The Science Behind Xenoestrogens

The problem with xenoestrogens is the fact that they mimic the effects of natural hormones within the body. When a person is exposed to xenoestrogens, it can disrupt the natural estrogen functions, which leads to health problems such as early puberty in children as well as other issues with the reproductive system. Recently studies have found that xenoestrogens can also hinder your fat burning process.  There are other health conditions that may be impacted by xenoestrogens, researchers are just beginning to understand more about how hormone mimicking substances can impact health.

Another term that you need to know is “phytoestrogens,” because they are similar to xenoestrogens.  Like xenoestrogens, phytoestrogens (commonly found in soy products) are also estrogen mimickers, but the difference is that phytoestrogens naturally occur in plants and food, and xenoestrogens are man-made.  Both can change your hormone balance, and should be avoided.  Although most soy products should be avoided, because of it’s estrogen mimicking effects, fermented soy is different.  The process of fermentation makes it safe to eat.  Just make sure that you’re getting fermented soy products like miso, natto, tempeh and soy sauce from organic soy beans to ensure no chemicals are used.

How to Combat Xenoestrogens

The best thing that you can do to combat xenoestrogens is to avoid products that contain them.  It is important that you understand the products that are being used in your home, because it is estimated that there are over 70,000 chemicals that are used in household products that can impact your hormones.
Examples of the things that should be avoided include anything with phthalates, BPA, and PCBs.  Look for these chemicals in many of the items that you use around the house on a daily basis: plastic storage containers, laundry detergent, cleaning products, beauty products, shampoo and soap, air fresheners, and many more.

With plastic products, it is especially important to avoid them if they have been heated, because the heating process releases the hormone mimicking substances.  For example, never store or heat food in plastic containers, use glass instead. Avoid drinking from plastic water bottles, especially if they have been sitting in the car, because they have been exposed to heat.

There are also certain types of drugs that should be avoided, including ingredients that are commonly used in birth control pills.  Other sources of xenoestrogens that should be avoided are commercially produced dairy and meat products, because the animals are usually raised with growth hormones.  When you’re eating food that was produced with growth hormones, the food can cause problems with your own hormone balancing. Also, you should avoid commercially produced fruits and vegetables, because they are usually grown with herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.

It may seem overwhelming to make these changes in your household, but it is worth the effort.  Researchers have shown that xenoestrogens change your hormone levels, and those hormone changes can have a big negative impact on the your health including chronic inflammation that can lead to many illnesses, as well as hindering your metabolic process and impeding your fat loss process.  So if you want optimal health and ensure that your fat burning hormones are functioning optimally, it’s best to avoid xenoestrogens as much as possible.  In addition, make sure that you’re consuming enough omega 3 fats (healthy fats) to combat any inflammation caused by these compounds.