The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones, chemical substances produced in the body that regulate the activity of cells or organs. These hormones regulate the body's growth, metabolism (the physical and chemical processes of the body), and sexual development and function.
The endocrine system is made up of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid and parathyroids glands, two adrenal glands, the pancreas, ovaries, and testicles. The system works by sending hormones as messengers throughout the body delivering instructions on how to coordinate different bodily functions.
In fact, the endocrine system works a bit like a thermostat in your home. The hormones in your whole body are regulated by your pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. These two communicate with each other and with the other parts of the endocrine system telling what gland or organ to release what hormone in order to keep things at a constant state of homeostasis. Or to keep things level.
BUT when we use house hold items containing endocrine disruptors or blockers like detergent,
dish soap,
body wash,
shampoo,
lotion,
cosmetics,
metal food cans, plastic toys and containers containing BPA, DEHP, and phthatates
we are putting ourselves and our families at risk for overpowering our bodies with estrogen-mimicking toxins. Is this what you're after? Of course not!
Here are some steps to taking these toxins out of your homes.
Step 1: Swap out your hand soaps around your house.
Using an all natural soap like this one or this one and warm water, wash your hands long enough to sing "Happy Birthday" (about 20 seconds) and rinse well.
Step 2: Make the switch to fragrance free cleaning products
The fragrances in our perfumes and cleaning products contain phthalates. Phthalates are weak endocrine disruptors and androgen blocking chemicals. This means that when absorbed into the body phthalates can either mimic or block female hormones, or in males, suppress the hormones involved in male sexual development. Switching to something like this removes these toxins from your cleaning products.
Step 3: Swap out soft plastic containers for glass or hard, BPA free plastic ones.
Step 4: Filter the chemicals from your water
It has been found to have traces of lime, chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, pesticides, and even trace amounts of pharmaceutical drugs! WHAT?! Investing in something like a Berkey water filter is a long term good investment and worth the money if you can swing it. If that is not in your price range for the moment a Brita filter will do just fine for now.
Step 5: Stop putting all that bad stuff on your skin!
Your skin is your largest organ, and is ofter the first thing to encounter all these toxins. Finding clean haircare, skincare, and make up will make a world of difference. I love these currently for hair. These for skin. And these for makeup. All free of things that will hurt me in the long run. And things I happily use on my own child.
It can seem daunting to change your whole house over all at once, but you can start by taking small steps today. Running a marathon isn't done all at once! It's lots of small steps taken to get you over that finish line. This is no different. A happier, healthier, more hormonally equal person is waiting for you.
Click over to my coaching page to see what's coming up!
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