Men as well as women need to know about xenoestrogens. There are some 70,000 registered chemicals having hormonal effects, in addition to being toxic and carcinogenic. The synergistic effects of exposure are well documented, but largely unknown. These substances can increase the estrogen load in the body over time and are difficult to detoxify through the liver. Both men and women have estrogen in their bodies.
What are Xenoestrogens?
They are foreign estrogens. They are estrogen mimickers that affect the estrogen in our bodies and can alter hormone activity. Such synthetic estrogens in the environment are called xenoestrogens, and they are commonly found in pesticides and other substances. For example, one of DDT’s breakdown products is DDE, a molecule similar to estrogen. It is well documented that DDT and other pesticides are contributing to widespread endocrine problems, a wide range of human health problems including the increased incidence of breast and testicular cancers. And a huge increase in wildlife health problems.
How Xenoestrogens Affect Us
Chemicals enter the body when we eat, drink, or breathe and are distributed throughout the body by the blood. Chemicals that are not removed efficiently by detoxification pathways accumulate in the body. Most often, the chemicals are fat soluble and accumulate in fat stores. These fat stores are mobilized during stress, malnutrition, pregnancy, or perspiration. At this time the chemicals are re-released into the blood circulation. These chemicals can mimic hormones and attach to the body’s receptor sites reducing the body’s ability to activate and utilize natural hormones.
The result can range anywhere from sterility, infertility, a weakened immune system, to cancer.
Where are xenoestrogens typically found? What can we do to avoid them?
- Organ chlorines, are one of the largest sources. They are used in pesticides, dry cleaning, bleaching of feminine-hygiene products and the manufacture of plastics.
- Bisphenol-A, a breakdown of polycarbonate, is used in many plastic bottles. It’s found in the lining of many food cans and juice containers.
- Avoid heated plastics, plastic lined items and Styrofoam (microwave, oven, sun), as the polycarbonate escapes
- Use glass, ceramics or steel to store/consume foods and liquids.
- Choose organic produce. Always go organic with thin skinned fruits and vegetables.
- Buy hormone-free animal products (eggs, poultry, meats, dairy). To avoid xenoestrogen injections, supplements, bovine growth hormone.
- A common food preservative in processed foods (BHS: butylated hydroxyanisole).
- Use reverse-osmosis filter water or purchase your own filter (drinking and bathing).
- Many creams and cosmetics contain parabens and stearal konium chloride. Choose natural brands (preservatives made with minerals or grapefruit seed extract).
- Most skin lotions, creams, soaps, shampoo, cosmetics use parabens and phenoxyethanol as a preservative. Substances are 100% absorbed into the body. Go natural or organic.
- Phthalates are commonly found in baby lotions and powders.
- Sunscreen can contain benzophenone-3, homosalate, 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor, octal-methoxycinnamate, octal-dimethyl-PABA. Read labels.
- Many perfumes, deodorizers, air fresheners have artificial scents and contain phthalates.
- Most perfumes are petrochemically based.
- Nail polish and removers contain harsh chemicals.
- The birth control pill contains high concentration of synthetic estrogen. Research contraceptive alternatives that suit you.
- Hormone replacement therapy (contains synthetic estrogens) – opt for paraben-free progesterone cream.
- Dryer sheets, fabric softeners and detergents put petrochemicals right on your skin. Use laundry detergent with less chemicals or use white vinegar and baking soda.
- Be aware of noxious gas that comes from copiers and printers, carpets, fiberboards, new carpets.
- Do not inhale and protect your skin from: electrical oils, lubricants, adhesive paints, lacquers, solvents, oils, paints, fuel, industrial wastes, packing materials, harsh cleaning products, fertilizers.
- Become educated on: pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, parathion, plant and fungal estrogens, industrial chemicals (cadmium, lead, mercury), Primpro, DES, Premarin-cemeteries, Tagamet, Marijuana, insecticides (Dieldrin, DDT, Endosulfan, Heptachlor, Lindane/hexachlorocychohexan, methoxychlor), Erythrosine, FD&C Red No 3, Nonylphenol, Polychlorinated biphenyls, Phenosulfothizine, Phthalates, DEHP.
The human body is being bombarded with these harmful chemicals every day creating an over burdened liver, weakening the immune system and disrupting the delicate hormonal balance.
More and more evidence exposes xenoestrogens to be dangerous chemicals that need to be avoided whenever possible. Avoiding these synthetic chemicals and supporting the body through proper liver detoxification, hormone balancing and immune support, will work towards protecting our bodies.