What are EDCs and why are they a hidden threat to your fertility?
EDC is an abbreviation for Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. These are chemicals, man-made or natural, that can interfere with our body’s hormones.
And we all know hormones are important. They control everything from moods to growth to how we reproduce.
Imagine your body’s hormones like a complex communication system. EDCs are like outside noises that mess up the messages being sent. They can:
- Mimic your hormones: They can act like your body’s own hormones, tricking your cells into responding when they shouldn’t. This can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones needed for ovulation and sperm production.
- Block your hormones: They can prevent your body’s natural hormones from doing their job. For example, they might interfere with the action of oestrogen or testosterone, crucial for both male and female fertility.
- Disrupt hormone production: They can interfere with how your body makes hormones. This can lead to hormonal imbalances that negatively impact fertility.
How can EDCs impact fertility?
In women, EDCs can lead to irregular or absent ovulation and reduced egg quality. They may increase the risk of miscarriage as well.
In men, EDCs can have a negative impact on the sperm’s motility and shape and can also lead to decreased sperm count.
Where are these EDCs hiding?
Pretty much everywhere! They can be found in plastic containers like water bottles, in chemicals in our food, in cosmetics and in food packaging.
So, no wonder that eliminating all exposure to EDCs is impossible. Still, there are steps you can take to reduce it and support your fertility.
Choosing BPS-free products, avoiding excessive plastic use, reading the labels on cosmetic products and eating organic food whenever possible. These are some of the steps you can take straight away to start creating a healthier environment for your reproductive system and increase your chances of conceiving.
For more info on this topic you can read this article.
If you want to further support your fertility journey, join my online Fertility yoga classes.
Related articles:
Yoga for the health of the reproductive system
Fertility facts and how they are guiding me in my teaching yoga for fertility
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