The Endocrine System & Why It's Important
The first time I heard someone mention the Endocrine System I had NO idea what they were talking about. Endo- what?? Well, it turns out our body's endocrine system is unbelievably important and extremely overlooked.
The Endocrine system is a network of organs and glands running throughout the body. This system regulates many of our bodies functions through the release of hormones. Our hormones communicate with different parts of our bodies telling them how to function. These hormones are stored, produced, and released in various glands throughout the body (thyroid, pancreas, pituitary, ovaries, etc).
What are hormones, you ask? Hormones are the chemicals our bodies create. These chemicals get sent out from the Endocrine system, travel to a specific destination in the body that is ready to accept and react to the incoming hormone. Estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, melatonin, and adrenaline are just a few of the many hormones our bodies produce. The things is, when our hormones are imbalanced our bodies are unable to function correctly leading to a multitude of problems - diabetes, hyperthyroidism, PCOS, infertility, etc.
So, why is all of this important?? Well, I'm glad you asked. Our bodies are basically sponges. We soak in portions of every thing that we put on our skin - shampoo, deodorant, makeup, perfume, the floor cleaner you spilt on your hands this afternoon... Whoops. Literally all of it. And SO MANY of these products have harsh chemicals and endocrine DISRUPTERS in them. There are even endocrine disruptors in our food, toys, and plastics. Get this... meat is pumped FULL of Dioxins which disrupt our endocrine system. WHAT IN THE WORLD!?!
We have been rubbing these harmful, toxic chemicals, on our bodies and ingesting them. This has slowly been disrupting the system inside of us that keeps our hormones in balance and our organs functioning properly! No wonder our bodies and minds struggle to function correctly.
This leads us to the question - what can I do?? If these disruptors are found in so many of our daily products, how can I stop myself from being exposed to them?? While we can't outrun every endocrine disruptor, by being intentional about the products we buy, we can avoid an overexposure to these sneaky devils. We get to choose what products we buy, eat, use, and support.
Instead of choosing a cheap alternative, lets demand change by supporting companies that produce natural, nontoxic products. You deserve a properly functioning body and balanced hormones! Our health, wellbeing, and future depends on it.
Here are the top 3 endocrine disruptors you probably see on a daily basis and should avoid:
Phthalates
Bisphenol A (also known as BPAs)
Dioxin
Let these be a warning to you to STAY AWAY. Instead, look for labels that intentionally say these chemicals are NOT in the product you are buying.