Did you know that a healthy endocrine system function is one of the pillars of a healthy body? Our endocrine system is an amazing system as it supports and works synchronously with our other organs. But our endocrine system function can be easily altered and disrupted based on what we eat, the products we use and the environment we put our bodies in.
For a long time I had no idea WHAT the a healthy endocrine system function was. I knew very little about my own health and wellness other than I wanted to eat somewhat healthy and exercise. Over the years and learning about various toxins in my own home and in my own arsenal of beauty products, the term “endocrine disruptor” kept resurfacing. Still, I didn’t really know what it was other than it was bad news.
It wasn’t really until just a few years ago that I really started to understand that the endocrine system as a whole supports many of the systems in our body that work together to keep us healthy. Even more so, I saw how important a healthy endocrine system was in keeping my kids healthy.
I think that understanding healthy endocrine system function is one of the best ways to help yourself when it comes to a healthy house. I often talk about the fact that each of us needs a “why” in our corner that spurs on healthy changes. If your body’s biggest health component isn’t a “Why”, I don’t know what is.
HEALTHY ENDOCRINE SYSTEM FUNCTION
First, I think it’s important to understand the endocrine system itself. Endocrine glands produce and release hormones into your bloodstream. The hormones produced then travel to all of your cells. These hormones are responsible for controlling mood, growth, metabolism and development. They also play an intricate role in how our other organs function as well as the reproduction of cells.
Healthy endocrine system function means the hormones send signals to various tissues in our bodies, telling them exactly what they’re supposed to do. When the endocrine system doesn’t produce the right amount of hormones, or there is endocrine system disruption (hormone disruption), diseases develop within the systems of the body.
The endocrine system directly controls the levels of various hormones such as melatonin, insulin, estrogen and the thyroid, just to name a few. While there are over 50 different hormones that have various functions throughout the body, each one plays a serious role in our health and wellness.
A healthy body and endocrine system function means our body is functioning as a whole on a more natural level.
Just because I think it’s super eye opening, below are sixteen of the major hormones and their function in the body:
- Adrenaline: Increase blood pressure, heart rate and metabolism during stressful events
- Aldosterone: Controls salt and water balance within the body
- Cortisol: Stress response hormone
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate): Hormone to aid in puberty development
- Estrogen: Regulates menstrual cycle, maintains pregnancy, etc.
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): Controls production of eggs and sperm
- Glucagon: Increases levels of blood glucose
- Insulin: Reduces levels of blood glucose
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Controls estrogen and testosterone production
- Melatonin: Controls sleep and wake cycles
- Oxytocin: Assists with lactation, childbirth and mother-child bonding
- Parathyroid Hormone: Controls calcium levels in blood and bones
- Progesterone: Helps prepare body for pregnancy when egg is fertilized
- Prolactin: promotes breast milk production
- Testosterone: Contributes to sex drive and body density
- Thyroid: Helps control metabolism and energy levels
This list really points to the body’s reliance on a healthy endocrine system to perform and be in a state of health and wellness.
A TAXED ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Many of the toxins in our environment get absorbed into our bodies. Once absorbed, some of these chemical toxins act as endocrine disruptors, which can do one of three things (INFO):
- Decrease or increase normal hormone levels
- Mimic the body’s natural hormones
- Alter the natural production of hormones
Because the endocrine system is finely tuned, just a small change can affect the body in a big way. And while perhaps contact with one small endocrine disrupting chemical may not make a big impact, in today’s world we are bombarded with many different chemicals that tax our endocrine system.
Endocrine disrupting hormones have obvious effects on areas like the reproductive system, thyroid and our sleep function. But there’s also a trickle down effect that takes place as our systems begin to function improperly.
Another side effect of hormone disruption and taxing the endocrine system so that it doesn’t produce hormones in the correct amount is directly linked to the immune system. This correlation between a decreased or compromised immune system and endocrine disruption trickles down to our metabolic health. Specifically, we have seen a rise in autoimmune diseases such as diabetes.
This article talks about research done showing that endocrine disruptors are metabolized differently by gut microbiota, which can alter the absorption and distribution of the chemicals in the body, but ultimately leads to various types of inflammation in the gut and other organs.
Many of the studies conducted about endocrine disruptors are performed in children. These studies link endocrine disruptors to ADHD, obesity, diabetes and issues with puberty development. (STUDY)
What’s alarming, I think, is that even before babies are born, they are coming in contact with endocrine disruptors that are actually affecting their systems and how they will perform over the course of their whole life. This is why it’s especially important to be aware of what we’re eating, the products we’re using as well as the home we’re surrounding ourselves with.
HOME TOXINS THAT DISRUPT THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Parabens: Probably one of the most commonly talked about endocrine disruptor right now is parabens. Parabens are a preservative used in many personal products like lotions, hair care, toothpaste, deodorants and shaving creams.
Phthalates: Found in plastics, nail polish, hair spray and fragrance, phthalates are another big player in the endocrine disruptor space. If you look around your home you can see many plastic products you come into contact with every day that likely contain phthalates. This blog post goes super in depth about phthalates the specific places they’re found.
Fire Retardants: Furniture, carpet, mattresses and baby and kid products often have fire retardants in them. PBDEs, a type of chemical flame retardant, contribute to endocrine disruption as the tiny particles from these home items can end up in dust and eventually in our airways. This blog post has some good options for eliminating flame retardants in your own home.
Bisphenol A: Not only is Bisphenol A a detriment to healthy endocrine system function, but so are all of the Bisphenol toxins (BPS, BPB, etc.) that have started replacing BPA in products. Essentially almost any plastic product, from baby bottles to household products contain some soft Bisphenol toxin. I recently wrote up a list of helpful swaps for your home to reduce the amount of plastic containing Bisphenol toxins, which you can find here.
Perfluorinated Chemicals: Also known as PFCs, this toxin is in stain resistant and water proofed fabrics and textiles such as carpets, furniture and drapery. It’s also the chemical found in teflon and non-stick pans. This blog post will help you reduce PFCs and PFOAs around your home to reduce your body’s exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals.
HOW TO RETURN TO HEALTHY ENDOCRINE SYSTEM FUNCTION
While some issues with the endocrine system may be permanent or require medical intervention, most of us can reduce the burden on the endocrine system and start to see an improvement in health and wellness.
First, removing environmental pollutants that we discussed here will immediately remove a large burden from your everyday life. Start with simple changes like reducing personal care products with chemical toxins in them like parabens and phthalates.
One of the best ways you can eliminate a large grouping of endocrine disruptors is by removing fragrance from your home. This means anything from scented candles to air fresheners and perfumes. These most commonly contain parabens and phthalates and do not need to be disclosed to the consumer. Eliminating fragrance could mean removing your largest contributor.
Eating a more natural diet, especially one rich in healthy fats can go a long way in supporting healthy hormone production. Adaptogen herbs have also been known to have a positive effect on the body in terms of natural hormone production. And while we’re talking about diet, reducing dairy is another beneficial way to allow your endocrine system to heal. Dairy typically contains many natural hormones that weren’t intended to be combined with our bodies’ hormones. While you’re at it try to eliminate anything processed or artificial, which contributes to endocrine disruption.
Sleep and exercise are also part of a healthy endocrine system function. Getting the proper amount of sleep and getting daily exercise can help improve function by reducing stress and increasing serotonin. And as for exercise, it could be something as simple as walking or it could be yoga or high-intensity training. Not all exercise is going to be right for each person, so finding a type of exercise that leaves you refreshed and energized is key.
ADDITIONAL ENDOCRINE SYSTEM SUPPORT
I think the more you know about your endocrine system and how to support it, the more you’ll absolutely thrive. These are some of my favorite resources when it comes to supporting a healthy body beyond your home space:
I absolutely LOVE Kristen and she is a MACHINE of knowledge all about hormones and the body. She has VERY down to earth approaches for health and wellness and knows EXACTLY how to get you feeling your best. Her KB Club is a HUGE value with access to her and all her proven roadmaps to health. Plus you can get 10% off with the code AMANDA
If you want VERY tangible advice — like the steps to follow to support your hormones and endocrine system — Dr. Sara Gottfried has written SO many books that will give you ideas you can practice her advice in your own life. I absolutely love following her on Instagram for small daily doses of ways I can support my body.
I have followed along with Lindsey for years and she is one of the most LOVELY individuals to follow and learn from. She takes a whole body and lifestyle approach to health and a lot of what she shares revolves around supporting your hormones and endocrine system in BIG ways.
Remember that any small change you make in your home can have a HUGE impact on your health and wellness, including supporting healthy endocrine system function.
You said reduce fragrance in your home. Yet you then recommend essential oil diffusers for aroma therapy. Why isn’t that contradicting your RX to eliminate fragrance from our homes? Also I have read some research reports that found that many EOs contain ‘natural’ ingredients that can have either allergenic or toxigenic effects on people. What say you?
Hi Terry! I should clarify: reducing synthetic fragrance in the home is ideal. Natural and organic essential oils (I use USDA Certified Organic Plant Therapy Oils for purity) do not contain fillers and have only natural ingredients. However, that being said, some people are certainly sensitive to essential oils as well — they are plants and can cause allergic type reactions. I hope that helps clarify the concept for you — let me know if you have other questions!