In our latest blog post, we are exploring the often-overlooked relationship between household cleaning products and the menopausal phase. By choosing non-toxic cleaning products, we not only support ours and our family's wellbeing, but these products can also help relieve menopausal symptoms. In this blog we will be touching on the hidden dangers of generic chemical cleaning products and how these could be contributing to your symptoms. We will also discuss how making conscious choices in your natural cleaning product selection could help you self-manage your symptoms and improve your general health at the same time. Let's dive in!
Exploring Non-Toxic Cleaning Products During Menopause
Here at elmkind, we are passionate about promoting a lifestyle that prioritises health, wellness, and environmental consciousness. With this we are always searching for new knowledge to help our community. On this journey we recently discovered and teamed up with our new wonderful friends at Pause & Unite who have crafted a beautiful space full of resources dedicated to helping women transition through the menopause at all stages. We wanted to start our new friendship with this blog post to help shine a clearer light on the hidden dangers general chemical cleaning products can have for women during this phase, but more importantly highlight some of benefits natural cleaning products can bring to the table for women during this time.
Menopause and Its Natural Occurrence
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. During this time, the body experiences a decline in estrogen and progesterone production, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and more. These changes also make women more susceptible to various environmental factors, including the chemicals in generic household cleaning products. Many of us would have never given a second thought to the household cleaning products we use daily. Their primary purpose is to help us maintain a clean and healthy living environment, yes? This is true. However, research is suggesting there might be a significant connection between chemical cleaning products and women's health, specifically regarding the onset of menopause.(1)
The Impact of Generic Cleaning Products on Hormone Disruption
Generic cleaning products often contain substances known as endocrine-disrupting
chemicals (EDCs), such as BPA and phthalates. These EDCs can mimic hormones in our bodies and cause disruptions, especially during phases of accelerated development, such as menopause. By being mindful of the cleaning products we choose to use in our homes, we can create a healthier and safer environment during this transformative phase where our bodies are more sensitive to external influences. Research has shown that some off the shelf products can cause adverse reactions in women, particularly those in the postmenopausal stage. Let's explore some of the common culprits: Phthalates: These crafty chemicals aren't just used to prolong the scent in air fresheners and laundry detergents. Nope, they also like to hang out in some vinyl flooring and plastic toys too. But here's the kicker – they've been associated with reproductive issues and increased breast cancer risk. Yikes! Parabens: You might find these fellows in your shampoos and lotions, working hard to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. Sounds helpful, right? Well, hold on – evidence suggests they can mimic estrogen in the body and increase breast cancer risk. Not so friendly after all! Triclosan: Once hailed for its antibacterial properties, triclosan is now viewed with suspicion due to potential hormonal disruptions. It's even suspected of contributing to the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance. Talk about a complicated relationship!(2)
Embracing Safer Cleaning Practices With Non-Toxic Products
Everyday household tasks can unknowingly contribute to a gradual accumulation of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in our bodies. When we wash dishes, do laundry, or even clean surfaces, we might unintentionally be introducing these chemicals into our environment. Our skin for example is the largest organ in our body so everything we touch can be absorbed into the body without us even knowing it. So, when we do these activities every small bit of exposure adds up. Let's delve into some areas of concern:
Laundry: Detergents and fabric softeners can release chemicals that linger on clothing, leading to potential skin exposure
Bathrooms: Many bathroom cleaners contain harsh chemicals. Without adequate ventilation, the risk of inhalation increases.
Kitchens: Countertop sprays, oven cleaners, and even some dishwashing liquids may contain EDCs. These can be absorbed into the body via skin contact from touching a surface, inhalation of airborne particles when in use and even unknowingly ingested when eating from your (newly cleaned) plate.
These hormone-disrupting substances can interfere with the body's natural hormone regulation, potentially exacerbating hormonal imbalances and related symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. This underscores the importance of creating a clean and healthy environment that supports wellbeing, particularly during important life stages like menopause.
How Can Natural Non-Toxic Cleaning Products Help?
By using natural cleaning products in your home, you are eliminating one area where these EDC's are present and therefor reducing the risk of exposure to hormone disruption chemicals. As discussed in the blog, these EDC's can be particularly damaging during transformative phases such as the menopause when the body is more sensitive to external influences. Here at elmkind we have hand selected all our ingredients to be the kindest to our skin, body and soul as well as making sure every element is protecting our environment and the sustainability of our planet. We have done this by only using the most sustainable materials and ingredients possible and only using organic where possible. We have also made sure our formulations are as natural as possible and only use 100% plant and mineral based ingredients. By choosing to maintain a clean and toxic free home environment you can also help reduce your stress levels, which is also important for managing menopausal symptoms. By lowering your overall stress level, you can have positive impacts on hormonal fluctuations and overall well-being.
Essential oils play a vital role in a holistic approach to managing menopausal symptoms and you can get clever in your selection to specifically target symptoms that are most effecting you. Here are some examples of essential oils and the benefits they can have.
Lavender: Promotes relaxation, supports sleep, and reduces hot flashes.
Peppermint: Known for its cooling and soothing properties, helpful for hot flashes, headaches, and nausea.
Lemon: anti-inflammatory properties that may help with aches and pains experienced during menopause. Additionally, lemon oil has been found to lower physical symptoms in postmenopausal women and increase sexual desire.
Sweet Orange: Known for its uplifting and mood-boosting properties. Aromatherapists often use sweet orange essential oil for its calming effects, which can help reduce stress and anxiety(4)
Finally. Always check your product labels. Not all eco-friendly cleaning products are made equal!
Here at elmkind we pride ourselves on being 100% transparent to give our community full trust in us. We label all our ingredients fully so you can make an informed and educated decision if our products are right for you. This way you can jump in deeper to research any element and have the full confidence in the products you are using in your home and around your family and friends. A lot of companies hide ingredients under key phrases such as 'Fragrance' or 'Surfactant'. These are umbrella phrases that can hide 101 individual ingredients that have been used to make up that phrase. Meaning, you could be exposing yourself to known ingredients that have links to hormone disruption, lung toxicity and even cancer and not even know it. The final kicker is palm oil. The cheapest surfactant mass produced at an extremely damage rate for our environment. Leading to huge deforestation, habitat loss and increase in climate change due to the processes undertaken for its management and harvest. So when your looking at your products and the companies you are supporting by purchasing them. Take a closer look. Those extra pennies you are saving could be costing us a whole lot more.
By choosing non-toxic cleaning products, such as those offered by us here at elmkind, you're not only supporting a small family independent business striving for change. You are also supporting your own well-being and contributing to the health of your family and the environment. Our cleaning products are made from 100% natural, plant and mineral based ingredients, like soothing plant extracts and delightful organic essential oils. By steering clear of icky synthetic chemicals, our products are super gentle on both you and the planet. Plus, they smell absolutely amazing! It's all about creating a healthier and safer space for everyone, especially during transformative phases like menopause. So, let's embrace the power of nature and give those harmful chemicals the old heave-ho. With elmkind, you can keep your space spick and span without any of the worry.
Conclusion
The menopause journey is a time of change and growth, and it's essential to make choices that prioritise health and harmony. By being informed about the potential dangers of generic cleaning products on hormone disruption and embracing safer alternatives, we can navigate this transformative phase with greater comfort, vitality, and peace of mind. Our friends over at Pause & Unite have a huge catalogue of free information and resources available, as well as hosting regular in person events and online courses that you can jump on to learn more. They are a wonderful, friendly, and a trusted space to help you and your loved ones traverse the menopause journey together. Head over and check them out and say Hi from us! Thank you for reading. As always, drop us a like, comment or share to let us know if this content has been helpful to you. With love and kindness,
The elmkind Team References, Resources & Further Reading
Disclaimer: The information presented above is solely for informational purposes. The content of this article is not meant to constitute advice, and it is advisable not to depend on any information within this article. It is recommended to seek professional advice before making any decisions based on the content of this article. elmkind Ltd absolves itself of any liability or responsibility for reliance on the contents of this article.
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