A fertile home
While most of the fertility work that we do here at Raku Acupuncture focuses on checking cervical mucus, regulating cycles, and optimizing fertility from the biological end- there are a few things we can also do at home to support you and conception.
Homes are full of endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that have been shown to shift or disrupt the body’s balance in the endocrine system- which is responsible for hormones in our body. Obviously this can have great effect on our entire body and our health, but it can disrupt and impede fertility. Fertility and reproductive health are incredibly tied into hormonal support.
So, what are things in our homes that are disrupting our hormones?
Household Fragrances and Scents- any fragrance (plug ins, candles, car scents) that is synthetic could be considered an endocrine disruptor. I recommend people opt for either essential oils or simmer pots with leftover trimmings/vanilla/cinnamon sticks boiled in water to make your home smell good. It saves waste, and it saves your hormones.
Household Cleaning Products - similar to the fragrances and household scents, most household cleaning products are full of fragrances and cleaning solutions that are endocrine disruptors as well. Capitalism and general consumerism has convinced us that we need products that are manufactured in plants, in plastic, and with chemicals that we know nothing about, to be clean. I think differently. I recommend most cleaning can be done with vinegar, water, and dish soap (I like seventh generations fragrance and bleach free soap as well as the dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent). For areas that just need ease in my house, I use Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation, and Grove Collaborative.
Body and Hair Products- again scents play a role in this (perfumes, colognes), but makeup, shampoo, soaps, bubble baths, sunscreen, and lotions (and anything else you put on your body) can also disrupt our endocrine system. I recommend people opt for the cleanest possible products on the market- which can be hard to find and a bit more expensive! I personally like tallow and or shea butter for moisturizing and suntan lotion, HI Bar shampoo and conditioner bars for hair care. I avoid hairspray, mousse, or additional hair products daily, and I chose to use bar soaps (not liquid) that are scented with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance. I also use Grove Collaborative here to source and pick through options that are gentle, environmentally friendly, and fragrance free.
Plastic Food Containers- When you heat food up in plastic containers, it will absorb chemicals from the plastic itself. I recommend that people switch to a glass container based storage system. They are not expensive, they last forever (looking at you, Pyrex), and they are more sturdy. I recommend that people take the plastic lids off the glass containers before heating their foods.
On a note of exhaustion- I hate this feeling that there are things in my home that are just not benefiting me and, in fact, could be harming me. It is exhausting to look at everything in your home and to have to make decisions about it and the safety. But, I will say, I think it is ultimately worth it. I want to see a more informed consumer who is in charge of their life and their health. When we refuse to buy products that are bad for our health, it will shift things. I have seen so many more items and supplies come on the market in response to these concerns. Here’s to your health.
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. All information, content and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment.
