40 Ways to Avoid Xenoestrogens – A Non-Stop Threat to Your Health

 

 

 

On a typical day you probably shower in chlorinated water, put lotion on your skin, roll down the window to get some air on your way to work, eat lunch from the microwave and grab the receipt for your groceries on your way home.

Do you know that just today, you have been exposed to hundreds of chemicals called Xenoestrogens? Every one of these chemicals can be harmful, but when combined they are synergistically even more damaging.

What are Xenoestrogens?   The meaning of the word Xeno is “foreign”.  So, xenoestrogens are chemical compounds that imitate estrogen in the body.  They are also referred to as “environmental hormones” or EDC –  Endocrine Disrupting Compounds. They disrupt metabolism and the normal function of the endocrine system by competing for estrogen receptor sites.   The body sees them as a hormone, and they can block the uptake of our body’s natural hormones. This may lead to an over abundance of estrogen in the body.

One of the main functions of estrogen is to encourage cell growth and activate the proteins that speed up cell division. Estrogens work with the immune system, reproductive system, bone growth and metabolism in both men and women.  Xenoestrogens are stored in the body’s fat cells and they are not biodegradable. With too much estrogen in the body, the natural balance of hormones and trace minerals are thrown off decreasing immunity to fight of yeast, fungal or viral infections.

We are exposed to these chemicals every day in our lives. They are in the air, water, soil, new or dry cleaned clothing, body products, food and medicines like birth control and hormone replacement therapy.  Xenoestrogens are in petrochemicals (like gasoline), insecticides, pesticides and electronics manufacturing. They are byproducts of bleaching paper and incinerating chlorinated products.

Again we are at the beginning of a new experiment on the human race as many of these chemicals have only been introduced within the last 70 years. Science is  beginning to study the effects of xenoestrogens now, and unfortunately and many of the studies are only on one or two specific xenoestrogens, not how they work when combined.

With the sudden rise in obesity, infertility, early onset puberty, neurological development in all ages, diabetes, increases in ovarian, breast, testicular and prostate cancer it makes you wonder just how many chemicals our immune systems can handle.

With awareness of what to look out for, you can limit your exposure to Xenoestrogens by following a few of these tips.

Here are 40 ways you can avoid xenoestrogens and protect your health: 

Makeup/Cosmetics/Body Care Products

• Avoid cosmetics and creams that contain parabens (ethylparaben, propylparaben, buylparaben and methylparaben), propyl gallate (an antioxidant used in beauty care products), phenoxyethanol, and stearalkonium chloride, these chemicals are estrogenic. While oral substances will be 80-90% absorbed by the body, those that are applied to the skin are absorbed at 100%.  So a skin dose of these chemicals are equal to ten times the oral dose in the body.
• Avoid sunscreen that contains the xenoestrogen 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, also known as 4-MBC or Benzophenone.
• Limit your exposure to nail polish and nail polish removing products.
• Beware of bubbles or foaming agents containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
• Avoid antibacterial soaps containing Tricolsan (endocrine disrupting pesticide)
• Use chemical free toothpastes, soaps, hair care products, and deodorants.
• Use a good filter for the water in your shower, for your drinking water and or ice maker.
• Try essential oils or and naturally based fragrances in products.

Cleaning products

• Avoid using fabric softeners that allow petrochemicals to enter your body through your skin.
• Avoid using air fresheners and candles made with chemicals, as they may contain phthalates.
• Steer clear of anything containing Alkylphenol which is used in cleaning detergents.
• Use chlorine-free products and unbleached paper products such as coffee filters, paper towels, toilet paper, menstrual pads and tampons. Read more about the dangers of chlorine on our website here: Dangers of Chlorine.
• Choose biodegradable and chemical free laundry and household cleaning products.

Food

• Avoid all types of unfermented soy.
• Avoid eating foods with BHA (butylated hydroxanisole) This compound is a xenoestrogen and common food additive.
• Do not eat any GMO foods or products.
• Avoid the use of Roundup and other garden chemicals as they contain organophosphate pesticides which interfere with testosterone and are a neurotoxin.
• Check labels to avoid artificial food additives, including sweeteners and MSG. Take along our Grocery Watch List for a list of  food additives to avoid.  Click here to print your own copy: Grocery Watch List.
• Buying locally grown, organic food that is in season also reduces your exposure to pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides
• Choose organic, grass-fed, hormone free dairy products and range free meats. In non-organic meat and dairy, estrogenic compounds are used to make them weigh more or produce more.
• Peel the skin off of any non-organic vegetables and fruits.
• Eat as cleanly as possible and avoid animal fat if not hormone free.
• Try not to use food in cans, as over 85% contain BPA that is used to line the containers.
• Wash food well to remove pesticides.
• When growing your own food, use salt and vinegar to remove weeds instead of pesticides.
• Drink Milk Thistle Tea to support your liver.
• Remember to take your Fulvic Mineral Complex to help keep your trace minerals in balance and detoxify.
• Eat soluble fiber it will help to bind with toxins and reduce estrogen levels.  Eating cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli help the liver to metabolize estrogens.
• Use a good water filter that removes Atrazine, which is a herbicide known to turn male frogs into female ones.

Plastics

• Avoid using plastic cling wrap.
• Avoid children’s toys and baby bottles made of plastic.
• Avoid Flame Retardants used in building materials,  furniture, and clothing listed as Polybrominated biphenyl ether (PBDE’s)
• Avoid products with Phthalates and DEHP (plasticizers)
• Use glass to store your food and water in.
• Keep windows rolled up when commuting in heavy traffic or you may breathe in a higher amount of petrochemical residue.
• Do not use plastic bottles that have been frozen or heated.
• Do not use non-stick cookware or water-resistant coatings on clothes, carpets or furniture, as they may contain PFC’s or Perfluorinated Chemicals.
• If you must use a microwave, do not heat anything in plastic containers.
• Refuse receipts from stores as they contain xenoestrogenic chemicals.

Until we make a decision as a group to hold manufacturers more accountable for the chemicals that they are using in products, the best way to protect your self is with your daily individual choices for you and your family.  One choice, one day at a time, can lessen the burden on your body of this modern chemical storm that  we now live in.

Read more about Xenoestrogens in the following  books:

Our Stolen Future by Theo Colburn, Diane Dumonski and John Peterson Myers

Healthy Living in a Toxic World by Cynthia Fincher, PhD.

The Hundred-Year Lie: How Food and Medicine are Destroying Your Health by Randall Fitzgerald

By Kathleen Threet, Staff Writer at Vital Earth Minerals

 

Soothing the Causes of Chronic inflammation

Inflammation can be given many different names depending on what part of the body it is affecting. Inflammation of the joints is called arthritis; of the airways is called asthma or sinusitis; or of the nose is called allergies and rhinitis. Included in the list of inflammation created diseases are: diabetes, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and much more.  Researchers at U.C. San Diego and King’s College in London have even found a link between cancer and inflammation

Why does inflammation happen?

In the presence of infections or injuries, inflammation is a natural and necessary process that activates the immune system. A healthy immune system detects attacks, destroys and remembers foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and even cancer cells. Natural inflammation is your body’s way of defending you against germs and healing injuries.

Alexander Hoffman, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at U.C. San Diego states, “Studies with animals have shown that a little inflammation is necessary for the normal development of the immune system and other organ systems”.

Too much of a good thing

However, considering the diseases listed above that can be controlled, eliminated or prevented by controlling excessive Chronic Inflammation, it is obvious that too much of a good thing can destroy us.

Why does healthy inflammation turn to life threatening Chronic Inflammation?

Suppression of the immune system may be #1. This is caused by the intake of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, drugs, contaminated air and water, excess sugar, and toxic food additives such as MSG.

Free Radicals enter the body two ways. They can be introduced by external sources like x-rays, smoking, pollutants in the air, toxic chemicals and/or produced by the body. Regardless of how they are created, free radicals block the natural function of organs and systems in the body.

Free radicals create oxidation, which can be likened to rust on a piece of metal. Electrically charged free radicals attack healthy cells, causing them to lose their structure and function. The immune system sees free radicals as foreign, and develops antibodies against them, resulting in Chronic Inflammation.

For a full explanation of Free Radicals go to http://www.healthc check systems.com/antioxid.htm.

What can we do to help ourselves?

Find the elements in your specific lifestyle that is creating the problem. Check your nutrition, exercise, sleep patterns and attitude.

Nutrition

Eliminate the self-induced Inflammation causes listed above, such as smoking.

Eliminate all convenience foods. If food has been manufactured, read and understand the label before you ever bring it into your home. Do not buy anything because it claims to be “vitamin fortified” and do not believe the “no MSG” claims – they are rarely true.

A good rule of thumb is to shop the periphery of the grocery store. The natural produce, dairy, fresh fish and meats are found on the outside walls (periphery) of stores. If you go down any aisle you are in the danger zone and it is essential to read and understand labels.

Another good rule of thumb is to check your kitchen trash. How many boxes, cans, packages or jars are in there? If you are eating healthy, you will have very little kitchen trash.

Supplements

Omega 3 EFA’s Certified mercury free Krill Oil is one of the best. Flax seed oil is excellent as well.

Vitamin C. Researchers recommend as little as 200 mg to 2,000 mg. Some take it “to bowel tolerance”. In other words, increase your dosage until it produces slight diarrhea, then back off. You will need different amounts as stress and toxins change.

Vitamin D3 is needed by people who do not get a little natural direct sun on their bare skin (no sunscreen) on a daily basis.

Vitamin E – look for natural mixed tocopherols if you can find them (d-alpha-tocopherol). Natural Vitamin E is in short supply right now.

Selenium – 200 micrograms of an organic, yeast bound form.

Inflammation reducing enzymes – the vegetarian systemic enzyme blend, “Neprinol”, formulated by Arthur Andrew Medical is an excellent one. http://arthurandrew.com/products/neprinol-afd.

Psychological Stress

The very presence of illnesses and diseases can be a major cause of stress, which in turn creates more inflammation, which feeds the disease, which creates even more stress, worry, fear, confusion, and anger. It becomes a self-perpetuating cycle, with each phase feeding the next. The disease thrives on this cycle, becoming stronger and less controllable, while the person hosting the disease feels depressed and hopeless. Stress increases your natural steroids and can eventually lead to depression.

Psychiatrist Andrea Danese explains, “Psychological stress can also trigger inflammation, since stress is really the anticipation of pain.” So if stress is one of your contributors, it is important to identify what the source is. Is there a situation in your life, or a person who is causing unnecessary stress? Is it bad money management? Is it environmental?

Next, it is up to you to take charge and responsibility for finding your own way to relieve it. For you it may be exercise, or meditation, or practicing the Presence Process (read self-help books like “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle), or taking up a relaxing hobby like art, golf, or sewing. We each have our own individual coping mechanisms – it is essential for you to find the one that works best for you.

Millions of people are able to minimize or overcome the diseases we are plagued with in today’s fast paced, toxin laced society. Just remember, there is no blanket cure-all that works for everyone. We all have to find what caused our specific illness state and what we need to do individually to get the results we envision.

Please share with us your ways for overcoming inflammation and join us on Twitter, Face book or Google Plus.

To learn more about our mineral products and quality liquid supplements please visit our website at: Vital Earth Minerals

By Kathleen Threet, Staff Writer at Vital Earth Minerals

Please note that any advertisements that you see on this blog are placed here by WordPress.com. The Administrators of this blog have no connection to or financial interest in any of the promoted products and/or services and gain no income from any advertising displayed on this blog. Please do not click on any promotions that you do not wish to support.

 

Striving for pH Balance In An Acidic World

What does pH mean?

The meaning of pH is Potential Hydrogen which means the degree of concentration of hydrogen ions in a substance or solution.  It is measured on a scale that goes from 0 (Acid) to 14 (Base or Alkaline).  The higher the number indicates that the substance is more alkaline in nature and has a greater potential for absorbing more hydrogen ions.  The lower the number indicates more acidity with less potential for absorbing hydrogen ions.

This applies to our entire body as we are over 70% water.  With every body process utilizing fluids, from blood, spinal fluid, urine, saliva and intercellular fluids, pH plays an important role in our health. Our body’s biochemical reactions are either sped up or slowed down by our pH levels.  This is done by managing the speed that electricity moves through our bodies.  It also controls the speed of enzyme activity.

If a substance is higher in pH (more alkaline) the more electrical resistance the liquid holds. This means that electricity in our bodies travel slower with a higher pH.  When conditions are more acidic, electricity runs fast and resources are burned up quickly.

What can happen if your body pH is too acid?

Your body pH is key to your health and well-being.  Blood remains in a narrow range for pH at around 7.3, below or above this range can indicate warning signs of disease.  When your pH is off, oxygen to the cells is affected, microbes can mutate and grow, and enzymes that are normally helpful can become damaging.  These types of conditions leave you vulnerable to yeast, fungal, parasite infections or even cancer.

Acidosis or high acid levels can be linked to insulin sensitivity, obesity, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, coronary artery disease, liver and kidney disease for starters. It can also cause damage to organs like the heart or brain long-term. This condition also prevents you from loosing weight, can cause premature aging and wear out your immune system by overloading it with toxins.

Our body produces and eliminates acid waste products every twenty-four hours.  If there is more acid in our system than can be released the body must store it.  This requires a buffering system to be in place as acid is corrosive. Oxygen is used in the blood to act as a binder which makes it unable to be used by the cells. The kidneys also work to remove acid from the body as it is transported by bloodstream.

How does the body use minerals to maintain pH? 

The body uses minerals to help stabilize pH levels by combining with acids to create salts that are eliminated through the kidneys and large intestine safely.  Calcium, potassium, Sodium, Magnesium, Iron and Silica are minerals that can all help you stay more alkaline.  If the body doesn’t have the minerals needed to help alkalize from our foods, it will take the calcium and phosphorus from our bones to help buffer the effects of acid.

Today, the minerals are missing in our soils, which in turn leave our foods lacking in minerals also. Our modern diet of breads, sweets, and convenience foods also contribute greatly to our acidic body state. One good way to keep your body balanced is to take trace minerals daily. Combining this with eating organic foods and many raw foods can help to keep the body in symmetry. Find ways to ward off stress as this can create acid also.

Everything we eat or take for our health has a pH ranking on the scale.  Making choices before your put food in your mouth is one of the easier ways of prevention against acidosis.  The effort to stay proactive with your pH is always worth it, because no one I know has the time to feel sick.  Increasing alkalinity can bring you benefits like sleeping better and more soundly along with increased energy.

There is an article on our website that also talks about how acid zaps your energy.  Click here if you would like to read more: http://www.vitalearthminerals.com/v/articles/Acidity_The_Energy_Zapper.html

Please share with us your tips for keeping a good pH balance and join us on Twitter, Face book or Google Plus.

To learn more about our mineral products and quality liquid supplements please visit our website at: Vital Earth Minerals

By Kathleen Threet, Staff Writer at Vital Earth Minerals

Please note that any advertisements that you see on this blog are placed here by WordPress.com. The Administrators of this blog have no connection to or financial interest in any of the promoted products and/or services and gain no income from any advertising displayed on this blog. Please do not click on any promotions that you do not wish to support.