What Is the Endocrine System?
Let's rewind to high school biology class…
The endocrine system is made up of glands that release hormones into the body, affecting nearly every organ and cell.
Hormones are the chemical messengers of the body — they work like a WiFi connection that transports data and instructions from one set of cells to the next.
The main glands responsible for creating hormones include:
- Hypothalamus
- Adrenals
- Pituitary
- Thyroid
- Ovaries
- Testes
- Parathyroids
- Pineal body
Endocrine hormones regulate mood, growth and development, organ function, metabolism, and reproduction.
This explains why endocrine-disrupting chemicals can wreak havoc on the body and make you feel awful.
Up next, we’ll name and shame the toxins that can cause serious hormone disruption.
Chemicals That Are Known Hormone Disruptors
Let's face it, we all need water to survive…
But what we don't need is hormone-disrupting toxins lurking in our water!
So, what are these toxins?
The most common EDCs are:
- Alkylphenols
- Bisphenols (BPA and BPS)
- Compounds containing dioxin
- Chemicals containing PFAS
- Flammable substances
- Synthetic fragrances
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Pesticides
- Parabens
- Phthalates
Don't let these EDCs scare you with their big, sciency names!
With the right protection, you can kick them out of your water once and for all.
In the next section, we’ll cover exactly how they get into your water and how to remove them.
Common Causes of Exposure to Hormone Disruptors In Water
You can either inhale, drink or eat hormone disruptors.
Heck, you can even soak them up through your skin by using showers, bathtubs, swimming pools and steam rooms.
The most common way people are exposed to hormone disruptors is by drinking water that’s been treated with chlorine.
Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are some of the most common types of hormone disruptors found in municipal water sources.
DBPs are formed when disinfectants like chlorine come into contact with the organic matter found in water.
Warmer water is more likely to contain DBPs because they form more easily at higher temperatures.
Water with a low pH level is also more likely to contain DBPs.
Hypochlorous acid, the most reactive form of chlorine, is found in large amounts in water sources with a pH 7 or lower.
What Are The Health Effects Of Hormone Disruptors On Your Body?
Hormone disruptors are dangerous because they can change levels of hormones in your body.
Once in the bloodstream, they mimic thyroid and sex hormones by binding to receptors like real hormones do.
Basically, endocrine disruptors "hack" your cells and impersonate normal hormone activity.
This interferes with normal cell communication.
As a result, endocrine disruptors cause a series of chemical and physical reactions in the body, similar to how your own hormones do.
These toxins are especially dangerous for infants in the womb because their nervous systems are still developing.
Over time, this can affect your body's hormonal balance since the liver is responsible for getting rid of excess hormones.
In adults, the higher the concentration and the longer the exposure, the worse hormone disruptors are for your health.
Worst of all, long-term exposure to endocrine disruptors can increase your risk of developing certain diseases.
Exposure to hormone disruptors is linked to a higher risk of:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Prostate cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Dementia
Hormone disruptors are so common in modern life that many researchers believe they may play a big role in the development of these diseases.
Luckily, you can reduce the risk of hormone disruptors with a few simple tips...
How to Cut Hormone Toxicity From Your Life
Sure, removing hormone disruptors from your life is easier said than done, but here are a few quick tips to help you reduce your risk of exposure:
- Wash your hands to reduce the number of chemicals on your hands when you eat.
- Eat organic foods to avoid pesticides, especially fruits and vegetables eaten with the peel on.
- Avoid using perfumes or fragrances, which have been found to contain phthalates, a known hormone disruptor.
- Use eco-friendly, chemical-free cleaning products in your home.
- Purchase personal care and household cleaners made with natural, organically grown ingredients.
- Avoid canned foods because most cans contain a dangerous chemical called BPA.
- Replace plastic cups and food storage containers with glass ones, since plastics contain more chemicals.
- And lastly, FILTER YOUR TAP WATER!
When it comes to filtered water, an NSF-certified reverse osmosis filtration system is the way to go.
They can remove up to 99.9% of EDCs, as well as pesticides, pharmaceuticals and herbicides.
At the end of the day, providing toxin-free drinking water for your family is not a luxury, it’s a necessity!
Cloud Water Filters not only remove hormone disruptors and all other dangerous toxins, they also use special software to monitor your water quality 24/7.
