Toxins in Everyday Products = Inflammation, Cancer & Obesity

Every day, we unknowingly expose ourselves to toxins hidden in personal care products, cookware, and household items. These toxins disrupt our hormones, increase inflammation, and have been linked to chronic diseases, obesity, and even cancer.

Fortunately, with a few simple swaps, we can reduce our toxic load and protect our health.

My guest today, Dr. Yvonne Burkart, a PhD-trained toxicologist, has spent her career researching how toxic ingredients cause chronic disease and obesity.

Let’s explore the dangers of endocrine disruptors, identify harmful everyday products, and provide easy, practical swaps to lower our exposure.

How Do Everyday Products Cause Cancer?

A 2023 study examined the effects of endocrine disruptors found in beauty and personal care products. Researchers had 41 women switch their regular beauty products for non-toxic alternatives for 28 days [1].

The results were astonishing: the women experienced a significant reduction in breast cancer-related gene expression in just under a month. These findings highlight how endocrine disruptors can lead to cancer development.

What Are Endocrine Disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormonal balance by mimicking estrogen production, which results in the creation of abnormally high levels of estrogen in the body [2] [3].

High estrogen can act as a carcinogen (a substance, organism, or agent that can cause cancer), causing abnormal cell growth in the breast, brain, cervix, uterus, and gut [4].

This hormonal imbalance can also lead to metabolic imbalances that increase fat storage, causing obesity and weight gain [5].

The toxins causing these abnormalities contain harmful ingredients, including parabens, phthalates, PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), and BPA (Bisphenol A).

Toxins and Harmful Ingredients in Everyday Products

Various toxins and harmful ingredients (endocrine disruptors) can exist in the products we use every day. The most common toxins include:

Parabens

Parabens are synthetic preservatives found in personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners, lotions, deodorants, and makeup.

Parabens mimic estrogen, increasing the risk of breast cancer and reproductive issues. They can also negatively affect hormones and appetite signals and cause weight gain [6] [7].

By causing inflammation and immune response, they may also trigger skin irritation and disrupt cellular function [8] [9].

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals that make plastics flexible and fragrances last longer. So, they are mainly found in fragrances, perfumes, body sprays, air fresheners, and plastic packaging.

When absorbed into the body, phthalates break down into toxic metabolites that can disrupt hormones, metabolism, and organ function [10].

By disrupting testosterone and estrogen balance, Phthalates can negatively affect fertility and development. They are also linked to insulin resistance and weight gain [11] [12].

Even some phthalates (like DEHP) are classified as possible human carcinogens, causing cancer [13] [14].

Studies have found that higher levels of phthalate exposure are linked to early death. One study estimated that phthalate exposure may contribute to over 100,000 premature deaths per year due to its impact on cardiovascular and metabolic health [15].

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are known as “forever chemicals” (as they do not break down easily and accumulate in the body and environment), which are used for water and grease resistance.

They are usually found in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and fast-food packaging.

These chemicals are associated with kidney, liver, and testicular cancers. They can also disrupt metabolism and interfere with fat storage. They can cause thyroid problems (by disrupting hormonal function), reduce immune function, and increase inflammation [16] [17].

BPA (Bisphenol A)

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a hormone-disrupting chemical found in plastic containers, canned foods, and receipts. They can disrupt the endocrine by mimicking estrogen and causing hormone imbalances.

They are also linked to breast and prostate cancers, insulin irregularities, obesity, metabolic issues, and chronic inflammatory diseases [18] [19].

To help you minimize the most harmful products in your everyday use, we have provided 20 everyday products that contain the most dangerous hidden toxins [20].

20 Everyday Products with Hidden Toxins

1. Nonstick cookware releases PFAS, so it’s safer to choose stainless steel or ceramic cookware.
2. Nonstick air fryers and rice cookers
3. Fragrances and perfumes contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates, so it's best to choose essential oil-based scents.
4. Plastic kitchen utensils (use wood or stainless steel instead)
5. Natural flavors in drinks can contain hidden toxic chemicals.
6. Paper coffee cups are coated in plastic (use reusable cups instead).
7. Foaming face and body washes contain sulfates and parabens that disrupt hormones. Generally, steer clear of anything that foams.
8. Body lotions (e.g., Nivea) are loaded with endocrine disruptors.
9. Deodorants (many of them contain aluminum and parabens.)
10. Makeup and lip products contain heavy metals and preservatives.
11. Air fresheners emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
12. Menstrual products (tampons) are bleached and contain phthalates.
13. Floss (some brands contain PFAS.)
14. Scented candles release toxins (use beeswax candles instead).
15. Household cleaners are filled with harmful chemicals.
16. Shampoos contain parabens.
17. Plastic food storage containers (use glass or stainless steel instead.
18. Water-resistant clothing is often coated with PFAS.
19. Fast food wrappers contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
20. Receipts are coated with BPA.

The Most Important Easy Swaps

The following methods and easy swaps help you decrease your toxin load in everyday use and lead a healthier life.

Improve Air Quality

• Open windows daily to improve ventilation.
• Avoid air fresheners and scented candles. Use beeswax candles or essential oils instead.
• Consider using an air filter.
• Remove shoes before entering the home to reduce indoor pollutants.

Clean Water Matters

• Use a water filter (reverse osmosis is best for removing contaminants).
• Avoid plastic bottles and use glass or stainless steel items instead.

Use Healthier Cookware

• Use safe air fryers like Big Boss 16Qt Large Air Fryer Oven and Our Place Wonder Oven.
• The best cookware includes stainless steel, cast iron panini pans, and Xtrema Pure Ceramic (get 15% off with code DRYVONNE)

Use Non-Toxic Personal Products

• Use natural deodorants, lotions, toothpaste, and shampoos.
• For natural skincare, try Primal Tallow Balms that are made with 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef tallow, together with liquid oils (cold-pressed olive oil, organic coconut oil, and organic jojoba oil) and organic essential oils (lavender, lemongrass, frankincense, and cedarwood).
• Check The Swell Score for low-toxic personal care items.

Reduce Internal Toxin Load with Glutathione

Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, composed of three amino acids. It helps detoxify harmful substances, reducing oxidative stress and providing anti-aging effects [21] [22].

Fortunately, our body naturally produces glutathione, but to boost Glutathione naturally, you can:

• Avoid toxins using the easy swaps above.
• Consume protein and foods rich in sulfur.
• Do regular exercise like weight training or aerobic training.
• Take supplements like vitamin D and magnesium.

Easy Swaps

• Big Boss Air Fryer, Super Sized 16 Quart Large Air Fryer Oven Glass Air Fryer, Infrared Convection Healthy Meal Electric Cooker with Timer, Dishwasher Safe, Plus 50+ Recipe Book
• Our Place Wonder Oven | 6-in-1 Air Fryer & Toaster Oven with Steam Infusion | Compact, Countertop Friendly, Fast Preheat, Multifunctional | Air Fry, Toast, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Broil | Spice
• Stainless Steel Pan: Norpro Mini Cast Iron Panini Pan with Press

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Carnivore Diet Resources

1. #1 Carnivore Community
2. Find A Carnivore/ Keto Doctor
3. Carnivore Macro Calculator
4. GoCarnivore Sugar Calculator
5. Buy KetoMojo (Ketone Meter)

About Dr Yvonne Burkart

I'm a PhD Toxicologist and mom of two girls obsessed with helping consumers like you reduce their toxic burden, protect their families, and thrive. I've spent more than half my life studying Toxicology, male & female reproduction, infertility, and cancer as a laboratory researcher. I also worked as a Senior Toxicologist in the flavor & fragrance industry, which helped me realize my true calling. It's my passion to share the priceless lessons I've learned on my own journey toward living a low tox lifestyle, both from my professional and personal experience, which helped me overcome fertility challenges and a host of health problems. If I can help even one person avoid the challenges I went through, then it's all worth it.

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