As consumers, we pay close attention to the ingredients in our food, choosing to avoid additives, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. However, how often do we pay attention to the packaging our food comes in? Could it be that lurking within our supposed “healthy” products is a hidden threat to our wellbeing? Recent concerns have arisen about potential toxins found in food packaging materials, posing a potential risk to the thyroid gland. This little butterfly-shaped gland sitting in the neck plays a crucial role in our overall health and metabolism. Upsetting its delicate balance can lead to a world of problems.
Bisphenol A: A Hidden Culprit
A common ingredient in many plastics is bisphenol A (BPA), making it an everyday chemical encountered at home or the office. It’s used widely in the manufacturing of water bottles, eating utensils, soup cans, and countless other items. The dangers of BPA in terms of human health have come up time and again, with some studies previously linking it to developmental problems in infants. Notoriously difficult to avoid, BPA can quickly accumulate in the body. This mounting evidence has led plastic manufacturers to remove BPA from baby bottles and infant feeding equipment.
Now, a study by French scientists at the Toxalim Research Center in Food Toxicology in Toulouse has shed light on how BPA might affect thyroid function in humans. Their research on animals, specifically sheep, illustrates how BPA exposure could cause hypothyroidism in expectant mothers and newborn children. Sheep were selected as they are considered a good model for human mothers concerning thyroid function. The team, headed by researcher Catherine Viguié, discovered that BPA exposure altered thyroid function in pregnant animals and their offspring, which aligns with long-gestation species with similar regulation of thyroid function as humans.
The Importance of Thyroid Health
The thyroid gland is responsible for the production of hormones that regulate essential body processes, such as metabolism and protein synthesis. When it comes to maternal and fetal thyroid function, disruptions in their delicate balance could affect neural and cognitive development. Diagnosing thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism, can be challenging because related symptoms easily mimic other ailments. Hypothyroidism is characterized by symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, muscle weakness, mood swings, and sensitivity to cold temperatures. If BPA disrupts thyroid function, the consequences could be dire, given the essential role that the thyroid plays in our overall wellbeing.
Reducing BPA Exposure: What Can You Do?
Both the French study and others conducted worldwide continue to investigate the extent to which BPA exposure may affect thyroid function in humans. As consumers, trying to avoid a chemical as prevalent as BPA may seem impossible, but there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure.
- Ditch single-use plastic bottles for reusable glass or stainless-steel alternatives. Not only are they better for the environment, but glass or stainless-steel options are also BPA-free and keep your drink tasting fresher.
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Steer clear of microwavable plastic containers. When heated, chemicals can leach from plastic and into your food. Instead, use microwave-safe glass containers.
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Pay attention when shopping. Some plastic containers advertise as being “BPA-free,” making them a safer option for use and storage. However, the presence of other endocrine disruptors cannot be ruled out.
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Store your food in glass containers instead of plastic. Not only does this avoid potential issues surrounding BPA, but it can help prevent unsightly stains and odors.
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Be mindful of the recycling numbers on plastic products. Plastics with numbers 3, 6, and 7 are more likely to contain BPA, making them a risk to our thyroid health.
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Canned foods could also be a possible source of BPA exposure as it’s often used in the inner lining. Opt for fresh produce, ditching the higher-sodium canned alternatives.
While further research and investigation are needed, paying closer attention to the products you buy, and how you store your food is crucial to preserving thyroid function and overall health. The importance of being an informed and vigilant consumer cannot be overstated.
