Hello Cool-Girls ! Today I wanted to talk about my shift towards living a more healthy lifestyle. Last years I felt a disconnect. My skin was acting up, digestion wasn’t smooth, and I knew something was wrong. Deep down in knew there was a link with what I was putting in my body. Transforming radically your lifestyle overnight is not easy so I started with ditching processed foods. To my surprise, it not only became a true cost saving but also sparked a passion for home cooking fresh and whole ingredients. Then I started to teach myself about endocrine disruptors at home. These chemicals, sneaking in unexpected places, could be the source of my troubles.
What are Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs)?
EDCs are chemicals that mimic or interfere with our hormones. They’re found in everyday products like:
- Plastics
- Cosmetics
- Pesticides
- Cleaning products
- Personal care items
How do EDCs Affect Us?
EDCs can disrupt various bodily functions, potentially leading to:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Reproductive issues
- Thyroid problems
- Skin sensitivities
- Digestive disorders
- Increased risk of certain cancers
We can’t entirely escape harmful chemicals like endocrine disruptors at home, but understanding their presence and making conscious choices empowers us! Today, I’ll share 7 simple changes you can implement in your daily life to minimize their impact:
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1. Switch to Safer Cookware to get away from endoctrine disruptors at home
Teflon’s glue, PFOA, is an endocrine disrupter that migrates into food during cooking, affecting 98% of Americans. Linked to birth defects, infertility, and cancer, consider switching to safer cookware materials like:
- Ceramic Coatings
- Cast Iron
- Stainless Steel
My Favorite Safe Cookwares:
- Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set
- Caraway Stainless Steel Mini Duo
2. Avoid Plastic to get away from endoctrine disruptors at home
Many plastic utensils contain BPA and BPS, chemicals linked to endocrine disruption, hormone imbalances, and potential health risks. Make the switch to safer alternatives that won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food and in your body:
- Stainless Steel
- Bamboo
- Wood
My Favorite Plastic Free Ustensils:
3. Switch to Gentle Laundry Detergent to shield yourself from endoctrine disruptors at home
Think about it: you spend 8 hours every night wrapped in sheets that were washed with your detergent. Those harsh chemicals don’t just disappear. They can linger on your sheets, potentially leaking into your skin throughout the night.
Switch to gentler and safer laundry detergent made with natural ingredients. It’s not just good for your health, it’s good for the environment too :
- Look for plant-based, enzyme-powered detergents that tackle stains effectively
- Opt for fragrance-free options
- Whip up your own detergent using baking soda and carbolic soap
My Favorite Safe Laundry Detergent:
4. Use Green Products to Clean
I don’t think I’m telling you anything new, but many traditional cleaning products are harsh on your body and the environment. After I started using natural ingredients and realized some of them are just as effective, I wondered why anyone would continue using traditional cleaners :
- Vinegar: This multi-purpose wonder tackles grease, grime, and even mildew. Dilute it for lighter cleaning or use it full strength for stubborn stains.
- Baking Soda: Scrub away baked-on messes and deodorize surfaces with this gentle yet effective abrasive.
- Castile Soap: Combine it with water to create a cleaning spray or hand soap.
5. Ditch Paraffin Candles
Many popular candles are made with paraffin, a petroleum byproduct that releases harmful chemicals when burned. These chemicals, including acetone, benzene, and toluene, can wreak havoc on your indoor air quality and put your health at risk and causes asthma attacks, allergies, skin reactions, respiratory problems.. Opt for healthier alternatives as :
- Soy Wax Candles
- Beeswax Candles
6. Be Mindful of Hidden Fragrances
Fragrances add a certain allure to many products, but what lurks beneath those pleasant aromas can be concerning. Recent cases highlight the potential presence of harmful chemicals in popular fragrances, raising red flags about the impact on our health and well-being:
- Personal Care: Swap fragranced soaps, shampoos, and lotions for fragrance-free alternatives.
- Air Fresheners: Ditch chemical air fresheners. Open windows for fresh air, or simmer natural ingredients like citrus peels or herbs.
7. Ditch Plastic, Choose Safe Containers
Research shows that plastic releases chemicals into our food and drinks, which can harm our health. BPA and BPS have estrogenic properties and have been linked to health problems like cancer, diabetes, obesity, and asthma. Though BPA has been removed from many plastics, it has been replaced with BPS, which may be even more toxic. So ditch the plastic and prioritize healthier storage options like:
- Glass containers
- Food-grade silicone bags
My Favorite Plastic Free Food Containers:
Remember, the key is to make informed choices and focus on progress, not perfection. Start with small changes that fit your lifestyle and gradually build healthier habits to minimize your exposure to endocrine disruptors at home.
Disclaimer
I am not a doctor, I enjoy learning about healthcare this information is for educational purposes. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance, especially if you have any allergies, medical conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.