The Case with Xenoestrogens

Each and everyday a human being inhales at least 11,000 liters of air. Carbon dioxide is an element essential for life and it seeks to provide nourishment to heart, lungs, kidney, and liver. If said carbon dioxide is contaminated with chemicals, the greater risk of developing health problems are highly probable. Insufficient polluted carbon dioxide However, Chemicals are not just in the air we breathe it’s in the products we buy, things like emulsifiers, containers, water, etc. Throughout evolution, humans have thrived for a millennia without cases of chronic disease or extreme pollution to what it is now. Humans are de-evolving to be weaker, sicker, and dependent on toxic treatments. Organizations like the EPA have mass produced chemicals and man-made toxins into our environment for political and monetary purposes. Chemicals are spread through wastewater treatment plants, rivers, fumes, and and manufacturing methods for the products being commonly used today. One of the many toxins being exposed to the environment that I would like to further discuss are xenoestrogens.

The common toxins that are in this Xenoestrogen list below cause inflammation, weight-gain, and chronic fatigue.  Xenoestrogens are chemicals known to mimic the effects of estrogen which alter a persons hormonal activity. Xenoestrogens are found in many household cleaners, household sprays, plastics, foods, liquids, commercially raised animals, and many other products. Xenoestrogens are very powerful, that they do not break down and thus build up in your body. It will in fact make it harder for the liver to detox all of these estrogen mimickers. They are in face more potent than regular naturally produced estrogen. The immune system does not know how to process this dangerous toxins and adequately eliminate them. The accumulation of pseudo-estrogens like xenoestogens will cause breast cancer through endometriosis which is the growth of tissue outside the uterus. Other factors that contribute are, polycystic ovaries, which causes infertility, and hormonal imbalances like the rise of androgen’s which can cause male-pattern baldness, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles. Uterine fibroids are tumors that will grow in the walls of the uterus. Some consequences that occur as a result of fibroids are pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, along with bladder and rectal system pressure.

The List of Common Xenoestrogens

1. Bisphenol A (BPA)	Used to make plastic food containers, water bottles and the coating inside metal cans
2. Chlorine	Used as a disinfectant in Pools
3. Parabens	Used in Skin care products, shampoos and pharmaceuticals
4. Heavy Metal Pollutants 5. Propyl Gallate 6. Ethinyl Estradiol	Lead, Mercury, arsenic are known to be endocrine disrupters and neurotoxins Used in foods, cosmetics, sunscreen and hair care products common found in retail stores Used in birth control products

I will mention another common xeno-estrogen from this list… Chlorine is a common disinfectant found in swimming pools and acts as a sterilizer for drinking water. Kids and adults involved in swimming activities indoors or other places have been exposed to chlorine in their lifetimes.  Even in gas form chlorine is dangerous… Chlorine also takes the form of a respiratory inhalant which can cause pulmonary edema, which is an excess buildup of fluid in the lungs that cause breathing difficulties. Chlorine is not just found in water, but in products like paper, textiles, paint and plastics. The American journal of public health states that people who drink chlorinated water have a 21% higher risk of developing bladder cancer. Rectal cancer is also expected at a 38th percent as a result of chlorinated water consumption. Once Xenoestrogens like these overpower natural estrogen, health problems like lupus, allergies, arthritis and autoimmune diseases can occur as a result.

I will list some more frightening facts on how xenoestrogens are a further detriment to our system. These Pseudo-estrogens can alter one’s metabolism, which will make it hard to break down sugars and fats which is a main risk factor for diabetes. In turn, they will also alter copper and zinc levels. This will lead to mood swing, depression long with low levels of collagen, bone mineral density. Another shocking fact, Xenoestrogens will deplete levels of vitamin B, which is needed for complex bodily functions. Deficiency of B vitamins, can results in chronic fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, and promotes the aging of crucial organs. Additional Deficiencies in B vitamins, particularly vitamin B6 can lead to the increase in Homocysteine levels which can elevate heart disease risk. This applies for all forms of fake estrogens on the list. They all have similar effects and are nearly omnipresent.

Mercury and Lead are highly potent heavy metals that cause nerve and brain damage. They also take the form of estrogen mimickers causing your body damage in much more ways than one. Without proper nerve supply the nervous system cannot function in an optimal state, hence they are neurotoxins. They all contribute to cognitive decline along with decreased productivity of cell division and proliferation. These are some of the most common connected detriments of mercury and lead. Arsenic is also a serious toxin that will cause problems in nearly every part of your body. The Agency for toxic substances & disease registry states that arsenic effects neuronal processes, cardiovascular, renal and gastrointestinal function in a negative way. Arsenic is also a component in cigarettes which contributes to lung cancer. Does your doctor/pharmacist possibly have access to xenoestrogens in any way shape or form? It turns out yes, items like birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy prescriptions will cause additional exposure.

Here are some frightening statistics from the CDC…. The CDC found BPA in about 93% of urine samples from American citizens of ages 6 or older. This study, ironically was conducted about 12 years ago and the spread of toxic chemicals has increased since then. An England study examined women with breast cancer in depth. The scientists found that 99% of participants aka the women with cancer had 99% of paraben in their blood. The content of parabens if you couldn’t tell are found in the chart which are skincare products, shampoos and pharmaceuticals. Parabens are well absorbed into the skin and are diluted in blood and usually stay there. It is important to get care products that are free of these toxins and I recommend the Environmental Working Group to access these products.

With all of this being said the situation to successfully remain free from toxins seems impossible. What is the proper solution to all of this bombardment? I recommend being on a healthy alkaline diet, getting access to toxic-free products, getting an air filtration system for the home. I recommend the air filtration system since indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. Detoxing with an alkaline diet will help the body rid itself of toxins one step at a time. Buying certain products like sunscreens, containers, shampoos, skin care products in their non toxic forms will help reduce exposure. The Environmental Working Group provides charts and guidelines on what to avoid to protect yourself and the environment. My sincerest advice is to acquaint yourself with the chemical contents of your environment and take the appropriate measures to protect your health.

Sources

http://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/11/10/EPA-study-Air-pollution-often-worse-indoors-than-outdoors/6028015559141/

http://www.livescience.com/28988-chlorine.html

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The Case with Xenoestrogens