3 Ways Endocrine Disruptors Destroy Your Health |  |
| 3 Ways Endocrine Disruptors Destroy Your Health Posted: 10 Jan 2015 07:00 AM PST  The endocrine system is your main hormone regulator. Considering that hormones control everything from metabolism to sleep, protecting it from disruptors should be your utmost priority. Unfortunately, endocrine disruptors exist in our environment at an alarming number, contributing to the rise of hormonal imbalances in the population. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that throw hormon balance out of whack, and these disruptors include things like BPA and phthalates. [1] [2]
Endocrine Disruptors to AvoidPlastics are the main source for endocrine disruptors today, yet many other everyday products also contain nasty chemicals that destroy hormone health. Paper receipts, money, tin cans, and electronics are common products that many people use on a daily basis, making it difficult (but not impossible) to avoid. Here are three ways endocrine disruptors are destroying our health. The more you know about their mechanism of action, the greater chance you have of limiting your exposure. 1. They're Destroying our Reproductive SystemsEndocrine disruptors are commonly found in our personal items, medicines, and cleaning products. Believed to be especially harmful to male reproductive health, these chemicals are linked to testicular cancer, male infertility, and even genital deformities. That same sunscreen you use for protection from the sun's harmful rays might be one of the sources of disruptors that could be causing some unexpected issues. [3] [4] A recent study found a chemical in sunblock has been linked to infertility in men, and another noted that phthalates in toys could cause many of the same issues. [5] It's not just men who are at risk from endocrine disruptors. While male risks might be studied more, new evidence shows women can be in danger, possibly contributing to a shorter reproductive lifespan. [6] [7] Endocrine disruptors also come with a literal price tag. An estimate revealed these toxins cost the European Union an equivalent of over $700 million in health costs. 2. They Cause Hormonal ImbalanceWhile BPA is an established endocrine disruptor, a recent study showed that BPA-free plastics might be just as bad. Fourteen different BPA-free resins were examined for estrogen-like compounds, with four being affected. [8] These resins are used in plastic production and substituted for BPA. It’s kind of like replacing artificial sweeteners for sugar–it’s just as bad, if not worse. Foam takeout containers are a big concern, and one of the resins is even found in certain baby products. Getting away from plastic production, phthalates are often used to make lotions creamier and hair spray less sticky, while parabens are used as preservatives. Both are endocrine disruptors and can lead to hormonal imbalances, so it definitely pays to research your personal products. [9] 3. They Lower a Child’s IQPerchlorate is another endocrine disruptor found in rocket fuel, fertilizers, and fireworks. Naturally occurring and manmade, it's even been found in 4 percent of large US water supplies–mainly those near military bases or defense compounds. Anything contaminating our water supply is problematic, and a recent study also suggested that prenatal exposure could affect a child's IQ. [10] While this study is still new, perchlorate exposure is known to affect thyroid function in women by stopping the necessary transport of iodine–perhaps this is how the lower IQ happens. [11] Regardless, it's clear that without a healthy endocrine system, the body–and perhaps even the mind–is going to suffer. One Final ThoughtIs there any hope left? That depends on you. Are you willing to purchase more whole foods and reduce the amount of food with plastic wrapping? Just doing simple things can drastically reduce you and your family’s exposure. There is an effort in the European Union (EU) to ban endocrine disruptors, but it's slow going. [12] Billion-dollar corporations, more concerned with making a profit, are throwing up roadblocks. After all, a European ban on toxic chemicals would mean many products sold would need to be formulated. [13] I think, though, as long as at least one government is trying to change this issue, there's certainly hope–if only a glimmer. What do you think about this topic? Are endocrine disruptors something that you avoid? Be sure to tell us in the comments. -Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM References:
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