We live in a world full of chemicals and toxins. I believe that one of the reasons there is an epidemic of obesity and fertility issues is due to the chronic exposure to toxins from our food, water, personal care products and the air we breathe.

Plastic is not only a global environmental concern but also negatively impacts our health after leaching into the environment during manufacturing, use, and disposal.

Dr. Woeller discusses the adverse effects of toxic chemicals and their adverse health effects at:  https://vimeo.com/266170524

The Baddies: BPA and Phthalates are a global concern

BPA is an oestrogenic environmental toxin with potentially serious effects on human health. It is classified as the third most important pollutant and an endocrine disruptor, which means it affects our hormones. Phthalates are used to increase flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastics. They are found in vinyl flooring, lubricating oils, personal-care products (soaps, shampoos, hair sprays, perfume and deodorant), foods and  in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) found in packaging, home furnishings, children’s toys, automobile parts, building materials, hospital supplies, and hundreds of other products.

See https://saferchemicals.org/get-the-facts/toxic-chemicals/phthalates/

Both Phthalates and BPA can accumulate in fat tissue from low level regular exposure.

Both BPA and phthalates cause oxidative stress and inflammation, affect liver health and function, and adversely affect our genes. They can disrupt our hormones, liver, immune system, brain, and body development.

Even alternatives to these chemicals are problematic. ‘Phthalate free’ or ‘BPA free’ products may contain other concerning replacements. Bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) are two BPA substitutes used widely in consumer products, which have been detected in human urine samples.

Research shows these chemicals also have endocrine disrupting effects and are as hormonally active as BPA.

Solvents – TCE, toluene and benzene

Other toxins found widely in consumer and industrial products are solvents, including trichloroethylene (TCE), toluene and benzene. These chemicals are hazardous to human health causing various mild to severe symptoms upon exposure. TCE is classed as a probable carcinogen, toluene is a central nervous system oxidative and myelin sheath toxin, and benzene is a potential cancer-causing agent, effects our blood cell production with no safe level of exposure.

TCE exposure is through inhalation (particularly the air near high traffic), drinking water and by contact with skin. Exposure of both benzene and toluene is mainly from inhalation, but exposure can also occur through food and water contamination and skin contact.

What can I do to minimise exposure?

Some ideas include:

  1. Use water bottles made from stainless steel or glass
  2. Store leftovers in glass containers
  3. If you microwave, use regular plates with no cling wrap. Don’t microwave in plastic containers.
  4. Ideally get home delivered fruit and veg that comes in paper bags or loose in the box; or purchase from the supermarket or market loose, in paper bags or take your own mesh produce bags
  5. Buy meat, poultry, seafood and smallgoods wrapped directly from market or deli wrapped in paper and put into glass containers at home.
  6. Wrap sandwiches and wraps in beeswax wraps (this helps the environment as well)
  7. Take a glass Keep Cup for your take-away coffee. If you must use a disposable, DO NOT drink through the plastic lid (the heat leeches plastic into your hot drink)
  8. Reuse glass bottles to store pantry items like legumes, nuts, and spices.
  9. Don’t exercise near busy roads or in traffic.
  10. Choose minimal chemical-containing or organic personal care items like face cream, shampoos, deodorants and body wash.
  11. Use essential oil based perfumes e.g. https://www.amacynperfumes.com/
  12. Use a quality water filter:

Can you think of any other ways to reduce plastic use? Please add to comments below 🙂

Can I test for my Levels of exposure?

Yes, you can test your urine for 172 different environmental pollutants for $389

https://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/gpl-tox

What about a Detox?

With all these chemicals ubiquitous in the environment, specific nutrients and herbs can be beneficial to help clear and protect the body from their potential health effects. I offer several Detox programs that supports the liver, kidney and gut in clearing accumulated toxins.

So, as well as minimising exposure, consider a one on one consult to discuss treatment & test options.

Doreen Schwegler is a Medical Scientist and Naturopath with over 32 years of experience helping people live healthier, happier and hopefully longer lives.

If you’d like a complimentary 15 minute chat about how I could help your health goals, email me at doreen@holistichealth.com.au or Book online: https://holistic-health-pty-ltd.cliniko.com/bookings

Note: Image courtesy of ;https://www.ecolife.zone/reducing-single-use-plastics/