You wake up, brush your teeth, drink coffee out of your favorite mug, slap on moisturizer, and look at your phone; all before breakfast. What could be more innocent than that? Just another day, right? But what if I told you that many of the very habits you think are innocent could be ruining your gut and hormonal health? Let me explain.
These hidden culprits are called endocrine disruptors.
The chemicals that cause endocrine disruption are in everything from plastic containers, to scented candles, and they basically screw with the way hormones signal naturally in your body. They wreak havoc not just hormones, but also digestion, mood, weight and energy levels long term.
Leverage the Environmental Toxins
You may be working in a factory, or living in a polluted city, but there are hidden toxins that can come home with you multiple times every day directly to your kitchen, bedroom and bathroom!
Consider that adorable, cuddly, non-stick fry pan you love to cook with. It’s likely made of PFOAs (perfluorooctanoic acids), which is a patented endocrine disruptor.
What about your shampoo or lotion? Same situation with parabens and phthalates both are very powerful endocrine disruptors.
These substances mimic or block hormone signals, disrupt your endocrine system and affect your gut microbiome. Your gut or “second brain” has trillions and trillions of different bacteria, who regulate everything from digestion and mental wellness to mental health. In fact, when endocrine disruptors penetrate the gut lining, they cause disruption, diminishes our nutrient absorption and causes chronic inflammation.
How Toxins Hack Your Hormones
Picture hormones as text messages being sent back and forth from one organ to another. Now think of a hacker who infiltrates your system and sends forged text messages posing as the operative and sends false messages – that is what an endocrine disruptor does. Endocrine disruptors masquerade like natural hormones (like estrogen or thyroid hormones) and send fake signals that confuse your body.
The confusion can lead to many symptoms including:
- Weight gain or loss without explanation
- Fertility issues
- Mood changes, anxiety and depression
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Bloating and poor digestion
It creeps up on you. The symptoms can seem benign (for example, the occasional vaccine or fatigue), but an imbalance is difficult to recover from in the long term.
A Detox Plan That Begins at Home
The good news? You can begin the process of cleaning your system right now, and it can start with a few simple swaps:
Glass over plastic: This is especially true when it comes to storing food or water.
Fragrance-free: They often mask dozens of toxic chemicals.
Ingredient label reading: Make sure to avoid anything with “parabens”, “phthalates”, and/or “BPA”.
Choose organic whenever possible: especially for fruits, vegetables, and meat.
When it comes to healing your gut and stabilizing hormones, food is your best medicine. This is why a best diet plan for weight loss can also be a detox for your body, potentially saving your organs and mind. You want fresh, fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein, and fermented foods (ie. kimchi, yogurt, etc.) Oh My!! Stay away from ultra-processed snacking foods and refined sugar (this feeds the bad bacteria and hormones).
The Gut-Hormone Connection is Real
This is not just wellness talk, it’s science. Your gut health affects how your hormones are created, metabolized, and eliminated. If your gut is sick and inflamed or toxic, your hormones are also under stress. Removing endocrine disruptors is one of the simplest ways to reset both systems.
Start small. Change one product. Change one behavior. Your gut (and your hormones) will be grateful!