Do Food Toxins Make us Chubby?

Although we know there are many factors involved with obesity, studies suggest food toxins may add to the problem.  These toxins lurk in your kitchen, convenience store water bottles and soda cans, cosmetics and personal products, in food packaging and thousands of other places.  What are these toxins and how can we avoid them? 

Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is a chemical found in hard plastics, canned foods, plastics, soda cans, thermal/carbonless paper such as movie theater or airline tickets.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to soften and increase flexibility of plastics and vinyl.  They are also found in food packaged in plastic, plastic water bottles, cosmetics and personal care products.

Persistent Organic Pollutants and Pesticides (POPs)

POPs are chemicals that come in contact with food on the farm from water and pesticides.  They are also found in food cooked in non-stick pans.

How do these toxins cause weight gain?

There are several thoughts on this.  These toxins are considered "endocrine disruptors". That means they act like hormones in the body.  The problem is the body thinks these toxins are the hormones responsible for fat storage, even though they aren't. POPs are known to affect cortisol levels and this may promote fat storage in the belly area.  Studies also indicate there may be a correlation between toxin levels while babies are in utero and childhood obesity.

10 Ways to Avoid Food Toxins

1. Store food in glass containers instead of plastic.
2. Do not put plastic containers in the dishwasher--the high heat causes more of the toxins to leach out.
3. Avoid plastic that contains the recycling code 3 (phthalates), 6 and 7 (BPA).
4. If you drink from plastic water bottles, don't leave them in a warm place.
5. Never heat foods in plastic containers or use plastic wrap--especially in the microwave.
6. Eat fewer canned foods; opt for food packaged in cardboard or glass.
7. Read labels and avoid products that include the word "phthalates", "fragrance", or "parfum".
8. Avoid products that have a "plastic" smell--this usually comes from phthalates.
9. Eat fresh food cooked from scratch when possible rather than packaged foods.
10. Replace vinyl shower curtain with fabric.