On any given day, you and I are exposed to a laundry-list of toxic chemicals that can be found in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and inside our homes and offices. These man-made chemicals have no business being in our environment nor in our bodies but unfortunately, they are. And the price we are paying with our health is significant.
One of the worst offenders, right along-side the highly-toxic compound known as glyphosate – a.k.a. Round-Up, is a chemical compound known as Bisphenol A, abbreviated BPA. Considered a significant endocrine-disruptor, BPA exerts a negative effect on the ovaries and testes, contributing to decreased sperm counts, infertility in both sexes, mammary tumors, miscarriage, PCOS, and premature births. Other dysfunctions attributed to BPA exposure include Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, ADHD, reduced vitamin D levels, liver damage, dermatitis and autism. And that’s not even a comprehensive list!
Produced at an annual rate of 3.4 million tons, BPA is commonly found in the linings of canned vegetables and fruits, canned pasta and canned soup. Plastic containers, water bottles and infant water cups and toys (even ones that are labeled ‘BPA-free) are also implicated. And surprisingly, one of the worst offenders is… get ready for it….cash register receipts.
In a 2012 study by the Environmental Working Group, they found that 93% of the healthy infants tested showed positive for the presence of BPA even though they had no known direct exposure. Formula-fed infants have a higher risk of contamination as do those who have had dental sealants, composite fillings and invisible retainers designed for straightening the teeth. It seems as though the very things we think should be safe, aren’t safe at all.
Well, after all this bad news, you might be wondering if there’s any hope for getting rid of this ever-present toxic chemical. And yes, in fact, there is! Even though BPA has saturated our environment and wreaked havoc on our bodies, not surprisingly, we have the capacity to detoxify and eliminate it with a little help.
In addition to removing any known sources of BPA exposure, the following interventions can help your body begin the task of eliminating this damaging chemical, preventing further dysfunction from occurring.
- Consume plenty of fiber-rich vegetables
- Enhance your gut bacteria (intestinal microbiome)
- Eat kimchi (a spicy pickled cabbage, a national dish in Korea)
- Include supplemental Korean ginseng (we recommend a combination of rhodiola and Korean ginseng)
- Take a bioavailable turmeric (bioavailability is improved when bound to okra fiber – we suggest Turmeric Forte)
- Break a sweat (moderate exercise that induces sweating should be done 4-5 times per week)
Our bodies have an amazing ability to deal with even the most unfriendly chemicals as long as we provide the right environment. By implementing just a few of the suggestions above, you will be able to improve and build upon your existing foundation one step at a time.
