Understanding Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals (EDCs)
EDCs are chemicals that interfere with our endocrine system – the complex network of glands and hormones that regulate crucial bodily functions including metabolism, heart rate, reproductive health, brain health, and immune system function.
Exposure Sources These harmful substances are found in:
- Synthetic clothing
- Tires
- Non-stick cookware
- Bottled water
- To-go coffee cups
- Canned foods
- Food wraps
- Printed receipts
- Furniture and paint
- Personal care products
- Seafood
- And more
Primary Exposure Pathways
- Inhalation
- Oral consumption
- Skin contact
Key Chemicals and Their Impacts
BPA and Its Substitutes (BPS, BPF)
- Act like Xenoestrogen that binds to estrogen receptors
- Disrupt estrogen activities and thyroid functions
- Reduce energy levels and cognitive performance
- Impair child development through maternal exposure
- Increases risk of cardiovascular disease by disrupting calcium signaling
- Increased risks of:
- Autism spectrum disorder in boys (prenatal / maternal exposure)
- Endometriosis
- Anxiety and trans-generational brain development issues (primarily affecting the prefrontal cortex)
Phthalates
- Acts as anti-estrogen; they block testosterone actions
- Decrease testosterone levels, affecting everything from muscle mass to mood
- Impair male reproductive development (reduced sperm count and quality)
- Affect menstrual health
- Increased risks of:
- endometriosis
- birth defect (hypospadias and undescended testicles)
- various cancers
- infertility
PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
- Water resistant chemical (found everywhere from raincoat to non-stick cookware)
- Two to five year half-life in the human body
- Accumulates faster than elimination
- Elevated cancer risk
Important Note: Acid and heat accelerate chemical leaching from plastics, especially in scenarios like:
- Takeout containers
- Microwaving plastic containers
- Hot beverages in disposable cups
- Bottled water exposed to heat / sunlight
The Microplastic Crisis
Microplastics pose a dual health risk by serving as carriers and sources of EDCs. Formed through plastic degradation and intentionally added to synthetic materials, they accumulate in vital organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, placenta, and blood vessels.
Emerging Research Findings
A groundbreaking study in São Paulo, Brazil, discovered microplastics in the brain’s olfactory bulb, raising significant concerns about:
- Potential neurotoxic effects
- Alzheimer’s disease links
- Long-term neurological implications
While these challenges might seem overwhelming, there are ways to reduce exposure:
Strategies for Minimizing Exposure
Lifestyle Modification
- Replace non-stick cookware with stainless steel
- Minimize the use of plastic or petroleum based products
- Minimize hot food and liquid contact with plastic
- Install reverse osmosis water filters (you need to re-mineralize the water afterward)
- Consider living in a less polluted environments
- Use HEPA air filtration systems
Detoxification Support
- Promote excretion through sweat and fecal matter (exercise and sauna can help)
- Consume sulforaphane-rich foods (E.g. broccoli sprouts, cruciferous vegetables)
- Increase dietary fiber intake
Looking Forward
While this modern world challenges seem overwhelming, positive changes emerging. There are growing policy-level awareness and implementation and increasing individual prevention efforts.
Knowledge empowers in protecting and advocating for broader systemic changes.
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS: This is NOT medical advice, nor can I give you medical advice. I AM NOT YOUR DOCTOR. This article does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Anthony Wong and you. Everything here is for general informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. Information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and it should not be used to self-diagnose nor should it substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or other recommendations by a professional medical doctor. You should not make any changes in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician. Always seek the advice of physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice from health care professionals for any medical condition.