BPA — Plastic pollution for our bodies.

BPA — Plastic pollution for our bodies. By now, most of us are aware of the significant damage plastic pollution is having on the natural environment, especially our oceans. Sure, we can all recycle, use reusable bags, paper straws etc., but did you know that around 46% of all plastic found in our oceans comes from the commercial fishing industry?

Supporting the commercial fishing industry by consuming seafood is supporting the devastation and violation of our oceans. This includes farmed seafood which has the potential to become even more harmful to the natural environment.

I urge you all take a look at the documentary Seaspiracy on Netflix and see for yourself, but today I am here to raise awareness of a different type of plastic pollution — The pollution of our bodies.

Similar to marine life, humans are also ingesting a plastic compound, BPA in what is believed to be unsafe levels.
“BPA stands for Bisphenol A.

BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s.

BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles”. (Mayo Clinic).

According to a peer reviewed research article published by Springer Link, 02 May 2020, BPA is considered to be a xenoestrogen, which is a critical ingredient used in the manufacture of plastics.

“It has a potential to disrupt the endocrine system and induces endocrine-related metabolic disorders”.

The same study found links between BPA and diabetes mellitus (DM) and an association with a higher glycaemic index in conjunction with “increased pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, dyslipidaemia, and impaired functioning of the liver and kidney”.

Along with heating food in plastic containers, we are exposed to BPA through the consumption of many packaged foods including canned foods. In fact, Bisphenol A is commonly used to line the inside of canned food containers to avoid corrosion, and in toiletries and feminine hygiene products.

Could the increased use of plastics over the last 60 years be in some way related to the seemingly “out of control” increase in lifestyle-based diseases?

The oil industry makes over $400 billion a year producing plastic, so of course, where there is large amounts of money involved, there is often contention over whether BPA is actually toxic to humans, therefore, it becomes a personal decision of whether or not you avoid consuming products packaged in BPA.

Ask yourself, is it possible that a petro-chemical could possibly be harmful to my body? The answer is obvious in my opinion.

So, how can we avoid BPA?

  • We can eat fewer canned foods or look for canned foods with the BPA Free logo on the label.
  • Do not heat food in plastic containers — use glass or ceramic instead.
  • Choose foods packaged in cardboard or glass.
  • Eat fresh, unpackaged fruits and vegetables.
  • Buy nuts, grains and legumes by the scoop from bulk suppliers and store in glass jars or paper bags.
  • Do not drink bottled water.
  • Do not eat plastic wrapped meats or seafood.

The answer to many of our health problems including the health of the planet is simple — Get back to basics.
Stop consuming so many processed and packaged items and eat the foods that nature intended for us. Indeed, most fruits and vegetables come with their own natural packaging — their skin.

Remember, it’s never too soon or too late to start taking care of our health.

References

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-020-09044-0

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-bpa

https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-bpa-1204017