Common Sources of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
WHAT ARE EDCS?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals—natural or synthetic—that mimic or block your body's hormones.
This means that they act like a hormone OR bind to the receptor, preventing your actual hormones from functioning.
They have been linked to developmental, hormonal, immune, metabolic, and neurological issues.
In our modern world, it is not realistic to completely avoid these chemicals, but it is important to reduce exposure when possible.
COMMON ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS
BPA (bisphenol A)
plastics, store receipts, aluminum can lining
DIOXINS & PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)
new building material, electrical equipment, water supply
PARABENS
personal care products, cosmetics
PERFLUOROCHEMICALS
teflon pans, microwave popcorn bags, new clothing
PESTICIDES & INDUSTRIAL WASTE
exposure in water supply, farming communities
PHTHALATES
plastics, food packaging, toys, cosmetics, medical tubing
PHYTOESTROGENS
processed soy foods
TRICLOSAN
anti-bacterial soap & body wash, Colgate Total toothpaste
SOME ESSENTIAL OILS
tea tree & lavender
STEVIA
in large amounts
HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES
designed to alter hormone actions
6 WAYS TO REDUCE EDC EXPOSURE
Swap soaps, personal care products, and cosmetics for cleaner versions.
Use glass water bottles and food storage containers (especially when heating).
Drink filtered water (replenish electrolytes if filtered via reverse osmosis).
Eat whole foods with minimal packaging.
Reduce processed soy protein, milk, and oil.
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References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Endocrine Disruptors. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm.
Environmental Working Group. EWG Tap Water Quality Database. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/.
Jones, D. S., Bland, J. S., & Quinn, S. (2010). Textbook of Functional Medicine. Institute for Functional Medicine.
Gonsioroski, A., Mourikes, V. E., & Flaws, J. A. (2020). Endocrine Disruptors in Water and Their Effects on the Reproductive System. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(6), 1929.