It’s strange to think your nail polish can contain endocrine disruptors, but it’s true! Nail polish contains Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP), a plasticizer, fire retardant, and endocrine disruptor. Endocrine disruptors in cosmetics cause extreme fluctuations in hormone levels, inhibit thyroid function, and other disorders to your body.
Because of hypothyroidism effects on the health of our nails, it’s not easy to resist to cover up those yellow brittle nails with some pretty nail polish. But just by putting on nail polish you could be harming your body!
Why Are Endocrine Disruptors in Nail Polish Dangerous
1. Exposure to TPHP
A study concluded there were no changes in the body for people who use fake fingernails. But when they applied nail polish on their own fingernails, their DPHP levels (metabolized TPHP in the body) drastically increased. Just by applying nail polish, you’re already introducing an endocrine disrupting substance into your system.
2. Hormonal Imbalances
New Study Links Nail Polish To Hormonal Imbalancehttps://t.co/fRen7IPesU pic.twitter.com/emwhlbNDh1
— Hethir Rodriguez (@hethir) November 6, 2016
This endocrine disruptor can disrupt the hormones in the body and result in an early onset of puberty, neurodevelopmental problems, and obesity. It inhibits estrogen metabolism, suppresses estradiol production, increases estrogen, and disrupts the sex-hormone balance. Research has also shown TPHP can divert immature cells from bone formation toward fat development. TPHP affects hormonal balances by changing the gene expression of certain receptors.
3. Harms Reproduction
A study in South Korea found exposure to TPHP can alter sex hormone balances and harm reproductive performance. A study in Japan showed TPHP can stimulate the receptors for female sex hormones while antagonizing the male sex hormones. Such alteration on the sex hormones can lead to decreased semen quality and increased breast development and milk production in women.
4. Irregular Metabolism
Studies show TPHP greatly affects the metabolism of the body. Its negative reaction to the protein used to regulate your metabolism creates problems with different metabolic processes of the body. This same negative interaction also affects the production of fat cells which creates a problem for your lipid metabolism. It also disturbs carbohydrate metabolism and the DNA damage repair system in the liver.
5. Weight Gain
Your Choice In Nail Polish Could Be Leading To Weight Gain… https://t.co/6Qgkn6DCDy pic.twitter.com/BsyDGM5Tnj
— Her.ie (@Herdotie) February 26, 2016
The hormonal imbalances and disruption in the development of immature cells caused by TPHP also contribute to weight gain and obesity. It alters the biological activity of the body into fat accumulation.
Still want to style your nails but without endocrine disruptor? Watch this video from My Green Closet to find out what are some non-toxic nail polish!
It’s important to be aware of the dangers of endocrine disruptors because they can worsen your thyroid conditions and hormonal imbalances. Avoiding or minimizing exposure to products with TPHP is a crucial first step in avoiding these effects but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your nails pretty anymore. You can substitute such TPHP brands as OPI, Essie, Sally Hansel, Maybelline, and Revlon with polishes that contain natural ingredients such as Zoya, Acquarella, Piggy Paint, No Miss, Lauren B., and Suncoat.
Have you had any of these endocrine disruptor effects? Share your experience with us below!
UP NEXT: 7 Thyroid Disease Solutions You Can Try At Home. To do more than just avoid those toxic nail polish, find out what lifestyle changes will help your thyroid!
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