Question: I know that endocrine-disrupting chemicals are present in plastics. Does that mean I should be concerned about drinking bottled water?
Dr. Brownstein’s Answer:
In a study published in the August 2013 issue of PLOS One, scientists examined 18 bottled water products for the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The authors detected significant anti-estrogenic activity in 13 of 18 products examined. In addition, 16 of the samples tested positive for anti-androgenic activity.
Over the last few decades, there is no doubt that we have been exposed to an increased amount of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which inhibit normal hormone pathways. This study is the first to document endocrine-disrupting chemicals in bottled water.
What are the consequences of increasing exposure to these chemicals? Over the last 40 years, we have been experiencing an epidemic of endocrine-related cancers such as cancer of the breast, ovary, uterus, thyroid, and prostate. I have no doubt that the increased rate of cancer is being driven, in large part, by exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Plastics are known to contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Any food or drink source in contact with plastic will most likely contain these chemicals.
It is best to avoid using plastic wraps and avoid food in plastic containers. Most importantly, do not heat food, particularly with microwaves, in a plastic container, as the melting of the plastic will release chemicals into the food.
It is also important to take the right supplements to maintain the body’s detoxification pathways. This includes ensuring adequate amounts of iodine, vitamin C, vitamin E, and alpha lipoic acid. It’s best to put a good filter system on your home water supply and use that for drinking.
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