With all the fuss recently about the evils of BPA in plastic and the trend towards BPA free products, we have forgotten one important detail – could there be other ingredients in plastic which are just as bad for us?
Well, it seems that the answer is yes, following the release of a study by the University of Texas Medical Branch, which found that another ingredient in plastics, BPS, behaves in a similar way to disrupt the endocrine system.
BPA. and now BPS have been linked with hormonal imbalances, diabetes, asthma, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems, primarily because of their ability to mimic oestrogen and disrupt hormonal function. Seen as toxins which can accumulate in the body, these chemicals have been found in increasing concentrations in urine in countries where food and drinks are often packaged in flexible plastic containers.
So, how should we protect ourselves?
Rather than looking just for products which claim to be “BPA free,” it would be wise to reconsider any plastic food and drink products, especially ones where the plastic is flexible or soft. Stick to stainless steel and glass containers, which are not just BPA free, but free from all plastic ingredients, because until more studies are done, we cannot be sure exactly which ones may later be found to be toxic.
Stainless steel and glass lunchboxes look really cool. So do the new breed of reusable drink bottles. And water tastes better in them anyway! Oh, and please, please, please… never cook your food in plastic cling wrap like they do on those reality cooking shows! Cook your food the “old school” way, or better still, increase the amount of raw food in your diet.
If you suspect you may have been exposed to high levels of BPA or BPS, a detox program along with some liver herbs and supplements can help to clear unwanted toxins from the body and balance hormones.