{"id":21166,"date":"2022-06-13T15:43:08","date_gmt":"2022-06-13T13:43:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=21166"},"modified":"2022-06-13T15:43:24","modified_gmt":"2022-06-13T13:43:24","slug":"watching-out-for-environmental-toxins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/watching-out-for-environmental-toxins\/","title":{"rendered":"Watching Out for Environmental Toxins"},"content":{"rendered":"

You try your hardest to maintain your health and wellness. You\u2019ve got your pilates classes, your green juices, you spend time outside, or whatever your favorite tools are. Still, even with all these tools, many other factors can influence your health that is seemingly out of your control. Like your genetics, societal upbringing and traumas you may have faced, and environmental toxins.<\/span><\/p>\n

What exactly are environmental toxins, how can they influence your health, and how do you avoid them? Let\u2019s find out!<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are Environmental Toxins?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Ocean pollution, gas leaks, and oil spills are probably the most obvious examples when you think of environmental toxins. They can be a lot sneakier than that though. Environmental toxins can lurk everywhere from your makeup and <\/span>skincare<\/span><\/a> to cleaning supplies, to your food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Environmental Toxins and Your Health<\/b><\/h2>\n

One of the biggest risks with environmental toxins is exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These are toxins that affect the endocrine system, which controls and regulates your hormone production and secretion. Hormonal imbalances can cause all sorts of issues like fertility issues, irregular or painful periods, <\/span>early menopause<\/span><\/a>, cancer, heart problems, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are about 800 known endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can be found in places like packaging, cosmetics, and airbags in cars. We\u2019ve been able to detect the effects of EDCs by tracking how chemicals like <\/span>DES<\/span><\/a> have led to certain health issues. DES was a medication used in the mid-20th century to help prevent pregnancy, although instead, it resulted in birth defects and later health issues for those who were exposed to it in utero.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since then, we\u2019ve seen direct links between different EDCs and diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Some other common environmental toxins we\u2019re exposed to include lead, mercury, benzene, and formaldehyde. Those aren\u2019t the only ones, there are more than <\/span>400 known environmental toxins<\/span><\/a> that have been discovered in humans. These have been measured in breastmilk, urine, blood, and other fluids.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A commonly known toxin is pesticides, which are used to help repel and kill plants or bugs that interfere with the growth of food crops. <\/span>Exposure to pesticides<\/span><\/a> can lead to health issues like a disruption in healthy gut bacteria, nervous system dysregulation, hormonal and reproductive issues, and more. <\/span>Some environmental toxins can lead to skin issues like rashes and sensitivities, or respiratory disorders like asthma. Although there are environmental toxins all over, there are steps you can take to help minimize exposure to them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Avoiding Environmental Toxins<\/b><\/h2>\n

Environmental toxins can make their way into your body through sneaky methods. Skincare and cosmetics are absorbed by the skin and into the bloodstream. Toxins in your home are breathed in or absorbed by your skin. Chemicals in water supplies are absorbed into the skin and ingested through food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While many of these are unavoidable, there are small steps you can take in your daily life to help minimize your exposure to environmental toxins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some tips to keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n