Thursday, January 24, 2013

You Are What You Eat: Implications Of Using Plastic

The detrimental effects of exposure to plasticiser Bisphenol A (BPA) have been known for years. BPA is a hormone disrupting chemical that leaches out of plastic food and water storage containers (as well as paper money and thermal paper receipts!) and is linked to conditions such as heart disease, asthma, cancer, diabetes, and PCOS.

I am often asked if it is safe to use plastic products labeled "BPA-free." My answer has always been "No!" followed by a recommendation to use a glass or a stainless steel food storage or drinking vessel instead. I suspected that in lieu of BPA the industry would use another pasticiser in their BPA-free products whose safety has not yet been studied. My suspicion has been confirmed this week. In a recent study Bisphenol S (BPS) a substitute for the well-known Bisphenol A has been found in urine of exposed individuals and seems to disrupt estrogen hormone actions in ways similar to BPA.

And, this week, one other study came out showing that melamine has been found in urine of people who enjoy eating noodle soup out of melamine plastic bowls.

The age-old adage "You Are What You Eat" seems to ring more true now than ever. And the best way to limit harmful exposure to chemicals in your life is to eliminate plastic. If glass and stainless steel worked for tons of people before the advent of plastic, it will work for you today!

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