Happy weekend to you all
Do you have a little extra time this weekend?
Maybe make time to look at whats in your hygiene and cleaning products. Always a great place to make changes as these items are used frequently. Read the quote and the following information for the WHY´s around the change:
Somewhat independent of people’s choices, the things which in the past have been normally considered healthy, or at least neutral, are now becoming significant sources of toxins for people.
–Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
Xenoestrogens are a subcategory of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that impact hormone levels. Specifically, xenoestrogens have oestrogen-like effects that can mimic natural oestrogens in the body and alter the microbiome’s composition to affect oestrogen metabolism.
There are over 1,000 chemicals classified as EDCs due to their disruption of hormones. Xenoestrogens are EDCs that copy the behaviour of oestrogens inside the body. Xenoestrogens comprise one category of EDCs that interfere with our endocrine or hormonal systems.
When xenoestrogens enter the body through ingesting contaminated food, breathing substances in the air, or absorption through the skin, they increase the total amount of oestrogen in the body. Since xenoestrogens are stored in fat cells, they can be reintroduced into the bloodstream and disrupt hormonal balance, which contributes to excess oestrogen levels. From there, oestrogen is then metabolised through detoxification in the liver.
Skincare products and makeup are other common sources of xenoestrogen exposure. Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben) are commonly used as preservatives in skincare products.
Did you know there is a big importance of chemical avoidance in personal care products especially when it comes to reducing risk of breast cancer?
Research has shown that only 5-10 % of BC risk may be attributed to genetics, but the vast majority are environmental in nature (not just chemicals, but nutrition, alcohol, drugs etc) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515569/
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives identified over 900 chemicals linked to breast cancer risk. Whilst it´s tricky to avoid all, reduction in daily exposure reduces risk, as does efficient lymph, liver, kidney function.
Of the 921 chemicals identified over 90% are ones which we are commonly exposed to via consumer products, personal care, food, pesticides and more.
Here is the link to the paper:
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp13233
Some symptoms of high oestrogen are listed below. Supporting your detoxification systems is one way to help reduce oestrogen levels.
The most common signs of oestrogen imbalance that can result from xenoestrogen toxicity include:
- Bloating and digestive upset
- Acne
- Low libido
- Heavy, light, or irregular periods
- Tender, swollen, and/or fibrocystic breasts
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
If you make changes to the products you use and the foods you eat, hopefully oestrogen will balance itself out.
