For seemingly innocent products – fertility problems
Can affect genes
Materials that disrupt hormone balance can contain food additives (flavor enhancers, preservatives), pesticides and herbicides entering the body with food, as well as plastic, cosmetics and household cleansing products rich in chemical compounds – fragrances, preservatives, stabilizers or antibacterial agents. When entered into the body, they can act as hormones, disturb their function, damage the endocrine glands, accumulate in adipose tissue, ovaries or testicles, and eventually even affect gene expression.
Head of Outpatient Department of Kaunas Clinic Endocrinology Clinic prof. Jilda Veličkienė emphasizes that the effects of harmful substances are dangerous to everyone, but especially risky during pregnancy – it can affect not only the health of the woman but also the developing fetus, especially its future reproductive system. These consequences often emerge only after many years, trying to have children. According to the professor, about 10-15 % of people face fertility problems in Lithuania. Families – about 50 thousand. pairs, this number is constantly growing.
Beginning: According to D. Veličkienė, one should learn to recognize harmful substances and deliberately choose healthier products in all areas – from food and packaging to cosmetics, cleaning products and the environment where leisure is allowed. / Photo by Kaunas Clinics
Enters the body
Our body through the skin, breathing or food enters a variety of harmful substances- micro- and nanoplastic, chemical compounds. They can disrupt hormone activity, damage the thyroid gland, promote obesity, increase the risk of diabetes and cancer, and cause fertility problems. Women may experience early menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (hormonal imbalance in a woman’s body) or endometriosis (a disease in which a similar tissue is removed to the uterine mucosa). In men, these substances can adversely affect the quality and fertility of sperm. Some habits can also have a harmful effect – for example, carrying a cell phone in the pocket pocket or disposable diapers in infancy, which can change the temperature of the testicles.
Choice: It is advisable to use vinegar or garden instead of aggressive cleaning products – a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative. / Photo by Freepik.com
Helps to evaluate security
According to the professor, the first step is to learn how to recognize harmful substances and deliberately choose healthier products in all areas, from food and packaging to cosmetics, cleaning products and the environment in which leisure is allowed. « Avoid plastic packaging, choose natural foods, organic cosmetics and household products. Prefer EU products – their composition is strictly controlled, » advises D. Veličkienė.
Avoid plastic packaging, choose natural food, organic cosmetics and household products. Priority to EU products.
It is recommended to wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly under running water for at least 30 seconds, to remove a sponge or a soft brush for denser dirt. Instead of aggressive cleaning products, vinegar or garden can be used at home – a safer and environmentally friendly alternative.
The professor also calls for product labels to read and use modern tools – a mobile app that helps identify the ingredients of cosmetics and evaluate their safety. « The European user uses more than seven cosmetics on average, but only a rare wondering of what really lies in their composition, » the endocrinologist emphasizes.
Medics remind you: A conscious choice today is an investment in a healthy future.
