Why do I need to detox my house?

                     What is endocrine system, what is its role and how does it work?

 Endocrine system consists of glands and receptors. Glands produce and secrete hormones in response to environmental stimuli. Hormones are chemical messengers that travel across our bodies through the bloodstream to tissues and organs and control most of bodily functions such as respiration, reproduction or emotions. Hormones only binds with adequate receptors and target cells to cause a biological response within that cell. Hormones bind with receptors,  like a lock and key mechanism.

                               What are endocrine disruptors and how do they act?

Endocrine disruptors are toxins in our household products that act as hormones in our body. Endocrine disruptors act like artificial keys; they imitate the hormones and bind with receptors and disrupt functioning of the cells. They consequently can cause cancers, auto-immune diseases, fetus developmental issues, reduce fertility, menstrual problems, cognitive and brain development complications.

                They can get into our bodies through inhalation, ingestion and absorption.

Ingestion: Because endocrine disruptors are fat soluble, they accumulate in fatty tissue of animals. We can ingest them by consuming fatty meats and fish such as salmon from all over the world. It doesn’t even matter whether it is a wild or farmed salmon. We can ingest them through our diet from pesticides on fresh fruit and vegetables, drinking water and if the food we eat has been in contact with plastic containers or plastic wraps.

Inhalation:  We inhale the endocrine disruptors through our indoor air, especially when the quality of indoor ventilation systems isn’t the highest. Pollutants in the air come from fragrances of household products, house dust, furniture that have been treated with chemical preservatives, lead based paints, some wood finish products, foam mattresses,  flame resistance clothing and water resistance coatings.

Absorption: Our skin absorbs huge amounts of chemicals, as it is the largest organ in our body. A vast majority of skin care products, cosmetics, laundry and household cleaning products contain harmful endocrine disruptors.   

How to spot some endocrine disruptors: triclosan, parabens, phthalates usually covert as “fragrance”, “parfum”, dibutyl phtalate, diethyl phthalate.   

                                                         How to avoid them?

Live as close to a nature as possible, get rid of unnecessary cleaning products and start using harmless, simplest stuff such as white vinegar, baking soda and essential oils. Bear in mind that essential oils not only smell beautifully, but they also have antibacterial properties. Swap for organics, natural and synthetics free skin care cosmetics. 

Just remember that your detox starts with your thoughts, healthy relationships and balance! Take one step at the time and without an unnecessary hype! Unfortunately, we can only do as much as today’s world and life styles let us. We should do our best to make this world a better place by taking care of its natural heritage and by respecting our bodies’ needs.  

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