Learn How Foreign Estrogens Can Alter Hormonal Activity in Women and Men
Personal Climate Change
We are constantly assaulted by estrogens in our environment from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the chemicals we use. Foreign Estrogens, or Estrogen Mimickers come in the form of chemicals (xenoestrogens) and plant based foods (phytoestrogens). They can mimic the action of estrogen produced in cells and can alter hormonal activity in women and men.
Evidence is steadily growing that xenoestrogens and other hormone mimicking substances are implicated in a wide range of human and wildlife health problems. Estrogen dominance from these environmental hormone disrupters are causing an imbalance of hormones, creating a host of estrogen dominance symptoms in both sexes.
Phytoestrogens and Xenoestrogens (Foreign Estrogens)
Phytoestrogens (phyto meaning plant) are naturally occurring estrogenic compounds that are found in a variety of plant foods such as beans, seeds, and grains. Their chemical structure resembles estrogen. Phytoestrogens that mimic estrogen may affect the production and/or the breakdown of estrogen by the body, as well as the levels of estrogen carried in the bloodstream. These mimickers can either have the same effects as estrogen or block estrogen’s effects. These compounds are generally weak estrogens, in comparison to real estrogen, synthetic estrogen (HRT), and xenoestrogens.
Following are some of the strongest phytoestrogen containing substances:
- Soy
- Black Cohosh
- Chasteberry
- Dong Quai
- Red Clover
- Flaxseed
- Caffeine
Xeno literally means foreign, therefore xenoestrogens means foreign estrogens. Some of the 70,000 registered chemicals for use in the United States have hormonal effects in addition to toxic effects. Scientists have suggested that environmental estrogens might be reducing sperm counts in men and causing breast cancer, fibroids, and other reproductive diseases in women. Xenoestrogens can be found in many of our meats and dairy products in the form of chemicals and growth hormones that are given to the animals. These can be quite powerful, and should be avoided where possible.
How to Avoid Environmental Sources of Foreign Estrogens
- Avoid all pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Wash your food well to rid the pesticides.
- Bathe washed vegetables and fruits in a produce wash or ozonated water for 20 minutes before using.
- Use only organic based whole foods when you can. Buy hormone free meats and dairy products where possible.
- Have a good water filter for your source of water.
- Avoid plastic goods – they leach into the environment.
- Do not microwave food in plastic containers, and especially avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food when microwaving.
Read More in our Environmental Estrogens Page
Getting Back to Balance
By learning how you can change and/or maintain your health, you can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with hormone imbalances.
Balanced hormones allows women and men to move through the stages of hormonal ups and downs with the help of adequate nutritional support, natural hormone replacement, exercise, herbs, and vitamin and mineral supplements.
Without a proper understanding of how hormone imbalances can adversely affect us, women and men, are often prescribed synthetic hormones, antidepressants, and a host of other drugs to relieve the symptoms without addressing the underlying causes.
Supplements to Support Healthy Hormone Balance
Now is the time to take charge and educate yourselves about the negative impact that hormone imbalances can have on your overall health and what you can do naturally to help regain and maintain hormonal balance.
