Stop using this in 2025...

Our bodies are beautifully designed to maintain balance, especially when it comes to our hormones. But in today’s world, endocrine disruptors—chemicals that interfere with our hormonal systems—are everywhere. And they’re quietly wreaking havoc. From fertility challenges to mood swings and metabolic issues, these sneaky chemicals impact far more than meets the eye. The good news? Knowledge is power. Let’s dive into where these disruptors hide, why they’re dangerous, and actionable steps to reduce your toxic burden.

What are endocrine disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors are substances that mimic, block, or interfere with our body’s hormones. Common culprits include bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, parabens, and heavy metals like lead and mercury. Even at low doses, these chemicals can build up over time, leading to significant impacts on growth, reproduction, brain development, and immunity.

How do endocrine disruptors impact hormones?

As mentioned, endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with your hormones by mimicking or blocking natural signals. In turn, this leads to hormonal imbalances, affecting everything from mood to metabolism. While out of sight, don’t let them be out of mind! Daily exposures stack up, so it's important to pay attention to what's in the products you use (and the food you eat).

Where to Spot Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disruptors are often found in unexpected places—both inside and outside your home. You’ll find them…

In the kitchen

• Plastic food containers, cling wrap, and non-stick cookware often contain BPA and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
• Canned foods with plastic linings and disposable coffee cups also harbor BPA.

In personal care/beauty products

• Shampoos, lotions, and makeup often contain parabens and phthalates as preservatives and fragrance stabilizers.
• Nail polish, deodorants, and perfumes are common sources, too.

In cleaning supplies

• Conventional cleaners can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that act as endocrine disruptors.

In your clothing

• Fast fashion often involves synthetic fabrics treated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Even underwear can be a culprit if not made from organic materials!

In the environment

• Lawn care chemicals and pesticides are notorious endocrine disruptors, often leaching into the soil and water supply.
• Microplastics, now found in water, air, and even food, can act as carriers for these harmful chemicals.

The Dangers of Microplastics

Are you familiar with microplastics? Like the name suggests, microplastics are tiny plastic particles—often less than 5mm in size—that have (unfortunately) infiltrated every corner of our planet. These particles release harmful chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, and can accumulate in our bodies over time. The health implications are vast, with research linking microplastics to inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormone dysregulation.

Want to test for microplastics in your blood? While it’s currently a field of emerging research, specialized labs can assess exposure, offering insights into how deeply these particles have infiltrated our bodies.

8 Ways to Reduce Your Toxic Burden

If you’re ready to reduce your toxic burden, here are low-lift ways to start:

1. Swap plastic for glass.

• Use glass containers for food storage and reheating. Stainless steel is another excellent alternative for water bottles and cooking!

2. Filter your water.

• Invest in a high-quality water filter to reduce contaminants like chlorine, lead, and microplastics. Reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters are great options.

3. Purify you air.

• Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove VOCs and particulate matter from your home. We love Jaspr air purifriers (it’s worth the investment!). Also, don’t underestimate incorporating houseplants—like snake plants and peace lilies—for natural air purification. 

4. Choose safer clothing (and beauty products!):

• Opt for organic, GOTS-certified clothing and underwear brands like PACT. These options are free from harmful dyes and chemicals!

5. Use better-for-you beauty products.

• Like clothing, make the swap to cleaner beauty products. We love Primally Pure, Osea, and Well People.

6. Rethink your cleaning supplies.

• Switch to non-toxic, fragrance-free cleaners (like Branch Basics or Puracy) or make your own using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

7. Go fragrance-free.

• We also recommend ditching synthetic air fresheners and candles. Choose essential oils or clean candles (like Follain) for a safer alternative. 

8. Be mindful of your diet.

• Last but not least, choose fresh, organic produce whenever possible to reduce exposure to pesticides. Nourishing your body with wholesome, natural ingredients makes all the difference.

Small Steps, Big Change

Transforming your home (and habits) doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one area at a time—perhaps swapping out your plastic food storage or choosing natural personal care products. Every step reduces your toxic load and creates a ripple effect for your family’s health and the planet.