There are many things that we cannot control in our environment that exposes us to chemicals that can be disruptive to our endocrine system, but you can take control of what goes on in your home. You may not even think about all of the products that you come in contact with in a day. Try this exercise. Make a list of everything that you put on your body in a day and all of your cleaning products you use in your home. This may take a while, but it is so worth it.
Epigenetics studies have shown that your environment, from what you eat to what you clean with, can create changes in your DNA that can be passed down to your children and live in their DNA. Think about that for a minute. Your choices not only affect you, but they affect the generations following you. However, there is hope and you can start small. Start by looking at the ingredients labels for these items and choose products that do not contain these chemicals.
Cosmetics
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP) used for softening products, and parabens as preservatives.
Toothpaste, and shower items
Sulfates (SLS, SLES) used to make the suds.
Skin Care
Petroleum is used as a moisturizer.
Cleaning products
DEA, TEA, and MEA used for balancing pH, making suds, and used as preservatives.
You may be thinking about how expensive the “all natural” and “organic” brands are. I felt the same way when I was standing in healthy living starting at the price tags thinking “I will never be able to afford this”. After some deep though I concluded that yes, these products are more costly, but so will those hospital bills at the end of my life when I find myself and my family sick from endocrine disruptors that could have been avoided in the first place. Dramatic? Maybe… but it propelled me to make the change.
Here are some easy ways that I began my attempt at having an endocrine disruptor free home. These changes ultimately ended up saving me money in the long run if you can buy ingredients in bulk. You are also helping our mother earth by reducing container waste. Win, win!
Check out the links for these trusty recipes I have been using from the beginning. These are the easiest ones to start with. Try introducing one change per month so you do not become overwhelmed or financially burdened with the upfront cost (like someone I know did... cough cough).
Laundry soap
https://wellnessmama.com/462/homemade-laundry-detergent/
Household cleaner
https://www.makeandtend.com/thieves-cleaner-recipe/
Body wash
https://wellnessmama.com/23862/homemade-body-wash/
Handsoap
https://wellnessmama.com/8631/foaming-hand-soap/
Cold cream make-up remover and moisturizer
https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/homemade-cold-cream/
Some brands that I go for when I do not have the time or energy to DIY are Mrs. Meyers, and Seventh Generation products. Be mindful and read the ingredients list when you think you are purchasing “clean products” as some are marketed to look like they are clean but really contain the same junk as the lower priced options.
Some other notable items are tampons and candles. The quality of your tampons is essential to your reproductive health and hormone balance. Opt for organic cotton tampons above all else. I recently learned more about the Lunette cup from a dear friend and am going to try that once it comes in the mail! (Update: a little getting used to at first but love it!). Try using an essential oil diffuser rather than candles which use artificial scents. Blending oils can be so much fun! A good resource is the app “Ref Guide” to show you how to oils can be used to actually support your women’s health issues.
Head spinning? Mine was too. It has taken me 8 years to feel like I am in a good spot with my product changes. I don’t think I will ever feel 100% about what I can control but it is more than 50% which is progress! So be patient and have fun with this. When you get discouraged start thinking about the good you are doing for yourself and your generations to come.
You May Also Like
