For the last few years, we have heard that we should avoid plastic water bottles due to industrial chemicals, namely phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), that leak off the plastic and into our food or water, and then into our bodies. A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives showed that we do not have to stay “contaminated.” Families that participated in the study made these simple changes: they stored food in glass or stainless steel containers and they discontinued preparing packaged foods. In just three days, there was a 60 percent reduction of BPA in their urine.
Research has found that these industrial chemicals behave in a manner similar to hormones found naturally in the human body. As a result, researchers have linked numerous health problems associated with both phthalates and BPA. Children and infants are most vulnerable since they do not process and rid these chemicals as efficiently as adults.
Phthalates, found in flexible plastics like plastic wrap, food storage containers, and shampoo bottles, can be absorbed by an expectant or lactating mother, or directly ingested by a baby from a sippy cup. The health problems for infants include changes in the male reproductive organs and hormones and allergies, including eczema. BPA is part of hard plastics and is often used to line the inside of our canned foods, including baby formula. This one is linked to behavioral developmental issues in children, including hyperactivity and aggression.
Frederick Vom Saal, a researcher of industrial chemicals, including BPA, acknowledged that 90 percent of Americans have this chemical stored in their bodies. Phillip Landrigan, the pediatrician who connected the dots between lead poisoning in children and paint, remains concerned that humans are most vulnerable to these chemicals while still in the womb.
The Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units acknowledged that the research is ongoing, and much of what we know about these chemicals and their adverse effects comes from animal studies. The public, according to PEHSU, should focus on ways to avoid these plastics. Heating and storing your food in these plastics are a no-go. Look for the labeling “PBA-free” or “phthalates free.” Avoid canned foods and choose natural versions of fruits and vegetables. Starting today, abandon the plastics and reach for metal or glass.
Sources:
http://www.mssm.edu/static_files/MSSM/Files/Research/Programs/Pediatric%20Environmental%20Health%20Specialty%20Unit/BPA_Patient_Factsheet
http://earthsky.org/health/frederick-vom-saal-bpa-harmful-to-humans-in-extremely-small-amounts
http://earthsky.org/health/philip-landrigan-says-common-chemicals-might-be-scrambling-hormones-signals
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2011/03/bpa-free-plastic-products-estrogen/1
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btw, in that study done by The Breast Cancer Fund and printed in Environmental Health Perspectives, the families didn't actually prepare any of their own foods or meals while they were put on "BPA-Free" diet. Instead, the researchers controlled and supplied all of the food the 3 families ate over the course of a few days, giving them only foods prepared with fresh and organic ingredients and never letting those foods come in contact with plastics.
April 12, 2011 - 8:42amSusan Beausang
Susan Beausang
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We shall one day overcome breast cancer. I personally believe that diet plays a very significant role in this as well as other types of cancers. When we look at the lungs, breast, colon or several other areas of the body we find that the major tissues are the connective tissues, collagen and elastin. These tissues provide the strength, elasticity, and support for all of these areas. There is a need for adequate amino acids lysine and proline along with Vitamin C to ensure these tissues are properly maintained as one goes through life or when the tissues are damaged for any reason. If they are in a deteriorated state the risk of cancer is increased significantly and this in turn requires a nutritionally adequate diet as a preventive measure. The foods found to provide most adequately for these needs are found among those foods that contain cholesterol along with the numerous other nutrients not found in abundance if the diet is primarily fruits, vegetables, grains, soy, etc. I am a firm believer of whole milk, meats, eggs, bacon, butter, etc as the foods that can provide adequately.
April 12, 2011 - 9:23pmThis is based upon the USDA SR 23 Nutrient Database and the USDA report on Choline which can be found on their web site.
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Excellent comments, Susan! Thank you for the clarification on how the study was controlled.
April 12, 2011 - 7:59pmThis Comment
Kristan, So glad that more and more of us are talking about this and raising awareness. In fact, the very important topic is becoming so "fashionable" that even Glamour magazine printed an article about it this month. As a Previvor from 3 generations of breast cancer survivors, I am working to bring more people into discussions about true cancer prevention. For more, check out posts about Endocrine Disruptors and how to avoid them here (https://www.empowher.com/community/share/endocrine-disruptors-evidence-action) and here (https://www.empowher.com/community/share/just-say-no-endocrine-disruptors).
April 12, 2011 - 8:39amAll the best,
Susan Beausang
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I believe this article is very important for the health of everyone. I also believe that we need to make a greater effort to ensure that we are getting into the body all of the nutrients required for good health. There is far too much "cherry picking" of specific nutrients or nutritional factors and too little concern for learning the total nutrient needs of the body.
April 7, 2011 - 2:44pmThis Comment
Thank you for your comment and your important reminder that good nutrition mean good health.
April 9, 2011 - 3:44pmThis Comment
From more than 850 responses of those with autism, more than 90% showed they did not understand the importance of nutrition for proper brain development and function. Interestingly though was the finding that when the deficient nutrients were provided in the diet, most of the symptoms disappeared in a matter of days or weeks.
April 9, 2011 - 4:16pmThis Comment