Endocrine disrupting chemicals and their impact on health

Toxins. We can’t avoid them but understanding them and learning how they affect the body can lead to better health outcomes. Xenoestrogens and phytoestrogens are “foreign estrogens” as they’re produced outside the human body. These invaders interact with estrogenic pathways that impact diseases like cancer. Women are more vulnerable to these toxins due to our estrogen receptors.¹

In the 1990s scientists noticed how male species of alligators, trout, and humans showed changes in their male counterparts to more like female ones. This led them to study the cause. They discovered a chemical in pesticides used in agriculture that caused estrogenic effects that were polluting the ground and waterways. The chemicals, known as xenoestrogens due to their estrogen-like effects, were changing male alligators, trout, and men in a fundamental way.²

There are two different types of environmental estrogen-like chemicals. Xenoetrogens, which are synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen and have been related to hormonal cancers, and phytoestrogens, which are chemicals found in plants such as soy. Here I’ll explore the effects of xenoestrogen chemicals in the body and discuss lifestyle adjustments to minimize exposure.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals

Xenoestrogens are an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) and pose serious health concerns. Children and babies are the most vulnerable. According to the Endocrine Society, there are nearly 85,000 human-made chemicals and 1,000 or more of those could be endocrine disruptors. EDCs have been associated with reproductive function in males and females, and an increase in breast cancer, abnormal growth patterns, and neurodevelopment delays in children. EDCs have been found to pass from pregnant women to their developing fetus or to children through the placenta or breast milk.³

There’s been an increase in mental and behavioral disorders the last 20 years. Parkinson’s disease has increased by 75%, Alzheimer’s disease has doubled, autism has increased by 30%, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has increased by 16%.⁴ Ongoing studies are looking at the effects of gene expression and circadian physiology’s effect in dysregulation.⁴

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities and used primarily in the production of plastics. It’s found in shatterproof windows, eyewear, water bottles, and resins such as sealants. While air, dust, and water are possible sources of BPA, most people are exposed through their diet.

The BPA found in pesticides is sprayed onto our foods. Vegetable and fruit fields are often irrigated with reclaimed water, which contains considerable amounts of these chemicals. Foods that are stored and shipped in plastic food containers also pose a threat. The plastic containers can leach BPA into the food during packaging and transport. While there are many chemicals in the xenoestrogen family, BPA is considered the most dangerous to health.³

EDCs are also widely present in thermal paper receipts and personal care products. Chemicals such as parabens are used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and foods due to their antimicrobial ability. Another EDC is 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) that’s used in sunscreens. It’s been shown to be dangerous due to the estrogenic activity to the body and the effect of dispersion into the water.

Other chemicals to be aware of are phthalates, found in cosmetics, children’s toys, fragrances, medical tubing and triclosan, and personal care products such as liquid body wash and soaps.

Pit and fissure sealants

Dental sealants are one of the most effective ways to prevent occlusal decay. Three studies involving the application of dental sealants looked at the levels of BPA and its effects. Based on the data, it appears that only low levels of BPA may be released from certain sealants and only for a short period immediately after application. No detectable levels of BPA were found in the saliva or blood samples collected after the application of a sealant within a 24-hour period.⁵ Armed with this information, dental professionals can help cautious patients understand their risks.

Minimize your exposure

While it’s impossible to avoid EDCs altogether, there are ways to minimize exposure. The skin is the largest organ and what we put on it matters. Take a product audit of body care products, as well as the plastics used in the kitchen. Swap out the EDCs for more organic ones. Replace plastic utensils with metal or wood. Use a wooden cutting board instead of plastic. Choose beeswax cloth or reusable bowl covers instead of plastic wraps. Store foods in a glass container instead of plastic.

Never use plastic in the microwave as this material breaks down and leaches into the food. Choose organic foods, as these must go through a rigorous standard to be labeled as such. Check the Environment Working Group’s list of the “Dirty Dozen” when choosing foods at the grocery store.⁶ Swap out chemically laden body care products and cosmetics for more natural ones.

Love the liver

Since the liver is our main detoxifier, consider herbal support. Herbs have been used for preventive and therapeutic purposes since ancient times. The liver can become vulnerable to oxidative stress and inflammation and impair immune response. Note that while herbs are natural, there can be interactions and side effects, especially if other drugs are being taken.⁷ Never start an herbal protocol without speaking to a qualified herbalist or your medical doctor.

• Berberine is found in numerous plants and is a good inflammatory for liver cells. These constitutes are found in goldenseal and Oregon grape root.
• Curcumin is a natural compound found in the root of turmeric. It exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and has been found to reduce inflammation in the liver.
• Resveratrol is a phytoalexin present in a variety of plants. It possesses anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory activities.
• Silymarin is the primary active ingredient in milk thistle that can help detoxify and reduce inflammation in the liver.

New information becomes available as science evolves. There was a time when paint was made of lead and amalgam was mixed by hand without gloves. Sadly, it’s not until problems occur that we know there are problems to fix. EDCs are not going away but understanding what and where they are will help you and your patients understand their health risks.

References

1. Wang X, Ha D, Yoshitake R, Chan YS, Sadava D, Chen S. Exploring the biological activity and mechanism of xenoestrogens and phytoestrogens in cancers: emerging methods and concepts. Int J Molec Sci. 2021;22(16):8798. doi:10.3390/ijms22168798

2. Reddy V, McCarthy M, Raval A. Xenoestrogens impact brain estrogen receptor signaling during the female lifespan: a precursor to neurological disease? Neurobiol Dis. 2022;163(2):1055596. doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105596

3. Paterni I, Granchi C, Minutolo F. Risks and benefits related to alimentary exposure to xenoestrogens. Crit Rev in Food Sci Nutri. 2017;57(16):3384-3404. doi:10.1080/10408398.2015.1126547

4. Goralczyk K. A review of the impact of selected anthropogenic chemicals from the group of endocrine disruptors on human health. Toxics. 2021;9(7):146. doi:10.3390/toxics9070146

5. Rathee M, Malik P, Singh J. Bisphenol A in dental sealants and its estrogen like effect. Ind J Endocrin Metab. 2012;16(3):339-342. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.95660

6. EWG’s shopper’s guide. The dirty dozen. Environment Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php

7. Mancak M, Altintas D, Balaban Y, Caliskan UK. Evidence-based herbal treatments in liver diseases. Hepatology Forum. 2024;5(1):50-60. doi:10.14744/hf.2022.2022.0052