by Ward W. Bond, PhD

​This time of year can be difficult for many people. There are those who won’t get to spend time with their families, such as many of our servicemen and women in the Armed Forces and others working during the holidays. Then you have those who will spend the holidays with their families and that will trigger stress, anxiety and in some cases depression. Add shopping into the mix and we have the perfect holiday emotional storm that many don’t look forward to each and every year.
​
Here are a few safe nutrients and herbs to help you beat the holiday blues and keep stress and anxiety as low as possible.

Theanine – Derived comes from Green Tea. Reduces stress and anxiety; Increases Alpha Brain waves to allow focus and improved learning (great for ADD/ADHD) and lowers blood pressure in those under stress. This is perfect for everyone. The normal dose is 200mg up to four times per day.

Phosphatidylserine – Part of the Choline family of nutrients related to the nervous system and brain function. Lowers cortisol levels quickly and improves memory. Best taken in the morning as well as bedtime. Can be taken when needed.

Fish Oil – Reduces mild to moderate depression by 70-75% when depression is seasonal or caused by stress. Fish oil should be taken daily on a regular basis by all family members from kids to adults. Keeps the brain healthy as well as your sanity.

Passion Flower – An herb excellent for panic attacks. Can help one stay calm during very stressful times, but will not cause fatigue. 

Xenoestrogens are a sub-category of the endocrine disruptor group that specifically have estrogen-like effects. Estrogen is a natural hormone in humans that is important for bone growth, blood clotting and reproduction in men and women. The body regulates the amount needed through intricate biochemical pathways. When xenoestrogens enter the body they increase the total amount of estrogen resulting in a phenomenon called, estrogen dominance. Xenoestrogens are not biodegradable so, they are stored in our fat cells. Build up of xenoestrogens have been indicated in many conditions including:  breast, prostate and testicular cancer, obesity, infertility, endometriosis, early onset puberty, miscarriages and diabetes.

Here are some of the chemicals that are xenoestrogens:

• Skincare:
  • 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) (sunscreen lotions)
  • Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben commonly used as a preservative)
  • Benzophenone (sunscreen lotions)

• Industrial products and Plastics:
  • Bisphenol A (monomer for polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin; antioxidant in plasticizers)
  • Phthalates (plasticizers)
  • DEHP (plasticizer for PVC)
  • Polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (flame retardants used in plastics, foams, building materials, electronics, furnishings, motor vehicles).
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

• Food:
  • Erythrosine / FD&C Red No. 3
  • Phenosulfothiazine (a red dye)
  • Butylated hydroxyanisole / BHA (food preservative)

• Building supplies:
  • Pentachlorophenol (general biocide and wood preservative)
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls / PCBs (in electrical oils, lubricants, adhesives, paints)

• Insecticides:
  • Atrazine (weed killer)
  • DDT (insecticide, banned)
  • Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (one of the breakdown products of DDT)
  • Dieldrin (insecticide)
  • Endosulfan (insecticide)
  • Heptachlor (insecticide)
  • Lindane / hexachlorocyclohexane (insecticide, used to treat lice and scabies)
  • Methoxychlor (insecticide)
  • Fenthion
  • Nonylphenol and derivatives (industrial surfactants; emulsifiers for emulsion polymerization; laboratory detergents; pesticides)
  • Other:
    • Propyl gallate

• • Chlorine and chlorine by-products
  • Ethinylestradiol (combined oral contraceptive pill)
  • Metalloestrogens (a class of inorganic xenoestrogens)
  • Alkylphenol (surfactant used in cleaning detergents

So what can you do to avoid these common chemicals? The following list was adapted from the organic excellence website.
Guidelines to minimize your personal exposure to xenoestrogens:
Food

• Avoid all pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
• Choose organic, locally-grown and in-season foods.
• Peel non-organic fruits and vegetables.
• Buy hormone-free meats and dairy products to avoid hormones and pesticides.

Plastics

• Reduce the use of plastics whenever possible.
• Do not microwave food in plastic containers.
• Avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for storing or microwaving.
• Use glass or ceramics whenever possible to store food.
• Do not leave plastic containers, especially your drinking water, in the sun.
• If a plastic water container has heated up significantly, throw it away.
• Don’t refill plastic water bottles.
• Avoid freezing water in plastic bottles to drink later.

Household Products

• Use chemical free, biodegradable laundry and household cleaning products.
• Choose chlorine-free products and unbleached paper products (i.e. tampons, menstrual pads, toilet paper, paper towel, coffee filters).
• Use a chlorine filter on shower heads and filter drinking water

Health and Beauty Products

• Avoid creams and cosmetics that have toxic chemicals and estrogenic ingredients such as parabens and stearalkonium chloride.
• Minimize your exposure to nail polish and nail polish removers.
• Use naturally based fragrances, such as essential oils.
• Use chemical free soaps and toothpastes.
• Read the labels on condoms and diaphragm gels.