BPA: The Plastic Toxin

Simple adjustments can reduce the exposure of BPA and other toxic chemicals:

• Opt to eat fresh foods. One study showed that a diet consisting of organic, fresh foods could decrease the levels in your urine of BPA and DEHP (a kind of phthalate chemical that also affects hormonal function) by 50% in just three days.
• Choose BPA-free containers. If you buy packaged food, make sure you purchase them in glass containers, aseptic packaging, and BPA-free containers.
• Keep food items in ceramic, glass, and stainless steel containers. There are BPA-free plastics, but some scientists have found a trace of BPA within them, too.
• Buy dry goods from those bulk containers. Get flour, rice beans, dried fruits, and pasta, cereal, and cereal at the bulk bins of food stores that sell health products. You’ll likely put your bulk bin items into plastic bags. However, you can move the items to BPA-free containers once you’re home.
• Beware of microwaving food in plastic containers. The heat can cause BPA and other chemical compounds to be released into food. Also, don’t wash the plastic container (if you have them) into the dishwashing machine.
• Avoid handling thermal receipts. They’re those receipts with no carbon that you find everywhere you go, from the grocery store to the gas station, to the ATM. Yes, they contain BPA. You can refuse receipts if given a choice. If not, clean the hands you handle after handling. BPA in thermal receipts could be absorbed by your skin and also ingestion through food items.

If you’re concerned that you’ve had exposure to harmful chemicals, we’ll take you to the doctor to be tested.

At Marcare Clinic, we review, maintain, and offer a quality health service in Hamilton, Ontario.

If you need to visit your doctor for a general medical review or receive advice on improving your quality of life, do not hesitate to contact us.