I’m sure you have heard that the chemical, BPA is dangerous to your health. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an estrogenic chemical that not onlyelevates breast cancer risk, but also interferes with chemotherapy treatment for the disease. It also disturbs the hormonal messaging in our bodies. This chemical is in plastic water bottles, food containers, plastic bags, baby bottles, and even in the resin that lines most food cans. It can damage pancreatic-cell DNA, hindering the pancreas’s ability to regulate blood sugar. This raises the risk of fatigue and insulin resistance, according to research in the journalEnvironmental Health Perspectives. BPA leaches into food when plastic is heated. For example, when it’s microwaved or sits in a hot car (think, plastic water bottles sitting in your car).
To figure out if your plastic water bottle or sports bottle is safe, look at the number under the bottle. Most bottled water bottles are #1, these are generally safe.
If your sports water bottle says #2, 4, or 5, these are ok. If you see a #3 or 6, these pose health risks and should be avoided. These numbers are usually found in food and beverage containers. A #7 is the most dangerous and should be avoided.
Some manufacturers of baby bottles and sport water bottles have stopped using it, including Camelbak, Nalgene, and some retailers have stopped selling certain products containing BPA including Wal-Mart and Babies R Us.
To prevent BPA leaching, heat and store food in BPA free containers like ceramic and glass. Check your water bottles and limit your intake of canned goods.
