The modern world is reliant on a huge array of processes to produce power and goods. Unfortunately, many of these processes use or produce chemicals and other toxins that are allowed to enter the atmosphere.
Others are discharged into the ground. All of them can be swept up in the water cycle and distributed to any part of the world via nature. In short, you’re going to breathe in or absorb some of these chemicals.
The problem is that many of them are actually harmful to human health and can damage your ability to reproduce.
The worst of these are believed to be Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, (EDC’s).
Understanding EDC’s
The World Health Organization recognizes that EDC’s can damage the reproductive ability of humans, both male and female.
Research suggests that EDC’s can make women’s menstrual cycles longer, increase the likelihood of breast cancer, and even make a miscarriage more likely.
Worryingly EDC exposure is also linked with neurological issues in children. As EDC’s can be passed from a mother to their developing fetus, it seems inevitable that fertility issues are going to get worse.
There is little chance of escaping the EDC’s, recent studies have demonstrated that 95% of people have EDC’s in their blood. The quantity of these substances changes but those with fertility issues have the highest amounts of EDC’s.
EDC’s can be found in pesticides, industrial solvents, plastic storage containers, even food-grade ones, electronic equipment, building materials, personal hygiene items, anti-bacterial soaps, a wide array of clothing and food wrappers, and even children’s products.
It can really feel like nowhere is safe.
How Do You Get EDC’s?
You can consume them if they are in the food you’re eating. They don’t just have to be in the food, your food can also be contaminated if it is stored in a plastic container which contains EDC’s.
Thanks to factories pumping chemicals into the air, there is also an abundance of EDC’s in the atmosphere which you breathe in daily. They can even penetrate your body through your skin.
It’s worth noting that some foods, such as soybeans, also contain EDC’s. These are still considered healthy but should be eaten in moderation.
Types of EDCs
| Common EDCs | Used In |
| DDT, Chlorpyrifos, Atrazine, 2, 4-D, Glyphosate | Pesticides |
| Lead, Phthalates, Cadmium | Children’s Products |
| Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Dioxins | Industrial Solvents or Lubricants and their Byproducts |
| Bisphenol A (BPA), Phthalates, Phenol | Plastics and Food Storage Materials |
| Brominated Flame Retardants, PCBs | Electronics and Building Materials |
| Phthalates, Parabeans, UV Filters | Personal Care Products, Medical Tubing, Suncreen |
| Triclosan | Anti-Bacterial Soaps, Colgate Total |
| Perfluorochemicals | Textiles, Clothing, Non-Stick Food Wrappers, Mircowave Popcorn Bags, Old Teflon Cookware |
Avoiding EDC’s
Because they are literally everywhere t is very difficult to avoid EPC’s altogether. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce your exposure to them.
Check out the following tips and start lowering your EDC intake today.
- Processed Foods
Processed foods are full of salt, sugar, and chemicals. You need to avoid them and stick to whole foods, even organic foods where possible.
- Plastic Bottles
Plastic contains EDC’s. Where possible avoid buying drinks or food in plastic containers. If you have to go with plastic choose the hard plastic bottles as they should be EPC free.
- Microwave in Glass
Microwaves are useful but their heat will allow the EPC’s to migrate from a plastic container into your food. If you’re heating food in the microwave make sure it’s in a glass dish and not the plastic container.
- Point Of Sale Receipts
Did you know the ink on these receipts is full of EDC’s? Handle any receipt as little as possible.
- Air Fresheners
Air fresheners and other strong chemicals used around the house are full of chemicals which are likely to be detrimental to your health, as well as your fertility.
- Pesticides
Pesticides are designed to kill things and that’s the effect they’ll have on cells in your body. It’s best not to use them or be near when someone else is using them.
Detox
Follow the above tips and start thinking about the products you’re using and the foods you’re eating. Then, take protecting your fertility a step further and chat to a qualified professional at Brisbane Naturopath.
You’ll get a personalized assessment and guidance with natural products that can protect or boost fertility. Brisbane Naturopath aims to help you choose the best path for conceiving and nurturing your baby.
