My Cancer Journey: The Hidden Environmental Dangers Around Us
"Endocrine disruptors, what's that?"
After my cancer diagnosis, I began a journey of self-discovery—trying to understand why I got cancer and what I could do to prevent it from coming back. At first, I focused on food, realizing its powerful role in health and healing. But that was just the beginning. Soon, I found myself diving into something I’d never really thought about before: the impact of environmental toxins on our bodies.
One day, my holistic doctor said something that changed everything for me: "Christine, you need to start looking into endocrine disruptors." I left that appointment confused but curious. I had no idea what endocrine disruptors were, but I quickly learned they’re chemicals that mimic or interfere with the body's hormones, potentially causing health issues like cancer.
It was a huge wake-up call!
Unseen Threats in Everyday Life
Endocrine disruptors are everywhere—plastics, cleaning products, personal care items, and even the air we breathe. One of the most surprising discoveries I made was about plastics. We use them all the time without thinking twice. But when I learned that plastics, especially when heated, release chemicals like BPA (a known endocrine disruptor) into our food, I knew I had to make changes.
I swapped out my plastic food containers for glass ones and started using reusable stainless steel water bottles. These were small changes, but they felt empowering. And while eliminating plastics entirely from my life seemed impossible, I began to take control of the little things—because it’s about progress, not perfection.
Reconsidering Personal Care Products
I’d always focused on what went into my body, but now I started thinking about what I put on my body, too. Our skin absorbs so much, and many personal care products contain harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates. I used to grab the nicest-smelling lotions without thinking about what was inside them. But now, I make my own creams using natural ingredients like cocoa butter and essential oils. It’s a simple step that helps me feel in control of what I’m absorbing.
The journey didn’t stop with lotions. Sunscreen, deodorants, toothpaste—I started reading labels on everything. It was shocking to see just how many toxins we’re exposed to every day. But little by little, I made swaps that felt right for me.
The Impact of Pesticides
Another eye-opening area for me was the role of pesticides in our food system. Even though I had already started eating more organic foods, I hadn’t fully grasped just how widespread pesticide use is—and how these chemicals can build up in our bodies over time. Many pesticides are known to disrupt the endocrine system, and some are linked to cancers and other health problems. I now make an effort to buy organic produce as much as possible and support local farmers who use sustainable, chemical-free farming practices. Reducing my exposure to pesticides felt like another important step in protecting both my health and the environment.
The Environmental Impact
The more I learned, the more I realized that these changes weren’t just protecting my health—they were also good for the planet. Plastics, chemicals in personal care products, and household cleaners don’t just affect us; they make their way into our ecosystems, impacting marine life and contributing to pollution.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of this. But I’ve found that small, mindful choices can make a big difference—both in how I feel and in my impact on the world around me.
If you’re curious about how endocrine disruptors might be affecting your health and want to hear more about the steps I took to reduce my exposure, tune into the latest episode of my podcast, Radiate Health and Wellness Podcast. It’s not about being perfect, but about making choices that support long-term health in a manageable way.
I’d love for you to join me on this journey. Let’s explore together how we can all live healthier, more mindful lives. You can listen to the full conversation on YouTube or SPOTIFY!
