The products we use in our homes can have a big impact on our hormones. Many household products contain chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including hormone imbalances. By making simple swaps to safer products, we can help to protect our hormones and improve our overall health.
Here are 4 simple swaps you can make to start improving your hormonal health.
The information provided in this post is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Links throughout this blog may also contain affiliate links. Please be assured, that these are all products I personally use and/or recommend. There is no additional cost to you, and often times when you use my link, you will save money with my exclusive discounts and coupons.
1. Plastic Containers to Glass Containers
Glass containers are a better choice than plastic containers for a number of reasons. But in terms of hormone health the main reason to consider glass over plastic is that, glass is non-toxic and does not leach chemicals into food, even when heated. Plastic containers that leech chemicals into our food can wreck havoc on our endocrine & hormone systems and can easily be avoided by swapping for glass Tupperware when possible.
2. Ditch your Coffee Pot
Before you get all upset with me, I’m not suggesting to get rid of coffee all together, just the conventional coffee pot. The biggest reason to avoid a coffee pot is due to the process of how coffee is made—by heating up water and brewing it through the plastic materials on the inside of the coffee pot. As mentioned above, plastic can leach a lot of chemicals into our food, and it’s not different here. A better option would be to consider an all glass coffee pot, like a pour over or a glass and stainless steel coffee pot like a French press.
In addition, coffee made in a French press may may contain less estrogen than conventional coffee. French press coffee does not use a paper filter, which can trap estrogen-like compounds called cafestol and kahweol. These compounds have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in some studies.
French press coffee also contains more antioxidants than coffee made with a paper filter. Antioxidants can help to protect your cells from damage and may have other health benefits, especially for hormonal health.
If you are looking for a way to make coffee that is better for your hormones, a French Press or Pour Over coffee pot are both a great alternative.
3. Say Goodbye to Non-Stick Cookware
Stainless steel pots and pans are a better choice than nonstick cookware for hormone health because they are non-toxic and do not leach chemicals into food. Nonstick cookware, on the other hand, is often coated with Teflon, which contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA is a known carcinogen and has been linked to a variety of health problems, including hormone disruption.
Here are some of the specific benefits of choosing stainless steel pots and pans over nonstick cookware:
- Healthier: Stainless steel is a non-toxic material that does not leach chemicals into food, even when heated.
- More durable: Stainless steel is a durable material that can withstand heat and cold. This makes it a good choice for storing food that will be heated or frozen. Nonstick cookware, on the other hand, can melt or warp when exposed to heat or cold.
Overall, if you are looking for a safe, sustainable, and convenient way to cook, stainless steel pots and pans are the best option.
While you’re in the kitchen, there are a few additional things to keep in mind so that you can best support your hormones.
- Avoid using high heat: High heat can release harmful chemicals from cookware, so it is best to cook on medium or low heat whenever possible.
- Use wooden or silicone utensils: Wooden and silicone utensils are less likely to scratch cookware and release harmful chemicals.
- Limit seed oils and cook with oils below their smoke points. Cooking below the smoke point of your oil is important for a few reasons. First, it helps to prevent the formation of harmful compounds, such as acrolein. Acrolein is a known carcinogen that can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer. Second, cooking below the smoke point helps to preserve the flavor and nutrients of your food. When oil is heated past its smoke point, it breaks down and releases free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Finally, cooking below the smoke point helps to prevent your food from sticking to the pan. When oil is heated past its smoke point, it becomes less viscous and can cause food to stick.
- Olive Oil: Below 375 degrees F
- Avocado Oil: Below 520 degrees F
- Coconut Oil: Below 350 degrees F
- Ghee: Below 465 Degrees F
- Butter: Below 350 Degrees F
By following these tips, you can cook safely and support your hormones.
4. Get Rid of Candles
While candles can create a nice ambiance and often come with a cozy scent, their artificial colorings and fragrance are doing more harm to our hormones than good. Essential oils are a popular alternative to candles for hormone health. They are made from plants and have a variety of benefits, including:
- Aromatherapy: Essential oils can be used to improve mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
- Hormone balancing: Some essential oils have been shown to help balance hormones, such as lavender, clary sage, and geranium.
- Immune system support: Essential oils can help boost the immune system and fight off infection.
- Pain relief: Essential oils can be used to relieve pain, such as headaches, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps.
- Sleep aid: Essential oils can help promote sleep and improve sleep quality.
It is important to note that essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, so it is important to buy them from a reputable source—we use Doterra for this exact reason.
Here are some tips for using essential oils for hormone health:
- Diffuse essential oils: Diffusing essential oils is the safest way to use them. A diffuser heats up water and releases the essential oils into the air.
- Apply essential oils topically: Essential oils can be applied topically to the skin. However, it is important to dilute them with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or coconut oil.
- Take essential oils internally: Essential oils can be taken internally, but it is important to do so under the supervision of a qualified aromatherapist.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to talk to your doctor before using essential oils. Essential oils can pass through the placenta and breast milk, so it is important to be cautious.
Here are some essential oils that are good for hormone health:
- Lavender: Lavender is a calming and relaxing essential oil that can help improve mood and reduce stress. It has also been shown to help balance hormones.
- Clary Sage: Clary sage is a powerful essential oil that can help balance hormones, especially during menopause. It has also been shown to help improve mood and reduce stress.
- Geranium: Geranium is a versatile essential oil that can help balance hormones, improve mood, and reduce stress. It has also been shown to help with skin conditions, such as acne and eczema.
If you are looking for a safe and natural way to improve your hormone health, essential oils may be a good option for you.
If essential oils aren’t your thing, we’ve also started using Aera as a clean alternative to things like glade plug-ins. It is a bit of an investment to start using them, but so far I’d 10/10 recommend!
There are lots of swaps that can be made to support your hormones. But there are also some lifestyle things you can do too. For additional support, make sure you’re:
- Eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet is essential for hormone balance. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And getting at least 100g of protein per day.
- Getting regular exercise. Exercise helps to regulate hormones and improve overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Getting enough sleep. Sleep is essential for hormone production and regulation. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Managing your stress. Stress can disrupt hormone balance. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Making changes is best done little by little in order for it to be sustainable for you & your lifestyle. But as you start making these changes, you can greatly help support your hormones and improve your overall health.