Xenoestrogens are chemicals that are known as endocrine disruptors because they mimic or block our hormones, interfering with our hormones’ natural function. A common one you may have heard of is BPA. In fact, they are much stronger than the estrogen we produce and as such contribute to the dangerous state of estrogen dominance.
Our guts can’t eliminate them if our digestion and health of our microbiome aren’t up to par.
Xenoestrogens are more abundant than you might realize and they may be sitting under your kitchen sink, in your bathroom, or in your purse.
Just think of the moments spraying Lysol, your lovely smelling plugins, heavily scented laundry detergent, bug spray, or strong mold and mildew cleaners. These all contain chemicals that are powerful enough to alter our hormone function.
Here are a few of the common chemicals that mimic estrogen and create hormone disruption:
4-Methyl benzylidene camphor (4-MBC) – Found in sunscreen lotions
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) – A food preservative found in potato chips, cereal, baked goods, and chewing gum
BPA – Found in food and beverage containers
Chlorine – added to drinking water
Ethinyl Estradiol – Used in birth control
FD&C Red No. 3 – A food dye found in candies, cakes, popsicles, and other items
Nonylphenol – Used in laundry detergents
PCBs – Found in lubricants, paints, and adhesives
Parabens – Commonly used as preservatives in personal care products
Phthalates – Found in soaps, shampoos, toys, and food packaging
Phenosulf thiazine – A dye found in cosmetics, nail polish, carpets, glues and paints
Propyl gallate – A preservative found in foods that contain oil and fats
Glyphosate – the most commonly used herbicide around the world
These xenoestrogens can sabotage fertility in multiples ways such as:
Preventing ovulation
Disrupting implantation of the embryo
Lowering sperm count
Decreasing sperm quality
Increasing the risk of miscarriages
Ways to Start Detoxing Your Body & Environment
Heal Your Gut, Improve Your Digestion + Use a Quality Probiotic. A Leaky Gut or imbalance in Gut bacteria can be caused for many reasons. Start to wean yourself off of coffee by incorporating antioxidant-rich green tea or matchy for a gentler form of caffeine.
Grab my Free 10 Steps to Better Digestion Guide to get started. Support your gut bacteria with a High-Quality Soil Based Probiotic like Solluna SBO Feel Good Probiotic and restore decreased digestive enzymes with some like Solluna Feel Good Digestive Enzymes. You can read more choosing a great probiotic here.
Nourish Your Liver by avoiding processed and fried foods, added sugars, and unhealthy oils. Incorporate liver loving foods like broccoli, celery, parsley, and kale. Read more here about steps to nourishing your liver.
Scan your Home Products with the free EWG Healthy Living app to help see how your household products rate on the Toxicity scale for you and your family.
Ditch Toxic Self Care Products starting with hand soap, body wash, shampoo, and body sprays and Replace them with clean ones based on essential oils. Use the EWG app to find less toxic options. Not everything will be perfect, but getting started is what counts. I personally love Pacifica, and a lot of stores are coming up with their own "plant-based" lines of personal care and cleaning supplies.
Use a Filter for your water dispenser and use glass or stainless steel bottles.
I'll be providing a handy guide and course on further ways to decrease your exposure to these chemicals and make your own cleaning products!
Resources:
Natural Support for Fertility. https://goodnesslover.com/natural-support-for-optimal-fertility/
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