filters such as Benzophenone, benzylidene camphor, methylbenzylidene camphor Dihydoxybenzophenone, benzophenone, ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate have a hormone-disrupting effect.
- Glycol ethers are solvents in paint, cleaning products, brake fluid, and cosmetics. They belong to the volatile organic compounds. Health complaints range from asthma and allergies to fertility problems.
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How to reduce the absorption of Xenoestrogens
1. Read the label
Do you want to avoid the take-in of xenoestrogens? Then read the label to find out which ingredients are used in a product. Admittedly it requires a lot of chemical knowledge to recognize certain substances. Therefore, read the list above again with substances that are unhealthy for you. This includes care products with propyl parabens, butyl parabens or BPA.
2. Eat organic food
They do not contain pesticide residues. Also, buy local and unwrapped.
3. Lean meat and lean fish
Do you choose non-organic meat and or fish? Then go for the least fat variant. The reason? Also in animals, the excess xenoestrogens are mainly stored in fat. So if you eat those high-fat animal products, you get the endocrine disruptors in your body through your food.
4. Heat drinks & food
Do not heat food – such as microwave meals – or drink in plastic containers or cups. Harmful substances can be released that may make you sick. Use glass or ceramic!
5. Store food
Do not store leftover food in plastic containers and cups. There are now plenty of alternatives available. Think of special storage containers without BPA or other unhealthy plasticizers. You can also choose to store food in a stainless steel or glass container.
6. Eat from glass
Preferably go for food in glass jars and skip canned food. The inside of cans is often coated with plastics containing xenoestrogens. Avoid also drink from packs, because the inside of the packaging has the same coating. Choose glass!
7. Environmentally friendly water bottle
Do you (re) use a plastic water bottle? Always check the code on the bottom. You will then see a triangle with numbers. These indicate the impact of the product on your health and the environment. The numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 are safe. Try to avoid plastic products with codes 3, 6 and 7. Note: nowadays biodegradable plastic is also given the code 7 and that is safe. Do you want to play it safe? Then use an environmentally friendly water bottle like a stainless steel bottle or choose glass.
8. Avoid high-fat food in plastic
Also, avoid buying high-fat foods packed in plastic. The plasticizers can dissolve more easily through the fat and thus end up in your diet.
9. Natural care products
You will find xenoestrogens in many skin-care products and make-up; creams, shampoo, deodorant to hair dye. Rather go for natural and organic alternatives. There are plenty of them nowadays. Check out this page to download your free health kit and make your own healthy products.
10. Organic cleaning products
All kinds of products are available for cleaning windows, mopping the floor, cleaning doors, doing laundry and so on, with powerful cleaning and a wonderfully fresh smell. But do you know that many have their origins in petrochemicals and contain quite a few harmful xenoestrogens that behave like estrogens? Choose organic products, or embrace grandmother’s remedies like vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda,… You can also mix your own detergent, for instance, this DIY natural bathroom cleaner
11. Pest control
Be careful not to use pesticides and insecticides in your home or garden. You will also find xeno-oestrogens these products. Go for environmentally friendly alternatives.
12. Wash new clothes
Wash new clothes before you wear them, because, many textiles that are imported contain non-ylphenol ethoxylates (NFE). This substance is now banned in Europe, but Asian countries still use it in the production and cleaning of textiles.
14. Antibacterial
It sounds so nice antibacterial, but do you know that socks and sportswear with such properties contain endocrine disruptors? Look for healthy alternatives.
15. Water-resistant
Phthalates and tributyltin (TBT) are often found in rain trousers, rubber boots and other waterproof clothing. Both are endocrine-disrupting xenoestrogens that you should avoid.
16. Air freshener
Do not use air fresheners and scented candles, because synthetic fragrances pollute the air and can be harmful to your health due to the presence of xenoestrogens. If desired, go for products on a natural basis, such as essential oils. According to your mood and needs, you can diffuse a nice scent in your house or workspace.
Check out all about essential oils on our website :
- http://holisticdelsol.es/health-en/blending-essential-oils-for-beginners/
- http://holisticdelsol.es/holistic-living-en/essential-oil-uses-herbal-medicine-earth/
- http://holisticdelsol.es/health-en/how-to-use-essential-oils-effectively/
17. Pure water
Drink enough water. This helps your liver to remove waste products as quickly as possible. And although the Western European water is of reasonable quality, it does not hurt to choose purified water. The use of a water filter can contribute to excellent water quality.
18. Ventilate the house
Polluting or endocrine disruptors also accumulate inside your home. That’s why it’s just good to open the windows every day. You could also improve the living environment by putting air-purifying plants in your home.
I hope this summary was useful to you. Of course, this list is not complete. If you want to inform yourself more, you can ask for more information at the European Chemicals Agency.
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Please note that you can find many DIY recipes on our website!
Love,
Holisticdelsol
Sources :
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1241569/
2. https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/the-impacts-of-endocrine-disrupters
3. http://www.favv-afsca.be/Laboratoria/labinfo/_documents/2012-07_labinfo8nl_p08_nl.pdf
4. https://echa.europa.eu/regulations
5. https://sandra-bloom.com/
