Do you know how to pronounce all the ingredients in your makeup, shampoo, conditioner, and soap? Scary to think of! What is it that we are putting onto our largest organ, our skin?
We have all heard of BPA (Bisphenol-A) being a potent endocrine disruptor in plastics. An endocrine disruptor is a chemical that causes changes to the endocrine system in our bodies. The endocrine system is responsible for sex hormone synthesis and thyroid function. When this system is disrupted it can lead to cancers and developmental disorders such as early onset puberty, delayed puberty, infertility, changes in immune function, and even certain cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.
Endocrine disruptors alter the amount of hormone circulating that can be used by our bodies, how the hormones are eliminated, alter hormone transport and cell signaling of hormones resulting in symptoms like PMS, bloating, weight gain, insomnia, fatigue and decreased libido, to name a few. NO THANK YOU!
For some of us, coming into contact with these chemicals is not going to cause any problems. This is largely in part due to how our bodies ability to detox and methylate. Detox is up-regulated primarily by diet and lifestyle and genetic factors, so for those of us who follow a low inflammatory diet with adequate nutrient intake to support detox, have normal bowel movements, normal liver function and low stress with perfect genetics, coming into contact with these chemicals will not be a big deal. For those of us who, and be honest, follow a standard american diet, have some constipation/diarrhea, high stress levels, stressed livers (organ very crucial to detoxification) and not so perfect genetics, being exposed to these saboteurs of our hormones can be devastating.
A Few Common Hormone disruptors
1,3 -butadiene – produced through the processing of petroleum. Commonly found in synthetic rubber, plastics and fuel. Shown to increase mammary tumors in rats.
PAH’s – found in coal, gasoline and oil. Naphthalene is found in plastics, resins, and dyes. Associated with anemia, liver damage and neurological damage.
Lead- found in over 650 cosmetic products. A proven neurotoxin that has been linked to learning, language and behavioral problems. Also linked to miscarriage, infertility in men and women and delayed puberty in girls.
Sunscreen- Contains ingredients that mimic estrogens and are hurting not only humans but wildlife as well. Choose a mineral based sunscreen with Zinc oxide! You can make your own homemade sunscreen with shea butter, zinc oxide powder and coconut oil. There are many recipes available online. Just be cautious with SPF percentage.
Phalates – “plasticizers” made to make plastics more durable – (Like we need them to hang around longer than they already do! ) Used in solvents in cosmetics. Can lead to damage to the liver, kidney and lungs and reproductive system.
Pesticides – glyphosate is a big one. This is found in round up, which is used on the food we eat unless it is non-GMO. Glyphosate is a neurotoxin predisposing humans to alzheimers and parkinson’s disease as well as a potent endocrine disruptor.
There are many more!
So what can we do to avoid these saboteurs to our health and our families health?
Alternatives?
Moving from store bought cosmetic products to natural products may seem scary and inconvenient, but it’s easier than you think! Some of the products used can be bought at your next trip to the grocery store!
Here is a list of oil that can be used as moisturizers from skin to hair!
Coconut oil
Shea butter
Olive oil
Jojoba oil
Hemp oil
By adding essential oils that are anti-aging in nature to the oils listed above, you have made your very own anti-aging serum! Some essential oils that have anti-aging properties include…
Rose
Lavender
Carrot
Frankincnese
Helichrysum
Myrrh
Sandalwood
Takeaways
There are chemicals surrounding us in our environments that we come into contact with everyday that can potentially wreak havoc on our bodies. By simply reducing our use of plastics, pesticides and commercial cosmetics we can reduce our exposure 10-fold!
