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| Wednesday, October 22, 2008 |
| Plastic and Metabolic Syndrome |
I have been aware of the plastic controversy for awhile now, and it has been in the back of my mind, without being too much of a fanatic “yet”. But recently research was performed using human fat cells that found “average” exposure to BPA, an industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic, was associated with suppressing the hormone that regulates insulin sensitivity. In humans, this would lead to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome.
This got my attention the same way the plastic ocean phenomenon did. All the previously reported scary things plastic could do; like possibly increase risk of breast or prostate cancer, fertility problems, "some concern about the adverse health effects of BPA in fetuses, infants and children”, learning impairment, and onset of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease were studies done on mice and rats. These types of studies can still help predict risk for humans, but often governmental agencies wait for human studies, or multiple types of animal studies, before making any recommendations related to the findings.
BPA is one of many man-made chemicals classified as “endocrine disruptors”, which alter the function of the endocrine system (hormonal system) by mimicking the role of the body's natural hormones. Hormones are secreted through endocrine glands (thyroid, pituitary, pineal, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries and testis) and serve different functions throughout the body. It appears that plastic releases more of the damageable BPA when in contact with heat, hence this increased concern with baby bottles or water bottles sitting out in the sun.
BPA is also used in reusable water bottles, food can linings, water pipes and dental sealant. Please refer to the in depth Nutrition Action article with numerous links to learn more on how to limit you and your family’s contact with BPA.
Meanwhile, I will continue to wash my plastic storage containers by hand, while slowly eliminating them and replacing them with glass storage containers. That’s a small price to pay for my health. And like I always say, eat foods closest to their natural state for total health.
- Josee
Labels: Healthy Planet, Josee, Recent Research
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posted by The Sensei Team @ Wednesday, October 22, 2008   |
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