Our endocrine system is a chemical messenger system comprised of glands that produce feedback loops for hormones regulating metabolism, development, cellular function, sexual function, reproduction, mood, sleep.
The two major glands involved are the thyroid and the adrenal glands. Other glands included are the brain, cardiovascular system, uterus, Prostate, testes, hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, the parathyroid, the thymus, and the pancreas.
The Thyroid: Your thyroid releases a steady stream of hormones into the body that regulate everything from cholesterol levels, to metabolism, how fast your heart beats, even how your breathing regulates. Signs your thyroid is off can range from mood swings, to elevated blood pressure, headaches, crying for no reason and being overly emotional, hair loss, feeling cold when its warm out, weight loss or weight gain and inability to correct it, and even having odd food cravings.
Adrenal Glands: The adrenal glands are tiny glands sitting on top of each kidney. They produce sex hormones and cortisol. Cortisol is there to help you respond to stress. If you are living in a high stress time in your life, your body gets stuck mistakenly in its fight or flight response. These drains and can even damage your adrenal glands ability to function properly leading to adrenal fatigue.
Your endocrine system can be negatively affected and even damaged to the point of disease by way of contact with chemicals classified as endocrine disruptors.
The problem is most of us do not realize some of these chemicals can be harmful because they are approved for use by the general public.
Let’s take a look at some of the offenders to watch out for:
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
- Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs)
- Dixons
- Bisphenol A (BPA) from plastics
- Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) from pesticides
- Vinclozolin from fungicides
- Diethylstilbestrol (DES) from pharmaceuticals
Where do they come from and how do you come in contact with them?
- Contaminated water/food by way of ground contamination including farming soils.
- Contaminated water/food by way of leaching chemicals from food containers
- Contact with hair and skin by way of household furniture treated with fire retardants.
- Contact with hair and skin by way of pesticides used in homes or public areas as well as in vegetable and fruit growth.
- Intravenous tubing in hospital settings by way of leaching from the rubber
- Application directly to skin by way of cosmetics, personal care products, anti bacterials, sunscreen, and medications.
- Biological transfer – during pregnancy from mother to baby as well as during breast feeding.
While some endocrine disrupting products can easily be avoided by reading labels and buying natural products it can be tough to avoid others. Here are some tips to help keep your endocrine system at the top of its game.
- Drink plenty of clean water – do not store it in plastic bottles, glass is always better.
- Buy natural sunscreen and do allow your body some time in the sun with out it. The sun helps heal us.
- Do not overuse antibacterial wipes, gels, or sprays. Your body needs to build up resistance to germs and bacteria. Ingredients like triclosan can spell disaster for your organs.
- Wash your veggies and fruits. Try to buy organic if you can.
- Buy and wear natural cosmetics.
- Do not get fire retardant covering on your furniture.
- If you garden or keep your yard up do not use glyphosate containing products like RoundUp. Instead use more natural solutions like vinegar and Dawn Dish Soap.
- Do a neurotoxin liver cleanse yearly. No matter how careful you are you will likely come in contact with some toxins. Keep your immune system high and your filter (your liver) clear and working well. For information on how to do a liver cleanse please let the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. Kaster Chiropractic and Associates help guide you. Give the office a call at 239-332-2555.
RESOURCE:
An Introduction to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals a Guide for Public Interest Organizations and Policy Makers: https://www.endocrine.org/-/media/endosociety/files/advocacy-and-outreach/important-documents/introduction-to-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals.pdf
Chiropractic & Nutrition in Ft. Myers, FL.
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Kaster Chiropractic and Associates can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.
239-332-2555