Are there ever times where your body just feels “out of whack” or you’re having an off day and just can’t figure out what it is? Your hormones might just be suffering because of a modern-day endocrine-disruptor.

Modern day chemicals are often toxic for our body - we’re just not aware of it. For instance, did you know that mold can look like estrogen to our body? And some herbicides! We have to take a step back and look at our health instead of buying what’s popular at the supermarket.

These endocrine-disrupting chemicals are toxins that interfere with your hormone processes and are found in things you interact with everyday, like food, cosmetics, cleaners, and plastics. Endocrine disruptors can throw off your hormones in a number of ways - and some can even leave lasting effects on your health.

Dealing with Endocrine Disruptors

These chemicals play tricks on the body - wreaking havoc wherever they go such as,

• Increasing the production of certain hormones

• Decreasing hormone production

• Imitating hormones in your body

• Turning one hormone into another

• Binding with hormones

• Interfering with hormone signaling and communication

Although there are no GOOD endocrine disruptors, there are a few you should keep an eye out for and try to avoid in your daily life - plus, they all have different ways that they can damage your health:

#1. BPA (Bisphenol A)

An industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins, BPA can be found in plastic baby bottles and canned goods. BPA is known to trick the body into thinking that it’s estrogen. It’s also been linked to the proliferation of breast cancer cells. 

Work towards avoiding canned foods and plastics with a recycling label #7 while trying to eat and include more fresh foods in your diet.

#2. Flame Retardants (Polybrominated diphenyl & polybrominated biphenyls)

A class of chemicals that are added to certain manufactured products in order to reduce the chances of catching on fire, PBDEs and PBBs disrupt thyroid function and can cause hormone irregularities. 

Try to avoid adding carpeting to your home and avoid Teflon pans and conventional furniture.

#3. Phthalates

Used in plastics for durability (aka a plasticizer in PVS plastics) and common self-care products, phthalates can often leach into food and air as they are not chemically bound to the plastic or product. Studies have also tied phthalates to significant hormone changes, lower sperm count, and thyroid irregularities. 

Replace your plastic food containers made from PVC (recycling label #3) and check your personal care products before use - or switch to products that are already safe.

#4. Atrazine

Found in over 94% of drinking water found in the USA tested by the USDA, Atrazine is a herbicide used to control the growth of weeds. Even at a low dosage, atrazine can affect hormones that cause a delay in puberty - it can also cause a low fetal weight and heart, urinary, and limb defects in humans when exposed to expecting mothers.

Avoid non-organic foods and invest in a quality water filter to your home and drinking water.

#5. Dioxins

Dioxins, a highly toxic chemical compound that can cause immune issues, reproductive issues, and is a well-known endocrine-disruptor. Dioxins are stored in the fat tissue and are estimated to have a half-life of 7 to 11 years! 

You’ll want to avoid non-organic food and tampons, try fabric pads or cotton-only feminine care products.

#6. Organophosphate Pesticides

Another pesticide/fertilizer that is not-quite so good for your body. Organophosphates are linked to stunted brain development and reproductive defects due to how they affect testosterone communication. 

Try avoiding fake food and conventional produce, switch to something more organic or shop locally grown.