Endocrine disruptors are chemicals and other substances found in our everyday environment that can interfere with the functioning of hormones in our body and cause a myriad of health problems.
Here are endocrine disruptors 9-12 that Betty shares in her podcast:
Perfluorinated Chemicals or PFCs.
These are used to make nonstick cookware, which is toxic. These chemicals have major endocrine disrupting activities, and almost all of us have some detectable levels in our body. PFOA is one of the worst, as it’s completely resistant to biodegradation. Exposure to PFCs can lead to lower sperm counts in men, miscarriage, low birth rate, kidney disease, and thyroid disease.
What you can do: If you have nonstick pans, get rid of them, particularly if they have any damage. Choose ceramic or stainless steel ones instead.
Organophosphate pesticides.
The Nazis created these to be used as chemical warfare during WW2. While they didn’t end up using the chemicals, American scientists used the same chemistry to develop pesticides that targeted the nervous system of insects. These pesticides affect brain development and contribute to nervous system disorders and fertility struggles.
How to reduce exposure: Avoid living on a golf course or next to a large green space where these pesticides are likely to be used. And you don’t want to use them on your lawn. It’s also important to watch the foods you eat and avoid pesticides as much as possible. You can go to the Environmental Working Group’s website to find their Dirty Dozen™ and Clean Fifteen™ lists.
Glycol ethers.
These are endocrine disruptors found in solvents, paints, cleaning products, cosmetics, and brake fluid. They shrink testicles and may damage the fertility of an unborn child. It’s been found that in people who paint for a living, those glycol ethers lead to blood abnormalities, lower sperm count, and some cognitive decline. Kids exposed to these paints in their bedroom often have more asthma and allergies.
Products to avoid: Choose cleaning products, cosmetics, and other products that don’t contain these harmful chemicals.
Glyphosate.
This chemical is used pervasively in and around the US. Lawn maintenance workers in particular experience significant injury due to exposure. Glyphosate is often found in strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and lettuce. The chemical also disrupts the intake and transport of essential minerals, such as copper, zinc, and selenium, so the body won’t have as many minerals to help it function properly.
This chemical also inhibits enzymes responsible for thousands of biological functions, and is extremely damaging to the gut microbiome. An association has been established between glyphosate use and leaky gut and leaky brain.
Go organic: One of the best ways to reduce your exposure to glyphosate is to buy organic, or better yet grow your own fruits and vegetables.
Betty’s Tips for Reducing Your Exposure
- Eat fermented foods to help restore the microbiome
- Consume sulfur-rich foods like onions
- Take Epsom salts baths, which are high in magnesium sulfate
- Supplement with fulvic and humic biomass
- Filter your water and distill it if possible
- Choose natural cleaning and personal care products, which are not only good for you, but also the environment
Check out Betty’s podcast for more information or book an appointment!