If you are suffering from a condition that is caused by an excess of oestrogen in your body – heavy painful periods, fibroids, endometriosis – it is very important you reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens or ‘foreign oestrogens’.
In today’s world, there are many man-made compounds in our water, food and environment that mimic oestrogen in our bodies.
A number of chemicals in current industrial use such as dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) and bisphenols (found in pesticides, petrochemicals and plastic) may bind to and activate oestrogen receptor sites in the body. In other words they act like oestrogen in our body.
However unlike natural hormones these xenoestrogens may exert effects many times more potent than our own body’s oestrogens.
In order to reduce your exposure to these substances it is important to:
- Avoid using soft plastics such as cling wrap, plastic containers used to store food, plastic water bottles. Instead use a stainless steel drinking bottle, store food in ceramic dishes, and never microwave food using cling wrap.
- Avoid chlorine and bleaches – use a water filter, clean around the home using natural products that don’t contain bleach. Wash well after swimming in a chlorinated pool.
- Buy organic food – xenoestrogens are found most concentrated in the fat of meat, farmed fish and nonorganic dairy products. Eat primarily organic meat, dairy and produce, washing fruits and veg thoroughly before eating.
- Avoid pesticides and herbicides, these contain potent xenoestrogens
- Use only organic, cotton sanitary wear – avoid synthetic pads and tampons
There are many foods known as phytoestrogens, or plant oestrogens, that can modulate oestrogen levels and it is recommended that these are included in the diet regularly.
These foods include:
- Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower
- Linseeds: Freshly grind 2 tablespoons and eat with cereal
- Garlic
- Green Tea
- Alfalfa
- Soy products: soybeans, tofu, soy milk
It is also important to ensure good excretion of oestrogen from the body via the liver and bowel. A thorough detoxification should be undertaken every 12 months to keep the liver in good condition.
A complete bowel movement should take place each day. If this is not occurring, increase water to two litres per day, and eat more fibre rich foods – brown rice and whole grain bread, sweet potatoes, prunes, pears, and fruit and vegetables.
Vitamins and minerals that can help:
- Zinc, Selenium, vitamins A, C and E
Herbs that can help increase oestrogen excretion:
- Vitex agnus castus (chaste berry)
- St Mary’s Thistle
- Bupleurum http://bit.ly/196pxbx
