Microplastics

 Microplastics, tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter, are present throughout our environment. They can be found in the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, and the water that we drink. They accumulate in the ocean, soil and in the bodies of plants, animals and humans. Microplastics are believed to contribute to chronic inflammation which not only promotes inflammatory conditions but also contributes to weight gain. Microplastics can also disrupt hormone chemistry.

There is no easy solution to microplastic pollution. Synthetic fibers in rugs, clothing and other household items can contribute to microplastics. Air purification with a HEPA filter can help in the home. Use of household items made from natural fibers also helps. Consumption of foods and beverages stored in plastic containers is a major source of exposure. Water should be stored in glass or stainless steel. Foods should be stored in glass as well. Personal care products and cleaning products can also contain microplastics.

Since inflammation is one of the major problems associated with accumulation of microplastics supplementation with salmon oil and antioxidants is one of the most effective means of counteracting this toxic pollution. NeoLife Salmon Oil Plus as shown in a clinical trial to reduce the inflammatory index by 68% in 8 weeks. It is also the cleanest fish oil product on the market being tested for over 200 pollutants with a standard of zero. Several studies have shown that contaminated fish oil products containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP’s) create problems like insulin resistance and fatty infiltration of the liver rather than resolving such problems.

References:

Microplastics as obesogens.

Microplastics cause dysbiotic-- bad bugs in the gut.

Microplastics contribute to inflammation.

Microplastics in food.

Sperm

Migraines and BPA

     BPA is an agent added to plastics to make them flexible. It is found in plastic cups, water bottles, the plastic lining in canned goods, office water coolers, and plastic microwave trays. A recent study showed that consuming fresh foods reduced levels of BPA in the urine by 66% in just 3 days.

     A study at the University of Kansas exposed rats to BPA in a manner designed to mimic human exposure. The animals were exposed to BPA every three days. Rats exposed to BPA became less active and avoided loud noise and strong light. They also showed signs of tenderness to the head. There were also signs of an influx of estrogen into the rats' brains. BPA has estrogenic properties and estrogenic fluctuations have been associated with migraine attacks.

Link to abstract of original article and popular press.

http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/10/31/toxsci.kft245.abstract 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2516645/Migraines-link-plastic-cups-bottles-Gender-bending-chemical-packaging-trigger-attacks.html 

BPA and the FDA

    March 30, 2012: The FDA refused to ban BPA (bisphenol-A). This is an industrial chemical used to harden plastics. It is found in most plastic bottles (including milk containers), cash register receipts, and the linings of canned food. It leaches into foods and acts as a synthetic estrogen in very tiny quantities and has been shown to feminize males. BPA has also been associated with induction of obesity and damage to the heart, brain and nervous system.
     The FDA position is that the dose makes the poison so they are trying to the total exposure down. The FDA also wants to see more human studies which is difficult because the chemical is so common that it is found in over 90% of the population. Animal studies have clearly shown the damaging effects of BPA.
     Some feel that the refusal to ban this toxic substance has more to do with the financial investment manufacturers have in products containing BPA.
    Plastic containers with the numbers 3, 7 and PC are likely to contain the estrogenic compounds BPA or polycarbonate. The FDA will most likely ban BPA eventually, but how many people will be damaged by this chemical because of a government policy based upon the concept that new chemicals are "innocent until proven guilty."
References:
Time Magazine Article
Newsmax Article