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Spring is naturally a time of renewal, to move out the old and bring in the new. All over the country people are opening up their windows and giving their homes a deep cleanse to prepare for the new season. But what about our bodies? Just as dust bunnies accumulate under the bed and grime builds up on the windows, the toxins and chemicals that we are exposed to daily will build up in our tissues over time.
Many of the chemicals we are exposed to are endocrine disruptors including xenoestrogens that exacerbate existing estrogen dominance. We're not just talking about hormone replacement and birth control, although those can worsen the situation for many women. Estrogen-like molecules can be found in pesticides, herbicides, plastic containers, fabric softeners, cosmetic products, new carpets or furniture plus meats and dairy products treated with hormones. Furthermore, phytoestrogens or estrogenic compounds that come from plants, can be found in many places including soy and some other beans and legumes.
An accumulation of these xeno and phytoestrogens contributes to estrogen dominance in women, men and children and plays a significant role in a variety of conditions from PMS to precocious puberty, to breast and prostate cancer and many conditions in between. Though complete avoidance of these substances is virtually impossible in modern society, there are some actions you can encourage your patients to take to reduce and mitigate the effects of these compounds. Reducing exposure is certainly a good place to start. Here are ways to do that:
- Avoid pesticides by buying organic fruits and vegetables and washing produce thoroughly.
- Use a good quality water filter.
- Avoid using plastic containers and especially consuming food and beverage that has been heated in plastic. This includes plastic water bottles that have likely been transported in hot temperatures or stored in a hot warehouse or vehicle.
- Avoid using fabric softeners and air fresheners that contain phthalates.
- Ensure that the moisturizers and cosmetics used do not include parabens or other toxic ingredients.
In addition to limiting additional exposure, supporting the body's ability to eliminate and process these chemicals is also important. While ongoing management is vital, "spring cleaning" or intentional detoxification periods can be very effective at managing symptoms and also reducing risks. The key to detoxification is ensuring that the toxins are being eliminated and therefore proper digestion is required. It is important to have regular (2-3) solid bowel movements daily. Additionally, you can support your liver and detoxification process by taking cofactors for detoxification and support for safe estrogen metabolism. The following are some recommendations to aid in a thorough "hormonal spring cleanse":
- Fiber - Make sure you are getting at least 40 grams of fiber/day through diet or supplements.
- Diindolylmethane (DIM) - 300 mg twice a day to aide in the metabolism of estrogen to the inactive or "safe" metabolites.
- Milk Thistle - 100 mg of 70-80% silymarin twice a day to protect hepatocytes from toxin penetration and injury.
- Water - 70-100 oz of filtered water per day depending on patient's body weight.
- Rhodiola, ashwagandha, or licorice to support adrenal glands during detoxification.
- A high quality multivitamin and mineral supplement to provide antioxidants such as Vitamin A and C as well as detoxification cofactors including the B vitamins and trace minerals such as selenium and manganese.
The average American spends greater than 5 times more of their income on housing than on healthcare; yet houses are replaceable and good health is invaluable. Performing a "spring cleaning" of your own is yet another way you can positively influence your chosen road to optimal health and will provide a clearer picture of any underlying hormone imbalances.
References:
1. Lake BG, Tredger JM, Renwick AB, et al. 3'3-diindolylmethane induces CYP1A2 in cultured precision-cut human liver slices. Xenobiotica 1998;28:803-11.
2. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82.
3. Anon. Milk thistle: Effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 21, September 2000. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. Available at: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/milktsum.htm
4. Bern HA, Blair P, Brasseur S, Colborn T, Cunha GR, Davis W, Dohler KD, Fox G, Fry M, Gray E, Green R, Hines M, Kubiak TJ, McLachlan J, Myers JP, Peterson RE, Reijnders P.J.H., Soto A, Van Der Kraak G, vom Saal F, Whitten P (1992). "Statement from the Work Session on Chemically-Induced Alterations in Sexual Development: The Wildlife/Human Connection". In Clement C, Colborn T. Chemically-induced alterations in sexual and functional development -- the wildlife/human connection. Princeton, N.J: Princeton Scientific Pub. Co. pp. 1-8. ISBN 0-911131-35-3.
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