How Parabens Harm Your Thyroid–and Ways to Avoid Them

Experts recommend limiting exposure to parabens, commonly found in many foods and skin care products.

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Parabens are chemicals found in a variety of daily products, including soaps, cosmetics, and food. They are used as artificial preservatives to extend a product’s shelf life by preventing the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. However, their widespread use comes with serious consequences for our health.

Parabens have been shown to disrupt thyroid hormones, which are crucial for metabolism, energy levels, and mood regulation.

Thyroid Health

Parabens are endocrine disruptors that can affect levels of thyroxine, the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which prompts the thyroid to produce hormones.

This disruption can influence weight, mood, and body temperature regulation, Vanessa King, a registered dietitian nutritionist, told The Epoch Times.

Disruptions in TSH can cause the thyroid to enlarge and may result in a goiter.

Additionally, higher levels of parabens have been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer and the development of noncancerous lumps.

How to Protect Yourself

Given the health risks of parabens, it’s important to take steps to reduce exposure.

Parabens are present in a wide range of everyday products including skin and face cleansers, moisturizers, shaving gels, toothpaste, makeup, and even certain foods including sauces, dressings, fruit juices, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and baked goods such as pastries.

Mindful Product Choices

To reduce exposure to parabens, make mindful choices when selecting products.

On nutritional labels, you may see the more general term “parabens,” or specific types listed, such as methylparaben or propylparaben. Opt for paraben-free alternatives, carefully check ingredient labels, and choose items with natural preservatives. Though natural, organic, and paraben-free brands may cost more and have shorter shelf lives, they are the better choice.

Minimizing processed foods and avoiding plastic packaging also helps lower overall exposure, Mary Curristin, a nutritionist at ART Health Solutions, told The Epoch Times.

Support Detoxification

In addition to reducing external exposure to parabens, supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes can be a good strategy to minimize their impact.

Hydration is a simple and effective way to support detoxification. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and ensures the kidneys can properly eliminate waste products from the body. Consider infusing your water with detoxifying ingredients such as lemon, ginger, or mint for added benefits.

Antioxidant-rich foods also play a crucial role in protecting the body from oxidative stress caused by environmental toxins such as parabens. Oxidative stress refers to harmful molecules called free radicals that accelerate cell damage.

Berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are all good sources of antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. Incorporating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet can provide important vitamins and minerals to support your body’s detoxification systems.

Support Hormonal Health

In addition to these measures, supporting overall hormonal health is crucial. Curristin emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods—such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber—can help keep hormones in check. Fiber supports overall hormonal balance and detoxification, which could help the body manage or process chemicals including parabens.

Managing stress, staying active, getting adequate sleep, and steering clear of environmental toxins further support hormonal balance.

Simplify Your Beauty Routine

Take a moment to reassess the skincare and cosmetics products you use regularly and eliminate those that are unnecessary and any that contain parabens. Reducing the number of items you apply to your skin and body can make a big difference.

A 2018 study showed that wearing less makeup can help reduce paraben exposure. Adolescent girls who wore makeup daily had much higher levels of parabens in their urine compared to those who rarely or never wore makeup.

Finally, consider opting for homemade or DIY cleaning products, lotions, or scrubs using simple, natural ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera, and essential oils to help reduce exposure to parabens.

By choosing more natural alternatives and making small changes to your daily routine, you can take important steps to protect your thyroid health—and possibly even discover healthier habits along the way.