| Holistic Health Reasons to Avoid Plastic Bottles | | | | and baby formula. |
| In recent months the safety of plastic bottles has | | | | Tip 3 - Polycarbonate plastic food containers and |
| been seriously called into question, mainly due to | | | | bottles can be affected by residual amounts of |
| the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical | | | | BPA. These containers are often marked with the |
| found in plastics. BPA was invented over one | | | | letters "PC" and recycling label #7 on the bottom. |
| hundred years ago and is used to create hard | | | | Keep an eye out for these indicators on baby |
| plastic bottles, metal food can lining and canned | | | | bottles, water bottles, plastic cups and any plastic |
| infant formula. Despite manufacture claims that | | | | items used for food storage and avoid them. |
| BPA is harmless, during the last twenty years | | | | Tip 4 - Containers, bottles and cups with the |
| studies have shown this chemical is a harmful | | | | recycling labels 1, 2 and 4 are safer and BPA-free. |
| pollutant to the human body and is found in a | | | | Tip 5 - Avoid using plastic containers to heat food |
| large percentage of the population. | | | | in the microwave or old, scratched containers. |
| The National Toxicology Program of the National | | | | In addition to these tips it is also helpful to know |
| Institutes of Health (NIH) reported in April of 2008 | | | | that Saran plastic wrap has pledged to stay |
| that BPA is toxic and may be associated with | | | | BPA-free and Nalgene has recently announced it |
| early puberty, prostate issues, breast cancer, | | | | will phase out water bottles that contain BPA. |
| behavioral problems, adverse hormonal reactions | | | | They have promised to manufacture BPA-free, |
| and detrimental developmental effects. Potentially, | | | | hard, plastic water bottles only. |
| pregnant women and children are most vulnerable | | | | Healthy Lifestyle Education: A Top Priority for |
| to the risks of BPA. This has inspired retailers like | | | | Naturopathic Doctors and Holistic Health Care |
| Wal-Mart to remove products containing BPA | | | | Professionals |
| from store shelves and Congress to begin | | | | In the natural medicine and holistic health care field |
| investigations. In the future it is hopeful that the | | | | education has always been a top priority. In order |
| FDA will enforce more stringent safety standards. | | | | to support and maintain a healthy lifestyle people |
| Protect Your Family: Natural Health Tips for | | | | need to be educated about the risks they face |
| Reducing Exposure to BPA | | | | every day. Toxins, pollutants and harmful |
| The total elimination of BPA from the | | | | chemicals are found in a variety of every day |
| environment may not be achieved overnight, but | | | | products that affect adults and children. If you are |
| there are ways to limit your exposure. Here are | | | | worried about a potential toxin in your home |
| some tips: | | | | consult a naturopathic physician. You can be |
| Tip 1 - Cans are often lined with plastic, which | | | | tested for many toxins found in the home and |
| contains BPA. Beverages generally have less | | | | knowing how you are affected can help you avoid |
| residue than canned soups and pastas. | | | | exposure and even illness. To learn more about |
| Tip 2 - Some plastics leach BPA into food and | | | | BPA, contact the National Institutes of Health or |
| liquids. Plastic baby bottles and food containers | | | | visit the Environmental Working Group's website: |
| have lower levels of leaching than canned food | | | | EWG.org. |