Endocrine Disruptors
My Family’s Path to Healthier ChoicesI’ve recently been exploring the topic of endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with our body’s endocrine (hormone) system, potentially causing cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. These substances can affect any bodily system controlled by hormones, leading to significant health issues.
My interest was piqued due to concerns about the long-term health and well-being of my family, especially my two young children.
The Ubiquity of Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors are found in many everyday items, including bisphenol A (BPA) in plastics, phthalates in personal care products, and pesticides like DDT. These substances can mimic or interfere with our natural hormones. The Endocrine Society provides a comprehensive overview of these disruptors, offering valuable insights into their effects. You can learn more about them here.
While foods themselves are not typically endocrine disruptors, the manner in which they are processed or stored can lead to contamination. Plastics containing BPA and phthalates can leach into our food, while non-organic fruits and vegetables may be coated in pesticide residues. Being aware of potential sources of EDCs in our diet is essential for maintaining endocrine health. We now lean towards fresh, unpackaged produce and use less plastic at home, especially for food storage. These adjustments in our daily routine were inspired by the desire to minimize unnecessary exposure to chemicals.
Health Impacts of Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors can lead to a wide range of health issues, from developmental and reproductive problems to obesity and metabolic diseases. These chemicals can mimic our natural hormones, block hormonal signals, or otherwise disrupt the normal functioning of our endocrine system.
Seeking out credible information has been key to understanding these risks. In 2015, the Endocrine Society released a comprehensive review of studies on endocrine disruptors. Their findings, which connect these chemicals to a range of health issues, have been a crucial reference point for me. The Endocrine Society’s analysis of 1,800 studies on EDCs highlights the clear dangers these chemicals pose.
They have been conclusively linked to reproductive issues, obesity, diabetes, neurological problems, immune and thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, and hormone-related cancers. For a more detailed understanding, their scientific statement is available here. A valuable resource I found is a guide from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, which you can access here. While this information can be concerning, it reinforces the importance of being mindful about our environment and lifestyle choices. Below is a brief summary from the NIEHS
Recent studies have shown the extensive impacts of EDCs on well-being:
Attention: Exposure to specific phthalates has been linked to ADHD behaviors.
Immunity: High levels of PFAS exposure can weaken the immune response to vaccines in children.
Metabolism: Long-term arsenic exposure can disrupt metabolism and increase diabetes risk.
Liver Disease: PFAS exposure has shown consistent evidence of liver damage.
Puberty: Chemicals in lavender and tea tree oils have been associated with premature and abnormal breast development.
Reproduction: Chemicals like DES and BPA substitutes can affect fertility and reproduction
Steps Towards a Healthier Environment
Our journey toward reducing the risks of endocrine disruptors began with a straightforward change: we ceased using products containing lavender oil. Despite its popular fragrance, studies have suggested its potential role as an endocrine disruptor. This minor yet significant choice set the foundation for our family’s wider commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
As we delved deeper, we understood how the processing and storage of food could be a gateway for these chemicals into our bodies. Gradually, we shifted towards fresh, unpackaged produce and began to minimize our use of plastic containers. This transition has been easily integrated into our daily lives. We prefer using glass over plastic for storage and selecting organic foods whenever feasible.
Although each action may appear minor, collectively, they underscore our ongoing commitment to a healthier existence. Confronting the issue of endocrine disruptors requires constant learning and incremental lifestyle modifications. Though the task may seem overwhelming, each small adjustment is a step toward a more health-conscious environment. I invite you to begin with just one or two changes and observe the positive impact they bring.
A Collective Step Forward
I share our story to offer a perspective on manageable steps that can lead to a healthier lifestyle. I’m eager to hear about others’ experiences and strategies for reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors. By sharing our experiences and tips, we can help each other live healthier, more informed lives.
References
Endocrine Society. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). Available at: https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc/what-edcs-are/common-edcs. Accessed March 7, 2024.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Endocrine Disruptors. Available at: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/endocrine_disruptors_508.pdf. Accessed March 7, 2024.
Endocrine Society. EDC-2: The Endocrine Society’s Second Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. Available at: https://www.endocrine.org/advancing-research/scientific-statements/endocrine-disrupting-chemicals/edc2. Accessed March 7, 2024.
