There’s been a lot of talk in the media recently regarding hormone imbalance. According to government statistics, we’ve seen an alarming increase in the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) over the last 2 years, and numbers continue to rise. [1.]
Hormones regulate our entire body. They work symbiotically to maintain the complex, delicate balance needed for optimum health and wellbeing, and, in today’s toxin filled world, this can be easily disrupted.
For years now, health experts have been highlighting the dangers of a group of chemicals found in many household products known as endocrine disruptors (EDC’s), and their negative effects on hormone health. These chemicals are deemed ‘safe’ by regulatory bodies, but are in fact carcinogens, dramatically increasing the risk for certain types of cancers, and causing other long term health conditions. [2.]
EDC’s Found in Household Products
BPA, dioxin, atrazine, phthalates, perchlorate, fire retardants, lead, mercury, arsenic, PFC’s (forever chemicals), organophosphate pesticides, glycol ethers, and others. [3.]
Linked below is lots of information on how to reduce your exposure to EDC’s.
Easy Swaps for a Toxin Free Home
Toxic: Perfumes and air freshener.
Non-toxic: Pure essential oil room mist or try a homemade recipe.
Other ways of eliminating unwanted odours at home are baking soda, circulating the air daily and keeping house plants that purify the air.
Toxic: Laundry detergent.
Non-toxic: Safe alternatives or try a homemade recipe.
Toxic: Conventional cleaning products.
Non-toxic: Tincture London or safe alternatives in the USA.
Essential oils such as rosemary, lemon, sweet orange, and lavender are great for household cleaning, as well as basic items like vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and castile soap.
Toxic: Dishwasher tablets.
Non-toxic: Homemade dishwasher tablets.
Toxic: Plastic bottles and containers.
Non-toxic: Airtight glass containers, porcelain.
Toxic: Non-stick pans
Non-toxic: Choose cast iron and copper or a brand that uses chemical free non-stick coating.
Toxic: Unnatural fabric on furniture, carpets, and soft furnishings. Also see information on fire retardants.
Non-toxic: Choose all natural materials around your home such as cotton, wool, and linen.
Toxic: Many cosmetics and personal care items
Non-toxic: EWG Skin Deep database, natural, organic makeup brands.
If you’re struggling with hormone imbalance, Kind Matters offers online courses for hormonal health, or you can find a natural practitioner on the PHA directory.
Further reading:
The dangers of HRT and natural solutions.
Sources:
[1.] https://media.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/news/nhs-publishes-new-hrt-official-statistics
[2.] https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/what-are-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-edcs/
[3.] https://www.edc-free-europe.org/what-are-edcs