Did you know the main way BPA (AKA-Bisphenol A) is absorbed is via ingestion?
Bisphenol A, aka BPA, was invented over 100 years ago. According to the Environmental Working Group, it is used in the manufacturing of hard plastic, thermal receipt paper, and epoxy resins, which line food and beverage containers, including cans and jar caps. It is also found in sealants used in everything from construction to dentistry. Like mercury, think of BPA being in your mouth, and every time you chew or swallow, you are ingesting plastic.
Is the immune system designed to protect us from plastic? Why is it important for us to limit our exposure to BPA?
BPA is a leading cause of hormone disruption. BPA 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. Some other hormones affected include leptin, which supports a healthy weight, insuline, which is responsible for balancing blood sugar, and thyroxine, which regulates our metabolic rate.
ABSORPTION
Absorption is mostly through ingestion, but also enters our bodies through the skin and inhalation. BPA doesn’t biodegrade, but 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 super highway 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.
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.
What are some well known and not so well known places to find plastic?
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Water bottles
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food wraps and containers
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plastic utensils
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ziplock bags
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Any time hot foods or liquids are put in plastic more plastic leaches into the food or drink
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coffee pods
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Plastic cutting boards
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toothbrushes
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Certain contact lenses
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body and hair care products
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& MORE!
HOW CAN I MAKE MY 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. Check labels if you are unclear of the ingredients to 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 CAN WE 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 some 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 clients individual needs. Together, we can help you reduce your toxin load, and strengthen your immune system, so that your body can heal itself.
Lisa Schumacher RN, BSN Holistic Practitioner