As women navigating the hormonal shifts of menopause, we must be especially vigilant about protecting ourselves from environmental pollutants that can disrupt our delicate endocrine (hormone) systems. These insidious compounds can be found in everything from personal care products and cleaning supplies to furniture and food packaging. Exposure to endocrine disruptors has been linked to a range of health issues, including hormonal imbalances, weight gain, mood disorders, and even an increased risk of certain cancers.
Today, let's look at how we can create a healthier, cleaner home.
Home Pollutants
Did you know that most household cleaning products, air fresheners and personal care items can release harmful chemicals into the air we breathe? To minimise exposure, look for eco-friendly or natural alternatives (which can be found in any health food store, and even in the aisles of most supermarkets now). Rather than using chemical-laden air fresheners, why not use natural products like lavender bags? And it's probably best to ditch the toilet cleaning products that sit under the toilet rim. If you're looking for a natural alternative, bicarb soda does a great job of cleaning and dealing with odours. Finally, if you feel you can't eliminate chemicals from your home, ensure proper ventilation when using any chemical product, or wear a mask.
Water Pollutants
Our drinking water can sometimes contain contaminants like lead, bacteria, hormones or chemicals. To keep your water clean and healthy, consider installing an under-sink water filter, or my personal favourite because of its light environmental footprint, a Berkey water filter. At a minimum, use a Britta water filter, even for cooking water.
Air Pollutants
Outdoor air pollution can make its way into our homes, and indoor sources like smoke, mold, and pet dander can also affect air quality. Regularly open windows for ventilation, use air purifiers, and consider using houseplants, which can help filter the air naturally.
Food Pollutants
Many ultra-processed foods contain added chemicals like artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, and preservatives, which can be harmful to our health. You can find a list of the top chemicals to avoid here. These chemicals are often used to enhance flavour, texture, and shelf life, but they can also increase the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, and cancer. To avoid these harmful additives, start really taking a look at the ingredients list on the foods you are eating, and focus on eating whole, minimally processed foods as much as possible. To minimise exposure to pesticides, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with bicarbonate of soda (this is much more effective than water alone), and buy organic when possible.
Sunscreen
While sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, some sunscreens contain chemicals that can be absorbed into the body and potentially cause harm. Look for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients, and avoid those with oxybenzone and other controversial chemicals. You can use this great site to check if your sunscreen is harmful or not.
Take a cleanse
A cleanse is a great way to help your body release toxins from your fat cells. Some of the benefits include: more energy; improved sleep; better mood; enhanced mental clarity; less bloating; and fewer menopausal symptoms.
You can check out my free gentle cleanse guide here and in only 7 days you should be feeling much better. I hope this is helpful, and that you have a wonderful week.