Xenoestrogens…or [xenohormones] tend to accumulate in fatty tissue. -Dr. Devra Lee Davis, Epidemiologist
Recently, I embarked on a hormone balancing journey. I was inspired by my recent Dutch Test results, Dr. John Lee, Dr. Eckhart and Virginia Hopkins’ research about PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), as well as a handful of books and research studies linking endocrine disorders (hormone imbalance) like PCOS and hirsutism, to early exposure to synthetic chemicals. In light of it all, I decided to step up my game with the non-toxic living component and eliminate natural herbs and specific foods that could potentially influence hormones. Yes, I said farewell to certain herbs, essential oils and even foods like soy, flax, coffee and safflower oil that could impact hormones. Why? First, to simplify life and second, to get back to baseline and balance hormones naturally. To be more specific, I adopted a xenohormone-free lifestyle.
What Does a Xeno-Hormone Free Lifestyle Mean?
This lifestyle consists of the following guidelines:
- Less is more!
- Eliminate foods, herbs and chemicals that influence hormones
- Don’t put anything in your mouth or on your skin that is hormone influencing
You can find out more from the Clear Women website.
Below I define xeno-hormones, explain the sources of them and finally I share 5 products that have become an integral part of my xenohormone-free lifestyle, which I am confident support balance and wellness. It is important to switch out all products that touch the skin, including makeup and deodorant, so make sure you are examining all your bodycare, foods and teas.
The following blog posts may offer further support:
7 Ways to Eliminate Hormone Disruptors (i.e. endocrine disruptors) & Balance Hormones Naturally
What are Xeno-Hormones?
Xenohormones come from “petrochemical, non-biodegradable, fat-soluble antagonistic contaminants,” which are showing up in our bodies and causing chaos. “Xeno” means foreign, so xeno-hormones are foreign or fake compounds that act as invaders to the body, bind to estrogen receptor sites and behave like estrogens (think estrogen dominance) in the body, and actually end up causing hormone related diseases like endometriosis, PCOS, breast, testicular and prostate cancers. These synthetic “hormones” can even cause weight gain and harmful reproductive effects, making it harder for a couple to conceive a child. So basically, we can call these xeno-hormones…xeno-estrogens because they are acting like estrogen in the body and causing the body to be out of balance. (Bauman, 2015)
Sources of Xeno-Hormones (i.e. Endocrine Disruptors)
Any foreign substance or natural that offsets the balance of our natural hormones is considered a xenohormone, also known as an endocrine disruptor. The chemicals or toxins found in everyday items such as makeup, deodorant, toothpaste, conventional meat/diary and plastic bottles, are actually very much contributing to endocrine disorders (hormone imbalance). On top of this, foods like flax, chocolate, coffee and even topical application of certain essential oils and shea butter are estrogen promoting in the body, so it’s important to consider even natural sources.
Several cups of coffee increases estradiol levels by 70%.
Fortunately, we do have some control over how much exposure we have to herbal and synthetic toxins on a daily basis. By examining the foods and ingredients we expose ourself to daily, we take back our health and enjoy a more natural balance.
Xeno-estrogens tend to accumulate in fatty tissue. Foods from animals at the top of the food chain are likely to deliver larger doses than are foods from organisms at lower levels [like plant foods]. – Dr. Devra Lee Davis, Epidemiologist
*Note: It’s important to eliminate conventional animal products that also negatively influence hormone balance. Find out more here.
Detox Xeno-Hormones with These 5 Products
This xenohormone-free bar soap is made from olive oil and is extremely gentle for the body. I buy this soap in bulk because I use it to wash my face, body and hands. This amazing soap doesn’t break me out, nor does it clog my pores. It is made without animal products, preservatives, or animal testing. Get your hands on this hypoallergenic and fragrance free soap here.
What’s the magic of sea buckhorn oil? This oil is the richest source of the essential fatty acid, Omega-7, a fatty acid vital to collagen production and healthy skin, hair and nails. I absolutely love this product as it clarifies, reduces redness and hyper pigmentation, heals acne scars by regenerating the skin and the best part, it is multipurpose. In fact, mixed with jojoba oil it can be used as a makeup remover, cleanser or moisturizer. Find it here.
This healing skin cream is heavenly as it is made with the following ingredients: Organic Extra Virgin Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Organic Honey, Propolis Extract, Bee Pollen, & Royal Jelly. You can’t get any better than this for skincare. Basically, as their website states this skin cream delivers nutrition to the skin that helps the body’s natural healing processes. It’s excellent for cuts, scrapes, acne, eczema and dermatitis. Find it here.
Love this sunscreen lotion, not only because it can be applied to the face and body, but it’s unscented as well. Because many essential oils are photosensitizing (they make the skin more sensitive to the sun), it’s important to look for products that are free from essential oils. This cream is also made from microfine Titanium Dioxide, which doesn’t clog the pores and helps to create a barrier to the skin for further sun protection. Find it here.
This shampoo is divine! I simply cannot say enough good things about it. With hypoallergenic, xenohormone-free ingredients like glycerin and sodium chloride (salt), you won’t find a product better than this for hair support and strength! The maker reports this shampoo is, “excellent for sensitive, itchy scalp,” and I can definitely attest, this has been one of those products that has been a game changer for the quality and health of my scalp, as well as the volume and shine of my hair. There are no fillers, harsh chemicals and it is free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Find this shampoo here.
The Take Away
Finding the healthiest products, free of hormone disrupting ingredients is really the hardest part. Once I found the right products and brands, that actually worked, there was a tremendous sense of freedom that resulted. Not only are these xenohormone-free products inexpensive compared to conventional brands, but they also enhance the skin and are sustainable for our bodies and environment. Checking all these boxes is empowering and on top of this, with a proper diet, supplemental support and stress management, all those icky feelings of hormone imbalance fade away. If you’d like guidance in your journey to a xeno-hormone free lifestyle, feel free to email me directly.
In divine health,
Kristin
*This post is not sponsored.
Resources:
http://www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com/pcos.html
https://clearwoman.com/female-estrogen-dominant-disease-conditions/
https://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors
US Environmental Protection Agency. Endocrine Disruptors Research. 2012http://www.epa.gov/endocrine/#eds.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5615581/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2873014/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20487042https://www.bbc.com/news/health-10840393
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3682794/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4322320/
Bauman, E. & Friedlander, J. (2015). Foundations of Nutrition. Penngrove, CA: Bauman College
US National Library of Medicine. Jane V. Higdon, Barbara Delage, David E. Williams, and Roderick H. Dashwood. (2007) “Cruciferous Vegetables and Human Cancer Risk: Epidemiologic Evidence and Mechanistic Basis.” retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2737735/
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