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How to Safeguard Your Hormone Health & Fertility | Dr. Shanna Swan

Episode 201 Nov 4, 2024 2h 18m 18 insights
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Shanna Swan, Ph.D., professor of environmental medicine and reproductive health at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Swan is the world’s leading expert on the harmful impact of chemicals in our food, water, cosmetics, and various household and consumer products on our hormones, and the consequences for fertility and overall reproductive health. She explains how exposure to phthalates and other endocrine disruptors adversely impacts fetal development, puberty, and the adult brain and body. We discuss the global decline in human fertility due to disruptive environmental toxins, such as pesticides, and certain foods and beverages we consume. We discuss practical strategies to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), BPS, and PFAS. This includes reducing disposable plastic use, making healthier food preparation, consumption, and storage choices, and selecting personal and household products that don’t contain harmful toxins. This episode allows you to assess your risk of exposure to endocrine disruptors accurately and empowers you to take control of your hormone health and fertility. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Actionable Insights

1. Prioritize Endocrine Disruptor Reduction

Actively reduce exposure to man-made hormone-disrupting chemicals (endocrine disruptors) in daily life, as these impact reproductive and overall health, and can be passed on for generations.

2. Eliminate Fragrance Products

Avoid all products with ‘fragrance’ (perfumes, lotions, soaps, deodorants, laundry detergents) as they are a major source of phthalate exposure, which can affect hormones.

3. Avoid Plastic Food/Drink Contact

Never microwave plastic, avoid storing hot food in plastic, and opt for glass, ceramic, or steel containers for food and beverages to prevent chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols from leaching into consumables.

4. Filter Drinking Water

Distill or filter drinking water to remove contaminants, as even seemingly clean tap water can contain significant gunk and chemicals.

5. Choose Organic Unwrapped Produce

Prioritize buying organic produce to avoid pesticides, and choose unwrapped produce (e.g., loose lettuce) to reduce both plastic exposure and cost.

6. Avoid Canned Foods/Drinks

Steer clear of canned foods and drinks, as cans are often lined with BPA, BPS, or BPF, which are endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

7. Use Non-Stick Pan Alternatives

Replace non-stick pans with seasoned cast iron or other safe alternatives to avoid exposure to PFOS chemicals.

8. Manage Light Exposure for Sleep

Wear red lens glasses after sunset to filter out short-wavelength light from screens and LEDs, which helps prevent melatonin suppression and improves the transition to sleep.

9. Optimize Hydration & Electrolytes

Drink electrolyte mix (e.g., Element) in 16-32 oz water first thing in the morning and during/after exercise, even in cold weather, to maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance for optimal brain/body function.

10. Engage in Regular Therapy

Commit to regular therapy, viewing it as essential as physical exercise, to gain emotional support, directed guidance, and valuable insights from a trusted professional.

11. Ensure Foundational Nutrition

Incorporate a high-quality, comprehensive foundational nutritional supplement daily to ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and prebiotics, supporting overall health, immunity, digestion, mood, and mental focus.

12. Utilize Comprehensive Lab Testing

Regularly use comprehensive lab testing (blood, urine, saliva) to monitor key biomarkers, and apply medical doctor-informed insights to make personalized health adjustments.

13. Reduce Clothing Chemical Exposure

Opt for natural fibers like cotton over synthetic materials, especially for workout wear, and consider plant-based dyes to reduce exposure to chemicals in clothing.

14. Remove Shoes at Home

Adopt the habit of removing shoes at the door to prevent bringing in dust containing PFOS chemicals and other contaminants into the home.

15. Check Personal Care Products

Use consumer guides (e.g., Environmental Working Group) to check the safety ratings of cosmetics and personal care products applied to the face and body.

16. Decline Thermal Receipts

Opt for electronic receipts instead of physical thermal paper receipts, as they contain BPA and other endocrine disruptors that can be absorbed through the skin.

17. Pre-conception Exposure Responsibility

Individuals planning or undergoing pregnancy should diligently learn and implement strategies to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors, as these chemicals can affect the health of their child and subsequent generations.

18. Assess Personal Chemical Burden

Consider using services like Million Marker to test urine for phthalate metabolites and other chemical exposures, providing a personalized understanding of one’s body burden and guiding reduction efforts.