The Thyroid and Chemicals

500 Chemicals a Day

I attended a seminar recently where it was announced that we are subjected to over 500 chemicals a day on average. And more alarmingly – we choose to put them on, eat them, drink them or sniff them! They went on to say that our Grandparents (meaning those born in the first half of last century) were not subjected to that amount of chemicals in their entire lifetimes!!! Is it any wonder we are getting sicker? But we are living longer lives I hear you yelling at the computer!! Yes we are – but to what end? Are our lives happier, healthier and more fulfilling?

Chemicals and the Thyroid

There is an increasing body of evidence towards the effect of chemicals on thyroid function. It appears that there are a lot of chemicals that not only slow down the thyroid but also contribute to autoimmune disease which then can cause hypothyroidism. At the very least it is believed that daily exposure to chemicals can turn on the genetic switch if you have a family history of thyroid disease. The thing is, now it seems almost impossible to avoid the onslaught of chemicals. You just have to breathe and you ingest some!

There is a slow but sure growing movement towards winding back that clock and living our lives more along the lines of our ancestors. But does it make a difference? I think the answer is evident when you look at the blue zones across the world. These are areas across the world where the people who live in them have extraordinarily long and healthy lives. Can you see where I am going with this? Yes, they live just like their ancestors did. Life has not changed for them. So I think the take home message is “if your grandmother didn’t do it…”

Chemicals That Impact the Thyroid Pathway

1. Bisphenol A (BPA)

• Found in: Plastic containers, canned food linings, water bottles.

• Effect: Disrupts thyroid hormone receptor function and reduces T4 and T3 levels.

2. Perchlorate

• Found in: Rocket fuel, fireworks, fertilizers, contaminated water.

• Effect: Blocks iodine uptake, preventing thyroid hormone production.

3. Fluoride

• Found in: Tap water, toothpaste, dental treatments.

• Effect: Competes with iodine, reducing thyroid hormone synthesis.

4. Bromine/Brominated Compounds

• Found in: Flame retardants, certain sodas (BVO), pesticides, plastics.

• Effect: Displaces iodine, disrupting thyroid hormone production.

5. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

• Found in: Industrial coolants, lubricants, contaminated fish.

• Effect: Interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism and receptor activity.

6. Dioxins

• Found in: Industrial byproducts, fatty animal products.

• Effect: Suppress thyroid function and disrupt T4 conversion.

7. Phthalates

• Found in: Plastics, personal care products, fragrances.

• Effect: Disrupt thyroid hormone levels and receptor activity.

8. Heavy Metals (Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic)

• Found in: Fish (mercury), old pipes (lead), contaminated water and soil.

• Effect: Interfere with iodine uptake and thyroid hormone conversion.

9. Pesticides (e.g., Glyphosate, Atrazine)

• Found in: Non-organic fruits and vegetables, agricultural runoff.

• Effect: Disrupt thyroid hormone synthesis and receptor binding.

10. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

• Found in: Non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, firefighting foam.

• Effect: Reduce T4 levels and interfere with thyroid hormone transport.

11. Soy Isoflavones (in excess)

• Found in: Soy products like tofu, soy milk, tempeh.

• Effect: Inhibit thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme, reducing thyroid hormone production.

12. Triclosan

• Found in: Antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, personal care products.

• Effect: Alters thyroid hormone levels and metabolism.

13. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)

• Found in: Flame retardants, electronics, furniture foam, face masks.

• Effect: Interfere with thyroid hormone transport and receptor function.

14. Chlorine

• Found in: Swimming pools, tap water, cleaners.

• Effect: Competes with iodine, disrupting thyroid hormone production.

15. Parabens

• Found in: Cosmetics, shampoos, skincare products.

• Effect: Mimic thyroid hormones, disrupting their normal function.

16. Nitrates/Nitrites

• Found in: Processed meats, fertilizers, contaminated water.

• Effect: Inhibit iodine uptake, disrupting thyroid hormone synthesis.

17. Organophosphate Pesticides

• Found in: Insecticides, contaminated produce.

• Effect: Disrupt thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism.

18. Aluminum

• Found in: Antacids, deodorants, vaccines, cookware.

• Effect: May interfere with thyroid receptor sensitivity.

19. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)

• Found in: Banned pesticides (still persists in the environment).

• Effect: Alters thyroid hormone levels and disrupts hormone transport.

20. Synthetic Fragrances (e.g., Phthalates in perfumes)

• Found in: Air fresheners, perfumes, scented candles.

• Effect: Disrupt hormone receptor signaling.

How to Replace Some Chemicals

• Do you need to slog it out scrubbing the floors by hand? You don’t have to…..although the exercise won’t harm you…

• Do you need to avoid all make up and face the world with a naked face? You don’t have to……although your skin would love you for it and everyone would adore seeing your beautiful face.

• What this means is, where you can, if your grandparents didn’t use it, wear it, ingest it or worry about it – then you shouldn’t!

• Still not spelling it out enough?? Ok, here are some basic ideas:

Natural Alternatives to Common Household and Bathroom Chemicals

Cleaning Products:

• All-Purpose Cleaner: Replace with white vinegar, water, and essential oils (e.g., lemon, tea tree).

• Glass Cleaner: Use white vinegar and water or rubbing alcohol with a microfiber cloth.

• Oven Cleaner: Use baking soda paste with water and a splash of vinegar.

• Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda, spray vinegar, and scrub with a brush.

• Drain Cleaner: Pour boiling water, followed by baking soda and vinegar.

• Dish Soap: Use castile soap or a plant-based dish soap.

• Laundry Detergent: Try soap nuts, castile soap, or a homemade mix with washing soda and borax.

• Fabric Softener: Use white vinegar or wool dryer balls.

• Stain Remover: Apply baking soda paste or hydrogen peroxide on tough stains.

Bathroom Products:

• Shampoo: Replace with natural shampoo bars or apple cider vinegar rinse.

• Conditioner: Use diluted apple cider vinegar or aloe vera gel.

• Body Wash: Swap for castile soap or homemade oat-based wash.

• Hand Soap: Use a castile soap solution with essential oils.

• Toothpaste: Try baking soda, coconut oil, and peppermint essential oil mix.

• Mouthwash: Use a diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse or saltwater.

• Deodorant: Make a paste with coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder.

• Body Scrub: Use coffee grounds, sugar, or sea salt mixed with coconut oil.

• Face Cleanser: Use honey, oil cleansing (e.g., jojoba or olive oil), or clay masks.

• Moisturizer: Try coconut oil, shea butter, or aloe vera gel.

• Makeup Remover: Use coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or micellar water.

• Exfoliator: Use a mix of brown sugar and olive oil or oatmeal paste.

Personal Care Products:

• Lip Balm: Use coconut oil or shea butter.

• Perfume: Make a blend with essential oils and carrier oils.

• Hair Spray: Use sugar water or flaxseed gel.

• Dry Shampoo: Use arrowroot powder or cornstarch.

• Shaving Cream: Swap for coconut oil or aloe vera gel.

• Hand Sanitizer: Make one with aloe vera gel, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils.

• Sunscreen: Use natural zinc oxide-based sunscreen.

Air Fresheners and Fragrance:

• Air Freshener Spray: Use water with essential oils.

• Scented Candles: Use beeswax or soy candles with natural fragrance oils.

• Reed Diffusers: Replace with essential oils and a carrier oil like sweet almond oil.

Pest Control:

• Ant Repellent: Use cinnamon, peppermint oil, or lemon juice.

• Mosquito Repellent: Make sprays with eucalyptus, citronella, or lavender oil.

• Mothballs: Replace with cedar wood blocks or lavender sachets.

• Cockroach Repellent: Use bay leaves, baking soda, or diatomaceous earth.

Miscellaneous Household Items:

• Furniture Polish: Use olive oil and lemon juice.

• Stainless Steel Cleaner: Use olive oil or white vinegar.

• Floor Cleaner: Use diluted white vinegar or castile soap.

• Rust Remover: Use lemon juice and baking soda paste.

• Sticky Residue Remover: Use coconut oil and baking soda mix.

• Shoe Deodorizer: Use baking soda or essential oil-infused cotton balls.

• Pet Stain Cleaner: Use white vinegar and baking soda

I don’t have time!

Yes I hear you! All I am suggesting is, that each and every day you find some little way to do what your grandmother did and use a few less chemicals. Some little way to live a slower, more measured, healthful life. We are not all going to be perfect all the time, and what is simple for me is not for someone else. Becoming aware of making these changes and looking around you at how many chemicals and toxins you willingly put on and in your body could be the only step you make for now. Knowledge is power, and you can’t unlearn stuff.