(This article was originally written by Conner in 2019, and is just as relevant today as it was then. It has been edited slightly. Our intention is that you take the information you are given and you make the most of it. The purpose of this information is not to concern you, but to empower you.)
“When Conner lead me through the process of coming off artificial fragrances, the following month I had the easiest period I could remember. I had no noticeable symptoms or mood changes. I now have fewer migraines and I’m sleeping through the night. I’m blown away by how these chemicals were effecting me and how quickly my body changed.”
– Rebecca, Asheville
Utensils, food and drinking containers, and cosmetic products that contain plastic have become a normal part of everyday life.
Your body has a hard time telling the difference between certain plastic compounds and its own natural hormones. This means that the more of these chemicals you are exposed to, the more plastic you actually become. The two most notable of these compounds are phthalates and bisphenols, which are plasticisers – meaning they are added to plastic to make it both more durable and more flexible. The bisphenol that has gained the most attention is bisphenol A or BPA. However, buying something that is “BPA Free” often means it has higher amounts of other bisphenols, like BPB, and may not be safer after all.
Compounds like phthalates and bisphenols are referred to as EDC’s in the literature (endocrine disrupting compounds). Their affects on fertility, reproduction, development, and oxidative stress have been studied and are undeniable [1, 2, 3, 4]. These compounds disrupt thyroid function [1, 2, 4], mitochondrial function [2], cholesterol metabolism [2], growth hormone production [1], sperm quality [3], and increase oxidation of fatty acids and therefore increases oxidative stress that leads to inflammation and aging. [2]
Where do most people spray cologne or perfumes? Where is your thyroid located? (Better yet, what about when it’s your entire outfit that was steeped in scented laundry detergent?)
Many people are concerned about the estrogenic effects of soy products. However, phthalates, bisphenols, and other plastics bind to hormone receptors so strongly that they are causing estrogen dominance, thyroid disorders, and other hormonal dysfunction around the world.
One way to make an impact on a man is to tell him: “You are shrinking your testicles by wearing that cologne.” …or to a woman: “Your perfume is making your periods worse.”
So where are these plastics found?
Air fresheners
Plastic mesh teabags
Perfumes, colognes, bodysprays
Shampoos, conditioners, lotions
Soaps, household cleaners
Laundry detergent
Hairgels, hairspray
Makeup
Low-quality essential oils
Plastic water bottles
Receipts
Sea salt (use Redmond’s salt instead)
Plastic bags
Breast implants [5, 6]
Lining of cans
Plastic containers
(don’t heat your food in these!)
PVC pipes, water tubing
Other cosmetics and packaging
and most importantly
– anything containing “fragrance” as an ingredient
Once you eliminate artificial fragrances and EDC exposure from your life you will notice profound changes. When you do, you will become more and more sensitive to the consequences of these chemicals and feel inspired to tell those you know (or even those you don’t know). That said, we can’t keep others from spraying whatever they want on themselves.
This is bound to be an unpopular opinion but the prevalence and strength of the fragrances that people use is a public health hazard. By simply smelling another person’s fragrances, your natural hormones are being disrupted and your body is forced to deal with the oxidative stress. Imagine what it must be doing when we spray it on our own skin?
We often recommend our patients stop using artificial fragrances but this is especially important for those seeking help with weight management or with endocrine disorders, gynecological issues, etc. Estrogen is a signal for the body to store water weight, and to multiply fat cells where there are . That means this is where your body will store plastics as well.
So what do we do?
The best way to detoxify plastics from the body is to sweat. Hmm, I’m thinking of that giant infrared sauna in the sky or, if you’re near CDA, hopping down to one of my favorite places – Symmetry Sauna. It is only $35 for a pass to use their communal sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy station, and hydrogen water! (By clicking this link and setting up and account you will also be supporting Affordable Acupuncture. Note: We don’t recommend things we don’t believe in or use ourselves. If you go, you may just see us there.)
The most impactful lifestyle change you can make is the simple choice of going fragrance-free. This is a tall order for many people, but one that will yield tremendous benefits that you can actually feel.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We love ya,
Conner & Laura