Plastic Problems: What the Latest Research Says About Hormone Disruptors in Your Kitchen

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen wondering if your plastic containers, nonstick pans, or even your water are actually safe… you’re not just being paranoid.

New research is shining a spotlight on a class of chemicals known as PFAS—also called “forever chemicals”—and their serious impact on hormones, metabolism, fertility, and immune function. And yes, they’re probably lurking in your home right now.

Let’s break down what PFAS are, how they affect your family (especially your kids), and the simple swaps you can make to protect your health without going full prepper.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used to make products water-, grease-, and stain-resistant. They’re found in:

• Nonstick cookware (hello, Teflon)
  
  
• Fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags
  
  
• Water-repellent clothing and stain-resistant carpets
  
  
• Some cosmetics, dental floss, and shampoo
  
  
• Tap water in many U.S. cities
  
  

They're called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment—or your body. And over time, they build up.

Why Are PFAS a Big Deal?

PFAS are endocrine disruptors, meaning they mess with your hormones. That’s especially dangerous for growing kids, pregnant women, and anyone struggling with metabolic or autoimmune issues.

Here’s what the latest science shows:

⚠️ 1. They Disrupt Hormones

PFAS can mimic or block estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones, throwing off the body’s delicate hormonal balance. This can lead to early puberty in girls, irregular cycles, infertility, and mood issues.

⚠️ 2. They Hurt Metabolism

Studies link PFAS exposure to higher rates of obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease—even in children. One 2023 study found that teens with high PFAS levels had significantly greater risk for metabolic syndrome.

⚠️ 3. They Harm the Immune System

PFAS weaken the immune system’s ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines. This is especially concerning for kids in school or daycare who are constantly exposed to viruses.

What About Plastics in General?

Even beyond PFAS, many plastics (especially those labeled #3, #6, or #7) contain BPA, phthalates, or other hormone-disrupting chemicals.

These leach into food when plastic is heated, scratched, or used over time—and the cumulative effect is real.

How to Reduce PFAS and Plastic Exposure (Without Panic)

You don’t need to toss everything you own and move off-grid. Start with a few simple, high-impact changes:

✅ In the Kitchen:

• Ditch nonstick pans and switch to stainless steel or cast iron (sorry, those gorgeous ceramic coated pans aren’t that great either)...
  
  
• Use glass or stainless steel containers for food storage
  
  
• Don’t microwave food in plastic (ever!)
  
  
• Replace plastic cooking utensils with wood or silicone
  
  

✅ With Food + Water:

• Stop buying microwave popcorn and fast food in paper wrappers
  
  
• Use a high-quality water filter (look for one that removes PFAS—like AquaTru or Clearly Filtered)
  
  
• Choose organic when possible—pesticides can add to the toxic load
  
  

✅ Personal + Household Products:

• Check cosmetics and lotions on the Yuka app. (EWG Skin Deep is a pay-to-play set up, therefore is riddled with bias, so I generally avoid).
  
  
• Avoid products with “water-resistant,” “stain-resistant,” or “nonstick” labels unless verified PFAS-free
  
  
• Wash hands before eating (especially after touching receipts, which can be coated in BPA)
  
  

How Detox Plays a Role

PFAS build up in the body, but your detox systems (liver, lymph, gut, and kidneys) can help eliminate them if they’re supported.

• Eat cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) to support liver detox
  
  
• Ensure daily bowel movements—constipation recirculates toxins
  
  
• Sweat it out! Sauna and exercise are powerful tools for PFAS elimination
  
  
• Add binders like chlorella or activated charcoal (under practitioner guidance)
  
  

You Don’t Have to Do Everything—Just Something

There’s no way to eliminate every toxin. But that’s not the goal.

The goal is to lower your family’s toxic load and strengthen the body’s ability to handle the rest.

You’re not overreacting.

You’re not being difficult.

You’re paying attention—and that’s powerful.

Want Help with Detox, Hormone Support, or Metabolism?

I work with women, children, and entire families all over the world to overhaul their metabolic health, reduce their toxic load, and achieve their health goals. Just email me at [email protected] and I tell you how.