Avoid These Thyroid-Thwarting Chemicals

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are causing a “silent epidemic” of health problems, researchers report in a recent issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. The exposure is causing subtle shifts in public health that include obesity and diabetes, neurobehavioral deficits such as AHDH and drops in IQ, as well as reproductive disorders.

These chemicals can make us fat, infertile, depressed, bloated and achy. They can cause thyroid dysfunction, premature ovarian failure, insulin resistance and other endocrine problems. While some manufacturers are developing new formulas that do not include certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, some products still contain them. Other chemicals are already so ubiquitous in our environment that they are hard to avoid.

Here are the best ways to avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Never microwave in plastic. Use glass, ceramic or silicon containers to store and microwave foods. Stop buying plastic-bottled water and drinks.

Avoid eating from aluminum cans or drinking fluids from aluminum cans. Cans may be lined with a type of plastic, bisphenol. (Even BPA-free cans might still contain forms of bisphenol.) Jars and glass bottles are a better choice.

Never wrap parts of your body in plastic wrap to lose weight or to moisturize your skin.

Eat organic. Pesticides are a significant source of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Choose organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) produce to reduce your exposure. Some GMO plants contain systemic glyphosate (Round-up) that can’t be washed off. Processed foods often contain hidden sources of GMO plants, from ingredients made from corn, soybeans, sugar beets, rapeseed (canola oil) and cottonseed. Look on labels for certified organic or non-GMO foods.

Keep your beauty routine simple. Hair coloring, nail polish, sunscreen, fragrances, deodorants, moisturizers, even wrinkle creams, can all expose you directly. Use coconut oil or olive oil to cleanse and moisturize your skin, and essential oils like lavender or sandalwood for scent. Use a sunscreen with zinc oxide. Look for products that are labeled as phthalate-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free. Natural foods stores are more likely to carry healthier brands than cosmetics counters and drug stores.

Beware of antibacterials. Avoid triclosan and its cousin, triclocarban. Both are antibacterials found in everything from toothpaste (Colgate’s Total for example) and mouthwash to shaving creams, cosmetics, cutting boards, soaps, body washes, and acne treatments. Check labels carefully. By law, triclosan or triclocarban must be listed in the Drug Facts box or ingredients list. Look for natural, vegetable-based soaps, such as Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Use natural toothpastes and mouthwashes, such as Tom’s of Maine.

Air out your home every few days to remove some of the chemical dust. Carpets, vinyl, furniture treated with stain resistance or flame retardants, and paneling or furniture made with particle board can all emit endocrine-disrupting chemicals into the air.

REFERENCES
Trasande L, Zoeller RT, Hass U, et. al. Estimating Burden and Disease Costs of Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in the European Union. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Mar 5:jc20144324.