This study investigated data from 4,667 adults between 2005 and 2010. EDC exposure was measured by a urine analysis. The researchers found that individuals who were exposed to larger amounts of phthalates had lower levels of vitamin D in the bloodstream than the those who were exposed to smaller amounts of the EDCs. This link was strongest seen in women. It is possible that EDCs alter vitamin D through some of the same mechanisms that they use to impact other hormones in the body.
We live in an ever-increasing toxic environment. We are exposed to According to a new study published Tuesday in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers discovered a link between chemical exposure and reduced serum vitamin D levels.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been known to cause adverse health effects such as diabetes and obesity by interfering with hormones in the body. There is currently more evidence than ever before. It is a fact that EDCs disrupt hormones in a manner that harms human health. Hundreds of studies have confirmed over and over again
EDCs are found in everyday products and throughout the environment. There are more than 85,000 manufactured chemicals. Many of these chemicals mimic, block or interfere with the body’s natural hormones and as a result, EDCs alter the way cells proliferate and develop.
Examples of EDCs:
• Bisphenol A (BPA)- found in food can linings and cash register receipts.
• Phthalates – found in plastics (PVC products, vinyl shower curtains) and cosmetics (perfumes, nail polish, lotion)
• Flame retardants, solvents, lubricants (PCBs, PBBs, and PBDEs)
• Pesticides (sprayed on conventional fruits and vegetables), insecticides.
• Heavy Metals: cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury
Everyone is exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, so the connection of these chemicals impacting vitamin D levels have a significant impact on our health. Vitamin D plays a significant role in musculoskeletal, immune and cardiovascular health as well as diabetes and cancer.
pesticides, herbicides, chemical solvents, xenobiotics, and industrial chemicals of all kinds that we get exposed through the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. These toxins accumulate in our body and contribute to the total toxic load that can cause a variety of health problems.
We need to do their best to minimize further exposure. We also have to keep in mind that our indoor environment is often more toxic than our outdoor environment.
Tip to Help Avoid EDCs:
• Eat organic produce (join your local CSA)
• Buy free-range, organic meats to reduce exposure from added hormones and pesticides.
• Buy products available in glass containers rather than plastic or cans when possible.
• Cookware: Replace non-stick pans with glass, ceramic, or cast iron.
• Drink filtered water
• Use a shower head with a filter
• Use household products that are fragrance-free and free of phthalates and BPA.
There is also significant evidence on the importance of diet and nutritional supplementation in maintaining detoxification pathways.
Nutritional Support for Detoxification
• Milk Thistle is one of the most protective herbs for the liver with hundreds of studies that confirm its protective properties.
• N-Acetyl Cysteine- supports phase II detoxification and precursor to glutathione
• Calcium D-Glucarate- aids in liver detoxification through the glucuronidation pathway. Xenobiotics, environmental toxins, and excess estrogens are cleared through this pathway.
• EGCg- the most extensively studied green tea polyphenol. Green tea also supports detoxification by enhancing the glucuronidation pathway in addition to modulating blood glucose, and its antioxidant and cancer protective properties.
• A Detoxification Program
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals are virtually impossible to avoid. We need to do our best to limit our exposure and make lifestyle and nutritional choices to properly detoxifying these chemicals.
By Michael Jurgelewicz, DC, DACBN, DCBCN, CNS
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