Improve my fertility by detoxing my home?
Yes! Removing excess environmental toxic burden to the body that we surround ourselves day-in and day-out, can improve the natural function of the body, and allow it to work properly. Reproduction is one of the most delicate and vulnerable systems in the body that toxic burden overload negatively impacts. Science has proven chemical/toxic exposure, in either partner, can increase time to conception and loss of pregnancy.
The human body is designed to remove an enormous load of toxins, when there is an ADEQUATE amount of nutrients available for the task. Unfortunately for most Americans, there are two problems with this statement.
Toxin exposure and overload are increasing in our daily living space and work environment
The Standard American Diet (SAD) is known to be nutritionally deficient and expose us to more toxin
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that injure our endocrine organs which are the ovaries, testes, thyroid, adrenals and pituitary. When the body is over exposed to these chemicals normal function of these organs will be disrupted.
Household endocrine TOXINS that can affect fertility in male and female partners:
Bisphenol A (BPA): impacts over 200 different genes in the body, which is why it has so many damaging effects.
Found: Plastic labeled #7 or PC: water bottles, plasticware, Lining of metal food and drink cans, Water supply pipes, Menstrual products, toiletries, Household electronics, Receipts
Potential Health Detriment: Decreases estradiol, ovarian response, number of fertilized eggs and blastocysts, chromosomal damage leading to miscarriage; Cardiovascular Disease, obesity, metabolic disorder,
Parabens-butylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben and isobutylparaben
Found: Moisturizers, face and skin cleaners, sunscreen, nail polish, perfumes, deodorants, shaving gels, toothpaste, makeup; Preservative in beer, sauces, desserts, soft drinks, jams, pickles, frozen dairy products, processed vegetables and flavoring syrups. Food dyes, Indoor dust
Potential Health Detriment: Decreased testosterone and sperm count, increased DNA damage of sperm; Diminished ovarian reserve, Failed implantation, allergic skin reactions
Phthalates
Found: “Fragrance” in air fresheners, cleaning products, laundry products, perfumes, Soaps, shampoos, hair spray, Flexible plastic/PVC, Plastic wrap/food packaging, Building material-flooring, wall coverings, Foods: cream-based diary, poultry and cooking oils
Potential Health Detriment:Thyroid problems, Early puberty in girls, ENDOMETRIOSIS, Reduced sperm concentration and motility, DNA damage of sperm, Immune disruption, contact dermatitis, obesity, brain and behavior changes in children
Triclosan
Found: Antibacterial soaps/cleaners, Dish soap, Hand sanitizers, Toothpaste/mouthwash, Clothes, toys, Sponges, countertops, cutting boards, Napkins, tablecloths
Potential Health Detriment:Decrease testicular weight, and sperm density, Decrease progesterone and ovarian function, Cancer of breast, ovary and prostate cells
Chlorine
Found: Disinfectants like bleach, Tap water, Swimming Pools, hot tubs, Cleaners
Potential Health Detriment:Increased risk to miscarriage and stillbirth, Reduced sperm motility and count
Electromagnetic Field (EMF)
Found: Microwave ovens, WiFi, Phones, Computers
Potential Health Detriment:Decreased fertilization rate and ovarian reserve, Reduced sperm quality and number, Increased miscarriage and developmental impairment of embryo’s reproductive system
This is not an exhaustive list of adverse chemicals we are exposed to in our homes. They are the most concern for fertility though. If you are able to avoid products with these chemicals you will be one step closer to taking home the baby you’ve been dreaming. Take a moment to assess how many toxic chemicals you are exposed to each day from cleaning products to cosmetics, and you will understand this is a burden the body may be having a difficult time cleaning out.
Switch from purchasing more commercial, mainstream products to natural and plant based products. There are great websites that are DIY for making cleaning products with non-toxic ingredients. As for cosmetics, natural beauty is beautiful and there are many more companies starting to make clean cosmetics.
It may seem unimportant to make changes to the toxins you are exposed because they are on the shelves presented as completely safe to use without limitation, but research has proven how harmful these everyday products actually are for health. As the consumer it is your decision on what to use, show the importance health is to you by purchasing safe products.
The next step to getting closer to optimal fertility is replenishing the nutrients needed to clear these damaging toxins. A US national survey which surveyed 16,444 individuals reported specifically the US population did not meet these nutrients’ daily requirements:
~94.3% for vitamin D ~88.5% for vitamin E ~52.2% for magnesium
~44.1% for calcium ~43.0% for vitamin A ~38.9% for vitamin C
For the nutrients in which a daily requirement has not been set, intakes lower than the adequate levels:
~100% for potassium ~91.7% for choline ~66.9% for vitamin K
All of the B vitamins and several minerals, including copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc were inadequate. These deficiencies not only make it harder for the body to clean out toxins, they make it harder for the body to do basic functions, like making adequate levels of hormones.
A whole foods diet, avoiding packaged and processed foods, with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, high quality protein, and whole grains can help feed the body correctly. We truly need good food for the body to perform its expected functions well each day. Not to mention the importance of quality food and adequate nutrients when trying to build an entire new human being, a baby.
Know these and other unmentioned chemicals are affecting the health of you and your children, born or unborn. Small changes can make a huge impact when considering toxic overload and fertility. Trying to change too much at once can be overwhelming, so start with one area of your life first, say cosmetics since these products are applied directly to your largest organ, the skin. Or try putting the Wifi on a timer to turn off overnight to reduce your exposure to EMF when not using it. These changes will improve your families everyday health regardless if you are struggling with fertility.
Written by Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc