When you hear the word “xenoestrogens”, it may sound like something from outer space. But xenoestrogens are a very present aspect of our everyday lives and, unfortunately, are not beneficial to our health. So what are they?
Xenoestrogens are chemicals that fall into a sub-category of
endocrine disruptors. They act similarly to the hormone estrogen in the body and can interrupt our natural hormonal processes. Over time, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can encourage a whole slew of negative health effects.
Understanding where xenoestrogens are found and how they enter your body can help you take proactive steps to avoid them.
What are Xenoestrogens?
Xenoestrogens are a type of endocrine-disrupting chemical. They mimic the female sex hormone estrogen which is naturally produced in the human body. As a result, xenoestrogens can interrupt normal hormonal processes and alter the way they perform. This can lead to a number of adverse health effects over time, so being aware of where xenoestrogens are found is the first step to reducing your exposure.
Sources of Xenoestrogens
Over the last several decades, xenoestrogens have become more heavily integrated into our everyday lives. They are found in many common products both in the home and the external environment, including:
• Industrial chemicals and pollutants
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Plastics
• Food packaging
• Personal care products
• Pharmaceuticals
• Flame retardants
• Some foods
How Xenoestrogens Enter the Body
Given how prevalent they are, it’s not surprising that xenoestrogens can get into your body in a variety of ways. First, you might ingest them, either directly from foods or through the residues transferred from plastic packaging or utensils used to prepare items.
They may also be inhaled, such as while you’re passing by a farmer’s field being coated with pesticides or spraying your hair with hairspray. Finally, xenoestrogens can be absorbed through your skin. For instance, they may be found in lotions, cosmetics, sunscreens, or other personal care products that are directly applied to your skin, where they enter through your pores.
Health Effects of Xenoestrogens
The potential health effects of xenoestrogens are far-reaching. Let’s uncover some of the ways they can lead to hormonal disruption and other problems.
Disruption of Hormone Balance
The ability of xenoestrogens to mimic estrogen is the reason why they can alter hormonal balance. This allows them to interfere with estrogen receptors in the body. Ultimately, this can also have an impact on the reproductive system. Research supports the notion that xenoestrogens impair the ability of hormones to remain in balance, which interrupts normal functions.
Increased Risk of Certain Cancers
Long-term exposure to xenoestrogens can increase the risk of developing reproductive cancers. For example, one 2016 study based in Spain including 186 incident pretreatment breast cancer cases and 196 frequency-matched controls found a strong positive association between total xenoestrogen burden (from multiple sources) and risk of developing breast cancer. Other studies agree that xenoestrogens are a clear risk factor for breast cancer.
Another common reproductive cancer is prostate cancer. In addition to interfering with the functions of estrogen in the body, some research has found that xenoestrogens promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, the xenoestrogen BPA appears to interfere with the normal inflammation and immune response pathways, promoting disease.
Other Health Concerns
In addition to the known health risks above, xenoestrogen exposure is likely associated with other concerns as well.
- Obesity: There is evidence suggesting that estrogen-disrupting chemicals like xenoestrogens can promote obesity. These are often called “obesogens” and have been found to promote adipogenesis (the formation of new fat cells) and cause weight gain.
- Infertility: Exposure to xenoestrogens is associated with impaired fertility. While there is more evidence for female infertility, xenoestrogens likely affect sperm healthy and quality in men as well.
- Developmental abnormalities in children: Research suggests that prenatal xenoestrogen exposure can negatively affect fetal development, particularly among boys.
Common Xenoestrogens and Their Sources
You’ve probably heard the names of several xenoestrogens before. A growing number of products are being labeled as being “free from” certain ones thanks to an increased consumer demand for safety. Some of the most common xenoestrogens are below.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
BPA is a colorless solid compound found in plastics, dental sealants, medical devices, and compact discs. It can be present in the clear plastic and caps of water bottles, plastic food storage containers, eyewear, baby bottles, and the lining of canned food packaging.
Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals that make plastic flexible and soft, so they are used in a number of plastic products. They are present in things like vinyl flooring, cosmetics, paints, garden hoses, medical tubing, garden hoses, lubricating oils, and personal care products like shampoos and body washes.
Dioxins
Dioxins are well-known persistent organic pollutants in the environment, meaning that they stick around for a long time. They are byproducts released from industrial processes like bleaching paper and producing herbicides, as well as the burning of garbage. Dioxins accumulate in the food chain, mainly in the fatty tissues of animals. They are also found in cigarette smoke and can get into drinking water.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
PCBs are volatile and can be found in air, water, and soil. Although they are no longer made, they persist in the environment. They are commonly found in electrical equipment and insulation materials, as well as animal products like meat, dairy, and fish.
How to Reduce Exposure to Xenoestrogens
Now that you have an increased awareness of where xenoestrogens are often lurking, and where they might be present in your own life, you’re probably wondering how to reduce your exposure to them. Rest assured that there are actions you can begin taking today that will help make a positive difference.
Dietary Changes
Most of us are eating multiple meals every day, which translates to at least 20 opportunities each week to eat food that either protects or potentially harms our health. Consider the types of things you’re regularly eating and identify some areas where changes could be made.
For example:
- Choose certified organic foods to reduce pesticide and herbicide exposure
- Peel non-organic fruits and vegetables
- Choose hormone-free animal products
- Reduce your overall intake of animal products, particularly meat, dairy, and seafood
- Reduce your intake of ultra-processed and packaged convenience food items
- Opt for whole and minimally processed foods to make up the majority of your diet
Lifestyle Adjustments
In addition to what’s in your food, it’s important to look at where xenoestrogens might be hiding in other areas of your life. We all use personal care products regularly, whether they’re a part of our morning or nighttime routine, in the shower, or preparing to go to the pool or spend time in nature.
When possible, choose natural and chemical-free personal care products, like deodorants, shampoos, lotions, body washes, cosmetics, and face washes. These are less likely to be made with ingredients that contain and act as xenoestrogens. Research your favorite brands and find out what their stance is on these types of ingredients in their formulations and what they do to keep their consumers as safe as possible.
If you have a considerable amount of plastic food and beverage containers, make a plan to replace them over time with glass or stainless steel instead. While plastic can leach chemicals into your foods, especially when heated, the latter materials don’t. This includes replacing plastic utensils in your kitchen with wood, food-grade silicone, or stainless steel ones.
When purchasing canned foods, look for ones that are labeled as being made with BPA-free packaging. You can also buy dried goods in bulk and opt to store them in glass containers in your kitchen, like mason jars, rather than plastic packaging.
Ditch Xenoestrogens One Day at a Time
Xenoestrogens are persistent in the environment and perhaps even in your household. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take action to reduce your exposure to them. While it’s unfortunate that xenoestrogens have found their way into things like food, containers, and personal care products, the good news is that there are safer options.
Start by taking inventory of where they may be lurking in your daily lifestyle, such as your diet and personal care routine, and find some new alternatives to try. If you’re not sure where to begin, I’d love to help! Book a 20 minute discovery call today.
References
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