It’s time to address endocrine disruptors in our lives because we’re not too sure you’re all aware of how they can impact your hormones.
And make the symptoms of perimenopause / menopause worse!
True story.
It’s actually one of the reasons why we run our 21-Day Hormone Detox and why it’s a core part of our 12 week and six-month programs.
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals which:
- mimic a natural hormone, fooling the body into over-responding to the stimulus (e.g., a growth hormone that results in increased muscle mass), or responding at inappropriate times (e.g., producing insulin when it’s not needed)
- block the effects of a hormone from certain receptors (e.g., growth hormones required for normal development)
- stimulate or inhibit the endocrine system and cause overproduction or underproduction of hormones (e.g., an over or underactive thyroid)1
The very first step towards taking control over endocrine disruptors is the ability to identify them.
Because endocrine disruptors can boost chances of cancer, risk your metabolic health and mess up your fertility and immunity, it’s important to know what they are. Then assess your exposure to them and work to reduce your contact so you can reduce your risk of health impact.
Sadly, endocrine disruptors are everywhere.
Let’s look at your kitchen and identify sources of EDs there. From food items to perfumes and from plastics to electronics; EDs are all over the place!
TIPS TO REDUCE ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS IN THE KITCHEN:
- Start by ditching the plastic containers. Plastic is being banned around the world as it’s highly toxic to human health. Instead, store food items in glass containers. Whether you have to store it in the pantry or the fridge; replace your plastic bottles with glass ones.
- Never heat food in the microwave in plastic containers. Heat food in ceramic or glass containers.
- Cast iron or stainless steel cooking ware might look old fashioned, but it’s free of EDs and is healthy for cooking food. Ditch the non-stick cookware and go old school to get rid of this common source of endocrine disruptors.
- Drink water in glass, ceramic or stainless steel cups. Plastics have got to go.
- Go ECO! Dishwasher detergent may have endocrine-disrupting chemicals. An easy swap are eco-friendly natural detergents free from perfumes and dyes.
- Eat organic if you can afford it. Conventional produce and meats have exposure to pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilisers, antibiotics, and hormones. One way to make organic budget-friendly is to grow your own!
- Remove plastic wraps from things before you store them in the pantry or fridge. Place them in glass containers. A lot of items are packed in cling wrapping and that’s not safe.
Conclusion:
These are some of the most basic yet essential tips that can help you reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors in your kitchen. Start making a change today.
Comment below and share your favourite glass food storage containers.
Photos by Becca Tapert on Unsplash
