We come into contact with environmental toxins in our everyday lives, but the holiday season can bring additional toxins that can further wreak havoc on our hormones. Many of these toxins can mimic other hormones like estrogen and thyroid which lead to an imbalance with other hormones. Some toxins can accumulate in tissues of glands, which inhibits our hormone production.

Toxins can be found in some holiday decorations and products. Synthetic scents from holiday air fresheners and scented candles contain phthalates and parabens that can disrupt hormones. Instead, light candles made from soy or beeswax. They burn clean and don’t emit dangerous chemicals. Excess Christmas tree trim and cinnamon sticks also work well to make your house smell like the holidays.

Fake trees – especially older ones – decorations and gift wrap can contain lead. Instead of using artificial decorations, create centerpieces and holiday accents by placing poinsettias around your house and filling baskets and vases with natural ingredients like pinecones, whole walnuts and chestnuts, artichokes, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, organic pumpkins, squash and apples. If you prefer a fake tree, try to use a newer one as they generally contain lower levels of lead and make sure to wash your hands well after assembling and decorating.

I hope these tips have helped so you can protect your home and your health this holiday season with decorations that are both beautiful and healthful.

Dr. Stanton discusses her book, Hormone Harmony, on the lifestyle show Connecticut Style.

If you’re not a fan of exercise, getting started can seem like a huge obstacle. However, to achieve hormone harmony, exercise is vital. It is also a big help to improve your mood and overcome some of those other annoying symptoms you may be experiencing.

Physical activity plays a key role in reversing insulin resistance, the main trigger in creating a hormone imbalance. Cells tend to shut down when hit with an overdose of blood sugar from too many sugary and starchy foods. Exercise helps the body build new muscle cells and wakes up older ones and opens their doors for more fuel. To reap the full benefits, you need a combination of strength training for your muscles and aerobic exercise for your heart.

More on the physical pros of exercise in a later post, for this one I want to focus on how physical activity can boost your energy and mood. If you’re a woman, or a man, approaching midlife or experiencing a hormonal imbalance, some of the main symptoms you might be experiencing are depression and mood swings. You might also feel like you have lost your “edge” or don’t have as much zest for life. Sound familiar?

Exercise triggers the production of endorphins, feel good chemicals. And, research shows that it both prevents and alleviates depression at any age and also stabilizes mood swings. Aerobic exercise also helps our bodies to take in and use oxygen, which generates more energy for us.  And let’s face it, when we start to lose weight and feel better, our self confidence improves, along with our mood.