Understanding PCOS And Endocrine Disruptors

Over the last few weeks, we’ve discussed the main causes of PCOS. These are hormone imbalance, insulin resistance, gut imbalance, and inflammation. Various factors worsen symptoms of PCOS. And one found right in your kitchen cabinets. What you need to know about PCOS and endocrine disruptors. Here is a list on our website of kitchen items that are endocrine disruptor-free.

cookware and Endocrine disruptors

Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disruptors can mimic hormones, increase or decrease the production of different hormones, interfere with hormone signaling, kill cells prematurely and compete with essential nutrients. Since they disrupt the endocrine system, they cause inflammation in the body, affecting the thyroid and overall hormone production.

These chemicals can severely impact the hormones in our body, and those with PCOS already face issues with hormone imbalance. Endocrine disruptors can severely exacerbate PCOS symptoms by messing around with the hormones in the body.

A range of kitchen items such as plastic food containers, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, drinking water, and non-stick pans, contain endocrine disruptors. In addition, found in the fragrances in your shampoos, conditioners, beauty products, and even in baby toys.

The Main Endocrine Disruptors

The Environmental Working Group has released a Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disruptors list.

BPA

BPA has been linked to everything from breast and other cancers to reproductive problems, obesity, early puberty, and heart disease.

In addition, BPA can be found in many plastics, so make sure to opt for BPA-free plastic containers and bottles.

Dioxin

Dioxin can permanently affect sperm quality and lower sperm count in boys in their prime reproductive years if a pregnant woman is exposed to it. They are powerful carcinogens and can also affect the immune and reproductive systems.

Found in animal products like meat, eggs, and milk, they are harder to avoid. So, cutting down on animal products where possible is best to avoid Dioxin!

Atrazine, Perchlorate, Arsenic and Lead

Atrazine is a drinking water contaminant. Delayed puberty, Breast tumors, and prostate inflammation in animals have linked Atrazine to these risks. Even more, some research has linked it to prostate cancer in people. Drinking water also contains perchlorate, which competes with iodine. This impacts the thyroid, affecting your hormone balance. Drinking water has traces of arsenic and lead as well!

ADVICE:

Purchase a water filter made to remove atrazine, perchlorate, arsenic, and lead!

Phthalates

Hormone changes, lower sperm count, less mobile sperm, birth defects in the male reproductive system, obesity, diabetes, and thyroid irregularities are linked to Phthalates.

Therefore, try avoiding plastic food containers, and check children’s toy labels. Avoid plastic wrap made from PVC. Check your beauty products – if they say the word ‘fragrance’ only, avoid them as it’s a hidden word for Phthalates.

Mercury

Contaminated seafood has traces of Mercury. Pregnant women are the most at risk from the toxic effects of mercury, as it can interfere with fetal brain development. Mercury binds directly to one particular hormone that regulates women’s menstrual cycle and ovulation.

Ensure you are purchasing wild salmon and farmed trout in order to avoid contaminated fish.

PFOA

A decrease in sperm quality, low birth weight, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol link to exposure to PFOA. Scientists are still figuring out how PFOA affects the human body, but animal studies have found that it can affect thyroid and sex hormone levels.

Non-stick cookware like non-stick pans contains PFOA. So, opt for stainless steel instead.

Organophosphate

Organophosphate has proven to impact brain development, behavior, and fertility. Despite this, they are still among the more common pesticides in use today. Organophosphates can also interfere with the way testosterone communicates with cells, lower testosterone and alter thyroid hormone levels.

Purchasing organic products is the best way to avoid this pesticide. Look at the EWG’s dirty dozen list for more info!

Glycol Ethers

Glycol ethers are common solvents in paints, cleaning products, brake fluid, and cosmetics. Furthermore, damages fertility or the fetus, and children exposed to glycol ethers from paint have a higher chance of developing asthma and allergies.

Avoid paint and cleaning products with ingredients such as 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) and methoxydiglycol (DEGME).

Bottom line

Completely avoiding endocrine disruptors is difficult, as they are found in a lot of our day-to-day items. However, being aware of where they are found and purchasing products without these chemicals is the best way to avoid them.

If you feel like you need some guidance, get in touch! In addition, we work with clients to create plans for PCOS tailored for you. So they can fit in with your lifestyle. Click the button below and work with us!

Over on our Instagram, we have a number of easy-to-digest infographics (if you’re more of a visual learner!), so click here to go to our page, @lorrainekearneynutrition!

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Lorraine Kearney
CEO, RD, CDN

New York City Nutrition focuses on personalized nutrition and individualized recommendations. We believe looking inward is the key to optimal health. When you work with us, you’ll be paired with an expert perfectly aligned to your condition and health goals. We will encourage and support you as you transform your health by learning to listen to the story your body is telling you.

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