Breast Health 101 – 7 Tips to Prevent Breast Cancer

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Breast health is a major concern for women worldwide. In America alone, it’s estimated that 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in her life.

And while it’s less common, men aren’t exempt from breast cancer either. According to Breastcancer.org, over 2,500 cases of male breast cancer are diagnosed each year. With these statistics, the need to boost breast health for cancer prevention is more important now than ever before.

The good news is, there are several ways to improve your breast health naturally. Through specific nutrients and lifestyle changes, you can keep your health strong and reduce your risk for breast cancer.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

The exact cause of breast cancer is difficult to pinpoint, and will be different for every person.

Breast cancer has been linked to uncontrollable factors such as genetics (studies speculate a greater risk for developing breast cancer if a first-degree relative has had it), but it should be noted that the majority of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family member with breast cancer.

Interestingly enough, epigenetics is playing more of a role in cancer development. In other words, your environment, lifestyle and diet are considered to be more common risk factors for changes in your DNA that may lead to cancer.

A good way to explain this mechanism is to say “your genes load the gun, the environment pulls the trigger.” Your DNA may predispose you for cancer, but lifestyle and diet make all the difference.

Now, for a little pathology 101: gene mutations—which are typically passed down from a parent—can also cause cancer. Gene mutations have also been linked to cellular damage from environmental factors, such as toxins and sun damage.

In particular, breast cancer is linked to gene mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are responsible for preventing cancer development in your cells. Gene mutation can occur at any point in life, but breast cancer related to BRCA1 and BRCA2 is seen in younger women.

Other common risk factors for breast cancer include:

Age

Aside from gender, age is said to be the most common risk factor for developing breast cancer. While you can develop breast cancer at any time, women over the age of 50 are at the highest risk.

Obesity

Studies show that women who have a BMI higher than 25 are more likely to develop breast cancer. While the exact link between weight gain and breast cancer isn’t known, research suggests that where weight gain occurs could either promote or prevent breast cancer development. If your BMI is over 25, your chances of breast cancer increases.

For example, midsection weight gain could be a greater risk factor for breast cancer, rather than weight gain in your face and thighs. This is because midsection weight gain is related to elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your blood. And high cortisol levels can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

Midsection weight gain is also a sign of high insulin level which research shows increases your risk for cancer by 15-20%.

Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance is a condition that can occur when your progesterone levels are too low or when your estrogen levels are too high. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance can occur from taking oral contraceptives for long periods of time, or during intense periods of chronic stress.

Estrogen is the female sex hormone that promotes growth and development. It’s said that in certain cases, excess estrogen in your blood can also promote the growth of tumors and allow cancer cells to spread.

Now, that’s not to say every person with excess estrogen will develop cancer—it simply means that estrogen plays more of a role in the development of cancer cells than other hormones. Hormonal imbalances can suppress the body’s immunity, making cancer more of a risk.

Since estrogen dominance is a hormonal imbalance, it can also suppress the body’s immune function by impairing the function of T-cells.

Estrogen dominance can occur from being regularly exposed to xenoestrogens and phytoestrogens, which mimic estrogen in the body and raise estrogen levels when absorbed. Xenoestrogens are environmental toxins found in plastic containers, cleaning products and cosmetics, while phytoestrogens are found in estrogenic foods such as soy products and non-organic meat that’s been treated with growth hormones.

Early Menstruation

While it’s not yet fully understood, studies have shown a link between menstruation before the age of 15 and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Excess Alcohol Consumption

Excess alcohol consumption can increase estrogen levels in the blood. Alcohol may also cause cellular damage, which as you now understand, may increase your risk of breast cancer.

As you can see, the most common risk factors for breast cancer are not only related to genetics, but also lifestyle and dietary choices. This means that you can still take control of your breast health and lower your risk of breast cancer.

Let’s take a look at which nutrients offer the greatest benefits to your bosom by promoting optimal cellular health.

Nutrients for Breast Health

Antioxidants

Antioxidants help disarm free radicals, which are toxins that damage DNA and destroy cells. Free radicals cause oxidative stress in the body, which is linked to the development of many diseases, including cancer. Antioxidants can also help slow the aging process and prevent gene mutation. And as you now know, both of these factors contribute to breast cancer.

All fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds contain antioxidants. The foods highest in antioxidants are berries, goji berries, carrots, squash, pumpkin, beets, sweet potatoes walnuts, leafy greens, mushrooms, pomegranates and algae, such as chlorella or spirulina.

Vitamin D

Studies suggest that low vitamin D may be linked to breast cancer, since vitamin D is shown to have antioxidant activity in the mammary gland. Loading up on vitamin D can help keep cancer risk at bay.

Certain foods on the Paleo diet contain vitamin D, such as wild salmon and egg yolks. However, the sun is ultimately the most abundant source of vitamin D available to us.

During the fall and winter months, it can be extremely difficult to absorb enough vitamin D from the sun (unless you live in a tropical climate). For this reason, it’s recommended to supplement with 1,000 – 2,000 IU of vitamin D for optimal health during the colder months.

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

While inflammation is the root cause of all illness and disease, studies prove that chronic inflammation (and inflammatory conditions, such as irritable bowel disease) have a direct link to cancer development.

This is why it’s important to include foods in your diet that help reduce inflammation, such as omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3’s are essential fats that we must obtain from our diets because our body can’t produce them. Because they’re such powerful anti-inflammatories, omega-3’s are fats that should never be avoided.

You can increase the omega-3’s in your diet by taking fish oil and eating wild salmon, chia seeds, hemp hearts, walnuts, algae, flaxseed and grass-fed meat.

It should also be mentioned that we require a balance of omega-3 to omega-6 essential fatty acids for optimal health. While omega-3’s and -6’s are needed to fight inflammation and promote cardiovascular health and cognitive function, omega-6 essential fatty acids can become pro-inflammatory when they’re consumed in excess, leading to systemic inflammation.  

Foods that reduce inflammation also reduce your risk of cancer. Increase omega-3’s by eating salmon or chia seeds.

The ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 essential fatty acids is approximately 1:3, but today’s Western diet has a ratio of 1:17. Many of the omega-6’s in our diet come from high oleic vegetable oils, such as soybean oil and sunflower oil, that are used liberally in processed foods.

So while increasing your omega-3 intake is helpful for reducing inflammation, your omega-6 intake must be simultaneously reduced to further prevent illness and disease.

Indole-3-Carbinol

Indole-3-carbinol is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. I3C is a powerful nutrient for promoting hormone balance and breast health, as it helps prevent excess estrogen from being absorbed in the bloodstream.

Stress Management for Breast Health

While certain nutrients are necessary for cancer prevention, stress management is also crucial to breast health.

Stress promotes inflammation in the body as well as the release of excess cortisol in your blood. And as I’m sure you can relate, stress also makes you crave carbs and sugar! Carbs and sugar spike your insulin levels, which also increases your cortisol levels. Needless to say, it’s a vicious cycle at best.

As mentioned above, elevated cortisol levels are linked to midsection weight gain, which can increase your risk for breast cancer. And when cortisol levels are elevated for prolonged periods of time, your immune system can also become suppressed and impair your body’s natural defenses against illness and disease.

Getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night, exercising regularly, spending time outdoors, practicing yoga, laughing often, eating nutritious foods and making time for the activities you enjoy are the best ways to begin reducing your stress levels.

As you’ve seen, breast health is influenced by several factors, not just genetics. By increasing the nutrients in your diet and making positive lifestyle changes where necessary, you’ll reduce your risk for breast cancer and enhance your entire well-being.

To recap – The 7 Tips to Prevent Breast Cancer:

• Eat berries high in antioxidants
• Get enough of Vitamin D
• Eat healthy fats such as those from fatty fish
• Manage stress
• Eat cruciferous vegetables
• Practice yoga
• Get 7-8 hours of sleep

Watch this video – Breast Self-Examination (It Can Save Your Life)

Written by Brandi Black

Author Bio:

Brandi Black is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and the creator of Feel Best Naked, a health blog for women who want to clear up their skin, lose the muffin top and make the bloat disappear. After years of experiencing (and then healing) her own unbalanced hormones, she’s now obsessed with helping other women feel spectacular in their own skin with natural remedies for hormone balance.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

6 Toxins in Feminine Products and 4 Healthier Alternatives

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

6 Hormone Disruptors and Toxins in Feminine Products (& 4 Healthier Alternatives)

In a world of vaginal steams, crystal-wearing, and period panties, are organic feminine products really worth the hype, not to mention the extra expense? Is it a legitimate need or a silly gimmick that can be skipped?

Consider this: the skin in the vagina is highly absorbent, and it is known to be an effective method for systemic drug delivery. Chemicals introduced into the vaginal canal are going to be easily absorbed and systemically delivered to the rest of the body, too.

The Dangers of Toxic Exposure

Why should we be worried about toxic exposure from feminine products? Most women figure that they only use pads and tampons for just a few days every month, but when you add that up over three decades of reproductive years? That’s anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 days of a woman’s life.

Products like tampons, pads, and pantiliners have contact with vaginal mucous membranes, which are designed to be highly absorbent. Because this area is filled with blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, it’s primed to deliver whatever it encounters to the entire body through the circulatory system. Chemicals in feminine products can be carried through the circulatory system.

Enter the argument that the chemicals found in these products can’t be “that bad.” If you read the label on the average tampon or pad, it won’t sound that scary, at least not until you dig a little deeper.

Most people believe that the FDA or some overarching government body regulates these types of products and won’t allow anything in them that would be unsafe.

Because tampons and pads are categorized as medical devices, they’re regulated by the FDA, but the FDA doesn’t regulate the cosmetic industry or other chemical-laden products strictly either.

Just because the FDA allows it to be sold doesn’t mean it’s safe. As a medical device, companies also aren’t required to disclose every detail about the ingredients.

Bottom line: Women need to be aware that toxin exposure from unexpected sources can still have a significant impact on their health, and feminine products are no exception.

Toxins Found in Feminine Products

Most toxins found in feminine products aren’t easily deciphered by simply reading the label. Companies manufacturing these items are either unaware that they’ve created a chemical delivery system, or they’re trying to mask it with pink and blue boxes and fresh scents.

Even if we assume the best of these companies, initiatives over the last few years to get full label disclosure have been met with silence. Companies disclose ingredients that may be in their products, but do not transparently list exactly what they contain.

The truth is that any feminine products not labelled as organic can contain any of the following. Since manufacturers are not being open, we can assume that their products very likely contain many or most of them.

6 Hormone Disruptors and Chemicals Found in Feminine Products

Phthalates

A plastic-like chemical found in many products that are scented, phthalates, found in fragranced pads or tampons used to mask vaginal odors, are hormone disrupting.

Dioxins

You know how those tampons and pads are crisp and white? Dioxins are chemicals that appear as a result of the bleaching process, and are associated with hormone disruption and autoimmunity.

Mercury

While no one is adding mercury to feminine products, it can be found in pads and tampons because it’s a by-product of the manufacturing and bleaching process, and it’s associated with disruption of the nervous, immune, and digestive systems.

Glyphosate

Cotton, one of the primary ingredients of tampons and pads, is one of the top GMO (genetically modified organism) crops that are heavily treated with glyphosate.

 Cotton is highly absorbent, hence the use in tampons and feminine pads, but it also absorbs those chemicals that it’s doused with. One study found that 85 percent of non-organic tampons contained glyphosate.

Rayon

A synthetic ingredient made from sawdust, rayon is most closely associated with TSS, or toxic shock syndrome. Tampons all get a warning label that they shouldn’t be left in for more than eight hours because of TSS, which can cause symptoms like fever, rash, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures.

TSS is life-threatening, so most women are educated about this risk. However, women aren’t informed that the very same tampon that could cause TSS is also exposing them to dioxins, which are by-products of rayon, and which are not safe at any exposure level.

Synthetic Fragrances

A fancy way of saying “a chemical cocktail to produce a synthetic scent,” fragrances are used in thousands of products to produce a specific smell. They’re also used to mask odors, such as in feminine products.

The problem with this is that just because something smells clean and fresh doesn’t mean that it is. Chemicals used in fragrances are often proprietary and are not required to be disclosed, meaning you have no idea what you’re inhaling, ingesting, or inserting. Some fragrances even contain known carcinogens.

Avoid scented pads – They main contain carcinogens!

Bottom line: While women aren’t exposed to feminine products on a daily basis, the cumulative hours that they will be exposed over their lifetime is significant, especially considering that a few of these chemicals have no safe exposure levels.

3 Dangers of Toxic Feminine Products

It might be easy to brush off chemicals found in pads and tampons as less important than chemicals found in, say, make-up or lotions, based on daily usage and skin coverage.

However, for a week every month, for roughly 30 years, women often get around-the-clock exposure from these seemingly harmless items.

1. More Infections

Chemicals and synthetic ingredients found in feminine products increase a woman’s risk of yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis because the presence of these unnatural materials disrupt normal and healthy vaginal bacterial balance.

2. Cancer Risk

While most companies will deny that their products or ingredients are carcinogenic, dioxins and other components of women’s hygiene products have cancer-causing components.

3. Reproductive Harm

All of the exposures that a woman faces on a daily basis from environmental sources can work together to attack fertility. Hormones are sensitive to disruptions, and women face risk by chemicals found in feminine products they use.

Bottom line: The volume of usage and hours of exposure make feminine care products one of the most significant issues regarding toxic exposure.

4 Organic and Toxin-Free Alternatives

Organic feminine products cost more than non-organic versions, and one of the largest complaints is that companies slap the organic label on there so that they can charge more. The truth is that the products are entirely different, and given a moment to compare, you’ll see why.

Cleaner hygiene products are critical since vaginal tissues absorb toxins and chemicals more easily than other skin areas. Chemical-free feminine products are critical, as vaginal tissue is super absorbent.

Natural alternatives exist for everything from organic cotton tampons and pads that are not bleached to reusable and washable products like fabric pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear that are designed to eliminate waste altogether.

While many women may view laundering their menstrual products as an unnecessary chore (or a gross one at that), all of these organic and reusable products have been designed with care for both women’s health and the environment.

So explore the various chemical-free options available for menstrual care and choose a system that works best for you.

Organic and Disposable Tampons, Pads, and Liners

Much the same as the non-organic ones, these are disposable and convenient.

Made from organic cotton that is unbleached and free from nasty chemicals, these products are produced primarily by four brands: Seventh Generation, NatraCare, Maxim, and The Honest Company. They’re available in varying sizes and thicknesses and work as effectively as other non-organic brands.

Reusable Pads

Menstrual pads work the same way as disposable ones, except they’re constructed from cotton and are highly absorbent. These also come in different sizes and thicknesses, and are designed to be laundered and reused for numerous cycles.

The laundering process is described by each company, and is simple and ick-free. Most suggest soaking in a bucket of natural disinfectant solution during the menstrual cycle, and washing everything in one load at the end.

If you’re really bothered by the idea of dirty menstrual rags, you can easily wash them more often. Popular brands include GladRags, LunaPads, Sckoon Organic Cloth Pads, Charlie Banana Reusable Cloth Pads, and Earth Girl.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are in a league of their own: they collect the menstrual blood and don’t absorb. They can safely be worn longer than tampons and don’t carry the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

They’re available in different sizes and shapes, and can be used for numerous cycles, only needing to be rinsed before each use and washed thoroughly at the end of the cycle before storing until the next one.

These are great options for women of any age. Top brands include the DivaCup, Lunette Menstrual Cup, Ruby Cup, Yuuki Cup, and EvaCup.

Period Underwear

Newest on the scene are panties specifically designed to be worn during menstruation. Some are designed to be worn without any additional pads or cups, while others are meant to be used in conjunction with reusable pads or cups.

They are made of highly absorbent and leak-proof materials, and are designed to last for many years. Popular brands are Thinx, PantyProp, Modibodi, and Knixwear.

Bottom line: Each of these different menstrual options offers their own benefits and come without the chemical cocktail of side effects like conventional period products.

Not only are they cleaner options, but they are greener and either come from more ethically sourced disposable cotton or remove the need for disposing altogether.

While the cost for any of these options will be more than just buying the cheapest option, your health is an investment and is worth protecting from an onslaught of chemicals.

Watch these 2 videos below –

Best ORGANIC Non-toxic Feminine Care Pads (Review)| Natural Care for Women

Natural and Non-Toxic Personal Care Products

Written by Aimee McNew

Author Bio:

Aimee McNew is a Certified Nutritionist who specializes in women’s health, thyroid problems, infertility, and digestive wellness. She ate her way back to health using a Paleo diet, lost 80 pounds, and had a healthy baby after numerous miscarriages. She focuses on simple nutrition practices that promote long-lasting results.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

Hidden Dangers of Emulsifiers and Thickeners to Gut and Brain

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Are Emulsifiers and Thickeners in Your Food Sabotaging Your Gut?

Check the label – sneaky emulsifiers and thickeners may be causing you achy gut problems.

While you might notice “natural” additives called thickeners and emulsifiers in your organic staples and not think much of it, new studies reveal the danger they pose to your gut health.

Here’s why these additives are more dangerous than they appear – and how to identify them in the foods you buy.

What Are Thickeners and Emulsifiers?

Thickeners and emulsifiers stabilize and thicken foods. They can be synthetic or natural, and may be added to store-bought products like salad dressing to help keep the mixture well combined.

So, what’s the problem with these additives? While it’s true that almost all thickeners and emulsifiers are “Generally Regarded As Safe” (GRAS) by the FDA, this simply means that they don’t pose a serious risk.

However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t come without side effects. And one of those extremely important but often overlooked side effects is their effect on gut health and digestion.

Common Thickeners and Emulsifiers

You’ve probably come across several of the most common thickeners and emulsifiers in your favorite packaged foods, such as nut milk, non-dairy yogurts, salad dressings, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what they are, how they affect your digestion, and reasons you may want to avoid them.

1. Cellulose Gum

Cellulose gum, or carboxymethylcellulose, is a thickening agent that comes from the cell walls of many types of plants. It is commonly used to thicken low-fat foods, since it can add a rich, creamy texture without adding fat.

While cellulose gum is generally recognized as safe, many researchers are now questioning whether it may be responsible for intestinal inflammation. This is due to the uptick in cases of inflammatory gut conditions like IBS with the increasing prevalence of cellulose gum in foods.

Animal studies do indeed show that cellulose gum causes inflammation and obesity, even at low doses. Cellulose gum can also alter the gut bacteria and erode the protective mucus lining of the intestines, causing irritation.

2. Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic emulsifier that is added to foods and cosmetics to help bind ingredients together to increase smoothness. Take ice cream, for example: Polysorbate 80 might be added to maintain its rich, creamy texture while it’s on the shelf.

This emulsifier is another additive considered “safe” by the FDA, but studies show it creates an imbalance in your digestive system.

Studies in mice show polysorbate 80 creates intestinal inflammation and an immune response that typically happens in patients with colitis, meaning it could create the conditions necessary in your gut to develop this bowel disorder. It was also found that polysorbate 80 shortened the colons of mice and disrupted the protective mucus layer lining their guts.

3. Carrageenan

Carrageenan is similar to cellulose gum. It is derived from red seaweed and can be found in everyday foods like milks, yogurt, and condiments. It has quite a controversial reputation due to conflicting studies showing that it’s safe versus others that show it can cause inflammation and even interferes with the hormone insulin.

When it comes to gut health, studies show that carrageenan can create inflammation in your gut, and also creates some of the same symptoms as those found in inflammatory bowel disease.

4. Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum can often be found in gluten-free baked goods thanks to its ability to create a doughy texture. It is produced through bacterial fermentation with a strain of bacteria and added sugars, then dried, powdered, and added to food.

While xanthan gum is considered “natural”, it still poses a negative effect on gut health. One study found that some infants who were fed formula thickened with xanthan gum developed a fatal intestinal disease.

With that being said, it’s important to note that infants’ digestive tracts are extremely sensitive, which was likely a huge factor in their reaction to xanthan gum. However, caution is warranted with xanthan gum, especially when it comes to little ones.

Thickeners and Emulsifiers and the Gut-Brain Link

In addition to affecting your gut health, studies show that the changes that happen in your gut when you consume these additives can also affect your brain. One study found emulsifiers added to the drinking water of mice resulted in gut inflammation, which then altered their mental state, resulting in changes in behavior.

How to Avoid Thickeners and Emulsifiers (Plus Natural Alternatives)?

If you’re experiencing any type of digestive discomfort and already removed gluten, dairy, and other irritating ingredients from your diet, you may want to take a closer look at the thickeners and emulsifiers in the foods you are eating.

Keep in mind that these can be found in nut milks like almond and coconut milk (canned and boxed) as well as non-dairy yogurts, ice creams, chocolates, and other packaged foods and baked goods.

The easiest way to avoid artificial thickeners and emulsifiers is to read labels carefully, and when in doubt, whip up your own alternatives to common foods that contain additives.

Try making your own nut milk by adding almonds to a blender with water, blending on high, then straining through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag. You can also make your own chocolate at home to avoid stabilizers and added sugars.

Here’s another trick: thicken your own foods using arrowroot or tapioca starch.

Watch this video – Dangerous Food Additives You Need to Know About

The Bottom Line

If you’re trying to improve your gut health, stick to eating foods in their most natural state. Whenever you buy packaged foods, check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain any of the emulsifiers and thickeners mentioned above.

Written by Megan Patiry

Author Bio:

Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

Is It Safer and Healthier to Use BPPA-Free Plastics?

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Just Because It Says “BPA-Free” Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe

“BPA-free” is a buzzword that may fool you into thinking you’re getting a safer, better product. Unfortunately, this label is not always what it seems.

Plenty of products, food packaging, and other items on store shelves boast a BPA-free status, but it doesn’t necessarily make it better.

While the label “all natural” does not have any standardized meaning, “BPA-free” in fact indicates that the product is free from one specific chemical: bisphenol-A.

However, that doesn’t mean that it’s free from similar chemicals. Read on to discover what BPA is, and why a BPA-free label isn’t necessarily healthier.

What Makes Plastic BPA-Free?

BPA is a chemical found in plastics and other household products, including certain toys, the linings of canned goods, and disposable baggies.

This chemical was originally added to items in the 1950s because it helped strengthen hygiene products, food containers, baby bottles, and other plastic goods that needed to resist degrading with use.

However, once the concerns that BPA disrupts the endocrine system emerged, companies began making changes to their products. Now, many products boast a BPA-free label.

The most popular items that still might contain BPA include:

• Canned goods
• Toiletries
• Feminine hygiene products
• Paper receipts from stores
• Electronics
• Sealants for dental fillings
• CDs and DVDs

It’s generally agreed that minimizing BPA exposure is a good idea, though messages are mixed. For example, the FDA officially states that BPA is safe, but required that baby products be made without BPA starting in 2012.

So… is BPA-Free Plastic Safe?

While many companies manufacture their products without BPA, the downside is that these products often contain BPS (bisphenol S) or BPF (bisphenol F) instead. Bisphenol A, S, and F are all chemical compounds that are in the same category. These chemicals are not studied as thoroughly as BPA, but almost certainly have similar health concerns.

While experts disagree on whether BPA is truly harmful or to what extent, research indicates that BPA can have the following potentially harmful reactions when it’s present in the body:

• Acts as estrogen. BPA binds to estrogen receptors and can interfere with hormone balance.

• Interacts with thyroid hormone receptors. This can alter hormone production in the body.

• Causes reproductive problems. Common reproductive problems include recurrent miscarriage, low egg quality, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), reduced sperm count, and infertility.

• Affects fetal development. BPA can cause hormone changes that occur in utero, including low birth weight in babies.

• Alters mental health. Exposure to BPA can lead to decreased connections between brain cells and may cause hyperactivity in children and adolescents.

• Raises blood pressure. BPA exposure increases the chances of heart disease by as much as 63 percent and can increase the potential for type 2 diabetes by as much as 60 percent.

• Leads to weight gain. Obesity and increased body weight are especially common in women.

Unfortunately, research reports that BPS and BPF can disrupt the cells in the body in a similar method to BPA – meaning that a “BPA-free” label doesn’t mean a product is completely free from harmful chemicals.

So how can you know if you’re getting exposed to BPA, BPS, or BPF? Plastic items that contain the numbers 3 and 7, usually on the bottom or base of the product, are likely to contain one or more of these ingredients. That means that even if the label says “BPA-free”, you may not be completely free from exposure.

What Are Safer Alternatives to Plastics?

To avoid exposure to BPA and related chemicals, opt for any of these safer alternatives.

Glass and Ceramic

Skip plastic drinking bottles, dishes, travel mugs, and other plastic food items and choose glass and ceramic instead. Ceramic travel mugs, glass drinking bottles, and glass and ceramic items are safe to heat and won’t leach chemicals into your food or drink.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is nearly indestructible and if it’s food-grade, it won’t rust or otherwise degrade. There are stainless options for baby bottles, mugs, travel containers, cookware, and more.

Silicone

Skip plastic bags and other plastic wraps that can contain harmful chemicals and choose food-grade silicone reusable bags instead. You can even find silicone baby teething toys!

Wood

If you have kids, plastic toys are abundant and many of them are labeled “7”. This number is usually found on the bottom or underside of a toy, typically with a triangle shape around it. Wooden toys are making a popular comeback since those made in the U.S. are now required to be made with lead-free paint.

Fabric

Handbags are frequently handled, so opt for fabric or leather alternatives when shopping for a new purse. You can also buy fabric dolls and similar toys for kids. The safest type of fabric is 100 percent organic cotton.

Tip: Buy Food That Isn’t Packaged

When you’re looking to avoid BPA exposure in foods, opt for fresh foods that aren’t preserved, packaged, or canned. This is the best way to ensure you aren’t getting any BPA exposure.

The safest cosmetics and personal care brands are organic and natural, meaning they don’t use plastics, chemical-laden preservatives, or fragrances. Plus, you’ll limit your waste, too!

When Plastic is Unavoidable

If you have to use plastic, follow these best practice guidelines:

1. Choose plastics that don’t contain a “7” on them. This means they’re likely free from BPS, BPA, and BPF or similar ingredients.

• Don’t heat them. Never use plastic in the microwave or dishwasher. Heat breaks down the particles in plastic, leaching them onto food.

• Use sparingly. Simply being mindful is everything. If a plastic bottle is all you have at the moment, use it – just remember to switch to a ceramic or glass cup when you get home.

Watch this video – IS BPA-Free Safe? What the Plastic Industry Has Tried to Hide

Bottom Line

While there are mixed opinions on BPA, most agree that it can cause some harmful effects when it enters the body. It’s not a substance found in nature, so choosing something organic instead will always be the safer bet.

Plastic-free living is ideal, but it’s not always possible. Minimize plastic exposure whenever you can to keep your body less burdened by chemical absorption.

Written by Aimee McNew

Author Bio:

Aimee McNew is a Certified Nutritionist who specializes in women’s health, thyroid problems, infertility, and digestive wellness. She ate her way back to health using a Paleo diet, lost 80 pounds, and had a healthy baby after numerous miscarriages. She focuses on simple nutrition practices that promote long-lasting results.

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