Let’s dive into a conversation about something critical to our health that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These sneaky substances are hiding in our personal care products, cleaning supplies, and even our food—and they can wreak havoc on your hormones, weight, fertility, kids’ growth, and even your mood.
But here’s the thing: knowledge is power. The more we understand where these chemicals are lurking and how they impact our bodies, the more we can make simple, informed choices to take control of our health. So, let’s break this down together.
EDC are chemicals that can mimic or interfere with your hormones, throwing off your body’s natural processes. They slip into your system through your skin, or the food you eat or drink. Once inside, they act like impersonators or blockers of your natural hormones, messing with processes like metabolism, reproduction, and even your mood.
The catch? It’s not just one rogue chemical to worry about. Many products we use every day contain dozens, even hundreds of these compounds—and they can add up fast.
Where Are These Hormone Hijackers Hiding?
1. Personal Care Products
Let’s start with what we put directly on our skin, hair, and bodies. Common culprits include:
- Parabens: Found in makeup, moisturisers, and shampoos, these preservatives can mimic estrogen in your body. Even in small amounts, the cumulative effect from multiple products adds up.
- Phthalates are linked to weight gain and hormone disruption and are used in fragrances and soft plastics. They’re even nicknamed “obesogens” for their role in promoting fat storage.
Imagine how many products you use daily—cleanser, moisturiser, foundation, mascara. Each one could be contributing to your body’s chemical load. That’s why reading labels is so important!
2. Cleaning Products
Cleaning your home shouldn’t mean exposing yourself to chemicals like nonylphenols, which mimic estrogen and are linked to reproductive issues, cancers, and hormonal imbalances. If your cleaning cupboard smells like a lab, it might be time to rethink your products.
3. Food and Packaging
Have you ever thought about the packaging in which your food comes?
BPA (Bisphenol A), found in plastic containers, water bottles, and even canned goods, is a major offender.
BPA has been banned from baby bottles due to its harmful effects on development, but it is still present in some food storage products. Think of your takeaway food containers or sandwich bags.
BPA can leach into food, especially from acidic items. Think of tinned tomatoes or spaghetti bolognese in plastic containers. The BPA could seep into your food.
The same goes for when you leave your plastic water bottle in a hot car—exposure to sunlight can cause BPA to leach into your water, which you’re drinking to nourish your body.
Even more concerning? PFAS, (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), otherwise known as “forever chemicals,” are being detected in our drinking water supplies across Australia, lately in Sydney and Brisbane reserves.
PFAS can be found in non-stick cookware, like Teflon. When you use these, the PFAs are released into the food and environment.
These compounds stick around in the environment—and our bodies—causing thyroid issues, hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and even cancers.
4. Pesticides
Another source of EDC could be pesticides in your food. A pesticide called Atrazine, for instance, disrupts the hypothalamus and pituitary gland—two key areas that regulate our hormones.
How many EDC are in your products?
A study analysed 11,000 household products and discovered that 293 of them contained chemicals linked to endocrine disruption.
That’s nearly 300 chemicals scattered across everyday items, highlighting how widespread these hidden threats are.
Even more alarming, two-thirds of the tested products contained more than one endocrine-disrupting chemical. Some might have 10, 20, or even over 100 different compounds in a single item.
Here’s the kicker: there’s no research on how these chemicals interact with each other once they’re in your body. What happens when two or more of these disruptors team up?
The truth is, we don’t know—and there’s no regulation limiting how many can be included in personal care or cleaning products.
But don’t feel overwhelmed just yet—there’s plenty you can do to take control! Let’s focus on simple steps to reduce your exposure and protect your health.
What Can You Do to Minimise Exposure?
Tip 1: Swap Out Personal Care and Cleaning Products
Choose personal care and cleaning products that contain minimal or no EDC.
Look for products labelled “paraben-free” and “phthalate-free.”
Use apps like Chemical Maze or Yuka to scan labels and make better choices.
Choose natural cleaning products or make your own using ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. It’s better for your health and just as effective.
If you are feeling overwhelmed – Start with one product at a time – like switching your shampoo, moisturiser or laundry detergent when it runs out.
Tip 2: Ditch the plastics
Replace plastic water bottles with stainless steel or glass. (Remember to wash this regularly)
Replace plastic food containers with stainless steel lunchboxes or Pyrex (glassware)
If you microwave your food, avoid using plastic food containers, as heat causes chemicals to leach into your food.
Tip # 3: Avoid Non-Stick Cookware
Ditch non-stick cookware and switch to stainless steel cookware.
Tip # 4: Choose Organic Foods
Opt for fresh, whole foods whenever possible and avoid overly processed, packaged items. When buying produce, prioritise organic for the “Dirty Dozen” (the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues).
Use your consumer power to make better choices for your health and the planet.
Go to farmers’ markets and have a chat with the farmers. Many may not be certified organic, but they may not use chemicals. So, speak to the person who’s growing your produce. Support the little guy with your consumer money, and in doing so, you’ll be maximising your health as well.
Tip # 5: Avoid Perfumes And Fragrances
Avoid products that have the ingredient “perfume”, “parfume” or “fragrance” listed on the label. Thousands of chemicals can be combined in that term. Many of these are EDC and obesogens.
Instead, look for natural alternatives.
Good alternative personal care and cleaning products may have a scent derived from essential oils.
Tip # 6: Always Use Filtered Water
Invest in a good quality water filtration system. These can be stand alone on the bench, mounted onto your tap or large enough for your whole house.
Your body will thankyou for it!
It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to overhaul your entire life in one day.
Start small and build on each success.
Maybe you can replace your plastic food containers with glass ones this week. Next week, swap out your moisturiser for a cleaner option.
Remember, every choice you make is a step toward protecting your hormones, your health, and your family.
The power is in your hands—and your consumer dollars. Companies pay attention to what we buy, so let’s push for safer, cleaner options.
If this resonates with you, share your thoughts or let me know how you’ve started reducing endocrine disruptors in your life.
Have a favourite clean product or tip? I’d love to hear it!
We’re all in this together, and every step counts. Let’s take control of our health, one choice at a time!
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
