Why you should know about endocrine disruptors in food and body products

What are endocrine disruptors and why are they important to know about?  The endocrine system is a chemical messenger system whereby hormones are secreted by glands to send signaling for a multitude of mechanisms in your body.  It is a highly sophisticated and complex system of communication and our bodies depends on it for proper functioning.  However, harmful substances known as endocrine disruptors in plastics, food and body products can mimic your own body’s hormones and cause a disruption in normal (physiologic) activity.

On a daily basis, Americans are exposed to numerous endocrine disruptors from a variety of sources.  I highlight some of the more common examples:

·      BPA, often found in the lining of cans, can mimic sex hormones. 

·      Dioxins, present in meat, fish, milk, eggs and butter according to the Environmental Working Group, act as carcinogens and negatively impact our immune and reproductive systems.

·      Phthalates, found in plastic containers and plastic wrap, are linked to lower sperm count, less mobile sperm, birth defects in the male reproductive system, obesity, diabetes and thyroid irregularities.  Phthalates are also often found in body products where the ingredient “fragrance” is listed.

·      Parabens are chemicals with estrogen-like properties.  These substances are found in a wide variety of lotions, cream, cosmetics, shampoos and other body products.  Parabens, and methylparabens in particular, have been linked to metabolic, developmental, hormonal, and neurological disorders, as well as various cancers. 

Here’s what you can do:

 Avoid and/or minimize exposure to the “dirty dozen” of endocrine disruptors listed on the Environmental Working Group’s website. Consider products and foods you use and eat most frequently.

 Avoid using plastic food containers and bags as much as possible and completely avoid warming food in plastic or plastic wrap.  Use glass instead.

 Do eat foods that enhance the liver to step up detoxification on a daily basis:  any dark leafy green (organic kale, arugula, cilantro, basil, chard and spinach) and root vegetables (beets, parsnips, ginger, onions, radishes, artichokes and sweet potatoes).

 Good News

 At times, a more thorough and targeted approach of detoxification is needed to clear these toxins and bring the body back into optimal status.  The right combination of condition-specific supplements, precise nutrition and advanced laboratory testing can profoundly and effectively improve your health status.  The good news is that you can clear many of these toxins with the right combination of implementing therapeutics and exercising avoidance.

 If you seek further support and knowledge about how you may be affected by endocrine disruptors, send an email to admin@drclara.com to book an appointment.

For more on the products containing endocrine disruptors visit www.ewg.org/consumer-guides

To read a February 2021 article in the New York Times about the growing concern endocrine disruptors pose to our health read more at www.nytimes.com/2021/02/20/opinion/sunday/endocrine-disruptors-sperm.html