(NaturalHealth365)  It is becoming increasingly difficult to reach adulthood without a compromised body and brain.  Harmful chemicals and toxins are nearly ubiquitous as we transition through the first half of the 2020s.  Sadly, some of those chemicals are causing lifelong problems in kids, tweens, and teens.

For example, a new study published in Plos One connects the chemicals DEHP (Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) and BPA (Bisphenol-A) to neurodevelopmental disorders.  DEHP is a chemical that serves as a plasticizer in consumer products, and BPA is a chemical compound used to generate polycarbonate plastics to make some types of beverage containers, plastic dinnerware, car parts, and toys.  The study’s authors insist there is a strong link between these harmful additives and impaired neurodevelopmental disorders.  It has also been alleged that such additives may cause autism.

Plastic is convenient, yet it is a silent threat to human health

Rowan University scientists are sounding the alarm, questioning whether our collective dependence on plastic for consumer capitalism has backfired.  The scientists identified a troubling link between plastic additives and brain health, including neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.  As highlighted below, some kids with neurodevelopmental disorders struggle to clear out BPA from their systems, ultimately extending exposure and continued health problems.

The research team gauged the efficiency of the detoxification process in three groups of kids from New Jersey medical school clinics.  One group consisted of 66 kids with autism.  The second group consisted of 46 kids with ADHD.  The final group, a control group, consisted of 37 kids without neurodevelopmental disorders.

The researchers gauged glucuronidation efficiency in the three groups of kids.  Glucuronidation is a process that makes substances that are insoluble more soluble in water, ensuring urination eliminates potentially harmful particles.  The scientists performed the analysis by collecting urine samples from the kids comprising each study group.

The study results have parents questioning their approach to consumerism

The researchers determined a meaningful percentage of kids with ADHD or autism struggle to detoxify, meaning their livers struggle to eliminate BPA.  The scientists determined kids with autism displayed a 10% reduction in BPA removal efficiency.  The scientists also determined kids with ADHD were 17% less efficient at clearing out BPA than kids without ADHD.  However, not all kids with ADHD or autism struggle to clear BPA from the system.

Glucuronidation is clearly compromised in some kids who have either ADHD or autism.  The pressing question is whether heightened exposure to BPA occurs when infants are in the womb or after birth.  Moreover, there are also competing theories, such as the theory that child immunization is linked to autism, ADHD, and additional disorders.

Surprising ways to reduce your exposure to BPA and DEHP

You have the ability to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals like BPA and DEHP.  BPA is commonly ingested through the consumption of packaged and canned foods, including canned fruits and vegetables, where BPA is used in the lining to prevent metal contamination.  Additionally, various consumer products with plastic packaging, such as water bottles, soda bottles, and beer bottles, also contain BPA.

If you choose to consume canned foods, it’s advisable to rinse the contents of the can before eating.  Avoid heating food in plastic containers, as BPA can break down at high temperatures.  Transition from K-cups to traditional coffee preparation methods and opt for tableware made from materials other than plastic.

Obviously, avoid using household cookware and containers with BPA.  For a healthy alternative, look into buying high-quality cast iron or ceramic pots and pans.  Plus, make a habit of storing food in glass containers, not plastic.

It’s worth noting that even the thermal paper used for printing receipts from cash registers contains BPA.  Simply touching a receipt can transfer the chemical to your skin, potentially allowing it to enter your bloodstream.  Whenever possible, consider declining paper receipts or requesting that the receipt be sent via email to minimize the risk of BPA contact.

Sources for this article include:

PLOS.org
Studyfinds.org