We are facing a disaster due to the pollution of the environment with hormone-disrupting chemicals. These substances have chemical structures that mimic our own hormones. Therefore they are able to bind to and stimulate our bodies’ hormone receptors.

Many of these chemicals mimic the structure of the sex and adrenal hormone estrogen, which can cause overstimulation of the estrogen receptors, resulting in an estrogen-dominant imbalance.

This estrogen-dominant state may be the underlying cause of — or at least a contributing factor in — the epidemics of both breast and prostate cancers.

Here are the most common hormone disrupting chemicals we face on a daily basis. It is best to avoid contact with these substances.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in many canned foods, because it lines the cans to prevent food from sticking. It is also found in receipts printed on thermal paper, like those found in many credit card machines. BPA has been linked to breast and other endocrine cancers as well as problems with obesity and heart disease. More than 90 percent of Americans have BPA
in their bodies.

Dioxins disrupt hormone signaling in the body. They cause disorders in both male and female hormones. Dioxin-like products can be produced when chlorinated products are heated. One common source is the chlorinated sweetener Splenda, which is found in many consumer food products, including sodas, gum, and candy.

Phthalates are found in plastic products such as food containers, PVC pipe, and many cosmetic products. A list of phthalate-free products can be found at www.ewg.org/skindeep/.

Organophosphate pesticides are contained in the chemicals we use on our lawns. These chemicals interfere with hormone signaling in the body, disrupt testosterone communication, lower testosterone levels, and raise estrogen levels. They also disrupt thyroid hormone levels

Perchlorate is a by-product of many manufacturing processes that has been shown to contaminate much of our produce and milk. It has also been found in municipal water supplies, as well as in beer, wine, and wheat products.

One study found that perchlorate levels were elevated in nearly 70 percent of breast milk samples tested. Other studies have shown high perchlorate levels in both organic and nonorganic lettuce products.

The entire lower Colorado River is contaminated with perchlorate. Guess where the majority of U.S. citizens get their winter vegetable supplies from? Exactly: Farms that are irrigated by the lower Colorado River.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) detected perchlorate in 100
percent of 2,820 urine specimens tested.

Perchlorate inhibits iodine uptake in the body. Iodine is required for estrogen balance and estrogen metabolism. Perchlorate has no therapeutic value.