BPA

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• QWhy do plastic water bottles pose health dangers?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Besides adding to pollution, using plastic bottles may be toxic to your health. The chemical called bisphenol A may be responsible for birth defects, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and even ADD. Bisphenol is present in hard plastic bottles and lined tin cans and is present in plastic food containers and some plastic wraps. Instead, use reusable glass thermoses for water storage or you can even reuse an old glass pop bottle for carrying water. And drink real tap water.

• QWhat are obesogen chemicals?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  We blame weight gain on eating too many burgers and burning too little fat, and it's true that those are the #1 and #2 major causes, by far. However, scientists are discovering that some part may be played by chemicals to which we are exposed every day. Called obesogens, or endocrine disruptors, these natural and man-made chemicals work by altering the regulatory system that controls your weight -- increasing the fat cells you have, decreasing the calories you burn, and even altering the way your body manages hunger.
  
  It's time to fight back. The White House's task force on childhood obesity is tackling obesogens, and the Environmental Protection Agency has pumped $20 million into studying them.
  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com.

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• QIs glass safer to drink from than plastic?

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  A dotFIT answered

  The internet is an easy source to find information about almost anything. Since 2004, there were a slew of websites and even emails stating we should avoid drinking water from plastic bottles due to the presence of chemicals like BPA in plastic water bottles. BPA is only found in bottles labeled #7 polycarbonate, not in #1 PET (polyethylene terephthalate ) bottles. The number can be found on the bottom of the container within the triangle. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration carefully reviews new substances intended for food/fluid contact before allowing them on the market. This includes materials, like plastics, intended for food and beverage packaging. Both plastics and plastic additives are subject to FDA review and regulations. Therefore, in most cases, it shouldn’t make a difference which container you drink from nearly as much as what you’re drinking.
• QHow do I lower BPA levels in my food?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  The following recommendations can help you lower BPA levels in your food:

  • Steer clear of any containers with the number 7 and the initials “PC” on the bottom, as well as any clear, hard, plastic containers with no labeling.
  • Buy BPA-free baby bottles and training cups.
  • Switch to stainless steel or aluminum sports water bottles.
  • Heat food in glass containers in the microwave.
  • Look for alternatives to canned food, beverages, and infant formula.
  • Choose fresh or frozen whenever possible.

  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
• QWhat is bisphenol A (BPA)?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonates are used to make products such as compact discs, automobile parts, baby bottles, plastic dinnerware, eyeglass lenses, toys, and impact-resistant safety equipment. Epoxy resins containing BPA are used in protective linings of some canned food containers, wine vat linings, epoxy resin-based paints, floorings, and some dental sealants and composites.

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• QHow do I avoid obesogens?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Obesogens can be avoided by doing the following:

  • Buy wild fish (such as salmon, which is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids) and meat products that are hormone- and antibiotic free.
  • Install a granular activated-carbon filter on your faucet to filter out chemicals such as atrazine.
  • Use aluminum water bottles or those that are bisphenol A (BPA)-free.
  • Steer clear of plastics with the number 3 or 7 on the bottom, which may contain BPA. Instead, look for the numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, which are unlikely to contain BPA.
  • Keep water bottles cool (warm temperatures increase BPA leaching), and never microwave plastic.
  • Eat fewer canned foods. Opt for frozen or fresh instead. Tuna can be found in pouches that do not contain BPA.
  • Get rid of your nonstick pans if possible. If you must use one, never use a metal implement on it that can scratch the surface and release the chemicals inside. Throw away any scratched pans.
  • Buy meats straight from the butcher counter (instead of prepackaged), and ask that they wrap them in brown paper.
  • Skip the air fresheners, open the windows, and try a vase of dried lavender instead.

  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
• QWhere are obesogens found in food?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  You can find obesogens everywhere. High-fructose corn syrup -- found in every kind of food, from sodas to yogurt to pretzels -- is an obesogen. This ubiquitous, viscous sweet stuff makes your liver insulin resistant and tampers with leptin to increase your hunger, setting up a vicious cycle where you crave more food that is more easily turned into fat.

   

  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
• QWhich obesogens are found in cans and bottles?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Cans and bottles are known to contain the obesogen bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic estrogen used to make plastics hard. This has been banned from baby bottles, but it is still present in many other plastics, especially sports water bottles, and the lining of most cans. It has been shown in animal studies to increase insulin resistance.

  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
• QWhich obesogens are found in nonstick pans?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Nonstick pans and microwave popcorn are sources of obesogens. Animal studies have shown that early exposure to a chemical used to make items nonstick -- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) -- leads to obesity in later life. It also is known to affect thyroid glands, which are important regulators of hormones that control weight. Found mainly in products like nonstick pans, it's also hidden in microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes.

  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
• QWhat should I know about toxins in water bottles?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  Some types of water bottles may contain toxins. In this video, Dr. Oz talks about a toxin commonly found in water bottles in this video.
  
  
  

  

  Find out more about this DVD:

  What Should I Know About Toxins In Water Bottles?
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