You're cleaning to keep your home clean and tidy, when you could be creating chaos in your own body.
Every day we are exposed to many chemicals/toxins that enter our bodies through ingestion, inhalation or absorption through the skin. This toxic load is most often caused by the regular use of home cleaning products, perfumes and detergents.
Chemicals from products containing toxins that are also dangerous to your body enter your bloodstream. When this happens, the liver has to work hard to detoxify and remove them.
Synthetic xenoestrogens are particularly problematic. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) accumulate in fat or muscle tissue after absorption and can remain there for long periods. Even small but continuous exposure can cause serious damage to the hormone balance.
The effects of xenoestrogens on your hormone balance - what do you need to know?
One of the best known effects is the estrogen dominance - the imbalance between low progesterone and high oestrogen.
This may be related to, for example:
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undue weight gain,
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with water retention,
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severe menstrual cramps,
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mood swings,
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with sleep disturbance,
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or even fertility problems.
Men and children can also be affected: they may experience fatigue, weight gain, prostate problems or even low libido.
Where do xenoestrogens leak into your hormonal system?
The most common sources in your home:
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Cleaning products, detergents, air fresheners
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Plastic products (BPA, phthalates)
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Cosmetics, synthetic fragrances
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Preservatives in food (e.g. parabens)
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Contraceptives and other medicines
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Perfumes, colognes
How to protect yourself and your family from hormone disruptors
Fortunately, you can do a lot to protect your hormone system:
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Use poisonfree, biodegradable detergents and cleaners (such as Cycle products)
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Select from organic body care and cosmetics products
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Eat organic or grass-fed meat, dairy products from organic sources
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Avoid plastic containers and tins
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Eat at rich in fibre foods - helps to eliminate oestrogen and reduce the risk of cancer
Support your body's natural detoxification - handy tips
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Get regular exercise: improves your hormonal balance, mood and metabolism
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Herbs: milk thistle, dandelion, burdock - use them to support your liver (consult a specialist!)
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Take a sauna: sweating is an effective way of removing heavy metals
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Antioxidant-rich diet: peppers, berries, spinach, cabbage, oilseeds
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Fluid consumption: at least 2-3 litres of pure water or herbal tea per day
Written by: Zita Zsolnai, naturopath
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4602822/
https://rbej.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12958-019-0558-8
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2744625/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4526841/
