What are Xenoestrogens?
They are found in a range of everyday items. They alter the way our body naturally functions because they contain endocrine disruptors.
Endocrine disruptors are a category of chemicals that alter the normal function of hormones. In women, xenoestrogens can contribute to a condition known as estrogen dominance. This is especially likely during perimenopause, when the normal balance of progesterone and estrogen is out of balance leaving women prone to high estrogen levels.
Where do Xenoestrogens come from?
Xenoestrogens are found in many things we encounter on a daily basis. Most of us don’t even think twice about the plastic containers we use to store food or the makeup we wear, or the cleaning products we use.
The food industry has become reliant on pesticides. Insecticide, herbicide and fungicide are sprayed onto some fruit and vegetables up to 10 times before they reach the supermarket shelves.
So how do we avoid xenoestrogens?
Eating and drinking
Drink filtered water. Tap water or tank water contain a multitude of varying toxins that can quite easily be filtered out.
Switch to organic foods that haven’t been exposed to pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. Organic foods are generally free of genetically modified ingredients and antibiotics and contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals. In particular they contain vital micronutrients like zinc, as they grow on more nutrient-rich soil. We understand that eating organic is good for us, but sometimes these can be expensive and we don’t want to pay the extra money. If your fruit and vegetables are not organic, wash them thoroughly. Washing cannot alter the amount of pesticides already absorbed into the vegetables, but it can at least take away some of the residue.
Eat grass fed organic meat
Storing food
Use BPA free plastic bottles and food containers
Remove food from plastic packaging as soon as possible
Do not heat food in plastic, especially in microwave ovens
Store all food in a glass dish in the fridge, avoid cling wrap and place a saucer or glass lid over it.
Beauty and cleaning products
Overhaul your personal care products. Only buy phthalate-free toiletries
Stop using perfumes. Essential oils can work just as well.
Choose natural cleaning products or make your own
If you are building or renovating choose safer products. Seek assistance in creating a healthy home.
Flush them out
It is impossible to avoid all xenoestrogens. So, crucial to managing your menopause symptoms including menopause weight gain, is to flush out the ones you are exposed to. Consume plenty of good oestrogens which are naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. Known as phytonutrients, these will lock into your cells and prevent them from taking in xenoestrogens. You can also support your liver, detoxifying it every morning with a cup of hot water with half a squeezed fresh lemon.
Emma Bitz.
Beauty. Body Health. Food and Nutrition. Lifestyle. Menopause.
