Category Archives: BPA

Ingredients And Asthma

by Miraadditives, artificial colors, BPA, gmo, groceryasthma, ingredients

Chances are you don't think much about your breathing because it's an autonomic nervous system task, your body does it for you. If you're someone who struggles with a breathing condition you do pay more attention to anything that might be a trigger for you.

Unfortunately, there's a whole class of triggers that almost no one is talking about...additives. These are things put into your food by the manufacturers, such as preservatives, sweeteners, artificial ingredients, and more. They provide no nutritional value and may be part of the problem if you're one of the millions of Americans who struggle with asthma or other breathing issues.

Foods That May Trigger Asthma

High Fructose Corn Syrup

A 2018 study found evidence that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) consumption is associated with asthma risk. It was concluded that moderate (2 to 4 times per week) and frequent (5 to 7 times per week) consumption of HFCS in sweetened soda, fruit drinks, and apple juice increased the asthma risk from between 49% to 61%. This particular study surveyed adults so one does have to wonder what the effects are on children who often consume more of these types of beverages.

Additionally, a woman’s HFCS consumption during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of asthma in her offspring.

Preservatives: Nitrates, benzoates, sulphur dioxide, and sulphites

Nitrates and nitrites are used in processed meats such as bacon. These preservatives can cause dyspnea which is shortness of breath.

Benzoates have been found to produce sensitivity in some individuals. This preservative can be found in steroids used to treat asthma. This is why it is important to not only read the labels on your food but also any medications that you may be prescribed.

Sulphur dioxide and sulfite are used in a wide range of acidic beverages, dried fruits, and breakfast sausages for example. These items are required to be on labels due to the potential allergic or asthmatic reaction.

BHT + BHA

These two preservatives can cause inflammation and are linked to allergies and asthma. BHT and BHA will be found in cereals, sausage, hot dogs, meat patties, chewing gum, potato chips, beer, butter, and vegetable oils. They are used to preserve color and flavor.

Toothpaste

An artificial mint flavoring used in toothpaste can be an issue for many people.

BPA

A link to asthma from an exposure by female mice led to the pups having an increased risk. Scientists studied children for prenatal and postnatal exposure and found correlations, also.

Soft Drinks

The high concentrations of sugar in soft drinks made the lungs and airways more susceptible to inflammation due to allergic reactions. Additionally, the preservatives in soft drinks may cause allergic reactions that result in asthma and COPD.

Yellow #5

Tartrazine also known as yellow #5 is made from coal tar and is banned in most European countries. It is found in cookies, frostings, cereal, pickles, ice cream, chips, salad dressing, and cheese. It has been linked to an increased risk of asthma. Additionally, if it is combined with aspartame, it can be toxic.

Foods For Healthy Lungs

As you can see processed foods can contain a lot of problematic ingredients if you are susceptible to asthma or other lung challenges. Fortunately, there are foods that can support healthy lungs.

Ginger

Has anti-inflammatory properties which can cause bronchial dilation in asthmatic patients. This has been confirmed in both animal and human clinical studies. It can also help break down and expel thick mucus build up.

Chili peppers

Contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin is anti-inflammatory and mucus thinner. They can also improve blood flow.

Cruciferous vegetables

Are sulphur-rich foods and may reduce airway inflammation which can be beneficial in conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Pomegranates

Packed with antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the lungs. They may fight against asthma by modulating various signaling pathways.

Turmeric

Contains curcumin which helps relieve inflammation and chest tightness associated with asthma.

Apples

Contain flavonoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C which all help with lung function. Again, these can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs.

Water

Extremely important for healthy lungs. It helps keep blood flowing to and from the lungs and the lungs well hydrated. Choose clean filtered water to avoid any chemicals.

With all of the body systems, it is important to consume foods that promote a health. With every bite we take we can invest in health and our lung health is no different. Choose wisely and breathe easy!

Sources

Acero, J., (29 November 2017). Nitrate-toxicity, side effects, diseases and environment impacts. Naturalpedia. Retrieved from https://naturalpedia.com/nitrate-toxicity-side-effects-diseases-and-environmental-impacts.html.
DeChristopher, L., & Tucker, K. (2018). Excess free fructose, high-fructose corn syrup and adult asthma: The Framingham Offspring Cohort. British Journal of Nutrition,119(10), 1157-1167. doi:10.1017/S0007114518000417
Freedman BJ. Asthma induced by sulphur dioxide, benzoate and tartrazine contained in orange drinks. Clin Allergy. 1977 Sep;7(5):407-15. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.1977.tb01471.x. PMID: 412611.
Harrington, R. (02 March, 2010). Bisphenol A linked to asthma – study. Food Navigator. Retrieved from https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2010/03/02/Bisphenol-A-linked-to-asthma-study#.
Schor, j., ND, FABNO. (5 September 2018). Fructose consumption linked to asthma. Natural Medicine Journal. Retrieved from https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/fructose-consumption-linked-asthma.
Shaheen, S. O., Sterne, J. A., Thompson, R. L., Songhurst, C. E., Margetts, B. M., & Burney, P. G. (2001). Dietary antioxidants and asthma in adults: Population based case–control study. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 164(10), 1823–1828.
Shaikh, S., and Bhandary, YP. (12 March 2021). Therapeutic properties of punica granatum L (pomegranate) and its applications in lung-based diseases: a detailed review. Journal of Food Biochemistry. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jfbc.13684.
Soft Drinks Linked to Lung Disease and Asthma. (28 July 2020). Natural Therapy Pages. Retrieved from https://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/soft-drinks-linked-to-lung-disease-asthma.
Woods, R. K., Walters, E. H., Raven, J. M., Wolfe, R., Ireland, P. D., Thien, F. C., & Abramson, M. J. (2003). Food and nutrient intakes and asthma risk in young adults. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78(3), 414–421.
Yadav, L., & Upasana, U. (2022). Golden Spice Turmeric and Its Health Benefits. In (Ed.), Antimicrobial and Pharmacological Aspects of Curcumin [Working Title]. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.103821

Resources To Reduce Your Ecological Footprint

by MiraBPA, environmenteco-friendly, environment, plastic, resources

Bioplastics may seem like an alternative to reduce plastic pollution. They are being touted as the best replacement because it is supposed to break down. However, it turns out that many bioplastics are made with GMO corn. Since I try to avoid GMO foods it bothers me that this product is still finding its way into the environment.

Some bio-degradable plastics have a mystery ingredient that helps them to break down faster. Researching it on the internet I come up with the information that that chemical is “proprietary” and so does not need to be shared with the general public. Other information states that it may “leave some toxic residue but the environmental impact is lessened.” This, again, is not something that I want touching my food or in our environmentl.

Resources

These are products which will help me continue to reduce my environmental impact; something I consider to be an important part of the balance to a holistic life.

Grocery Bag

Bring reusable grocery bags! One of my challenges these days is to not use the thin plastic bags that the grocery store gives out in the produce section. Here’s a great video on making produce bags from old t-shirts.

Glass & Stainless Steel Straws

Plastic straws are definitely not a good choice for the environment; it turns out that Americans use as much as 500 million straws per day! That’s a lot of plastic waste that’s not breaking down, getting into the environment, and possibly harming wildlife. To avoid plastic straws you can purchase reusable straws that are easy to wash and use again over and over. There are a number companies making these straws in either glass, metal, or silicone. The glass straws are available from a company called Strawsome.

Bring Your Own Takeout Container

When it comes to dining out there are a lot of companies who use styrofoam or plastic containers. Definitely not an eco-friendly option. Other companies offer cardboard or recycled cardboard containers. While these are definitely a better option than plastic or styrofoam, they’re still single use containers and environmentally still have a higher impact.

A better option is to bring your own container from home. While it does take time and attention to remember to bring your own container this is a big win for the environment as you can wash and re-use your container over and over. Plus it’s one less disposable container winding up in the landfill.

Cloth Napkins, Sandwich Bags

We do use cloth napkins in our house. Not 100% of the time. When I have a party I confess I buy paper because I just don't have that many cloth napkins. But on a daily basis it's cloth and we have a good size, mismatched collection.

When talking about the idea of reusable sandwich bags I came across only one resource for food-safe plastic fabric. If you decide to make your own reusable sandwich bags please do not use PUL or oilcloth, neither of those is acceptable for food contact.

When it comes to wrapping sandwiches, or even covering foods in a container, one of the best options, instead of plastic wrap, is to use beeswrap. These are cloths that have been treated with beeswax in order to make a pliable, re-usable wrap. Although they are somewhat expensive at the grocery store, they’re actually quite easy to make at home using this DIY Beeswrap Kit (note: this kit includes a specially blended mix of beeswax, pine resin, jojoba, and coconut oil for a flexible, reusable food wrap, you simply add your own fabric).

Gums

If you chew gum did you know that chances are you’re actually eating plastic? Yuck! That’s because most chewing gums are made with polyvinyl acetate. Apparently, the only brand of gum currently available that is 100% chicle and plastic-free is my favorite Glee gum. According to their website Glee gum is: plastic free and has no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. It’s also aspartame-free (it’s made with xylitol) as well as non-GMO and vegan. There’s not even any plastic in their packaging because they use cardboard.

One step at a time

When it comes to making these kinds of eco-friendy choices it can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to do it all at the same time. When I’m working with clients I encourage them to remember that we make sustainable change by working on new habits one step at a time. If you try to change everything at once it's too much. You are trying to remember and be consistent about too many things. You are not learning and setting those new habits.

Take me for example…while I may forget from time to time to put my bags back into the car I do use them the vast majority of the time. I've also gotten very good about telling cashiers that I do not need a bag if I am only purchasing a few products and can easily carry them when I've forgotten my bags. That was my first big eco-friendly step. Little by little I added others. You can do the same.

Pick one thing that is important to you. Practice and develop that habit. When you are comfortable that you are utilizing it the majority of the time, move on to another one. Slow and steady is the way to make effective, long-lasting, positive change.

There's so much plastic in our environment that we often don't even see it. It's become part of the background.

Read on to learn more about BPA, where it hides, and some strategies for supporting your health amidst the sea of plastic that surrounds us.

Related story: Can You Recycle #5 Plastics?

Sources

"No One Knew How Many Plastic Straws Americans Use Every Day. Then A 9-Year-Old Kid Did The Math". Money, 2022, https://money.com/how-many-plastic-straws-used-every-day/.

Terry, Beth. "Chewing On Plastic? Yum! » My Plastic-Free Life". My Plastic-Free Life, 2010, https://myplasticfreelife.com/2010/01/chewing-on-plastic-yum/

Can You Recycle #5 Plastics?

by MiraBPAplastic, recycling

Are you wish-cycling?

The recycling symbol on the bottom of the plastic doesn’t necessarily mean that it can automatically be thrown into your recycling bin. The number five grade of plastic indicates polypropylene (PP).

It is found in a wide number of containers including yogurts, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, margarine (although you should not eat this), as well as some ice cream containers. It also includes toothbrushes, plastic plates, medicine bottles, ketchup bottles, and more. They are even in your Brita water filter.

Wish-cycling is the practice of throwing everything, even these #5 plastics, into your recycling bin in the hopes that it will all be recycled. Unfortunately, because they can’t be recycled it can either slow down the line or contaminate it to the point that all the other products cannot be recycled either.

Recycling PP

There are a few options to recycle number five plastics. One of which is Preserve, a company based in Cortland, NY.

Preserve sells products made from recycled #5's such as toothbrushes, razors, tableware and kitchenware. And when you are done using those products they can be recycled even further into plastic lumber. All of their products are designed to stay out of the landfill and reduce environmental impact.

They also have a recycling program and they want your #5 plastic products. According to Preserve their recycled products use 54% less water and 75% less oil than creating virgin plastic; they also release 64% less greenhouse gasses. After using the product you clean it and then deliver it to your nearest Whole Foods.

If you don't have a Whole Foods near you, Preserve will accept mailed packages of #5 plastics. This is a great way to help save the planet and to help support recycling efforts. Although Preserve does not reimburse for mailing costs you could consider banding together with a group of friends and mailing a large amount together. Shipments must be by ground and should be sent to:

Preserve Gimme 5

823 NYS Rte 13

Cortland, NY 13045

The sad truth is that you can't avoid exposure to plastics and BPA. It's too pervasive in our environment. You can, however, be aware of where it can be found and make positive changes. Learn more in my e-book!

Read

Related story: Using Plastic Containers Could Be Making You Fat

Using Plastic Containers Could Be Making You Fat

by MiraBPAanxiety, BPA, obesity, plastic

Plastic, it's all around us, a significant part of our modern lives. From hangers to toothbrushes, hairbrushes, storage containers, toys, and decorative accessories we live our lives surrounded by plastic.

One plastic ingredient that is still receiving a lot of news coverage is Bisphenol A, also known as BPA.

What exactly is BPA?

BPA is a building block for making plastic and plastic additives. Discovered in 1891 it is highly used in polycarbonate plastic items such as shatterproof bottles, CD's and DVD's, eyeglass lenses, and medical and dental equipment. It has also infiltrated our food packaging which can bring serious health risks.

A large part of the concern about BPA is that it is now known to be part of a category of endocrine interrupting chemicals called obesogens. Simply put an obesogen gets into our body and causes harm by reprogramming stem cells to turn into fat cells, or altering gene function.

A study published in 2009 in Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology stated, “The recent dramatic rise in obesity rates is an alarming global health trend that consumes an ever increasing portion of health care budgets in Western countries. Recent research implicates environmental risk factors…evidence points to endocrine disrupting chemicals that interfere with the body's adipose tissue biology, endocrine hormone systems or central hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis as suspects in derailing the homeostatic mechanisms important to weight control.”

In plain English, our exposure to BPA may be one of the factors that is contributing to the growing epidemic of obesity.

Obesogens also have the ability to mimic estrogen and its effects on the body. This estrogenic effect may be linked to reproductive abnormalities, breast cancer, prostate cancer and even diabetes. Unfortunately, in spite of the knowledge of how bad BPA is for us, it still permeates our food chain. At the end of 2010 Canada acknowledged BPA as a toxic substance for both humans and for the environment; their government is working to remove it from use.

The use of BPA in our modern environment can be overwhelming. One high exposure source of BPA is the thermal paper lining credit card receipts, the BPA makes the paper printable. Unfortunately it also flakes off easily when we touch the paper, allowing transfer to anything you touch or ingest afterwards. When you receive credit card receipts fold them inward so that the printed side (the side with the BPA lining) is more contained. If the receipt is printed on both sides, which is happening more and more, try to handle the receipt as little as possible.

What can you do to decrease your exposure

1.Avoid products that are known to be most contaminated by BPA. Canned foods are a big health hazard as the lining in most cans has BPA in it.

There are a few brands that claim to be BPA free but unfortunately, an article from Consumer Reports, December 2009, showed that some companies which claimed to have BPA free cans still had trace amounts of the chemical in their product. The report went on to state that those foods in plastic containers with metal pull-off lids, specifically Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli in Tomato and Meat Sauce, had BPA levels that were 1.5 times higher than the same product in a metal can.

2. In addition to canned foods, plastics that are marked with a number 7 recycling code and any unmarked plastic containers are highly likely to be made with BPA.

Even products in glass jars may contain BPA in the lid. As a matter of fact those people who process their own food at home thinking that they are avoiding exposure may not be aware that Jarden Home Brands, the manufacturer of Ball, Kerr, Golden Harvest, and Bernardin brands, admits that there is some BPA in its lids.

Although it is a small amount, BPA is most highly released under heat and pressure, both conditions which are met during the canning process. (In fairness it is important to note that the plastic storage lids made by Jarden do not specifically contain BPA) It is important to avoid these containers in order to reduce your exposure. Soups and other products are now available in cardboard packaging which does not have BPA.

3. Other BPA containing products can include plastic bottles, plastic lined metal bottles, sippy cups, a lot of microwavable cookware, and plastic bags.

Using unlined stainless steel drinking bottles and cups can avoid exposure. When purchasing lunch-meats at the deli, re-wrap them into wax paper or food safe BPA free containers (either glass or metal). If possible choose containers that have metal, wood, glass, or silicone lids in order to avoid the exposure to plastic.

4. Nutritionally, aside from removing as much BPA from your environment as possible, one of the dietary changes you can make is to increase your intake of folate.

Research from Duke University shows that increased folate intake by pregnant mice negated the harmful effects of BPA exposure. Good sources of folic acid are dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, swiss chard, mustard greens and turnip greens. Folate can also be found in asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, and lentils. Adding generous amounts of these whole foods to your diet is a healthy way to help protect your health.

It is important to be mindful of the different ways that BPA exposure exists in your environment. With these tips, you can help limit and control your exposure.

In addition to being a hormone disruptor, early exposure to BPA and other chemicals – even ones developed to be environmentally friendly – can increase the risk of issues such as anxiety, depression, inattentive behavior, aggression, and hyperactivity.

Learn how to decrease your exposure to these toxins! Discover which detoxifying foods can help your body release them.

This eBook comes with a free bonus section covering edible packaging.

Get a Copy!

Related story: Can You Recycle #5 Plastics?

Should You Use A Microwave Oven?

by MiraBPA, nutrientsmicrowave

This post started off innocently enough as a post in response to a question about if and how I use my microwave oven*. The post was responsible for a lively response from a number of people but brought up more questions.

I'll start by sharing an article by my friend Jodi Friedlander, NC, Microwave Ovens: What Do We Really Know? has shed light on the fact that perhaps microwave ovens aren't quite as dangerous as previously believed. In the past I was rather dismissive of their use, however, a microwave oven may not be as bad as I initially thought. I still firmly believe they're still not great for cooking and I think I'd prefer to mostly cook, and reheat, our food using more conventional methods.

How I use a microwave oven

I know some people don't even have one in their homes. I think if we didn't have one we would be okay. However, since we do have it here are some of the ways I use it:

Microwaving sponges to kill bacteria - two minutes every morning
Proofing space for rising baked goods - it's a perfect draft-free space
As a draft-free space for making sprouts
It's a great warming oven for waffles and pancakes - I put a cooling rack in there and then pile the waffles and pancakes on the rack. The proofing box space keeps everything warm and moist, the rack keeps the ones on the bottom from getting soggy
To heat my buckwheat-filled neck wrap - great for a sore back, sore neck, or to warm your feet in bed on a cold night

Honesty compels me to admit I rewarm my tea in it (frequently) and my husband loves it for reheating leftovers. But we don't cook in it and if it weren't built in I might consider doing without it.

Questions about using a microwave oven

Answering questions from The Ingredient Guru Community, a couple of important comments came up:

What about microwave popcorn?

I'm sorry but this is a bad bad bad bad bad idea. And did I mention that it's bad? Why you ask? Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a known cancer-causing Teflon agent.

Admittedly all of the studies have only been done in rats. It's generally true that if it causes cancer in rats it is highly likely to cause cancer in humans, but that's another subject and I won't go there right now. That bag lining is the same material that is in Teflon pans. I tell people to throw out all of their Teflon cookware and invest in non-Teflon. I rarely tell people to throw things out, but this is one area where I feel it is never too soon to abandon the stuff.

The problem with PFOAs is that when you open that hot steamy bag of popcorn you are exposing yourself far more than when you cook on a Teflon pan, through the steam and through what has leached into the popcorn itself.

According to one scientist, "It is estimated that microwave popcorn may account for more than 20% of the average PFOA levels measured in American residents."

Not only that, there's the "butter" (in quotes because it isn't) which is linked to lung disease in factory workers exposed to the vapors. This is from the Diacetyl which is so toxic that "Significant new information regarding the health effects of diacetyl and food flavorings containing diacetyl (FFCD) affects the information that must be conveyed to employers and employees under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication standard."

Bottom line: shift to hot air or stove-top popped popcorn and don't eat the microwave stuff.

Cooking in a microwave oven

Microwave ovens work differently than other cooking methods and there are some health risks that go along with it.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that cooking meat in a microwave oven does not kill bacteria (in this case salmonella). The study concluded, "Compared with conventional methods of reheating, microwave ovens had no protective effect in preventing illness. To prevent outbreaks such as this one, care must be taken to assure that food is both properly cooked and handled and properly reheated."

Another study, from CEBAS-CSIC in Spain, comparing various cooking methods and their effect on the nutrient status of food showed that steaming is the best way to cook vegetables. The worst is to microwave them; more nutrients are lost during the microwave cooking process.

Cooking in a microwave oven has also been shown to convert B12 to the inactive form thereby depleting its bioavailability by denaturing up to 40% of it in the food. We all need B12, if you're a vegetarian or a vegan this is even more critical.

To be fair all methods of cooking will reduce nutrient status somewhat, that is part of the process from heat. And if you are steaming especially vegetables, it can be a good idea to drink the nutrient-rich broth that remains behind. But overall microwave 'cooking' is, in my book, not a good idea.

In conclusion

So the end result? I certainly have no complaint with people wanting to reheat their food or beverages in a microwave oven. I do, however, think it's not a good idea to cook in it. And I think if you are re-heating something, you are best served to remove it from any plastic or coated surface, put in it ceramic, and use the oven to avoid any potential fumes or chemical leaching.

Let me know your thoughts, how you use your microwave oven, and/or if you are considering changing what you do based on the information you find here.

* A small nerd-humor note. I find myself consciously referring to microwave ovens as microwave ovens rather than as 'a microwave', 'the microwave', etc. The reason? My husband delights in telling me that "Microwaves are itty bitty little particles that you cannot see."

Sources

Sharma, Manan et al. "Effective Household Disinfection Methods Of Kitchen Sponges". Food Control, vol 20, no. 3, 2009, pp. 310-313. Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/j.foodcont.2008.05.020.

"Dietary Exposure To Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) And Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS): A Review Of Recent Literature". 2022, p. ., https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15569543.2017.1346685.

"Dietary Habits Related To Food Packaging And Population Exposure To Pfass | Environmental Health Perspectives | Vol. 127, No. 10". 2022, p. .,https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/EHP4092.

"Popcorn Lung - Proquest". Proquest.Com, 2022, https://www.proquest.com/openview/273563539a6e7e57374db21d4490d7b9/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1096447.

Gessner, Bradford D., and Michael Beller. "Protective Effect Of Conventional Cooking Versus Use Of Microwave Ovens In An Outbreak Of Salmonellosis". American Journal Of Epidemiology, vol 139, no. 9, 1994, pp. 903-909. Oxford University Press (OUP),doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a117096.