*Disclosure: Hormone imbalances are extremely hard to pinpoint exactly what is causing it, where it is coming from, and could be a collective amount of things that you use, consume, and/or are exposed to daily. Everyone’s body is different and may not be as sensitive or reactive to some of the things as others may be. The sneaky hormone disruptors mentioned in this blog are just a few suggestions and lifestyle changes to take into consideration to keep your hormones in check and happy.*
If you’re someone that is struggling with hormonal acne, it can be extremely frustrating when you feel like you are doing all of the right things inside and out to balance your hormones, and nothing is working. Unfortunately in our world today there are more and more toxins in our everyday items that can disrupt hormones, making it hard to pinpoint the root cause/causes. However, by looking into your everyday products, consumption, and habits a bit deeper, it can help tremendously. Below are eight sneaky hormone disruptors that are great to consider to keep your hormones in check…
1. Receipt Paper
You may have heard of opting for BPA free water bottles and cookware, but what you may have not heard of is that BPA can be found in your everyday receipt paper, as well as estrogen mimicking chemicals. Receipt paper contains 250-1000 times more BPA than a can of food does. If you have not heard of BPA, it is an industrial chemical that can linger in the body for a week or more, and should be avoided to keep hormones in check. Opt for a text message or email receipt when possible!
2. Using Seed Oils
Seed oils are oils made from seeds, such as sunflower, cottonseed, safflower, canola, and grape seeds. These oils are found in the majority of processed foods, alternative milks, and can cause excessive inflammation in the body resulting in disrupted hormones along with other health/skin issues. Majority of restaurants also use these oils to cook your food - opting for olive oil and avocado oil when possible is best!
3. Too Much Caffeine Consumption/Caffeine On An Empty Stomach
Coffee is acidic, making it a bit harsh on an empty stomach in the morning. It causes our bodies to go into a stress response, to shoot out cortisol, and to put us in a fight or flight state. The heightened stress response in the body from caffeine on an empty stomach or too much consumption of caffeine daily can cause hormonal imbalances and worsen acne. I love a good iced latte, so making sure I pair my morning coffee with a meal, and don't consume too much caffeine throughout the day is really important for me and helps keep my hormones in check. If you’re someone trying to decrease your coffee intake, opt for a green tea/matcha when possible.
4. Skipping Healthy Fats
Bioindividuality means that there is not a one-size-fits-all diet, each person is a unique individual with highly individualized nutritional requirements. However, healthy fats are something that especially women should consider adding more of into their breakfast and meals. Healthy fats contain omega 3 fatty acids which regulate the skin's oil production, improve balanced hydration, subdue breakouts and minimize signs of aging. Easy foods that contain healthy fats and omega 3 fatty acids are hemps seeds, chia seeds, flax meal, avocado, tofu, and nuts.
5. Blue Light Exposure
Blue light wakes you up and stimulates you during the day. It also starts the production of cortisol (stress hormone) and ghrelin (nicknamed the “hunger” hormone). Blue light exposure suppresses melatonin production and disrupts circadian rhythm which results in hormones being missignaled. Trying to limit daily blue light exposure, and making sure you aren’t exposed to it at least 30 minutes-1 hour before bed can help this!
6. Candles
This one may be a surprise to some people, but many candles contain phthalates. Phthalates, one class of chemicals, can result in disrupted hormones. Once a candle burns, phthalates are released into the air where they may be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Once in the bloodstream, they can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms in some people and have been found to alter hormone levels. When buying candles, opt for soy, coconut or beeswax candles, unbleached cotton, hemp or wooden wicks and scented with pure essential oils.
7. Cookware + Plastic Containers
Teflon is a non-stick coating for pots, pans, and certain kitchen appliances like air fryers, and contains a compound known as C8. This compound is a known hormone disruptor, and ends up leaking into your food when cooking. (Similar to microplastics and chemicals in plastic tupperware and spatulas) Opt for glass tupperware, and cast iron pans when you can!
8. Tap Water
Micropollutants are a problem worldwide. The water from your tap varies depending on what region you are in, but it’s not as pure as you might think. Tap water can contain contaminants such as lead, microplastics, other bacterias, and it may also contain hormones or endocrine disruptors. Even in small quantities these disruptors can severely impact your natural hormone balance. No matter where you live, it is best to make sure you have a proper water filter for your drinking water.
By being mindful of the products you're purchasing, consuming, and letting into your environment daily, you can implement changes to avoid toxins and keep your hormones balanced and healthy.💛
Thank you for reading!