Drinking water is important for your health, but using the wrong water bottle can damage your heart!
According to a recent study, BPA in your plastic water bottle can cause rhythm and other problems for your heart. Scientists have been telling us bisphenol A (BPA) a chemical found in some hard plastics, is hazardous to your health, causing problems with estrogen levels. This is the first study that indicates a problem specifically for women’s hearts.
Ladies, it is time to take this seriously.
What should you do? Here’s the down and dirt based on information from the Busy Woman’s Guide’s favorite dietitian Jill Fleming, RD MS.
If you have a plastic travel mug for your coffee or tea, throw it out. Drink hot liquids from ceramic or stainless steel only. Plastics release into hot liquids and you get an extra heavy dose! Never drink hot liquids from styrofoam cups - unless you want to drink styrofoam.
Recycle the grocery-store water bottles after you drink them. Don’t refill them. These bottles are made for single use and the act of refilling causes chemicals to be released. Better yet, get a reusable water bottle. Stainless steel is the first choice. For a plastic bottle, turn it over and look at the number in the triangle. Remember these are for cool liquids only.
#1: Use just once. Don’t rinse and reuse a water bottle you buy at the store. Refilling or rinsing cause chemicals to be released.
#2: Whew! This one is okay. Hand wash and air dry these sport bottles. If they get scratched or start looking dull and old, replace them.
7: Throw it out. Really, toss it — it contains BPA and you don’t want it. Many water cooler bottles and water filter pitchers are #7 — look carefully.
BPA Free - regardless of number - you should be safe.
Other tips to avoid BPA:
- Buy juice and milk in glass bottles whenever possible.
- Prepare foods in glass or ceramic.
- Cool solid foods completely before putting them in #5 plastic containers.
- Store liquids (including sauces and soups) in glass or ceramic containers.
- NEVER microwave plastic (including plastic wrap).
- Carry water in glass, stainless steel or BPA-free bottles.
- Avoid canned food with plastic lining.
- Hand wash and air dry your containers, even though they may indicate “dishwasher safe.”
- Plastic bathroom cups used for a quick sip of water are likely safe - since the water doesn’t sit in them.
- BPA is an environmental hazard - it may be impossible to avoid it completely. However, taking steps to limit your exposure will help ensure the health of your heart.
Start moving in the right direction to a BPA-free body!
Get more valuable information in Eliz’s new book, The Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart.
Find more tips to live longer, feel better, and stress less by Eliz Greene at BusyWomansGuide.com.
Eliz survived a massive heart attack while seven months pregnant with twins, struggled to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and searched for a way to hold on to the perspective and passion she found in her near-death experience. Drawing on her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage their stress.
As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 100 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.
Link to blog: http://www.embraceyourheart.com/blog/2009/06/15/is-your-water-bottle-damaging-your-heart-busy-womans-guide-to-bpa/