You might think you are doing “everything right” or “eating healthy,” but in reality, you might be hurting your efforts to get and stay well by not paying attention to the harmful effects of the everyday items you use at home.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your lower neck. It has enormous responsibility for your body’s metabolic processes, specifically it releases two primary hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — that control your metabolism.
Whether they’re synthetic or natural in nature, toxins are a piece of the complex thyroid puzzle.
Tap Water
According to the CDC, almost all of us have perchlorates in our bodies. What is perchlorate? – Well, perchlorate is a byproduct of the manufacturing of rocket and jet fuel, car air bags and fireworks. This toxin leaks into much of our drinking water and food supply. A study conducted by the CDC found widespread perchlorate human exposure, and a connection between perchlorate levels and thyroid hormone levels. What perchlorate does is it prevents the production of thyroid hormone, which can lead to low thyroid symptoms. A study showed that babies born with elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone may have been affected by small amounts of perchlorate in their mother’s drinking water.These studies, and the work of the Environmental Working Group, showed that not only is perchlorate exposure pervasive, but that even low levels of perchlorate exposure can have negative health effects on the thyroid.
Soy
Phytoestrogens in soy proteins have been found to inhibit thyroid peroxidase. Soy is able to disrupt normal thyroid function by inhibiting the body’s ability to use iodine, blocking the process by which iodine becomes the thyroid hormones, inhibiting the secretion of thyroid hormone, and disrupting the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. According to researches, infants fed with soy formula had a prolonged increase in their thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, compared to infants fed with non-soy formulas. You should also take note that soy is a genetically modified food (GMO).
Pesticides
According to a study, women married to men who used pesticides in their daily work were at a much higher risk of developing thyroid problems than other women. A second study showed that, about 60 percent of pesticides used today may affect the thyroid gland’s production of hormones.Many weed killers and antifungals used on produce have been shown to decrease thyroid function and increase weight-loss resistance.
Flame retardants
Several studies have shown that flame retardants, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers disturb thyroid function.Flame-retardant are chemicals commonly found in television and computer screens, as well as in the foam used for furniture and carpeting padding. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, commonly known as PBDEs, are linked to behavioral and developmental problems.