A few years ago, Newsweek featured a story about a high school student who, in her science fair project, discovered that compounds called xenoestrogens were leaching into food from plastic containers or Saran wrap (known as Glad Wrap in Australia). These chemicals were then absorbed into the body when the food was consumed, causing significant harm. Xenoestrogens behave like free radicals, altering every cell they come into contact with. They travel to the liver, disrupting detoxification enzymes, and then disperse through the body, interfering with hormones and contributing to a feminizing effect. Have you ever wondered why young children, some as young as 8 or 9, now seem to be maturing faster, resembling something out of a beauty pageant?

These harmful chemicals not only disrupt natural hormone balance, but also contribute to the rise of diseases such as breast cancer and prostate problems. In the past, breast cancer mostly affected women in their 60s or 70s; today, young women in their 20s and 30s are being diagnosed. Prostate issues, once a rarity, now affect one in three men. A generation ago, one in fifty people developed cancer in their lifetime; now, it's one in two.

Xenoestrogens and other endocrine disruptors bind to natural hormone receptors in cells, effectively substituting for natural hormones. This interference underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy hormonal system.

Xenoestrogens are not limited to plastics—they are also found in the growth hormones used by farmers to fatten livestock, including beef, chicken, turkey, and pork. These chemicals also wreak havoc on the immune system, increasing the likelihood of various cancers and autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, thyroid disorders, and multiple sclerosis.

So what can we do about it? A knee-jerk boycott of fast food chains like KFC or a letter-writing campaign to politicians won’t fix the issue. It's important to remember: you are what you eat. Start by choosing organic produce from your local co-op or farmer's market. Yes, organic can be more expensive, but how much will chemotherapy or heart bypass surgery cost you in the long run? If you have space, consider growing your own food—start small with herbs, lettuce, and tomatoes, then expand as you gain experience.

If your body has already been affected by xenoestrogens, supporting your liver with detoxification is key. After detoxing, be mindful not to reintroduce the very substances that caused the harm. (As Proverbs wisely says, "the dog returns to its own vomit.") Take control of your health by being conscious of what you consume and how it impacts your body’s well-being.

What else can you do about it? Progesterone. I’ve found that both men and women are not getting the levels of progesterone they need, and this deficiency can contribute to a range of health issues. Back in college, we learned that progesterone is the precursor to estrogen in females and testosterone in males. Low progesterone levels can lead to issues like miscarriage in women and infertility in men.

One study I read explained that when progesterone is in short supply, the body starts converting it into cortisol, the hormone needed to produce adrenaline and manage stress. The article went on to explain that progesterone is vital for the proper functioning of numerous systems in the body—carbohydrate metabolism, thyroid function, brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, lipid metabolism, and the immune system all rely on progesterone to work efficiently. If stress has depleted your progesterone reserves to make cortisol, this may explain symptoms like fatigue, depression, high blood sugar and cholesterol, and frequent infections, all of which are signs of nearing burnout. More progesterone is essential for handling stress effectively.

Luckily, there are some great progesterone products on the market, most made from Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa). The best formulations are "micronized," which means they’re more easily absorbed through the skin when applied to areas like the abdomen, legs, or arms. For American readers, brands like Life-Flo, Fem Crème, and MyProgest have shown positive results for most people. Australian readers can find options like Pro-feme or Bio Gest Menopause Relief, and I personally create a version available upon request, which can be shipped worldwide. If one product doesn’t seem to work, don’t hesitate to try another—sometimes it’s about finding the right preparation for your body. You may also consider herbal tinctures. Mountain Rose Herbs and Herb Pharm usually have them in stock.

The real issue is the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. In women, this imbalance can set the stage for breast cancer or uterine cancer, while in men, it can lead to prostate problems. This imbalance also contributes to heart disease and autoimmune disorders in both sexes. Emotional factors like the rejection of femininity in women or the rejection of masculinity and feelings of insignificance in men can also exacerbate these issues, providing a fertile ground for hormonal cancers.

As a Naturopath, I strongly urge you to rethink not only the foods you consume but also the way you store and prepare them. Be cautious about the containers you use for food and beverages. Aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s, and plastic—well, that’s the real problem. Every time you cook, heat, or reheat food in plastic, whether it’s Tupperware (sorry, Tupperware consultants!), Teflon-coated cookware, or plastic cling wrap, you’re releasing harmful chemicals like xenoestrogens, benzenes, atrazines, and dioxins into your food. This is even true when food is stored in plastic containers.

Consider replacing your plastic kitchenware with ceramic or glass alternatives. These options are safer and won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food.

Taking these simple steps can make a significant difference in reducing your exposure to environmental toxins and balancing your hormones.

Years ago, a groundbreaking study was conducted by Dr. Ana Soto, a cell biologist, who was investigating the biochemical details of estrogen sensitivity and its connection to breast cancer. However, during her research at Tufts University, something unexpected occurred. Tissues growing in plastic dishes that contained no added estrogens began to proliferate. This unusual growth suggested contamination, prompting Dr. Soto and her team to investigate further.

The source of the contamination was traced back to the plastic tubes used to store blood serum. Dr. Soto, working with her colleague, purified the contaminant and identified it as nonylphenol, a chemical commonly added to plastics to prevent cracking. They discovered that molecules of nonylphenol were leaching from the plastic tubes into the serum.

Through further experiments, Soto and her team demonstrated that nonylphenol is estrogenic, meaning it mimics the effects of estrogen when it interacts with tissues containing estrogen receptors. In a pivotal 1991 study, Soto showed that human breast tissue proliferated in the presence of nonylphenol, suggesting that exposure to this chemical could potentially lead to tumor formation. This accidental discovery raised significant concerns about the impact of chemicals used in plastic production on human health, particularly in relation to breast cancer.

This very chemical compound is found in every single plastic container today.

What contains Xenoeostrogens

Water (tap water and bathing)

• Pesticides, herbicides and insecticides, including glyphosate as found in conventional food, and even tampons

• Cleaning products (home and industrial)

• Plastics (food, beverages, storage containers, non-food packaging and industrial plastics)

• Canned foods

• Dental sealants

• Receipts

• Air and dust

• Air fresheners

• Laundry products (detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, etc.)

• Hair dyes

• Nail polish and nail polish removers

• Cosmetics

• Personal care products (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, moisturizer, body wash, etc.)

• Perfume

• Sunscreen

• Medical devices

• Birth control pills

• Toys

• Building materials

• Home furnishings (including furniture, carpets, window drapes, mattresses/foams, bedding)

• Photocopiers and printers

• Artificial food dyes
  
  

What can I do?

1. Use natural deodorants or make your own

2. Use natural skincare and body products or make your own

3. Store food in ceramic or glass

4. Cook in stainless steel or cast iron. Ditch the non-stick pans

5. Swap tampons and pads for alternative sources

6. Add air filtering plants to your home. Snake plants, pothos, peace lillies, spider plants are excellent choices

7. Refuse receipts. They contain high levels of toxins

8. Choose organic food over conventional produce. Especially strawberries, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, apples, potatoes, carrots, broccoli, kale, collards and mustard greens and macadamia nuts

9. Use a water filter. The Zen in America is excellent and the Zazen in Australia/NZ is excellent

10. Install a shower filter or if you can, a whole house filter

11. Use natural cleaning products

12. Find natural perfumes and ditch the synthetic perfumes.

13. Stop using air fresheners, room sprays, plug ins and deodorisers

14. Avoid agricultural and horticultural pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides

15. Buy hormone-free and grass-fed animal products including eggs, poultry, meats, and dairy

16. Avoid non-organic coffee and tea as they are highly sprayed with pesticides. Consider using coffee alternatives such as Teeccino which uses natural ingredients that build gut health, liver and kidney health and provide a multitude of other health benefits

Life doesn't have to be overwhelming or complicated. Start by taking small, manageable steps. Focus on one room at a time—evaluate what is in each space, make a list, and decide where you would like to begin making changes.

Your health is in your hands, and the responsibility is yours to take. When you break it down into simple, actionable steps, it is easier than you think. Take it one choice at a time, and you will see meaningful progress.