Stop Now! Here’s Why…
If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve probably heard something about the chemical BPA, a chemical found in plastics and how it affects your health.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities that is used primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from overuse at high temperatures.
BPA is found in a wide variety of common products including:
CD’s and DVD’s- electronic equipment
- automobiles
- sports safety equipment
- reusable food and drink containers
- medical devices
- protective liners of food containers
- water and baby bottles
- other food packaging
- metal products such as bottle tops and water supply pipes
- some dental sealants and composites
Polycarbonate containers that contain BPA usually have the recycling number 7 on the bottom.
The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through diet. While air, dust & water are other possible sources of exposure, BPA absorbed from food and beverage containers accounts for the majority of human exposure.
BPA’s are considered a synthetic or xeno estrogen that can wreak havoc on the body’s endocrine system and cause damage to the human reproductive system. Especially if the exposure occurs during a critical developmental stage (high levels can be found in baby bottles & baby formula can liners).
Other diseases linked to BPA exposure include:
- Cardiovascular system damage
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Obesity
Lab testing in 2007 by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Working Group and other academic and non-profit organizations, found BPA in 20 out of 28 well-known brands of canned food and drinks including
- Campbells
- Progresso
- Del Monte
- Pepsi-Cola
- Coca-Cola
- Dole
- Green Giant
- Bush’s
- Nestle.
Most of the BPA in American’s bodies is believed to come as a result of leaching from BPA-based epoxy food can linings and other food containers.
Here’s how to limit your exposure to BPA.
- Avoid microwaving food and beverages in polycarbonate plastic containers & don’t use plastic wrap to cover.
- Reduce your use of canned foods.
- Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot foods or liquids, when possible.
- Use BPA-free baby bottles and sippy cups.
- Fight Back with Nutrition
No matter how diligent you are in removing xenoestrogens from your home, you’ll still encounter them in the outside world. The task, then, is to protect the body from their harmful effects. Certain foods and herbs can shield estrogen receptor sites so xenoestrogens can’t attach, help the body metabolize and excrete harmful estrogen, and protect the body from xenoestrogen damage, says Jillian Michaels, a trainer for television’s The Biggest Loser and author of Master Your Metabolism. Some of the best are crucifers: Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale & Brussel Sprouts which are rich in indole-3-carbinol. The body converts this to diindolylmethane or DIM. DIM then stimulates certain enzymes in the liver to block the absorption of the toxic estrogens & increases the production of the beneficial estrogens. Crucifers are also high in a sulfur compound which is a powerful breast-cancer inhibitor. DIM supplements are available at Baum’s.
One to try: Estrobalance from Enzymatic Therapy.
- FLAX is the richest source of a compound that the body converts into lignans, says Michaels. Lignans are phytoestrogens and help balance the body’s estrogen levels by binding to the same estrogen receptor sites that xenoestrogens do. When a receptor site is already occupied by a phytoestrogen, xenoestrogens can’t attach to it. Lignans appear to be especially protective against breast cancer. One study found that women with the highest amount of dietary lignans had a 17 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Best protection: sprinkle ground flaxseeds or cold-pressed flax oil over yogurt, add it to smoothies or stir it into cooked oatmeal. Try these! Barlean’s Cold Pressed Flax Oils or Bob’s Red Mill Whole Flax Seeds or Ground Flax Meal
- FIBER works as an estrogen-disposal system. Estrogen and xenoestrogens are normally pulled from the bloodstream by the liver and moved to the intestines. In the intestines, fiber soaks up estrogen like a sponge and removes it from the body. Good sources of soluble fiber include apples, beans, psyllium, and oat bran. Sprinkle oat bran over cereal or use a fiber supplement to be sure you are getting the many health benefits fiber has to offer.
- POMEGRANATE can help block estrogenic activity by as much as 80 percent and helps prevent several types of cancers. Add pure pomegranate juice to green tea for power packed protection!
- MILK THISTLE is a wonderful plant that protects the liver from toxins and pollutants. It also stimulates the production of new liver cells. The liver is the most important organ for detoxifying harmful estrogens from the body. If the liver is not functioning properly, it cannot perform this task and the harmful substances are re-circulated into the blood stream.
All off these wonderful products and MORE are available at Baum’s! Ask us about them today!
Is a Plastic Water Bottle Your
Constant Companion?
Baum’s has the perfect way to help you, save money, reduce your body’s toxic load and protect the environment with just one product!
Enviro Products, Better Water brand Drinking Water Filter and Eco Friendly “Corn Bottle”. This is a great product that instantly filters water as you drink it and It’s good for up to 90 uses! The bottle itself is made from a 100% renewable, sustainable source…CORN! It’s not a petroleum based plastic! It biodegrades in just 80 days! It’s made right here in the USA and 3% of the proceeds go to organic farming organizations throughout the country.
Just think, for under $10, you can filter your own water up to 90 times! That’s a huge savings over bottled water you buy at the grocery! Neat Gift Idea!
Want something a little more durable? Baum’s also has BPA-free, glass water bottles from Life Factory. These fantastic bottles are made from materials that are free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, polycarbonate, lead and latex. Glass offers the best taste, is the safest material to drink from, is dishwasher safe, and is built to last a lifetime. Their silicone sleeves help prevent breakage and provide a comfortable non-slip gripping surface. Life Factory water bottles aren’t just for grownups! Baum’s also carries baby bottles to keep your little one safe!
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