The FDA Warns That BPA Could Be a Health Threat--Here How to Avoid It

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Health watchdogs have long worried about the chemical BPA (which is basically EVERYWHERE, gals) and how it could impact our health in negative ways. But now, after a long silence on the matter, the FDA has gotten on board, warning that BPA may actually be a health threat after all. So, what's a health-conscious gal to do? Here's my interpretation of this concerning news ...

I've written about BPA here in the past (Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA)--first about water bottles, then about canned foods. Truth is, I've been suspicious of this chemical for a long time. So it's not exactly surprising to hear, via a CBS News report, that the FDA is now acknowledging that BPA could be bad for us--most notably bad for pregnant women, babies and kids.

Related: BPA and water bottles: What you need to know.

According to the report: "The FDA announced, on the basis of new studies that can test for 'subtle effects' that, while BPA is still considered safe, it now has 'some concern' about the potential effects of the chemical--especially on the 'brain behavior and prostate glands in fetuses, infants and young children.'

Let me see if I got that right: So it's "safe" but it could also mess up your kids' health? Thanks FDA!

How convinced are (non-radical) scientists that BPA is a health threat? "I and other colleagues of mine at an NIH (National Institutes of Health) meeting said, with a very high level of confidence, we think Bisphenol A is a threat to human health," said Fred Vom Saal, a professor at The University of Missouri, to CBS.

So, what are we supposed to do? First, don't freak. Seriously, BPA is EVERYWHERE--even in receipts and some recycled pizza boxes. You have it in your bloodstream right now. We all do. But, here's what you can do to limit your exposure:

1. Consider reducing your use of plastics. It's good for the environment, and it might be good for your health, too. Places to start: Don't reuse plastic water bottles. Better yet, use a stainless steel water bottle. My Kleen Kanteen and I go everywhere together. And, keep an eye out for plastics with the recycle codes "3" or "7," which could indicate BPA content. Another pointer: Don't microwave food in plastic containers, where BPA could be released into your food. Instead, always microwave using a ceramic plate or bowl.

See our tips: BPA and receipts: the dirty details...

2. Rely less on canned foods. Canned foods are still a great way to get plenty of healthy veggies, beans and other good-for-you foods in your diet, but maybe don't eat canned foods everyday. Remember, like anything, moderation is key. Try to taper back on your reliance on cans, if you can. If you have a choice between canned or fresh, always choose fresh.

3. Buy tomatoes in glass jars. I recently broke up with canned tomatoes, because there is some legitimate evidence that BPA leaches out more easily from canned tomatoes due to the acidity of the tomatoes. There are plenty of boxed or jarred tomatoes (you just have to look for them), so I'm buying those now. Related: BPA and canned food--this prominent health expert says beware of canned tomatoes...

Part of me thinks, well, I survived 31 years of BPA exposure, what's with all the panicking? But, I do think it pays to be diligent about our health and not just accept whatever food and drink manufacturers throw our way, you know? And, in the last 10-15 years, packaged foods have skyrocketed. Just think of all the snack food products we have now vs. when we were kids. Point is: I think there's a potential for more exposure to BPA now than ever, that's why I think it's important to be educated and aware.

Thoughts on BPA? Let's discuss!

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