The 411 on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): What They Are, Where They Hide, and Why They Matter

As women’s health experts, we care about all things women’s health, and hormonal health is a huge piece of that. Right now, environmental toxins and how they can negatively impact your hormonal health are a hot topic, but can also lead to a lot of questions. You may not understand what these toxins are, where they are found, and how they actually impact you. Environmental Toxins, also known as EDCs, are chemicals found in many everyday items, including plastics, food packaging, cosmetics, body care products, and even household dust. They disrupt hormone levels because they mimic or block our body’s natural hormones and therefore put our hormone levels out of balance. 

Exposure to EDCs has been linked to a variety of women’s health conditions, including more intense menopausal symptoms, early menopause, fertility challenges, PCOS – polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, and breast cancer risk. 

So now that we know what these EDCs are, where they can be found, and how they impact you, it’s important to know that there are ways you can reduce your EDC exposure to protect your hormonal health. 

1. Choose Glass or Stainless Steel: If you have the option, opt for glass or stainless steel containers over plastic for heating or storing food or water. Regarding food, glass and stainless steel containers and dishes are safer choices. 
2. Decrease Ultra-Processed Packaged Foods: There are several reasons why ultra-processed foods, which are often prepackaged in plastic, are not optimal for nutritional health, but the packaging and food processing equipment used to create and distribute the food may also lead to EDC exposure. 
3. Consider Organic Produce for the Dirty Dozen: Fruits and vegetables may be exposed to pesticides, increasing your exposure to EDCs. When purchasing produce that has a higher likelihood of EDC exposure, purchasing organic can make a big difference. The Dirty Dozen is an annual list compiled by the Environmental Working Group, highlighting produce that is typically higher in pesticides (the Dirty Dozen) as well as those that are usually lower in pesticides (the Clean Fifteen). This can help us decide where to allocate our extra budget for organic produce. 
4. Check Your Personal Care Products and Cosmetics: Read the labels on your personal care products and cosmetics, and try to avoid those that contain fragrance, parabens, or phthalates–as these have a high level of EDCs. The free Environmental Working Group app is a valuable resource for finding safer alternatives to products with high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). 
5. Filter Your Water: Consider installing or using a water filter pitcher to reduce exposure to EDCs. Some EDCs, including PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”), have been detected in tap water, so consuming filtered water can decrease your intake.
6. Avoid BPA-Lined Canned Goods: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a type of EDC. Some cans are lined with BPA, but the good news is that many cans are now BPA-free. Check the labeling on the cans or opt for frozen or fresh food whenever possible. 
7. Open the Windows or Use Natural Air Fresheners: The synthetic fragrances used in air fresheners often contain EDCs. Consider using essential oils or opening the windows when you need air freshening rather than relying on artificially scented products. 
8. Embrace Healthy Eating: Eating various fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and seeds can help naturally remove some EDCs. Plus, nourishing yourself with nutrient-dense foods is good for your overall hormonal health, too. 

Although we can’t avoid exposure to all EDCs, we can do a lot to limit our exposure to them. Don’t worry about tackling all of the recommendations above at once. Instead, congratulate yourself for every small step that you make toward decreasing your endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure and optimizing your hormonal health. Taking one small step at a time can make a large impact on our health over time. 

If you have more questions about hormonal health or any other women’s health issue, please reach out to us at Diana Health. Our wellness coach and nutritionist are great resources for establishing new, healthy habits, making changes to your diet, and identifying factors that might be contributing to your overall hormonal health. Book a visit today to start making strides in your journey.