The effects hormones have on you can change throughout the course of your life. Hormones work to ensure proper development, behavior, and metabolic function. Sometimes your body produces the correct amount of hormones and everything is balanced. Other times our hormones are imbalanced and we feel strange or out of sorts. Hormonal imbalances can happen to anybody – man or woman.
Everyday Products That Disrupt the Balance of Hormones
Plastic
Do you use plastic? You might want to reconsider. Plastic contains the chemical BPA, a known hormone disruptor. This is particularly true for #7 plastics, which can be found in detergent bottles, food containers, and toys (among other things). It can result in neurological, reproductive, immune, and developmental disorders, which can cause irritation.
What to Do
When checking for BPA, don’t forget about canned goods. Cans are lined with BPA to prevent rust. Luckily, there are alternatives to BPA-containing plastics and cans. Use glass or stainless steel for food preparation and storage as well as for reusable water bottles. Always check the plastic number before buying if you have to buy plastic.
Anti-Bacterial Soaps, Shampoos, and Body Washes
Not even your soaps, shampoos, and body washes are safe. Many of these household products contain phthalates and parabens, both hormone-disrupting chemicals. Several studies have looked at how these chemicals can be absorbed by the skin, and cause skin irritation. One study in particular has reviewed the link between parabens and breast cancer, male reproductive function, and cancerous melanoma. Phthalates have been found to have an association with breast cancer, miscarriages, and disrupted reproductive functioning.
What to Do
To avoid these problems, check the ingredient labels on your personal hygiene products before buying. Stick with products marked “paraben-free” and avoid any with “fragrance” listed in the ingredients, unless all of the components are clearly labeled. Fragrance mixtures often include these hormone disruptors and can be found other products as well, like detergent, diapers, and even garbage bags! Remember, the smell of a household product does not indicate its effectiveness. You might not be able to completely eliminate these products from your life, but knowing about them is the first step. Taking proper precautions to safeguard your health begins at home.
Additional Tips
Other things you can do to avoid hormonal imbalances include:
Wash your hands to get rid of chemical residues. Try to consume organically grown produce to reduce your intake of pesticides. Vacuum and clean your house often to remove any contaminated dust or dirt.
These are just a few tips for decreasing the number of hormone-disrupting chemicals in your life. Next time you go shopping, don’t forget about these synthetic chemicals. Trying to avoid them can help you live a healthier lifestyle. Featured photo credit: Unsplash via pixabay.com
