Photo by: Polina Tankilevitch
Hormone disruptors, also known as endocrine disruptors, are chemicals found in many products or in the environment. They interfere with the body’s hormone system, leading to imbalances and various diseases. Everyday products such as cosmetics, food & beverage packaging, toys, carpet, and pesticides are all on the endocrine disruptor list. The body encounters these chemicals via ingestion, inhalation, and skin exposure.
Since I’ve had kids, I’ve been a big fan of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website (www.ewg.org) One of my previous articles talks about how to research the products you’re using on a daily basis to see how they score. I think many people will be surprised at some of the brands that aren’t considered “healthy.” I try not to buy anything without doing a little research prior to purchasing. The average person isn’t aware of the ingredients in these items. I wouldn’t recommend disposing of everything in one day, but instead, swapping out one product at a time as you learn more about ingredients.
Toxins affect the body in many ways and in some cases can potentially cause an array of chronic illnesses. Click here for the top 12 endocrine disruptors that EWG published. The list below offers ideas that can help alleviate the amount of toxic chemicals you are exposed to. Be mindful of what you buy and the items you’re bringing into your home.
Start making changes:
Limit plastics – use glass or stainless steel
Choose organic – pesticide-free produce, sustainable, organic cotton
Filter your water (we have a reverse osmosis system)
Better cookware – cast iron or stainless steel (I threw all Teflon pans out)
Skip scented products – these contain phthalates. Fragrance-free is best
Read labels – look for BPA-free, paraben-free, organic, pasture-raised
Ask for email receipts – paper receipts are often coated in BPA or BPS
Science Direct states that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can produce a remarkable range of biological effects. Endocrine disruptors can create hormonal imbalances that encourage abnormal cell growth in tissues sensitive to estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormones. Some believe soy may be an endocrine disruptor, since it contains phytoestrogens. Various references have written articles on this topic, but more research is needed. Here is a list of some of the worst foods for hormones:
Non-organic animal products (injected with growth hormones or antibiotics)
Artificial additives (food dyes, sweeteners, preservatives)
High fructose corn syrup
Fish contaminated with mercury
Microwave popcorn bags
Ultra-processed foods
Symptoms of endocrine disruptor exposure:
Infertility – toxins can wreak havoc on reproduction
Certain types of cancer (breast, prostate, ovarian, testicular, thyroid, endometrial)
Thyroid issues
Heart/blood pressure changes
ADHD
Unexplained weight changes
Fatigue
Mood swings
Skin changes
A healthy lifestyle can balance hormones by supporting the body’s natural regulatory systems and reducing the factors that disrupt hormonal harmony. Here is a list of ideas that you can focus on that will improve your overall wellness:
Prioritize sleep – 7+ hours
Eat less sugar – added sugar is linked to many health problems
Exercise – walk, lift weights, stay active
Eat healthy fats – olive oil, avocado oil, omega-3 fish, grass-fed butter
Manage your weight – be mindful of your weight on a monthly basis
Stress-management – focus on hobbies, fun activities, and a good social circle
Avoid smoking – smoking is full of toxins and carcinogens
Eat protein – your meals should revolve around quality sources of beef, poultry, pasture-raised eggs, and wild-caught seafood
Remove alcohol – alcohol is a toxin that is linked to chronic health concerns and various types of cancers
While we can’t completely avoid exposure to hormone disruptors in today’s world, a healthy lifestyle can help the body manage and minimize its effects. Choosing whole, unprocessed foods, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting quality sleep all support natural hormone balance and detoxification. Small daily choices like avoiding plastics, reading product labels, and staying active can make a meaningful difference. By nurturing your body through healthy habits, you empower your hormones to function as they’re meant to, helping you feel your best from the inside out.
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