Dr. Shanna Swan: How to Safeguard Your Hormone Health & Fertility

Chemical Reduction

Reducing exposure to harmful chemicals in everyday products is crucial for safeguarding hormone health. Shanna Swan emphasizes eliminating items like plastic food storage containers and non-stick pans, which contain PFAS chemicals, to minimize exposure 1. She notes that many of these chemicals, known as obesogens, contribute to obesity, highlighting the importance of choosing alternatives 1. Andrew Huberman adds that avoiding plastic bottles and cans, and opting for organic produce, can further reduce exposure to pesticides and phthalates 2.

If you can afford it, buy organic. So you're going to avoid the pesticides. And then phthalates are actually added to pesticides and they're added because they increase absorption.

--- Shanna Swan

These steps are part of a broader strategy to reduce chemical intake and improve overall health.

   

Safe Products

Choosing safe consumer products involves understanding the chemical composition of everyday items. Andrew Huberman discusses the benefits of mineral-based sunscreens over chemical ones, as they are less likely to be absorbed into the skin 3. Shanna Swan suggests using resources like the Environmental Working Group's consumer guides to identify safer products 3. She also highlights the difference in chemical safety policies between Europe and the US, noting that Europe's REACH policy requires proof of safety before chemicals are marketed 4.

Europe has had a policy called Reach. And under Reach, you have to show that a chemical is safe before it's put into the marketplace.

--- Shanna Swan

This proactive approach contrasts with the US system, where chemicals are often tested only after concerns arise.