What you need to know about BPA and your Fertility

BPA is an industrial chemical used to make plastics.  Exposure has been linked to a number of diseases such as:  breast cancer, heart disease, neurological issues in children and fertility problems in both men and women.

The link between BPA exposure and infertility isn’t new.  Higher levels of BPA in women have been linked to fertility issues including ovarian aging. Higher levels of BPA in  men has been seen in men with sperm issues.

This recent mouse study shows that BPA exposure can possibly affect fertility for 3 generations.

Please do what you can to avoid BPA exposure.  Here are some tips:

1. Avoid using polycarbonate plastic bottles.
2. Breastfeed your baby to avoid exposure to toxins in the lining of infant-formula cans. Choose powder over liquid baby formulas.
3.  Store your food and beverages in glass storage containers as opposed to plastic. Glass is a better choice than even BPA-free plastic, as research shows even BPA-free plastic can still leach chemicals with estrogenic activity into your food.
4. Minimize your use of canned foods, including soda in cans.
5. If there’s an option, choose glass jars over plastic containers for your food products (juice, vegetables, beans, etc.).
6. Choose glass baby bottles instead of plastic.
7. Avoid plastic toys for children — choose those made from natural materials, such as wood or fabric, instead.
8. Do not microwave or heat your food in plastic containers or covered in plastic wrap.
9. Ask your dentist for a BPA-free dental sealant.
10. Know your recycling codes. In general, plastics that contain the numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 usually do not contain BPA. Plastics with the numbers 3 or 7 may be made with BPA (though not all plastics marked with 3 or 7 contain BPA).
11. Use natural personal care products. For example, coconut oil makes a great moisturizer.

Hope this helps!