How this hidden toxin disrupts hormones and what you can do about it
The Shocking Truth About BPA
Bisphenol A was invented over 100 years ago. According to the Environmental Working Group, it’s used in manufacturing hard plastic, thermal receipt paper, and epoxy resins that line food and beverage containers, including cans and jar caps. It’s also found in sealants used in everything from construction to dentistry.
Here’s what’s concerning: BPA leaches from these containers into our food and drinks. Every time you eat or drink from a plastic container, can, or jar, you could be consuming small amounts of this chemical. Our immune systems weren’t designed to handle synthetic chemicals like plastic components.
Did you know? The main way BPA (AKA-Bisphenol A) is absorbed is via ingestion.
How BPA Disrupts Your Hormones
BPA is a leading cause of hormone disruption. It affects numerous hormones, including sex hormones in men and women, leading to an increase in infertility, precocious puberty, breast and prostate cancer, and disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, severe period cramping, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Other hormones affected include leptin, which supports a healthy weight, insulin, which is responsible for balancing blood sugar, and thyroxine, which regulates our metabolic rate.
How BPA Gets Into Your Body
Absorption happens mostly through ingestion, but BPA also enters our bodies through the skin and inhalation.
BPA doesn’t biodegrade. Instead, it continues to break down into smaller and smaller particles, called nanoparticles, that get into the dust and the air we breathe.
Once in the air and inhaled into our bodies, it goes directly into our bloodstream, which acts as a superhighway to the rest of the body. It has been found in blood, urine, breast milk, and umbilical cord blood, according to tests conducted by EWG.
The Impact on Children
BPA is also affecting our babies and toddlers. Think of all the things used to feed our children and the toys that they put in their mouths. Many of them are made with plastic.
Some of these items include baby bottles, plastic utensils, pacifiers, plastic toys and dolls.
Hidden Sources of BPA Exposure
You might be surprised by how many everyday items contain BPA:
- Water bottles
- Food wraps and containers
- Plastic utensils
- Ziplock bags
- Coffee pods
- Plastic cutting boards
- Toothbrushes
- Certain contact lenses
- Body and hair care products like brushes and loofahs
Remember: Any time hot foods or liquids are put in plastic, more plastic leaches into the food or drink.
Making Your Home Safer
Use glass and stainless steel for food and beverages whenever possible. Never put hot food or liquid into plastic. A clear silicone nipple with a glass baby bottle is a better choice for babies needing bottles.
Use wooden cutting boards instead of plastic ones. Our favorite is the Haselmayer Goods natural cutting board.
Check labels if you’re unclear about the ingredients in your personal care products. Check product toxicity ratings at EWG.org. If you touch thermal receipt paper, wash your hands before touching food or eating.
How We Can Help
At Foundations Wellness, we offer environmental toxin testing for our clients so they can have hard evidence of what toxins, including BPA, are affecting their bodies and playing a part in their illness.
We offer tools for detoxification of BPA, including the IonCleanse by AMD foot baths, and binders which neutralize toxins so they can be flushed from the body. We explore ways you may have exposure to toxins such as BPA, and help you discover alternative solutions.
We create a custom wellness plan based on each client’s individual needs. Together, we can help you reduce your toxin load and strengthen your immune system, so that your body can heal itself.
Key Takeaways
- BPA exposure happens primarily through ingestion of contaminated food and drinks.
- This plastic chemical disrupts multiple hormone systems in your body.
- Children are especially vulnerable to BPA from bottles, toys, and utensils.
- Hot foods and liquids increase plastic leaching into your food.
- Glass and stainless steel containers are safer alternatives to plastic.
- Environmental toxin testing can reveal your personal BPA exposure levels.
Ready to reduce your family’s plastic exposure? We’re here to help you create a safer, healthier home environment. Book an appointment today or contact us to learn more about our environmental toxin testing and detoxification protocols.
Written by Lisa Schumacher, RN, BSN, Holistic Practitioner