By Sarah A LoBisco, ND
I revisited my discussion on the
dangers of our toxic world to our wellness and waistline on my homepage this
week. The good news is we can decrease our risk of health complications by
decreasing our exposure.
Recently, the Environmental Working
Group (EWG) released the top 12 Hormone Pesticides and how to avoid them, which
I’ve summarized for you below (1):
1. Bisphenol-A (BPA) -Found in plastics and the lining of
canned foods. BPA has a negative effect on hormones and has been linked to
everything from cancer to fertility issues. Avoid the use of plastics (#7) and
replace your water bottles with a glass container containing filtered water.
Another tip-avoid canned foods.
2. Dioxins -Chlorine/bromine and CO2 pesticides are found in
the highest amounts in fish and diary productions. There is a connection
between dioxin exposure and poor sperm quality and immune function. You can
avoid dioxins by cutting down on animal foods and eating organic foods.
3. Atrazine -An herbicide that affects males and can cause
feminization. Avoid this exposure by buying organic produce.
4. Pthalates -Found in #3 plastics and beauty products. Avoid
plastics and buy organic personal care and cleaning products to decrease
pthalates in your body.
5. Percholorate -A rocket fuel that is still found in milk and
affects thyroid function. Drink filtered water and avoid dairy products– so
you don’t become a jet. 😉
6. Fire Retardants – These have negative effects on IQ and
overall health. It’s byproducts are found in dust balls, so clean your house with non-toxic
cleaners and use HEPA filters.
7. Lead- This metal affects all systems negatively, including
the nervous, hormonal, and immune system. Use filters for water. Use lead-free
8. Arsenic -A metal that affects hormones, blood sugar, weight, and is
linked to immuno-suppression. Filter water and avoid non-organic chicken.
9. Mercury- Found in dental fillings, air pollution, coal
burning, and fish. It negatively affects the hormones, immune system, and
pancreas. Mercury inactivates many enzymes in the body and can have
wide-reaching health consequences. Consider safe removal of fillings with a biological
dentist, eat only wild-caught salmon and small fish, diffuse essential oils, and
use a HEPA filter to avoid mercury.
Chemicals (PFCs)- Found in non-stick pans. Avoid PFC pans and use stainless
steel instead. PFCs negatively impact the thyroid, sperm, kidney, and healthy
Exposure to this pesticide is another reason to buy organic. Organophosphate
has harmful effects on the nervous system and fertility.
12. Glycol Esters-
A common solvent in paint linked to shrunken testicles, allergies, and asthma.
Use low PVC paint and proper protective clothing when doing reconstructive
Other overall protective measures
include diet and lifestyle factors, such as eating a diet high in phytonutrients from plants which help
protect your cells from damage. I listed more on my homepage blog.
A Note in Beauty Care
There is no FDA regulation on the safety of cosmetics, and it appears it
won’t be coming soon. The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is comprised of
over 600 different distributors and manufacturers of personal care, cosmetic,
and fragrance companies and recently denied the FDAs request to tighten
regulations. Now, the next step for the bill is in limbo. I encourage you to
buy organic and safe cosmetics. Otherwise, women could be applying phthalates,
triclosan, lead, parabens, and quanternium-15, which releases formaldehyde, on
their skin and into their bloodstream.(2)
(1) Environmental Working Group. Dirty Dozen List of Endocrine Disruptors:12 Hormone-Altering Chemicals and How to Avoid Them. ewg.org. October 28, 2013.
(2) Mercola, J. New Safety Rules to Protect You From Cosmetics Now In Limbo. mercola.com. November 6, 2013.