A new health report from the Endocrine Society has raised concerns about the effects of chemicals in the environment on our bodies. The Society analyzed over 1,300 new studies and found that these chemicals are linked to various health issues including reproductive and developmental problems, thyroid impairment, reproductive cancers, lower IQ, heart and weight problems, and diabetes.
These findings are especially important for doctors in the field of integrative medicine, who have been observing changes in their patients that were never seen before. These issues range from hormonal changes to an increase in cancer rates, unexplainable thyroid problems, headaches, and diabetes despite low blood sugar levels. Researchers, including Dr. Michael Cutler, suspected that the flood of chemicals in our environment had a role in these health problems.
Many of these chemicals are poisonous, but some can have devastating effects because they mimic estrogen in the human body. This can be disastrous for men’s health and can also lead to cancer-causing effects in the reproductive systems of both men and women. As a result, cancers that affect tissues near our reproductive systems have been on the rise.
Estrogen-mimicking chemicals
The Endocrine Society’s report focused on studies involving bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyl ethers, and flame retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Furthermore, other pesticides and weed killers also mimic estrogen. To better understand the impact of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals, the society is calling for more funding to study hormone receptors and their potential effects.
Natural solutions: indole-3-carbinol
Fortunately, we already know a natural substance that can help combat excess estrogen in the body. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is found in cruciferous vegetables and is converted by your body to a substance called DIM (diindolylmethane). DIM greatly improves the metabolism of good estrogens by stimulating beneficial estrogen production. Additionally, it reduces the levels of bad estrogen metabolites, which include the 16-hydroxy estrogen. These harmful metabolites are fueled by obesity and exposure to many commercial and household chemicals.
Apart from DIM, I3C also breaks down into other beneficial compounds like isothiocyanate and glucoraphanin, which help the body fight various cancers in the reproductive systems, balance hormones, and even combat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
To take advantage of these benefits, you should consume around three servings daily of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, bok choy, cauliflower, cabbage, or baby cabbage which have approximately 400 mg of I3C. Alternatively, you can protect yourself by supplementing with I3C, which is available at local health food stores.
Additional strategies for protection
There are several other ways you can mitigate the risks of estrogen-mimicking chemicals in your environment:
- Limit your exposure to plastic containers and canned foods, as they often contain chemicals like BPA.
- Opt for natural cleaning and personal care products, as some chemicals in conventional products can disrupt the endocrine system.
- Be mindful of the quality of your food. Choose organic produce and avoid processed foods with artificial additives.
- Include more fiber in your diet to help eliminate excess estrogens from the body.
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight, as excess body fat can contribute to higher estrogen levels.
Conclusion
The presence of estrogen-mimicking chemicals in our environment is a growing concern, as they have been linked to various health issues, including an increased risk of cancers affecting the reproductive system. However, by incorporating natural solutions like indole-3-carbinol from cruciferous vegetables, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and limiting exposure to these chemicals, you can help protect your health against these risks.
