Endometriosis and the environment

Endometriosis is a common, inflammatory, pelvic and/or abdominal pain condition that occurs in women who menstruate (read more here). Even though 10-15% of menstruating folks experience this condition, it is poorly understood, and a number of hypotheses exist as to what causes this condition. Recent studies have shown that a number of man-made environmental toxicants are linked to endometriosis. Specifically, studies have demonstrated a relationship between exposure to phthalates, dioxins and polychloryinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the diagnosis of endometriosis. These chemicals have hormone mimicking or hormone disrupting actions in the body, and may play a role in the development or worsening of endometriosis. Unfortunately, these chemicals are very common in our environments. Learning where these chemicals are found and taking steps to reduce your exposure (and support your body’s natural detox processes – more later) is an important component of a comprehensive natural treatment plan for endometriosis.

Phthalates. Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. They are found in hundred of products, such as vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, automotive plastics, plastic clothes (ex. rain jackets), and personal care products (soaps, shampoos, hairsprays and nail polish).

Polychloryinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs started being produced in the late 1920’s, until they were banned 50 years later due to their possible risks to human health and the environment. PCBs were used in insulating material, electrical equipment, transformers, plasticizers, surface coatings, flame-retardants, paints and inks. Even though the production of PCBs has been banned, about 10% of the original PCBs still persist in our environment today.

Dioxins. These toxicants are found in many environments throughout the world. They accumulate in the food chain mainly in the fatty tissue of animals; this means that fish or animals higher up the food chain have a greater concentration of dioxins in their tissues. According to the WHO, more than 90% of human exposure to dioxins is through food (mainly meat and dairy products), fish and shellfish. It is difficult to avoid dioxins, but you can cut down your exposure to dioxins by eating fewer animal products or choosing organic and grass-fed products.

How can you avoid these chemicals?

I recommend slowly doing a “home detox” to get rid of any products, furniture or materials that contain these chemicals, or other chemicals that may burden your liver detoxification process. A great resource is the Environmental Working Group, who extensively outline where these chemicals may be found. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Reduce your use of plastic. Avoid plastic food containers and replace them with metal or glass containers. Never heat food in plastic containers in the microwave. Replace your plastic water bottles with glass or metal water bottles. Avoid plastic children’s toys (some phthalates are already banned in kids products). Avoid plastics marked with “PC,” for polycarbonate, or recycling label #7.

Detox your skin and beauty supplements. Phthalates are commonly found in personal care products. Looks for ones that are natural or “phthalate free”. Avoid products that simply list “fragrance” as one of the ingredients, since this catcall term sometimes means hidden phthalates. You can find phthalate-free personal care products with EWG’s Skin Deep Database.

Choose organic as much as possible. Use the Environmental Working Groups “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists to select which vegetables and fruits are more safe to buy non-organic, to save some dollars. Read more about what foods to eat and avoid in endometriosis here.

Use natural cleaning products. Switch to natural, fragrance-free laundry detergent, avoid laundry sheets, and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which can cut down on toxic-laden house dust.

Reduce your intake of animal products. As mentioned, certain chemicals accumulate in fatty tissue higher up the food chain. Reduce your exposure by eating more vegetarian-based meals, decreasing your meat intake in favour of beans, organic tofu and legumes, and decrease your intake of dairy. If you do choose meat or dairy, choose organic, grass-fed meat, and organic free run eggs. Read more here.

Additional Support: Love your Liver (and other detox organs)

Your liver, is responsible for hundreds of metabolic processes, including helping you to excrete chemicals, toxins, and old hormones from the body. However, it’s not only your liver that helps your body get rid of toxins: your kidneys, skin, bowels and lungs are other avenues whereby toxins, dead or recycled cells, or other chemicals are excreted. You can help support your natural detoxification pathways with these simple dietary and lifestyle tips:

• Increase your liver-loving foods and herbs. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale, arugula, Brussels sprouts), beets, lemon, turmeric, artichokes, onions, dandelion greens, ginger, and garlic, to name a few.
• Adequate amino acid (protein) intake. Ensure you get adequate protein in your diet. Amino acids form an important component of your phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification processes. Consider adding a vegan-based protein powder to your regular routine.
• Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink at least 2L water per day, or more if you drink coffee.
• Sweat regularly. Sweat it out with regular exercise or infrared saunas.
• Castor oil packs over the liver area (right upper abdomen). Follow this link to learn more about castor oil packs.
• Support healthy bowel movements. Increase your dietary fibre, for example, ground flax seeds, psyllium husk, whole grains, beans and legumes, apples, pears, and green leafy vegetables (aim for at least 40g fibre per day). Increase the probiotic-rich foods in your diet, such as fermented kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh or natto.

Liver detoxification support and reducing your environmental exposure to toxic chemicals is one part of a comprehensive treatment plan for endometriosis, check out the following articles for to support your endometriosis:

• Supplements and a natural approach to endometriosis

• What to eat and avoid in endometriosis

• Managing endometriosis pain using acupuncture

Yours in Health,

Dr. Kat

Resources:

Weuve, J., Hauser, R., Calafat, A., Missmer, S., Wise, L. (2010) Association of exposure to phthalates with endometriosis and uterine leiomyomata: findings from NHANES, 1999-2004. Environ Health Perpect, June, 118(6):825-32. doi: 10.1289/ehp.0901543. Epub 2010 Feb 25.

Bruner-Tran K., Yeaman, G., Crispens, M, Igarashi, T., Osteen, K. (2008) Dioxin may promote inflammation-related development of endometriosis. Fertil Steril, May;89(5):1287-98.. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.02.102. Epub 2008 Apr 18.

De Coster S., van Larebeke, N. (2012) “Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Associated Disorders and Mechanisms of Action,” Journal of Environmental and Public Health, vol. 2012, Article ID 713696, 52 pages. doi:10.1155/2012/713696

Frank, P. (2013) Endometriosis: Theories, evidence and treatment. Obtained online from NDNR at http://ndnr.com/womens-health/endometriosis-theories-evidence-and-treatment/

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html

World Health Organization (2016) Dioxins and their effect on human health. Obtained from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs225/en/