Toxic ingredients and hormones

The link between the ingredients in all the products we use and how they negatively impact our hormones. Link to my free ingredient guide and tips on how to reduce your exposure to toxic ingredients.

What are hormones?

Let's make something that isn't simple, as simple as possible...what are hormones? Essentially hormones are chemical compounds secreted throughout the body by specific glands which we refer to an as the endocrine system.

These chemical compounds have the ability to cause outward emotional responses such as happiness, fear, anger, anxiety, stress, depression, and so much more! They can also cause bodily responses that may seem less obvious. Such as acne, hair loss, thin/brittle hair, fatigue, dull skin, insomnia, weight gain weight loss, fertility complications, loss of menstrual cycle (amenorrhea) in women, and you guessed it.... the list goes on.

Now that you know the good and the bad, let's discuss why we need them and how amazing they can be! Hormones have the ability to create an incredible bond between you and another being. They can give you signs when something is going terribly wrong in the body and communicate to you that something in your environment needs to change. Hormones tell us when we need to slow down, change our eating habits, sleep more, exercise more, and so on. For women, we get monthly reports on how our hormones are doing. Whereas men get a daily report. What you need to know is hormones are very important! So when they are imbalanced, we don't feel our best. We need to learn to listen to our bodies so we can help them rebalance.

What are some signs of hormone balance?

For time's sake let's focus on some of the signs we may see in women:

• Regular cycles

• Light/mild periods

• Mild PMS symptoms

• Mild cramps

• Clear and bright skin

• Healthy weight

• Healthy hair and nails

• Moderate mood swings

• Clear mind

• Quality sleep

• Appetite

• Good energy levels

• High libido (sex drive)

Now for signs of imbalanced hormones?

• Irregular cycles

• Heavy, painful, and/or long periods

• Very light and short periods

• Acne

• Extreme PMS symptoms

• Brain fog

• Extreme mood swings

• Insomnia or poor sleep quality

• Low libido

• Fatigue

• Low or extreme appetite

• Brittle/thin hair and nails

• Weight gain or weight loss

• Loss or missed periods

• Fertility issues

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Other mental health concerns

• Irregular body temperature

• Muscle aches

• Joint pain

• Irregular or frequent bowel movements

• Frequent urination

Gosh, every time I look at that list I feel overwhelmed! You too? Yeah, it's a lot to take in. But then I am reminded why having balanced hormones is so darn important. With all the symptoms we can experience when they are out of whack it's also very important we know what can cause imbalances. While of course there are many factors, we're only going to discuss one BIG factor. Toxic ingredients! So let's get into it.

What are toxic ingredients?

Toxic ingredients are the chemical ingredients found in our food, face and body products, household products, plastics, candles, perfumes, clothes, and pretty much anything you can buy! These ingredients are "regulated" in the United States by big corporations such as the FDA, USDA, and EPA. This means known toxins may be allowed in minute amounts.

Unfortunately, these corporations don't require certain ingredients to be listed! So even though you may find a product that doesn't obtain a known toxin, it may be listed under another name or not listed at all. This is why buying from companies that are upfront about what goes into their products is a vital part of living a healthier lifestyle.

Chemical ingredients have been linked to many chronic diseases and of course hormonal imbalances. We call them endocrine disruptors. Some examples of endocrine disruptors are sulfates, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, and so many more! Anything you put in or on your body passes through the blood stream and can cause hormonal imbalances. This includes chemicals that leech into your food, water, and air.

Tips for limiting toxic ingredient exposure:

1. Always, always, always read ingredient lists!

I read ingredient lists on everything. Be aware that the smaller the list doesn't always correlate to a cleaner product but is a good start. Get familar with the big name chemcials that are the most harmful to your health and just say no altogether to products that contain them. My free ingredient guide is a good place to start! I have curated a list of ingredients that I look out for in all my products.

2. Research companies and utilize your resources

I pride myself on finding companies that are honest about what goes into their products. Using my resources such as EWG.com and looking up ingredients that I may not be familiar with are ways I avoid purchasing products that may disrupt my hormones.

3. Limit your plastic use

Plastics, even those that are BPA free can cause issues in the body. Opt for beeswax, glass containers/bottles, and stainless steel options. *Bonus tip* never place hot food or drinks in plastic containers as the chemicals may leech into your food or beverage.

4. Buy organic when possible

Organic doesn't ensure you are free from all possible toxins but it is a great way to avoid as many as possible. Organic products will be manufactured with little to no chemicals and in animal products you will avoid most hormones and antibiotics.

5. Support your bodies natural detoxification systems!

If you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and know that there are so many ways to support your body. Reducing our toxic load is step #1. Doing things like working out, dry brushing, using a gua sha, stretching, drinking lots of water, and eating gut friendly foods are great ways to support your bodies detoxification system.

I hope you find these tips helpful and always remember to take it one step at a time. Hormones can be complicated but things become much easier when we remove all the variables that can cause imbalances. Start slow and work up to eliminating as many toxic ingredients in your life as possible!

As always, sometimes we need a little extra help along the way. Working with a health coach is a great place to start. Message me on my instagram or book your free consult on my website to start your journey to healthy hormones!