Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a key chemical compound used in the manufacturing of plastic products, specifically polycarbonate plastics. It has been used in the plastic-making process since the 1960s. It’s part of what makes these types of plastics strong and durable.

What is BPA and What Contains this Chemical Compound?

With all the hype around Bisphenol A these days, it is important to stay up to-date and learn about the toxins in your environment in order to drastically reduce your overall exposure to harmful toxins.

Here are some of the many products that often contain BPA:

• Food storage containers
• Water bottles
• Baby bottles
• Cans for canned food
• Plastic toys
• Protective glasses
• Medical tools
• Dental sealants
• Bicycle helmets
• Various vehicle components
• Adhesives
• Various electronics
• Compact discs

Some believe exposure to Bisphenol A can be linked to premature aging because of the cellular damage it inflicts, deadly diseases like breast cancer, or even behavioral problems in children who were exposed to it while in the womb. Others say more testing is needed before we can be sure BPA causes any harm to humans.

Rather than engage in an ongoing debate over this chemical compound, I’m instead going to give you my advice: Don’t freak out, overreact, or become consumed with fear over this issue. Instead, follow my rules of thumb when it comes to BPA.

Supportive Strategies for Bisphenol A

First, I’d like you to become aware of BPA’s presence in your household items, particularly the items with which you eat, drink, or store foods. Look in your cupboards, pantry, and refrigerator. Assess how many products you have from the above list. Do many of the foods you eat originate in a can? Are you microwaving food inside plastic containers on a regular basis, or putting plastic storage items in the dishwasher? Do you store all foods in plastic, or do you use a lot of glass containers? You don’t need to go crazy here, but at least get a general idea.

Go Fresh As Often As You Can

It may mean taking trips to the grocery store or farmer’s market more often, but there is enormous value in eating fresh food. Aim for eating 20 percent or less of your foods from a can because of the BPA content in the cans themselves. If you eat canned beans, consider buying them dry. Rather than tomato sauce from a can, consider buying a glass bottle.

Try Glass Storage Containers

Purchase a few glass storage containers, and throw out a few of your plastic ones. Try microwaving your food inside glass bowls, not plastic. I know there’s a lot of convenience associated with plastic (it’s lighter weight, less breakable, and cheaper), but the glass storage bowls you can find at the grocery stores these days are great and very durable. And they last for ages, so you won’t have to buy them again and again.

Hand-Wash Your Plastics

Since there’s a possibility that the extreme heat inside your dishwasher (and microwave) can break down the carious chemical compounds in the plastic, I advise hand washing all plastic food storage containers.

Look for BPA Free

Several companies have answered the call of concern by creating BPA free water bottles, baby bottles, and more. I’m not saying to throw all your plastics out and replace them with BPA free ones. But, for example, if you drink water from the same plastic bottle every day, consider replacing that with a BPA free one.

Just because you are exposed to BPA, does not mean you are doomed to experience all the worst possible repercussions. It just means that you need to step up your attempts to eradicate as many toxic and harmful materials from your life as possible.

As we get older, our bodies become more and more vulnerable to various types of toxins. The same applies to children; their delicate systems can’t as easily rid themselves of harmful substances. Reducing your exposure to potentially toxic materials is an important factor in your journey toward 100 happy, healthy years. You can do it!

Slow Down The Aging Process

There are other anti-aging strategies, in addition to diet, that you can follow on your journey. You can find more strategies in my newest book, The 17 Day Plan to Stop Aging. My book explains that it is totally within your power to prevent and even reverse these symptoms of aging and proposes a 4-cycle plan that uses nutrition, physical fitness, and mental exercise to get you ready for longevity. Please visit this page to learn more about the 17 Day Plan to Stop Aging: CLICK HERE!

Thank you for reading this article about what is BPA and how BPA free items may contribute to living a longer, healthier life. Please share and comment below!