I
f you have an autoimmune disease, you may already know it's important to avoid things that triggers flare-ups of your symptoms. While many autoimmune patients use an anti-inflammatory diet to avoid triggering foods, certain environmental chemicals can also cause flare ups.
One of the most common and overlooked thyroid autoimmune triggers is bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins such as plastic bottles and can liners. It is also found in store receipts and is absorbed into the bloodstream in just seconds of handling one.
For years BPA has also been known as an endocrine disruptor; it acts like estrogen in the body and has been linked to cancer, diabetes, obesity infertility, brain, nervous system and cardiovascular abnormalities, and other health issues. With newer research showing its connection to autoimmunity, we have even more reason to avoid it.
BPA is found in many common items
There is much awareness about BPA in water bottles and cans, however BPA is also found in many daily items:
- CDs
- Toys
- Plastic dinnerware
- Some baby bottles
- Cash register receipts
- Lids for glass food and drink bottles
- Beer kegs
- Water supply lines
- Dental sealants and composites
- Medical devices
- PVC piping
- Currencies around the world
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports detectable levels of BPA in 93% of subjects. If you have thyroid or neurological autoimmunity, you need to take your daily BPA exposure seriously.
Minimize your daily exposure to BPA
While we can't avoid BPA entirely in our environment, there is much we can do to minimize our daily exposure:
Use BPA-free products. Look for BPA-free labels; if a plastic isn't labeled, remember that some marked with code 3 or 7 may contain BPA.
Reduce consumption of canned foods. Most cans are lined with BPA-containing resins. When possible, buy fresh ingredients and make your own.
Avoid heating polycarbonate containers in the microwave or dishwasher. Exposed to heat, plastic can break down and release BPA into your food.
Avoid plastic coffee lids and paper cups. When your coffee or tea passes through the plastic lid, the heat and acidity leach BPA into the liquid. In addition, paper cups contain a thin, waterproof inner coating that contains small amounts of BPA. Ideally, brew your own coffee or tea and drink it from a glass or ceramic cup. If you must buy it to-go, bring your own ceramic cup, and if you must use the paper cup, forgo the plastic lid.
Ideally, use alternatives to plastic. While manufacturers are eliminating BPA, many are now replacing BPA with bisphenol S (BPS) and other chemicals, and recent research shows this new approach may be equally risky. Therefore, when possible, use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers for storing and heating food. It's easy to cycle out your old plastic storage containers and use large glass jars or lidded glass or metal bowls.
You can read more about BPA in plastic coffee lids and drink bottles in this important article.
SO HOW DO YOU OPTIMIZE THIS PROCESS OF CELLULAR CLEANSING?
I've got a great video for you to watch that explains the concepts of how to detox effectively. There are a lot of dangerous and downright inneffective methods to perform a detox on the internet, so be careful what you select. I highly recommend you consider Detox Done Right. Click here to view it now. You won't be disappointed. You'll need about 40 minutes to review it and I reccommend you shut your phone off to avoid interruptions.
Once you've reviewed the video and you now want to get started, call my office at 586-731-8840 to find out how to get started on your "new you"cleanse!
If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the top of this post and please share with those you know who are still suffering with chronic health challenges or autoimmune issues despite having medical managment. Thank you, help me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living!
Always remember one of my mantras., "The more you know about how your body works, the better you can take care of yourself."
For more details about the natural approach I take with my patients, take a look at the book I wrote entitled: Reclaim Your Life; Your Guide To Revealing Your Body's Life-Changing Secrets For Renewed Health. It is available in my office or at Amazon and many other book outlets. If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the top of this post and please share with those you know who are still suffering with chronic health challenges, despite receiving medical management. Help me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living! Thank you!
