The public is becoming more and more aware, of the dangerous side effects from FDA approved chemicals that are wreaking havoc on our health. But, could these same chemicals be the culprit behind childhood obesity?
It’s hard to imagine (much less fathom) the government allowing the use of toxic chemicals in the production and packing of consumables, but they have. “Bisphenol A” (aka BPA) is a chemical used to stop the erosion of consumables packaged in plastic and cans. Due to its estrogenic formula, this product is now thought to be linked to obesity in our youth.
According to a recent report in the Journal of American Medicine Association (JAMA), there is a direct link between the two:
“Conclusions Urinary BPA concentration was significantly associated with obesity in this cross-sectional study of children and adolescents. Explanations of the association cannot rule out the possibility that obese children ingest food with higher BPA content or have greater adipose stores of BPA.” (http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1360865)
So why would this chemical make kids obese? Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s), aka “obesogens”, disrupt our hormonal system. These disruptors enter our bodies mostly through chemicals found in soy, corn, hormones injected/fed to our animals (cows, chickens, turkey, farm raised seafood, etc.), bottled/canned products and pesticides sprayed on produce. Once ingested, these chemicals mimic estrogen and become fat cells in our bodies through altering genetic functions. But that’s not all they do.
From cardiovascular disease to brain abnormalities, these chemicals are rapidly decreasing birth rates in males, reduce the age of puberty in females and worst of all, our government knows about it:
“Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. A wide range of substances, both natural and man-made, are thought to cause endocrine disruption, including pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT and other pesticides, and plasticizers such as bisphenol A. Endocrine disruptors may be found in many every day products– including plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. The NIEHS supports studies to determine whether exposure to endocrine disruptors may result in human health effects including lowered fertility and an increased incidence of endometriosis and some cancers. Research shows that endocrine disruptors may pose the greatest risk during prenatal and early postnatal development when organ and neural systems are forming.” (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm)
So why if our government knows about this life threatening/altering toxic method, is it being allowed? It can’t be ignorance but perhaps it’s some questionable form of acceptance. The logic may rest on one huge theory or one simple reason.
*Food distribution/provision. Population has increased at such a rapid pace in the past 100 years (almost 6 to 1 in comparison between developing and industrialized countries). Since the inception of the Industrial Revolution in the 1800’s, the boom in population and its demands on society increased our need for food distribution beyond what was reasonably possible, hence the increase in the use of chemicals to preserve our food.
The governmental agencies regulating food distribution cannot simply stop the use of these chemicals without feeling the after effects from doing so. If they did, the cost of food would escalate, the distribution of food would significantly diminish, and countries would fall apart. Unfortunately, it’s a no win situation overall; but you can change your “world” through restrained and cautious practices.
*Stop drinking bottled water. Instead, consume filtered water in a BPA free bottle or a ordinary glass.
*Stop using plastic containers to microwave food. Use a plate, dish, bowl or anything that is not plastic.
*Eat organic food. The cost of organic food can be almost 50% more than nonorganic food. But in truth, we consume too many “empty” calories in our daily diet, hence increasing our appetite to overeat. If you practice eating fresh, whole food, you will benefit your health and wallet, too. Overall, you’ll feel more satisfied, eat fewer empty calories and be healthier (less doctor visits save you money)!
*Wash the skin of everything, you consume. The skin of food has been exposed to pesticides and other chemicals throughout its journey to your plate. Don’t just rinse it; wash it thoroughly.
*Avoid farm raised food (i.e. Seafood). Seafood labels are extremely tricky and often untruthful. “Fresh Catch” sounds healthy, doesn’t it? In reality, many farm-raised products fall under this catch phrase (excuse the pun) and are choked full of chemicals. Ask the seafood manager exactly where the product came from before you assume anything.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Be proactive with your health through educating yourself before you consume.
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