April/May
5
Clarifying the Health of our Families:
Clear everyday chemicals to
improve your health!
Dr. Jennifer Weinberg
Hormone-disrupting and other chemicals are becoming more and more ubiquitous in our world. From the pan we cook
our breakfast in, to the water we drink
and bathe in, to the pesticides sprayed
on our yards to the lotion we spread
on our skin, we are taking in numerous
chemicals each and every day. These
toxic exposures add up and can have a
variety of impacts on our health and the
health of our families.
Emerging research shows that chemicals
we come in contact with each day can influence
our metabolism, brains, hormones and
behavior. Toxicity from heavy metals, endocrine
disruptors and other toxicants contribute
to chronic inflammation and imbalance
in the body. Depending on our individual
susceptibilities, genetics, lifestyles and
exposures, these influences can contribute to a
wide range of health issues from autoimmune
disorders, hormonal imbalances, sensory
processing issues, behavioral difficulties, mood
swings, blood sugar issues, allergies and
autism.
While these are complex issues that
usually need to be addressed alongside a
knowledgeable practitioner, there are many
steps we can take to begin to heal the body
and brain. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
are found in the environment, food and
consumer products and interfere with
hormone biosynthesis, metabolism and/or
action. These substances are widely present
in natural goods like foods, manufactured
chemicals and household products.
1. Choose food which is low in pollutants
and added chemicals. Food is a common
source of chemicals including pesticides,
herbicides, hormones, artificial additives
and chemicals which leech into food from
packaging. Organic produce is grown
without added synthetic pesticides, while
organic meat and dairy products can limit
your exposure to growth hormones and
antibiotics. Choosing fresh, rather than
packaged or processed foods, helps you
avoid food containers like the lining of cans
or plastic boxes that can leech chemicals like
BPA into food.
2. Use non-toxic cookware. Non-stick
pans can contain endocrine disrupting
chemicals like PFOA that are released into
food and air with cooking. Safer cookware
choices include enameled cast iron, ceramic,
stainless steel and oven-safe glass pots and
pans.
3. Store and heat food safely. Plastic food
storage containers often contain chemicals
like BPA that can leech into foods especially