BPA-free doesn't mean safe. It was replaced with BPS, which is more toxic to the reproductive system than what it replaced. That's a useful summary of how the food and personal care industries work.
Key Takeaway
Glyphosate, BPA/BPS, artificial dyes, and synthetic fragrances aren't just irritants. They're endocrine disruptors, mitochondrial toxins, and probable carcinogens that accumulate in tissue over time and directly lower the immune threshold that allows other infections and toxicities to take hold. Reducing toxic load through product and food choices isn't optional for people who want to heal.
The preparation of food and the regulation of hygiene products has made large advances in the past few decades. Nowadays, it is easy to find prepared and packaged foods in grocery stores and it is also simple to find hygienic products that are staple pieces in our lifestyles. However, there are some downfalls and complications when valuing convenience. Today, most of our foods are composed of chemicals, additives, and preservatives that are known to harm human and animal life.
As researchers investigate these ingredients, their findings advise to avoid chemically-processed foods, heavy pesticides, food dyes (red #40, blue #1, yellow #5, etc.), heavy metals, and other environmental toxins. Since the health of the population is heavily determined by what humans consume, taking precautions when buying foods and lifestyle products is a healthy habit.
Toxicants to Avoid in Food:
1) Bisphenol A (BPA) / Bisphenol S: BPA is a chemical found in plastic food/beverage containers and in the lining of metal cans. Research shows that this chemical has the ability to contaminate food and beverages through packaging. BPA can mimic estrogen and interfere with fertility. Other studies have shown that BPA has been associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk in breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Reducing exposure to BPA/BPS includes avoiding plastic dishware and single-use water bottles. Instead, use glass or steel dishware!
2) Added Sugars: Added sugars are high in fructose, a simple sugar that when consumed in excess is related to serious conditions known as fatty liver disease, type II diabetes, obesity, and cancer. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 5 tsps of added sugar for women, and 9 tsps for men.
3) Glyphosate: Glyphosate is an herbicidal ingredient in commercial weed-killing products, popularly known as RoundUp. It is commonly found in corn, cereals, soybeans, grains, rice, and produce. Studies have shown that glyphosate has been found to have "cytotoxic and genotoxic" effects that can be seen to cause inflammation and immunosuppression.
A 2013 study found that it is "the most important causal factor" in Celiac disease and also a "key contributor to the obesity epidemic and the autism epidemic in the United States."
Ways to reduce glyphosate exposure include purchasing organic produce and avoiding non-organic processed foods.
4) Heavy Metals in Food: Heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury can be found in many of our food sources, including rice, fish, meat, and produce. These metals can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system.
Toxicants to Avoid in Hygiene Products:
1) Parabens: Parabens are preservatives found in many cosmetics and personal care products. They are known to mimic estrogen and interfere with hormonal function.
2) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): SLS is a surfactant found in many shampoos, toothpastes, and body washes. It is a known skin irritant and can penetrate the skin barrier.
3) Phthalates: Phthalates are plasticizers found in many fragrances, nail polishes, and personal care products. They are known to disrupt the endocrine system.
4) Artificial Fragrances: Artificial fragrances can contain hundreds of different chemicals, many of which are known to be toxic.
Ways to reduce toxicant exposure include purchasing organic and clean products, using glass containers instead of plastic, filtering your water, and checking labels for harmful ingredients. Resources such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep database can help you find safer alternatives.