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Which plastic water bottles don't leach chemicals?
Featured in: Nutrition & Life
Choose your water bottles very carefully in order to prevent chemicals in the plastic from leaching into your water.Plastic water bottles are very convenient for carting water around when we are on the go, as they don't break if we drop them. However, it is worth paying attention to the type of plastic your water bottle is made of, to ensure that the chemicals in the plastic do not leach into the water. If you taste plastic, you are drinking it, so get yourself another bottle.
To be certain that you are choosing a bottle that does not leach, check the recycling symbol on your bottle. If it is a #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), or a #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), or a #5 PP (polypropylene), your bottle is fine. The type of plastic bottle in which water is usually sold is usually a #1, and is only recommended for one time use. Do not refill it. Better to use a reusable water bottle, and fill it with your own filtered water from home and keep these single-use bottles out of the landfill.
Unfortunately, those fabulous colourful hard plastic lexan bottles made with polycarbonate plastics and identified by the #7 recycling symbol, may leach BPA. Bisphenol A is a xenoestrogen, a known endocrine disruptor, meaning it disturbs the hormonal messaging in our bodies. Synthetic xenoestrogens are linked to breast cancer and uterine cancer in women, decreased testosterone levels in men, and are particularly devastating to babies and young children. BPA has even been linked to insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. For more of the science on the effects of BPA on our endocrine system etc. see these studies: Environmental Health Perspectives Journal. Nalgene, the company that manufactures the lexan water bottles also makes #2 HDPE bottles in the same sizes and shapes, so we have a viable alternative. Order one at Nalgene.
Unfortunately, most plastic baby bottles and drinking cups are made with plastics containing Bisphenol A. In 2006 Europe banned all products made for children under age 3 containing BPA, and as of Dec. 2006 the city of San Franscisco followed suit. In March 2007 a billion-dollar class action suit was commenced against Gerber, Playtex, Evenflo, Avent, and Dr. Brown's in Los Angeles superior court for harm done to babies caused by drinking out of baby bottles and sippy cups containing BPA. So, to be certain that your baby is not exposed, use glass bottles.
Check the recycling numbers on all your plastic food containers as well, and gradually move to storing all food in glass or ceramic.
Store water in glass or brass if possible, and out of direct sunlight.
Chek, Paul; How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy! Chek Institute, San Diego, CA, 2004.
Alonso-Magdelena, Paloma; "The estrogenic effect of Bisphenol A disrupts pancreatic β-cell function in vivo and induces insulin resistance" Environmental Health Perspectives Vol. 114, No. 1, Jan. 2006.
Hunt,Patricia;"Bisphenol A Exposure Causes Meiotic Aneuploidy in the Female Mouse" Current Biology, Vol 14, 546-553, 1 April 2003.
vom Saal, Frederick and Hughes, Claude; "An Extensive New Literature Concerning Low-Dose Effects of Bisphenol A Shows the Need for a New Risk Assessment" Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 113, No. 8, August 2005.
Schonfelder, Gilbert et al.Parent Bisphenol A Accumulation in human maternal fetal placental unit Environmental Health Perspectives Vol. 110, No. 11, Nov. 2002.
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I have always been interested in what we can do to make ourselves as healthy as possible. We cannot change our genetics, but there is much that is within our control that can have an impact on whether we are healthy or whether we suffer with pain and disease.
I was the top graduating student at the University of Toronto in Physical and Health Education in 1992, where I studied anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, nutrition and how exercise can improve health. In 1997 moved to Vancouver and started a personal-training business.
I became frustrated by my inability to help my clients through their various aches and pains, and pursued further education through the CHEK Institute in San Diego. I learned an incredible amount, and became far more effective with my clients suffering from low-back pain, but still found some clients did not respond as I felt they should and I didn't understand why.
I began to read and read. I began to appreciate how nutrition and other lifestyle factors can have a huge impact on healing or the lack of healing. It became obvious to me that there is a lot more to orthopeadic problems than simply looking at the physical. I took the CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Consultation course which solidified what I had been learning. Disease is a function of bodily systems being out of balance, and when we do what is necessary to bring the individual back into balance our health is restored.
My hope is that through this site you can travel the wellness journey with me and prevent illness, or if you are ill, you can learn some ways to become well again.
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In response to recent reports about chemicals in plastics leaching into your water, BabyLife has introduced WeeGo, a smart-looking glass baby bottle. After all, using glass eliminates any concern of plastic leaching, plus the 100% colorful silico...
Comments (157)
#2: Thank you!
Hi Su Kuik-Bray,
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know you enjoy my posts. It is always really nice to feel appreciated!
Good luck in your wellness pursuits,
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
We have an interesting question to answer. Do we need to protect ourself or do we have to protect the environment. Do we have to use metal bottles which are strongly toxic for the environment or plastic bottles bad for us but biologically degradable. ~~
mail order pharmacies
Hi!
Almost without exception what is good for the environment is good for us. I don't think we should drink out of metal either. Best is glass. Most plastic does not biodegrade, which is very problematic for the environment. Plastics frequently wind up polluting our oceans and waterways, and are very harmful to the sea birds and other marine life that get entangled in plastic bags, fish net remnants etc. Wildlife frequently ingest small plastic pellets thinking they are fish eggs which makes them sick.
And the onslaught of plastics into our oceans continues, year after year. For an insight into that topic read The Plastic Sea to learn what our consumption habits are doing to our home, and the home of our fellow species.
There is a new plastic on the market made of corn - the jury is still out on whether or not it is truly biodegradable, and if there are any leaching issues.
Thanks for your comment!
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
#5: Great post!
Wow, my chemical-fearing father should see that!
It's amazing how- even when you think you're ordering/obtaining a "safe" or "healthy" product, you can be in danger!
By the way, this is a great post- I like your blog!
Cheers,
Marie
Alijor.blogspot.com
#6: Thank you!
Hi Marie,
Thanks for compliment! Much appreciated :)
Yep, the "chemicalization" of our world is scary, and so is the total acceptance by general population that all these chemicals are benign, and the belief that the government or the companies that use these chemicals in their products actually care about the health of the consumer.
Chemicals are not put into our food etc. to improve our health, but rather to improve shelf life, or make it taste/smell better, and look better so that there is more chance of selling the product. Ditto for products we put use to clean, moisten, deodorize or polish our skin, hair, underarms, or teeth. Even over the counter as well as lifesaving drugs our body ultimately must detoxify. (Have you looked at the list of chemicals in cough syrup!)
Considering the health crisis exploding around us, and the huge number of chemicals that get into our bodies on a daily basis, I find it astonishing that there is so little coverage of this topic. It doesn't seem like rocket science to me to wonder whether or not the various chemicals in our bodies, even if innocuous on their own, may actually react with others in our bodies and create problems, or may simply accumulate in our bodies and create problems later.
I wrote another post on this topic if you are interested, and also check out the hundred year lie - I think it is very interesting!
Thanks again for your comment!
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
Vreni,
Your article was very helpful. I especially like how you can use recycle number to determine if plastic bottles or food containers are made from safer plastics.
My family is drinking all of our water from a PUR plastic water pitcher. I checked the PUR website and they says that the NSF has said that the type of plastic they use doesn't leach chemicals. They say the plastic is from the polystyrene family. Do you have any comments on this type of plastic. I haven't noticed any plastic taste from this couter style pitcher.
Thank you for any information you can provide.
-Lewis
Hi Lewis,
I'm glad you found the article useful, and thanks for your question - it forced me to do more research. I learned that polystyrenes are #6 recycling symbol, and they can leach styrene into water or food, which can cause nervous system disorders, nausea, weakness, liver problems and possibly cancer. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I find that with the the #7 lexan water bottles that leach BPA there is no plastic taste at all, so you can't go by that entirely, unfortunately.
Probably the best solution is to go with a whole-house water filtration system, or a tap filter for the kitchen sink and shower if you live in an apartment, and then use glass or brass to cart water around. Or the numbers 2, 4 and 5 plastics seem okay. There is a link above to Nalgene to get safe bottles, if you want.
Here are a couple of websites about polystyrenes (and other plastics):
Children's health environment coalition
yours in health,
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
"To get safe plastic baby products, try BornFree Natural Baby Products..."
According to the information on that web-site their products are made from Polyamide (PA), i.e. #7 recycling symbol.
Do you think it's safe enough?
I doubt. I can understand and accept it why products made from polyethylene or polypropylene are safe. Monomers, ethylene or propylene are gases and can be removed easily from appropriate polymer mass. Besides, they are relatively harmless, at least, their concentration in the resulted polymer mass is very low.
It doesn't apply to Polyamide (PA) or Polycarbonate, etc. because they all contain some amount of unused monomers or partially reacted oligomers (do not considering catalysts, promoters, dyes, etc) which are toxic and cause all those health problems.
The bottom line is I would avoid such undisguised advertisement of any products by people who cannot explain why particular products are dangerous while others are relatively safe.
-Vladimir
Hi Vladimir,
I did not realize that their bottles were recycling symbol #7. They advertise that their bottles are free of BPA and phthalates, but I didn't know that polycarbonate bottles also contained polyamide. Good grief, what a maze this all is! Thanks for letting us all know that. I guess the only conclusion to be taken is to use glass rather than plastic when it comes to food and drink!
Are you in the plastics business? What do you think of HDPE, LDPE and PP plastics?
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
Hi Vladimir,
I see that you actually answered my question in your previous post - thank you.
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
Greetings,
A friend of mine brought up this "plastic bottle reuse" scare and I took to the internet for some "research". Interesting that most sources I've found state that #1 bottles are fine to reuse - that the health risks are usually due to people not properly washing out the bottles, thereby encouraging growth of unwanted bacteria. Here's one of those articles:
http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2004/08/02/umbra-bottles/
Here's another article, from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. While I agree that unfortunately toxins are all around us - and glass or ceramic are absolutely better options when storing or heating food/water - I also agree with the last line of the below article: "It's the dose that makes the poison".
http://www.jhsph.edu/publichealthnews/articles/halden_dioxins.html
Thanks for your time!
Sandy
Hi Sandra,
I must admit I'm far more concerned about the problems with the Lexan water bottles (no. 7) than with the plastics that water is sold in. I've also reused those bottles on occasion. BUT if the water has been sitting in them for a long time, particularly if the bottle has been sitting in the sun, it becomes evident that the plastic is leaching, as one can definitely taste it.
And as a general rule, I agree that when it comes to toxins it is all about the dosage. The question is how well the body is able to get rid of the toxins. If they accumulate because the body's detox system is not functioning properly, or if the body simply can't get rid of them, then although initially there may not be a problem, later there might be. And although a small dosage of one toxin in isolation may be fine, we are bombarded by all kinds of toxins daily often in the food we eat, the water we drink, the stuff we put on our skin, the air we breathe - we can't get away from it. So how do all these toxins interact with each other in our bodies? We simply don't know. To me it makes sense to take a precautionary stance especially when there are safer options. I fully admit that in the eyes of many I may be going way overboard, but we each can choose what feels most comfortable for us, once we are armed with information.
Thank you so much for your comment! It is always great to hear what others are thinking, and I have no problem with others setting me straight if I've got something wrong. I want to be as accurate as possible.
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
#14: Water Filter Bottles
As the manufacturer of millions of plastic bottles every year ourselves, I can assure you that we at Pure Water 2go and other plastic product manufacturers spend millions of dollars every year in testing, development, design, and certification of plastic products. It is in our best interest, as you can imagine. I find it funny that people think they can actually "taste" products leaching from plastic. Give me a break.
Everybody needs to be aware how products are designed and certified in the United States. In the US, we have 2 types of plastic: "FDA Approved Food Grade plastic" and "other plastic" -- The government has many laws regulating the type and style of plastics that are used for food consumption, most importantly, recycled material. For example, food grade plastic can only have a maximum of 10% recycled material, thus increasing the quality of the product. Food product manufacturers use products that are designed and tested for what they are used for, and they all aren't going to "leech" chemicals that kill you. These TRUTHS are the things you never hear about.
So what plastics are safe? Well, if they are used according to manufacturers safety instructions, all of them. If the manufacturer says they are not microwave safe, then don't microwave them. You wouldn't drive your car into a lake and then complain it's not waterproof, right? A water bottle is food grade plastic, so it's safe to drink out of, just don't put gasoline in it. A plastic gas can is NOT food grade plastic, so don't drink water out of it. It's common sense people.
There are far too many people on the internet writing articles with false information or faked information. If you want the real information, talk to people who do this professionally and actually file and record specific quality information with the US government as required by law. Don't listen to the information people post online without proof. The majority of the information you read about plastics leeching is not really true.
Want more information, we will be glad to help.
Hi Todd,
I do agree completely that it is in the plastic manufacturer's best interest to ensure the safety of the plastic, and I don't think that plastic manufacturers are intentionally making plastics that are harmful. As you say, they are following the regulations that are currently in place. I absolutely agree that one must follow the manufacturer's instructions with respect to what the plastic is suitable for, and I think that most food-grade plastic out there is safe.
I'm not convinced that the No. 7 polycarbonate plastics are safe however, even though one cannot taste any plastic at all while drinking from them. And it isn't that I think BPA or phthalates will kill anyone either - disrupting endocrine function seems to be the problem, and I think there is mounting evidence to that effect. I've listed some studies on my post, and created a link to more studies. I think that in time the US government may stop certifying No. 7 plastics as being food/water safe, or put restrictions on its use for children like the European Union has done.
We can each decide for ourselves whether or not there is enough evidence to be concerned. For me personally, I would rather apply the cautionary principle and avoid No. 7 plastics, seeing as how there are other options that seem to be safer. To me it makes sense to pay attention to the warning signs now. If I'm wrong, I'm no worse off.
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
More often than not, I have to return water packaged in HDPE (#2) gallon plastic containers, as it imparts a STRONG, unpleasant plastic taste to the water.
This is certainly not why I buy DISTILLED water, which must be pure. If the water TASTES like plastic, there ARE organic compounds in it.
So this contradicts the article's assertion that #2 plastic is safe. Safer, perhaps, than #7, but not 100% safe.
Hi Michael,
I certainly hear you. I'm wondering if that water was sitting in that plastic in the sun or some other heated place for a long time before you bought it? I would return that water as well. My belief is that the HDPE #2 plastics are safer on a scale of good, better, best, because the compounds that are in it don't stick around as long, but ultimately glass is the way to go for water storage. I can still get milk in glass bottles - I wish the water industry would do that!
You may want to look into and be wary of drinking a lot of distilled water, as the process eliminates all the minerals in it (the water is too pure!), and therefore makes you more susceptible to electrolyte imbalance and mineral deficiencies. Distilled water also becomes acidic in an open air container, which may not be healthy for you.
I think the best option for healthy water is to get a whole-house filtration system if you are in a house, or sink and shower filters if you are in a condo or apartment, choosing based on what needs to be filtered out in your area www.aquamd.com. Aquamd will recommend the filter you need based on your tap water. Then get yourself a glass, or LDPE or HDPE bottle for daily carting around.
Good luck!
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
#18: Water bottles
So what do you recommend for those who cannot afford whole house filtration systems and purchase bottled water or use the filter on their refrigerator? What's the best advice you have for the average Joe?
Hi CMB,
Yes, whole-house filtration systems are VERY pricey. Boiling water will kill bacteria, but will concentrate heavy metals like lead or arsenic, so it really does depend a bit on what you want to filter out. Well water may contain heavy metals so you may have to do some research. Chlorine will evaporate if you let your water sit in an open glass container for a while. (Funny how we do that for our plants but not for ourselves ...)
If you live in an urban area and you don't want to spend time boiling and letting water sit, a slightly more expensive but not crazy expensive idea is to get a filter that screws onto your tap. I think the initial cost is about $40, and then you have to replace the filter cartridges every month to 6 weeks. These carbon filters will filter out chlorine and some minerals, making the water taste better. Probably not a real solution if you are depending on well water though.
Or you can get those pitchers that have a carbon filter in them. Just fill it up with tap water and then wait a few minutes before you drink. These may be adequate for your needs if you live in an urban area. They cost about $15 to $30 depending on the brand.
You may want to google "best water filters", and see what you come up with...
Hope that helps!
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
#20: BPA Free Bottle
I'm currently working with a company that bottles water in a recycable bottle that is BPA free.
Cactrus
Advantages:
New bottle every purchase
Eliminates Deposits
Eliminates Returns
Cost Less than your average refill bottles
Sold at local Wal-Marts
My water bottles are made in USA from LDPE #4. What makes them a little more useful is an extra indented pocket for carrying a small item, granola or energy bar,keys, phone, pager... very handy at the gym. It also gives you something to do with all those colorful wrist bands in your desk or kitchen drawers. www.gadgetbottle.com
I welcome questions,
509-590-2223
Cheers,
Steve
As of today, Mountain Equipment Coop in Canada (comparable to REI in the States) has pulled their Nalgene #7 polycarbonate plastic bottles, I am pleased to say. Hopefully safer water bottles will now be more easily available. Health Canada is FINALLY looking into the issue, so at least it is now on the radar of those that have the power to actually protect the public.
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
Although I hae not been a regular reader of your blog, your post on BPA drew me in and I appreciate both what you are trying to do and the breadth and depth of the information you provide (from menopause to apendicitis). Your post on BPA captured succinctly the broad concerns, and confusion, over BPA.
CamelBak, which created the hydration systems used by hikers, cyclists, skiiers and other athletes, has introduced a totally BPA-free bottle that hits store shelves in February. We'll be converting nearly all our bottles to BPA-free versions in the coming months, and we are proud to be the first company to do so.
I also wanted to point to your explanation of the numbers on the bottom of bottles, because we've discovered that there are more myths and misinformation about #7 plastics than truth. People associate the #7 recycling symbol with polycarbonate. But the number code inside a recycling symbol is a resin identification code. It is not a measure of safet -- of whether a bottle uses BPA -- but only indicates what an item is made from so that recycling plants know how to recyle it. There is no correlation with BPA, at all. As you pointed out, codes 1-6 refer to specific materials, while #7 is an "other" or miscellaneous category. #7 plastics are often made of multiple resins or layers of different types of resins. Products that do not have a number and recyle symbol, are automatically categorized as #7.
It would be great to be able to look at the number on the bottom of a bottle and know if there was BPA in the plastic, but unfortunately it's not that easy. Watch for makers of baby bottles and adult drinking bottles to promote their products when they're BPA-free, as we are doing now. That's how you'll know.
#24: # 7 plastics
Hi Sydney,
Thanks for your comment. Interesting about #7 bottles. Perhaps as more manufacturers make bottles without BPA, more bottles won't have it, but my impression is that currently most #7 bottles out there do contain BPA.
And as another commenter above noted, just because a bottle does not have BPA does not mean that the plastic that it is made out of is safe. If #7 is a "miscellaneous category", that makes it really difficult for a consumer to have any confidence at all that the plastic is safe. Do we really know that polyamides are safe? The commenter above clearly does not think so, and I can't find any info to confirm their safety, which is why I took out my recommendation for BPA-free baby bottles in my original post and recommended glass instead. Glass just seems to be a safer bet than plastics.
These sorts of questions must really be a nightmare for plastics manufacturers who are trying to provide a safe product. I'm sorry about that.
Gotta say I've learned a lot about plastic water bottles since writing this post! Thanks for being a part of my education.
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
Dr. Andrew Levy of Center for advanced medicine, New Jersey I just wanted everyone to know- stay away from this guy. After having my PCL replaced from Dr. Edward Decter (another Dr. to stay away from) Dr Levy was fast to shoot down Dr. Decter, as he said I never needed the PCL operation in the first place- and why he calls him “Quick Eddie” Dr. Levy said the cartilage in my knee was dead and needed to be replaced- and performed the operation.
After the operation, my knee was actually worse then before the operation, Dr Levy told me a screw came lose and he needed to take it out. When I told him I was in between jobs and my insurance wouldn’t start for another month, he said that he would do the surgery for free- as long as I help him get the full amount from my insurance, for the first operation. I told him that I would see what I could do-and I appreciated him doing this operation for free.
After removing the screw, my knee was still killing me and I was barely able to walk- but figured I would give it some time. I kept my promise and contacted my insurance company. I was told- what they pay the Dr. has nothing to do with me and I shouldn’t call again.
After 3 months- my knee still killing me and having trouble walking, I was shocked when I received a bill from Dr. Levy for the amount of $16, 376.00. The bill was for removing the screw, plus the difference my insurance didn’t pay him for the first operation. I tried calling him for 1 month, to try and find out why I received a bill for something he said he was doing for free- He never took my call.
After receiving a letter from his attorney a few months later- I started speaking to attorney’s to see what I could do. They all said the same thing- you signed a waiver from the first operation and you have no proof that says he was doing it for free. I had the pleasure of finding out yesterday, that Dr. Levy’s attorney put a Levy on my on my bank account, which withdrew EVERY penny I had. My mortgage payment and many other checks I wrote bounced- leaving me scrambling to find out how I am going to pay all these bills- since my once a month commission check is now gone, along with my entire savings.
Dr. Levy is a POS that did nothing for my knee and has now turned my life upside down- just in time for the holidays. Happy Holidays Dr. Levy!! Stay away from him- he is a liar the worst Dr. in the tri-state area!!
Please pass this letter to anyone who is thinking of getting orthopedic surgery- so they don’t find themselves speaking to Dr. Levy
Hello interesting subject about #7 bottles etc, my question is waht kind of plastic are these water filters made of , and the containers they come in??
Good point, and one I can't believe I didn't think of! The tap filter that I use is made of a hard plastic, and I see no indication on it about the kind of plastic used. Sheesh, this is complicated!
I believe one can buy ceramic carbon filters - I read about them here.
Just in case you are interested, I wrote a post about about the pros and cons of different methods of water filtration on my other blog.
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
Glass and ceramic are great but also fragile. I was wondering if there is any question about the safety of things like stainless steel. If so do you have information on it. Trying to make healthy informed choices thanks.
Hi there,
I can't say I've researched this extensively, but from my cursory look, stainless steel seems to be a good choice, and probably what I will choose if I lose my HDPE bottle. Does anyone know if stainless steel water bottles make the water taste metallic?
I would just be sure that your stainless steel bottle doesn't have a plastic liner.
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
Are there any alternatives to the 5 gallon polycarbonate bottles, other than glass? Our water tastes terrible and we've been refilling these at a reverse osmosis machine about a block away. The cactrus.com idea of the single use recyclable 5 gallon bottles is great except you'd have to buy your water from them at an inflated price.
#31: I can't find any ...
Hi mostly harmless,
I did a quick google search on stainless steel 5 gallon bottles and nothing came up. Looks like an opportunity for an entrepreneur to me!!!
Can you figure out a closer to home filtration method? Sounds like a pain! Reverse osmosis takes out all the minerals, which means it may be beneficial to remineralize your water again before drinking it. I did a post on choosing a water filtration system if you are interested.
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
Hi Vreni,
Just wanted to pass on some information that I've recently learned about corn. Go to "Google Video" and type in the search box-"genetically modified". There are a number of different ones. The most informative that I've seen so far is "Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods" by Jeffery Smith. Although it is 6-10 min. sessions-it is well worth the effort (some are just that way. Sometimes you can put in the known title and check out the times-and wa-la, you find it all in one video. But not this one-yet). Then if you want more...put in "Monsanto" and see what they do to milk. "Fox news kills monsanto milk story" is good. Only 10 min. That piece is from another called "The Corporation" , a little lengthy, 3 hrs, but very interesting. Watch it in parts if it's too long for 1 setting. There's so much more I could share, but I'll stick close to the topic of corn- hopefully I haven't overwhelmed you. NEVER STOP LEARNING. Check the evidence before you "THINK" you know! Cheryl
Hello, I am very paranoid as hell now.
You see, I have
grown up on distilled water on Polycarbonate 2-5 hard plastic gallon
bottles with #7 recycling symbol. Even my mother has drank it since
before I was born. I know some other people who have also been raised
on them, and some of them have exhibited sexual and neurological issues. I myself am slightly
overweight, but I blame that mostly for sedentary lifestyle.
I know that pre-natal exposure is correlated with latter effects on the
child and that worries me. I'm 19 now, and I seem to show excess of
testosterone, however I need to get it checked, such as chronic acne
and hairyness(I'm a girl) and I'm not sure if shifting periods counts.
But if I stop drinking water from these bottles, can my body recover
and my risk of BPA-related diseases decrease? How do I detoxify myself?
#34: Hi Kat
Try not to worry about it. First of all, my understanding is that BPA is estrogenic - I don't believe it will increase testosterone. Secondly, as with everything when it comes to the body, whether or not you would be effected depends on your body's sensitivity to it. For many there will be no problem or nothing that the body can't handle. Thirdly, you can't change the past so there is no point stressing yourself out over it. What is, is.
Chronic acne is a pretty common problem I would think, and I wouldn't link that to the water bottles either. Irregular periods are also a common issue, and are more likely tied to stress and diet (same with acne for that matter).
I would stop drinking from the #7 bottles now, and take it from there. Our bodies are pretty resilient. Remember that we replace 2 million cells a second, so over the course of 6 months you will have completely replaced every cell in your body. (I think that's right ...) Eat good quality food, sleep enough hours in the dark, get a little exercise, and make the choice to be happy, and you will be amazed at how good you can feel.
I am really sorry if the post scared you. That was not my intention at all. I also drank from those bottles for years and years until I found out, so you are not alone. I seem to be just fine despite of it, and in all likelihood you are just fine too.
All my best,
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
We have checked all of our plastics. Most have numbers on them. However, we have quite a few sippy cups, used by our two toddlers that do not have a number on them. What does no number mean? And, are there any alternatives out there that serve the same function.
#36: I don't know
Hi there,
I don't know what no number means, so I would suggest that if the plastic is hard, to find an appropriate replacement, just to be on the safe side. Glass is best, but you may find sippy cups made from #2, 4 or 5 plastics. Good luck!
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
Is it safe to boil my babies bottles? I'm worried about not boiling them. What should I do?
Hi Seree,
I must say this is a tough call. Hot water causes more leaching of chemicals from the plastic, yet boiling sterilizes them making them free of bacteria. Personally, I think that the chemicals are more dangerous than the bacteria, as some bacteria is needed to help develop the immune system of children. That's why often families that have pets have kids with fewer allergies than families that don't. Tons of germs that the child's immune system can "practice" on, so it can handle the bigger immune challenges that come along later. If your children are sick or immune -suppressed for some reason, a different decision may be better.
Is there any way you can switch to glass bottles? You can sterilize them no problem, and you would not have the chemical issue at all.
Good luck!
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
Hi,
Thanks alot for the information, that really helps me alot. I have this questions in mind where by is it safe to drink from aluminium bottles? Such as SIGG? Does aluminium bottles causes any harm to our human body?
While searching through the net i also found out that people are actually designing solar bottles made out of plastic and using sunlight to generate heat and killing the bacteria and germs that 's in the water. I was informed that placing plastic bottles and containers under sunlight isn't healthy at all.
Would really need your guidance, Thanks!
. The Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club and World Wildlife
Federation have all urged their supporters to consume less bottled
water and more and more corporate accountability campaigns like "Think
Outside the Bottle" are starting to appear.
#41: Sippy cups
I have had the same problem with sippy cups. I found this blog that started out comparing BPA free sippy's, then evolved into a fairly thorough review of many different companies which make food/drink containers for children. I found it quite helpful. http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2007/11/z-report-bisphenol-in-baby-bottles-and.html
I have an new product and brand for an idea to recycle water bottles at
the local level. It could also easily be used as a fund raiser for
environmental and Green causes, plus as an educational tool on carbon
footprints. My product reverses the impact of water bottles on our
environment, and requires very little material to be implemented.
Please contact me anytime, and forward this information to any contacts
who may be interested.
#43: Study
I read that scientists have warned against allowing any
polycarbonate plastics near your food or water and stated the devastating
effects of these chemicals posed the biggest risk to babies during early
development. The study revealed a sudden increase in aneuploidy, a defect
consisting of abnormal loss or gain of chromosomes, which in humans could
possibly lead to miscarriages or disorders such as Down Syndrome.
I don't believe this. Are you a doctor, scientist or engineer? Can you interpret these studies appropriately? The fact that the webmaster actually gives you a forum to write such nonsense should have them holding their heads in their hands. You are a monkey that knows how to type.
Hi there,
No one is asking you to believe this, nor to stop using plastic water bottles. I'm just suggesting that there is research out there that may make some people want to adjust their behaviour, if they believe in the cautionary principle like I do.
There was a time no one thought smoking was dangerous either. I'd rather not wait ten years for science to give us the definitive answer that water bottles are a problem, when I can use other alternatives now. If later the science vindicates plastics, great.
Vreni Gurd
Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca
I too am concerned with the leaching of plastic water bottles. I came across IceBox water, at Whole Foods today. It is water, in a type of plastic that does not leach into the water. I was impressed by this. I experimented with my cat - had the regular water I give her (filtered) and the IceBox water. She chose it several times, even when I changed the position of the water bowls. Interesting...
Hi,
This is a topic my wife and I always talk about. I take a bottle, which I fill with our filtered tap water, to work everyday. I like to use a glass bottle actually, but it adds a bit too much weight to my bag....I found this one recently and like to know what you think of it?
http://ecobags.com/Our_Products/SIGG-Water-Bottles
seems like a good product....actually I like the vibe of the entire website...
#48: Chicco Bottle
i just want to know if the chicco baby bottle are made of polycarbonate thus containing BPA? Thanks
Thank you for really useful information. I have children and every mother takes an interest in this topic. I want to know about chicca baby botlles, too. Thank you
Hi Vreni,
I am a concern mother with 2 babies. I was doing some reading about related issues concerning cervical, prostate,breast cancer, obesity, down syndrome and other factors. I read articles relating these issues impacted from using Plastic bottles.The plastic bottles and containers that contains bisphenol A. I am very concern because I am currently using Avent for my 4 months old and 17 months old as well. I found a website while doing some research, and read Avent is the highest among the other brand , the article was stated in www.nurturepure.com and www.thinkbabybottles.com. Can you tell me if its safe for me to switch to these products offered by their website? I am also concern about the plastic containers that I'm preparing for my husband for lunch and heating in the microwave, currently using rubbermaid- before switching to this product I found on amazon, Zojirushi Mr Bento stainless steel lunch jar ,is it safe to use? and also I found some other items in www.reusablebags.com, its eco-friendly items, some are laptop lunch boxes said its (FDA approved) www.laptoplunches.com.
and also Nalgene ( known as safe plastic) and stainless steel Siggs products...is it safe to use also? a couple of days ago , I saw an infomercial about healthy water filtration called aqua vie for life ( www.aquavieforlife.com)from Regal..is it safe to switch to ? Can you help me do some more deep research based on the information I shared with you? Thank you for all the blogs feedbacks and comments.I appreciate all your sharing thoughts and concerns about our health in society. Before I share my thoughts and possibly a better alternatives concerning everyone's health, I would also like to feel at ease that my foundings are also based on solid facts that back up my research.It's best to consult an expert that has the same interest in making other people's lives better and to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Keep up the good work and keep us all updated on today's health issues.
If you or anyone has any information on FDA approved plastic containers that BPA free and lightweight glass containers websites? I would like to switch to them As soon as I can for my family's health. Thank you.
There's also a website : www.lifewithoutplastic.com. their products is focus on stainless steel .
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Syndicate
Author: Details
First Name
Vreni
Last Name
Gurd
Degrees
BPHE, HLC 2, CHEK 3, CSEP-CEP, NSCA, ACSM
Short Bio
I have always been interested in what we can do to make ourselves as healthy as possible. We cannot change our genetics, but there is much that is within our control that can have an impact on whether we are healthy or whether we suffer with pain and disease.
I was the top graduating student at the University of Toronto in Physical and Health Education in 1992, where I studied anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, nutrition and how exercise can improve health. In 1997 moved to Vancouver and started a personal-training business.
I became frustrated by my inability to help my clients through their various aches and pains, and pursued further education through the CHEK Institute in San Diego. I learned an incredible amount, and became far more effective with my clients suffering from low-back pain, but still found some clients did not respond as I felt they should and I didn't understand why.
I began to read and read. I began to appreciate how nutrition and other lifestyle factors can have a huge impact on healing or the lack of healing. It became obvious to me that there is a lot more to orthopeadic problems than simply looking at the physical. I took the CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Consultation course which solidified what I had been learning. Disease is a function of bodily systems being out of balance, and when we do what is necessary to bring the individual back into balance our health is restored.
My hope is that through this site you can travel the wellness journey with me and prevent illness, or if you are ill, you can learn some ways to become well again.
Great site. Just wanted to respond quickly - came across your site while searching for safe refillable water bottles.
Thank you. You're a kindred spirit. My life has been in the context of a persuit for health (for my own personal health reasons) and I am convinced that through our nutrition and lifestyle choices we can experience the freedom, joy and vitality that optimal health brings.
I will come back another time when I have more time to browse.