Plastics: Why to avoid them and how to detoxify from them
I feel like this is a topic we all know we should be talking about, but it doesn’t really come up that often. Maybe it’s something you think about, maybe it’s something you are worried about. Wondering, what are the consequences? Plastic. It is LITERALLY everywhere. We cannot escape it. But we can start talking about it, being mindful of it, and maybe start taking some steps to detoxify from it.
So, let’s talk about where the true issue is in plastics, phthalates (plasticizers). Exposure to this can come from so many sources, including the beauty products we use and what we absorb into our skin, laundry detergents, plastic water bottles we drink out of, ingestion form our food and it is all around us in everyday items we don’t even think of: appliances, furniture, electronics we use. Ultimately, plasticizers are not covalently bund to PVC therefore they can leach, migrate or evaporate into the environment. Studies done on bottled water have shown contaminants with xenoestrogens, which possess potent estrogenic activity, and can account for endocrine disruptions. Most people can metabolize their exposure to phthalates, but there are some folks that are slow metabolizers, and therefore these toxins can build up. This can manifest as chronic problems such as fatigue, depression, skin issues, etc. It can also negatively affect our hormones and fertility. Exposure to plasticizers in utero (in the womb) have been associated with under-virilization in male infants and exposure to girls has been correlated with an earlier onset of puberty.
What are we to do??? Well, consideration of the products you use is incredibly important. In my previous blog posts, I have talked about reduced waste living, which kind of goes hand in hand with the plasticizer conversation. Ultimately, reducing the plastic you use will help not only the environment, but will help yours and your family’s exposure to these harmful chemicals.
Switches we can make would include:
Switch out your plastic water bottle for a reusable one made of stainless steel or glass: if you have to buy bottled water or any bottled beverages, try and stick with ones coming in glass packaging. These will have less toxins that could have leached into your beverage, and as an added bonus, this packaging is typically better recycled. (Or easily reused in your home!!)
We can also make changes with the products we are putting into and on our bodies: making the switch to clean beauty companies such as BeautyCounter for your cosmetic needs.
Switching up your shampoo and conditioner from your store-bought products: shampoo and conditioner bars that have all-natural ingredients and are not shipped in plastic packaging
Making good healthy food choices that include fresh fruits and veggies not wrapped in plastic packaging.
I also urge you to reach out to companies that you already enjoy using: how are they sourcing their materials? What are their sustainability models? Do they use compostable packaging or plastic packaging?
Lastly, we can help bind and detoxify plasticizers through glucuronidation (hint: see your local friendly Naturopathic or Integrative/Functional Practitioner to help with this), eating two or more servings of raw cruciferous vegetables (again if this is right for you!), or finding a practice that utilizes Far Infared Sauna (hopefully will be coming to Soleil in the near future!). Here at Soleil, we also have IV vitamin infusions which boasts micronutrients and anti-oxidants that will help to aid your natural detoxification process. If you would like to learn more about how IV nutrition can help you detox from plastics and the world we live in, schedule a consult with yours truly!!
References: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2008.04.001 DOI 10.1007/s11356-009-0107-7 Rogers S, Detoxify or Die, Prestige Publishing, 2002 