So, what are hormones? When most of us hear the word, "hormones," we tend to think of them in relation to our emotional state- perhaps how wonderful we feel in the days prior to/during that special time of the month. Fuck pre menstrual syndrome...PMS is an acronym for positively mental state. But hormones do more than just drive us batshit crazy. These chemical messengers are secreted from the endocrine glands in the body into the blood, which carries them to the body's organs and tissues to support their functions. There are all kinds of hormones and each has an important job in carrying out bodily functions and processes. Hormones influence: growth and development, your metabolism and immune system, sexual function and reproductive health, cognitive function and memory, body temperature, thirst, and mood among others (Mandal).
1. BPA- This synthetic hormone is a chemical found in plastics that imitates the sex hormone, estrogen! BPA can actually trick the body into thinking that it's the real deal. As such, BPA has been linked to reproductive problems, early puberty, obesity, heart disease, breast cancer, and other cancers. How to avoid it: Eat fresh, real food. Avoid the shit food in cans. Many cans are lined with BPA. Also avoid plastics marked with a "PC" for polycarbonate.
2. Dioxin- Formed in many industrial processes when chlorine or bromine are burned in the presence of carbon and oxygen. This sneaky bastard disrupts the way male and female sex hormone signaling occurs in the body. Research has shown that exposure to low levels of dioxin in the womb and early in life can permanently affect sperm quality and lower sperm count in men. Dioxins are carcinogens that affect the immune and reproductive systems, as well. How to avoid it: This is a tricky one, but the best way is to cut back on animal products. Milk, fish, eggs, butter, and meat are most likely to be contaminated. I always say these products should be bought organic.
3. Atrazine- This herbicide can actually turn male frogs into female frogs that produce viable eggs- yes, sex change by herbicide.Totally normal though... It's widely used on corn crops in the U.S. (another item I will always buy organic) and as such, it's a water contaminant. It has been linked to breast tumors, delayed puberty, prostate cancer in humans, and prostate inflammation in animals. How to avoid it: Buy organic produce and always drink filtered water.
4. Phthalates- Found in TONS of personal care products, plastic wraps, and items containing that simple, sneaky ingredient, "fragrance." There is a signal in our bodies that programs cells to die. This is normal, as 50 billion cells in our bodies die each day, believe it or not! However, phthalates are responsible for what is known as "death-inducing signaling" in testicular cells.....a.k.a. early cell death in a man's sacred parts. Phthalates are also linked to lower sperm counts, less mobile sperm, birth defects in the male reproductive system, diabetes, and thyroid irregularities. How to avoid it: CHECK THE INGREDIENTS ON YOUR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS (makeup, hair products, skin care products, etc.), avoid plastic food containers, check children's toys, and avoid plastic wrap made from PVC.
6. Fire retardants- Also known as PBDEs, these chemicals can imitate thyroid hormones in our bodies and disrupt their activity, which can lead to lower IQ and other unwanted heath issues. PBDEs contaminate people and wildlife alike. How to avoid it: It's absurdly difficult, but one suggestion would be using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, as this cuts down on toxic-laden house dust.
7. Lead- This heavy metal is linked to permanent brain damage, nervous system problems, lowered IQ, hearing loss, miscarriages, premature birth, increased blood pressure, and kidney damage....to name a few. Lead can also disrupt the hormone signaling that regulates the body's major stress system. This of course is tied to high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. How to avoid it: Check your cosmetics- yes, a lot of lipsticks contain lead. Keep your home tidy! Get rid of crumbling, old paint with caution, as it's a major source of lead exposure. Also drink filtered water. Check out one of my blog posts, "For The Love of Lips," to find out if the shade your wearing contains lead.
8. Arsenic- In small amounts, arsenic can cause skin, bladder, and lung cancer. It also messes with normal hormone functioning in the glucocorticoid system, which regulates the way our bodies process sugars and carbs. As such, it has been linked to weight gain/loss, protein wasting, immunosuppression, insulin resistance, osteoporosis, stunted growth, and high blood pressure. How to avoid it: the best way would be to drink filtered water.
9. Mercury- Sorry, sushi-goers, but the sad reality is the sushi you love so much may be a health hazard. This toxic metal gets into the air and oceans mainly through burning coal. Eventually it makes its way onto your dinner plate- usually as mercury-contaminated seafood. Pregnant women are at the highest risk for toxic contamination of mercury. This is because it is known to concentrate in the fetal brain and can interfere with brain development. It also binds to the hormone that regulates women's menstrual cycles and ovulation. Joy. Mercury is linked diabetes, as well. How to avoid it: Eat more sustainable seafood with lots of healthy fats. Good choices are wild salmon and farmed trout.
11. Organophosphate pesticides- The Nazis produced neurotoxic organophosphate compounds for chemical warfare during WWII. Thankfully, they were never used. But alas, American scientists used the same chemistry to produce a long line of pesticides that attack the nervous system of insects. Exposure affects brain development, behavior, and fertility. Sadly, they are still among the most common pesticides used today. [Insert disgust here.] How to avoid it: Buy certain organic fruits and veggies, and those that have the fewest pesticide content and residues.
12. Glycol ethers- Common solvents in paints, cleaning products, brake fluid, and cosmetics. Oh also, it's known to shrink testicles. They can damage fertility and the unborn child. Children who were exposed to glycol ethers from paint in their rooms had more asthma and allergies. How to avoid it: Avoid products with ingredients including 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) and methoxydiglycol (DEGME) (Environmental Working Group, 2013).
Environmental Working Group . N.p., 28 Oct. 2013. Web. 27 Jan. 2014. <http://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors>.
Mandal, Ananya. News Medical. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014. <http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Hormones.aspx>.