Endocrine Disruptors - What it is and Why You Should Know About it

When it comes to our health, fitness goals, and overall wellbeing, it is important to know that there are many things we expose ourselves to daily (without much awareness) that can produce a significant negative impact on our bodies. In particular, endocrine disruptors.

An endocrine disruptor is anything that potentially interferes with the body’s natural hormone production and balance. Many chemicals and compounds, both natural and man-made, may mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones. These endocrine disruptors are found in many everyday products, such as plastic bottles and containers, cosmetics, pesticides, toys, and in our food. The disruption caused by the exposure and consumption of these chemicals is linked to cancerous tumors, birth defects, infertility, brain disorders, metabolic disorders, immunodeficiency, and autoimmune disease.

Before going further, let us understand what the endocrine system is and its importance.

The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs throughout the body that produce and secrete hormones. These hormones work as messengers controlling and coordinating many of the body’s functions, such as:

• Metabolism

• Fertility and sexual function

• Growth and development

• Sleep

• Blood pressure

• Body temperature

• Emotions & mood

Some of the main glands that form the endocrine system are:

• Pancreas - responsible for production and secretion of insulin and glucagon, which regulates blood sugar levels.

• Ovaries - in women, the ovaries release sex hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, all of which are key players in fertility.

• Testes - In men, the testes are mainly responsible for the sex hormone, testosterone, which promotes sperm production, muscle strength, and sex drive.

• Thyroid - Produces and releases triiodothyronine(T3) and thyroxine(T4). These hormones play a vital role in metabolism by controlling body temperature, heart rate, and energy levels.

• Adrenals - Two small glands that produce many hormones that regulate blood pressure, response to stress, immune system, and metabolism such as Cortisol, Adrenaline, Aldosterone & DHEA.

Some common endocrine disruptors are:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) - A synthetic compound found in many plastic products including food storage containers. It finds its way into our foods and beverages, and experts claim its toxicity is something that should be avoided.

• Dioxins - A highly toxic byproduct produced during municipal waste incineration, paper bleaching, and pesticides & herbicides production. It is found everywhere in the environment and remains a persistent pollutant that accumulates in our food sources, primarily in the fatty tissues of animals.

• Phthalates - A man-made chemical used to make plastics more flexible. It is found in many food packaging, children’s toys, and cosmetic products. Exposure occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Phthalates can either mimic or block female & male sex hormones

• 17β-Estradiol - One of many types of estrogen found in dairy products. Studies show that the presence of these steroid hormones in dairy products has a negative impact on human health and development.

The good news is, even though we live in a world where we cannot completely avoid exposure to these chemical compounds, we can certainly make better-informed decisions and reduce how much of it we allow into our bodies.

Some ways to do that are:

• Seek alternatives - Replace dairy products for plant-based products, choose filtered water instead of bottled water, and use a glass or stainless steel reusable water bottle.

• Go for fresh and organic - Minimize consumption of processed foods and non-organic produce and animal products.

• Read labels - Avoid any foods & personal products that are not BPA-free and Phthalate-free.

• Reduce “leaking" - Do not store canned/plastic-packaged foods and/or beverages in areas exposed to heat, such as a hot garage or in a car on a hot summer day. Do not microwave food in plastic containers.

Taking steps to avoid hormonal disruption can have an enormous positive impact on our ability to burn fat, fight cravings, and maintain high levels of energy throughout the day. It all starts with small changes to build a strong solid foundation where we create the bodies we want from the inside out.

Why wait? Start making some changes today. Your mind and body are worth it.

-Your Coach