Everything You Need To Know About Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals And How To Mitigate Them.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a diverse group of substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing, storing, and releasing hormones in the body. They do this by mimicking or blocking the action of our natural hormones, altering the synthesis, transport, metabolism, or elimination of hormones, and disrupting the normal development of the endocrine system. EDCs can have significant negative impacts on our health, particularly hormonal health, such as disrupting menstrual cycles, decreasing fertility, increasing the risk of breast cancer and interfering with the development of the reproductive system in fetuses and infants. EDCs can also have negative impacts on the endocrine system in men, including decreasing fertility and increasing the risk of prostate cancer.
EDCs can be found in a wide variety of sources, including:

• Pesticides and herbicides
• Plastics, including bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates
• Personal care products, such as shampoos, soaps, and makeup
• Industrial chemicals, such as flame retardants and surfactants
• Heavy metals, such as mercury and lead
• Food additives and contaminants, such as artificial sweeteners and synthetic food dyes

While it can be challenging to avoid exposure to EDCs completely, there are steps you can take to minimise your exposure and support your body's natural detoxification processes:

Reduce your toxic load
Choose natural, organic products where possible. This includes choosing organic produce, which is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and avoiding products that contain harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Dispose of household chemicals and reduce your use of plastics. Choosing loose-leaf tea over tea bags is also the best option for your health, as most tea bags contain pesticides and microplastics. 
Give your body's natural detoxification pathways a boost
Our Cleanse tea is a carefully selected combination of herbs that support liver detoxification, improve digestion and help the body to cleanse itself of toxins naturally. Nettle and Dandelion support the liver and kidneys by providing many co-factors needed for phase 2 detoxification, whilst Tulsi and Red clover work to purify the blood. Consume daily on waking for best results. 
Drink clean, filtered water
Use a water filter to remove contaminants from your tap water. Tap water contains trace amounts of EDCs, so using a water filter can help reduce your exposure. While we're on the subject of water, ensure you're drinking enough, as water helps your body flush out toxins. Aim for 2-3L per day. 
Eat a high-fibre, wholefood diet with lots of citrusy fruits and detoxifying vegetables.
Eating a diet rich in fibre can help support healthy bowel movements, aiding in eliminating toxins from the body. Incorporating whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, into your diet can provide a wealth of nutrients that support the body's natural detoxification processes. These foods are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and minerals, like selenium and zinc, which can help neutralise and remove toxins from the body. Citrus fruits, like lemons, limes, and oranges, are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, as well as compounds called limonoids, which can stimulate the production of detoxifying enzymes in the liver. Similarly, vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens, and garlic contain compounds that can support the body's detoxification pathways and help remove toxins from the body.
Support your immune system
By supporting a healthy immune system, we can help mitigate the negative effects of EDCs on our bodies. This looks like getting enough sleep each night, managing stress levels and stimulating lymphatic drainage through physical exercise, infrared saunas and dry body brushing. Sip on our immunity blend, Restore throughout the day and Serenity at night to support the nervous system and assist with a good night's sleep.