European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) currently classifies of bisphenol A (BPA), which is a chemical commonly used in plastics, as an endocrine disruptor. This was upheld in European Union court cases in July 2019 and in September 2019 that confirmed BPA as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its reproductive toxicity and its endocrine disrupting properties respectively. There are also decades of animal research linking BPA, a known endocrine disruptor, to problems with brain and reproductive development, early puberty and a rise in breast and prostate cancer.
The European Union and Turkey banned BPA from baby bottles in 2008. Canada also banned BPA in bottles, with Health Canada concluding that the chemical was "'toxic to human health and the environment.”.
In 2012, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of BPA in all baby bottles, sippy cups and infant formula packaging. It was reported that the FDA looked at more than 300 studies published between November 2009 to July 2013.
However, BPA-free plastic products may be no safer than the product it replaced, based on a University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) study. A common replacement for BPA is bisphenol S (BPS). Based on the UCLA study, low levels of BPS had a similar impact on zebrafish embryo, as BPA, i.e. causing problems with brain and reproductive development, early puberty and a rise in breast and prostate cancer.
Another replacement for BPA is bisphenol F (BPF). A recent study published on 25 July 2019, links BPS and BPF to a potential increase in childhood obesity. Analyzing data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers from the New York University School of Medicine discovered that children ages 6 to 19 with higher levels of BPS and BPF in their urine were more likely to be obese than those with lower levels.
Where?
BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic—usually marked with recycling symbol of between No. 3 to 7 and “PC”, such as those used in plastic bottled water. Most canned foods and beverages and metal jar lids have BPA-based linings, unless the company has indicated otherwise. Children’s plastic toys, garden hose, BPA coated water pipes and thermal paper cash register receipts may also contain BPA.
BPS is found in some thermal paper cash register receipts and BPA-free plastic products.
BPF is found in dental materials, liners, lacquers, adhesives and BPA-free plastic products such as coating of drinks and food cans.
The fact that Switzerland became the first country in Europe to ban BPS and BPA from being used in thermal paper in May 2019 and that Belgium is currently evaluating BPS for its suspected endocrine-disrupting, carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic properties, are encouraging signs that some governments are looking into these concerns.
What can we do?
Let’s start doing our part to ensure the continued well-being of ourselves and our family by choosing to switch to:
Glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers and cups to store food and drinks.
Bring-your-own stainless steel thermal or glass cup or food containers when you buy hot drinks of any food for “take-away”.
Buy wood-based toys that provides better tactile stimulation to our children.
How does Spinal Flow Technique help with endocrine disruption effects on your body?
Your nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) controls and coordinates everything in your body. When your nerve energy flows abundantly without obstruction, your body and mind are 100% self-communicating, self-healing and self regulating. When blockages impede nerve flow, you are no longer functioning at 100% and your health and vitality is compromised. Blockages are caused by our inability to process life’s 3 major stressors - physical, emotional-mental and chemical. Endocrine disruptors, such as BPA, BPS and BPF are chemical stressors to our body that has been known to cause problems with brain and reproductive development, early puberty and a rise in breast and prostate cancer.
At RealEase, our approach is to find out what’s happening in your body and the root cause of your pain, illness or dis-ease by partnering with you as well as performing specific assessments on your body. As Spinal Flow Technique (Spinal Flow) practitioners, we help shift your body from a stressed zone (sympathetic state) to a healing zone (para-sympathetic state) by focusing on what works/area of ease or where there is flow. Spinal Flow involves light touches on specific points without manually manipulating the spine. It helps rebalance the nervous system to optimise recovery, regeneration and healing as well as facilitate release of physical, chemical and emotional stress from the body.
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Looking to find the root cause of you pain, illness or dis-ease and shift your body to optimal health and wellness?
Book your initial consultation and Spinal Flow services appointment with RealEase here or express your interest via this link.