Why drinking water from plastic bottles may be bad for you
Managing our exposure to BPA can go a long way in improving our health, explains Naturopath Dr David Jivan.
BPA is a chemical found in plastics and epoxy resins.
BPA belongs to a group of chemicals known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. More specifically it is an xenoestrogen, which mimics estrogen in the body and has been shown to interfere with the metabolism of hormones involved in human conception and development.
Women with higher levels of BPA in their system may have a higher risk of endometriosis, miscarriage, infertility and thyroid disorders. Specifically, BPA has been associated with breast and prostate cancers, genital defects in males, early onset of puberty in females, obesity and behavioural problems such as ADHD.
BPA is found in most plastics and the lining of tinned food and thermal receipt paper.
Here are some simple ways to manage your exposure to BPA.
- The highest concentrations of BPA have been found in sweat, which offers the most effective method of management, other than avoiding contact with BPA all together.
- Try to ensure that you drink from BPA-free drinking bottles, glass or stainless-steel bottles.
- Avoid canned fruits and vegetables and choose glass bottled ones, or eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Ensure infant’s drinking bottles are BPA-free. Do the same for children’s water bottles.
- Store food in BPA-free containers and never put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher.
- Avoid thermal paper receipts.
- Taking probiotic supplements that contain Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus casei may help eliminate BPA via the bowels, together with the bioflavonoid, quercetin.
Catch up on the full episode of The House of Wellness TV show to see more expert health advice from Zoe, Ed, and the team.