Call me a nerd -- but I find it fascinating to learn about the effects of different chemicals on our body, especially on our hormones. Obviously! I mean I am an Endocrinologist - would you expect any less?!? :)
We call these chemicals endocrine disruptors, and there are many of them! I will perhaps blog about them in the future if you are interested :)
What's so bad about phthalates?
There's so much to learn about these chemicals, but the most data we have is related to how phthalates affect our hormones. When phthalates are found in excess they have been associated with the following:
-birth defects during pregnancy
-problems with male sexual development
-problems with puberty in men
-decrease in the male hormone known as testosterone and increase in the female hormone (estrogen) --male infertility (low sperm count, poor quality of sperm)
-feminization of men where estrogen leads to development of breasts!
-animal studies show phthalates exposure can also affect the liver, kidneys and reproductive systems of developing organisms
Given these potential bad effects on health, Europe has banned certain phthalates from cosmetics and baby toys BUT America has not!!
Who's at risk?
One large study found that phthalates are measurable in most of the general US population.
Not all of us will develop medical issues from phthalates; however, studies suggest that the more exposure your body has to this chemical (and other chemicals) the more likely you are to develop other health issues later on.
We call these chemicals endocrine disruptors, and there are many of them! I will perhaps blog about them in the future if you are interested :)
A recent study published this week in Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that eating more fast foods equals eating more chemicals, specifically chemicals known as phthalates. Phthalates are a classic example of endocrine disruptors.
What are phthalates?
Phthalates are chemicals that are commonly found in plastics and used in thousands of products -- such as toys, vinyl flooring detergents, shampoo bottles, food packaging, medications, and personal care products (like nail polish, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, soaps, shampoos, perfumes, etc.) They are also used in artificial fragrances.
A little more about this interesting study:
This study was quite comprehensive and looked at data collected from the 8,877 participants of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Participants reported on their diet in the past 24 hours and provided urine samples, which were tested for breakdown products of two specific phthalates, DEHP and DiNP.
What are phthalates?
Phthalates are chemicals that are commonly found in plastics and used in thousands of products -- such as toys, vinyl flooring detergents, shampoo bottles, food packaging, medications, and personal care products (like nail polish, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, soaps, shampoos, perfumes, etc.) They are also used in artificial fragrances.
A little more about this interesting study:
This study was quite comprehensive and looked at data collected from the 8,877 participants of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Participants reported on their diet in the past 24 hours and provided urine samples, which were tested for breakdown products of two specific phthalates, DEHP and DiNP.
They found a positive association between fast food consumption and the amount of phthalates in one's urine. Participants with high fast food intake had 20-40% higher urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites than those who did not consume fast food in 24 hours.
This study can not prove true causation (i.e. the fast foods led to increased phthalates), but its one step in the right direction to support that fast foods have many bad effects on our body!
What's so bad about phthalates?
There's so much to learn about these chemicals, but the most data we have is related to how phthalates affect our hormones. When phthalates are found in excess they have been associated with the following:
-birth defects during pregnancy
-problems with male sexual development
-problems with puberty in men
-decrease in the male hormone known as testosterone and increase in the female hormone (estrogen) --male infertility (low sperm count, poor quality of sperm)
-feminization of men where estrogen leads to development of breasts!
-animal studies show phthalates exposure can also affect the liver, kidneys and reproductive systems of developing organisms
Given these potential bad effects on health, Europe has banned certain phthalates from cosmetics and baby toys BUT America has not!!
Who's at risk?
One large study found that phthalates are measurable in most of the general US population.
Not all of us will develop medical issues from phthalates; however, studies suggest that the more exposure your body has to this chemical (and other chemicals) the more likely you are to develop other health issues later on.
How can I find out if the products I own/use/eat have phthalates?
This should be documented in the ingredients listed on the product. Check out this nailpolish bottle as an example:
Want to know how much phthalates are in your cosmetics?
Visit the FDA site:
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Ingredients/ucm128250.htm#survey
Next blog I will discuss the ways you can limit your exposure to phthalates!
Please feel free to ask any questions & ask/follow me on Twitter @Doctor_Deena or Instagram at live.laugh.love.be_healthy!
**PLEASE REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND/OR BEFORE STARTING OR STOPPING ANY TREATMENT OR ACTING UPON INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR OWN PHYSICIAN OR HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER*
This should be documented in the ingredients listed on the product. Check out this nailpolish bottle as an example:
Want to know how much phthalates are in your cosmetics?
Visit the FDA site:
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Ingredients/ucm128250.htm#survey
Next blog I will discuss the ways you can limit your exposure to phthalates!
Please feel free to ask any questions & ask/follow me on Twitter @Doctor_Deena or Instagram at live.laugh.love.be_healthy!
**PLEASE REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND/OR BEFORE STARTING OR STOPPING ANY TREATMENT OR ACTING UPON INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR OWN PHYSICIAN OR HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER*
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