Endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates lurk in everything from cleaning products to fragrances.
Start reading labels so you know exactly what’s in the food you’re eating and the products you’re putting on your skin and in your home.
You can’t eliminate all plastic, but you can take some easy steps to reduce your plastic use. Swap plastic food storage containers with glass or stainless steel; if you do keep plastic ones, don’t use them to store fatty foods, and never microwave them. Replace plastic baggies with reusable lunch bags, and plastic cling wrap with beeswax-coated cloth.
Do your research before buying children’s toys to assess what chemicals they may contain. Examples of toys and products aimed at children that contain toxic chemicals include balloons, slime, squidgy toys, plastic footballs, plastic toys (especially soft plastic toys), electronic toys and gadgets (such as electric cars/trains, games consoles) and art/craft materials. Buy eco-safety tested wooden toys instead of plastic toys. Wash soft toys before use. Go for organic rag dolls with eco labels. Make your own finger paints or playdoh. Choose preservative-free arts and crafts materials that use food or plant colorings instead of harsh chemicals. In short, anytime you’re in the market for something plastic, research whether safer alternatives exist. Melissa and Doug is a good place to start.
Eat more plant-based foods and limit your consumption of non-organic meat. Meat is high in dioxins and pesticides; these chemicals accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals. Plant foods are highly nutritious and contain plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are vital for health.
Choose organic produce especially fruits and vegetables and animal-derived products (eggs, meat) to avoid toxic pesticides, herbicides and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Grow your own vegetables, fruit and herbs at home. Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still grow produce like herbs, tomatoes and strawberries on window sills and balcony containers. Though I do garden and raise our chickens for eggs and meat, I order the bulk of our groceries from Azure Standard. If you live in the Hastings area come join our drop. Not local check out Azure to find a drop near you or start your own. Check out the Product Standards page for more information on why I choose them.
Avoid canned food as cans are lined with BPA (to prevent corrosion) which leaches into the food. Use fresh, dried (beans, lentils etc.) or frozen foods instead. Azure Standard sells lots of items in glass, bulk, fresh and frozen.
Find organic supplements and plant based protein powders. I love the Nutrilite™ Organics because there are no fillers, chemicals, or compromise; the first and only global vitamin and dietary supplement brand with a USDA organic product line to grow, harvest and process plants on their very own certified organic farms.
Avoid dairy products (even raw and organic milk), especially if you’re experiencing any hormone-related issues. Milk may contain dioxins, PCBs, insecticides and pesticides as the chemicals from environmental and feed contamination, leached milking machine components and cleaning agents transfer into the milk.
Certain drugs can have effects on endocrines. By definition contraceptives, such as “the pill”, are endocrine disruptors because of how they alter hormone function by preventing ovulation. Drugs are designed to help take care of our bodies. The issue at hand is less about evaluating health benefits or risks, and more about their potential environmental impact when they enter the water stream.
Drink filtered water using a high-quality water filter to avoid toxins including bisphenols (BPA), phthalates, pesticides and xenoestrogens. I love e-Spring.
Swap your non-stick cookware for stainless steel or cast iron to avoid exposure to PFAs.
Choose fragrance-free creams, cleaning products, and laundry detergents. And check ingredient labels to find out where else fragrance lurks; it can show up in unexpected places, such as diapers or garbage bags. Amway Home is my go to brand from laundry, surface and dish cleaners.
Choose fragrance-free, chemical-free and eco-friendly personal care products or consider making your own natural skincare products. No time for research? Check out Taylor & Co for natural products crafted in Minnesota
For cleaning, use lemon juice or lemon essential oil, vinegar, baking soda and water in a spray bottle. Not interested in making cleaner? Well, neither am I. Amway is my go to brand from laundry, surface and dish cleaners.
Commercial sun creams are also a source of hormone disrupting chemicals. Avoid the mid-day sun, wear protective clothing and hydrate. You can make your own natural sunscreen. Work on healing your liver and you won't burn as easily. Reach out if you want help.
For safer ways of freshening your indoor air, open windows, use fans, and empty stinky trash cans and litter boxes instead of trying to cover them up. You can also turn to natural odor-busters like fresh flowers on the kitchen counter, citrus peels in the garbage disposal, and an open box of baking soda in the fridge. Run an air treatment system especially in the bedrooms. I choose Atmosphere Sky and Mini.
Wash new clothes before wearing them. Do not wear clothing made with synthetic materials outside of athletic activities. I can't say enough about the wool tops I've switched to. Just do it! You will love WoolX.
When buying new home furnishings (such as carpets, sofas and beds), opt for flame-retardant-free versions to reduce your exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether chemicals.
Regularly vacuum with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, and clean surfaces with a damp cloth to clean away the particles of endocrine-disrupting chemicals that accumulate in household dust.
Learn the difference between VOC vs. No VOC or Low VOC Paints. Paint in the summer with lots of ventilation. Check out this post for more information.
Shut off your computer and mobile phone at night (or at least put it to sleep / on airplane mode), because their hard drives contain flame retardants which release harmful products during operation.
The Bottom Line
Tell companies, agencies, and policy makers that we need systems in place to make sure that toxic chemicals like EDCs, phthalates, and fluorinated chemicals stay out of our food, water, or homes in the first place.
Hormone-disrupting chemicals are found in everything from the food we eat, to the water we drink and the air we breathe. The good news is, however, is that if we take certain precautions, we can stop them from entering our bodies to help protect our endocrine system. Doing things like avoiding plastics, eating organic and drinking filtered water are just a few of the many ways you can keep these endocrine-disrupting chemicals from harming you and your loved ones.
Hope to connect with you soon! ❤️
To your thriving health,
Gwen Krehbiel
Certified Natural Health Professional
Certified SHAPE ReClaimed Practitioner
Certified Facial Analysis Practitioner
Certified ZYTO Practitioner
located inside Pure Serenity Wellness Center
202 2nd St. East, Hastings, Minnesota, 55033
Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment. Medical conditions require medical care.
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What a great list. I've implemented lots of these but I see a few I need to do. Thank you.