Oestrogen

Hidden Sources of Oestrogen

Drinking water: Atrazine, arsenic, and perchlorate are three endocrine disruptors that pervade many communities’ drinking water supplies. Reduce contaminants by filtering drinking water with a high-quality filtration system.

Canned foods: Many food cans are lined with BPA, a common endocrine disruptor. To side-step BPA, steer clear of canned foods.

Kitchen products: Common hazards include nonstick cookware, plastic wrap, and plastic containers, especially when heated. Instead, store food in glass containers, and cook with less toxic cast iron and ceramic cookware options.

Cleaning products: These are frequently loaded with industrial chemicals that disrupt your hormones, so, instead, try cleaning with greener alternatives or blend up your own using natural, non-toxic ingredients like old fashioned soap, lemon, vinegar, etc.

Flax seeds: They are incredibly rich in lignans, a group of chemical compounds that functions as phytoestrogens. In fact, flax seeds contain up to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.

Soy beans and edamame: Soybeans are processed into many plant-based products, such as tofu and tempeh. They can also be enjoyed whole as edamame. Edamame beans are green, immature soybeans often sold frozen and unshelled in their inedible pods. Both soybeans and edamame have been linked to many health benefits and are rich in protein and many vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in phytoestrogens known as isoflavones. Soy isoflavones can produce estrogen-like activity in the body by mimicking the effects of natural estrogen.

Dried fruits: Dried fruits are a potent source of various phytoestrogens. Dates, prunes, and dried apricots are a few of the dried food sources highest in phytoestrogens.

Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are quite rich in phytoestrogens, among other important nutrients. Interestingly, one study found that the consumption of sesame seed powder may affect estrogen levels in postmenopausal women.

Peaches: Peaches are not only packed with vitamins and minerals but also rich in phytoestrogens known as lignans. Interestingly, an analysis of studies suggests that lignan-rich diets may decrease the risk of breast cancer by 15% in postmenopausal women. This is possibly related to lignans’ effects on oestrogen production and blood levels, as well as their expression the body.

Disposable coffee cups: Buy your own glass cups.

Tofu: Tofu is made from coagulated soy milk pressed into firm white blocks. It’s a popular source of plant-based protein, especially in vegan and vegetarian diets. It’s also a concentrated source of phytoestrogens, largely isoflavones. Tofu has the highest isoflavone content of all soy products, including soy-based formulas and soy drinks.

Tempeh: Tempeh is a fermented soy product and popular vegetarian meat replacement. It’s made from soybeans that have been fermented and compacted into a firm, dense cake.

Personal care products: Cosmetics, moisturizers, shampoos, and conditioners often contain ingredients that disrupt your hormonal balance. To reduce exposure, switch to cleaner, greener personal products, and reduce use in general. Consider wearing less makeup or going without on weekends. Try shampooing less often or cutting your brew to half-strength by adding water to the shampoo bottle.