Ways to Protect Your Family From BPA in Plastics & Cans

I have heard that BPA is really bad for you and can seep into your foods. It is a chemical that you want to avoid. Scientists have done many studies and suspect that it can triple your risk of many health problems. It can cause problems in your liver, reproductive abnormalities and can even possibly cause early puberty in children.

There are things you can do to avoid BPA and it is easier than you might think. I just tried not to think about it, like it wouldn’t be there if I did, but now that I am thinking more about pregnancy, it makes me a lot more concerned.

Here are some ways to minimize your exposure to BPA:

Know the Safety Codes-
This is something that I never knew existed, and if I did, I didn’t think much about the numbers, but just like anything else, there is a reason for them and it can help in preventing BPA exposure.

There are recycling numbers found in the triangle on the bottom of the plastic containers that will tell you whether it is safe or not.

BPA free codes – 1, 2, 4, 5
Non-BPA free codes – 3, 6, 7

Another tip is to squeeze the plastic bottle. If it is soft enough, that it gives, it is probably safe.

Buy Soups In Cartons Or BPA Free Cans-
BPA can leach into foods from the lining of metal cans especially if the soup is very acidic like tomato soup. However, there are some brands who have changed to BPA free.

Eden Foods
Amy’s
Bionaturae
Eden Foods
Muir Glen
Native Forest
Sprout’s Brand – They had plans last year to move to BPA free. It may be by now. Ask a store clerk.

If you are not sure, read the label or ask a store clerk. Trader Joe’s has some products in cans that don’t have BPA and some that still do. To be safe choose tuna in pouches, soups and broths in paper cartons and pasta sauces in glass jars. You can also find some good frozen food replacements that you would normally get in cans.

Keep Plastics Out of Dishwasher and Microwave –

Heat breaks down the plastic that allows the chemicals in it to get into your food.

Store Foods In Glass –

That is the best way to prevent any risk of BPA. Also, after you make a meal, it is a good tip to let your food come to room temperature too.

Safest Plastic Wraps –

These plastic wraps are BPA free:

Glad
Ziploc
Saran

Pregnancy and BPA –

In some animal lab tests, animals with mothers who were exposed to BPA during pregnancy grew up to be overweight adults. Scientists suspect BPA disrupts the endocrine system, changing how the body efficiently burns fat.

Don’t let any of this info stress you out, it is just important to keep your eye out and know what is good for your health and the best way to avoid chemicals in your body.

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