Plastics are part of our daily lives, from water bottles and food containers to receipts, packaging, and even personal care products. But some plastics release chemicals that can act like hormones in our bodies. These chemicals, especially bisphenols like BPA, can affect your hormones, breast health, metabolism, and nervous system balance.
As a physical therapist, I help patients restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and reconnect with their bodies. Healing isn’t just about movement; it includes everything that touches your body, mind, and environment. Let’s explore what BPA is, how it affects health, and practical ways to protect yourself and your family.
What Is BPA and How Was It Used?
Bisphenol-A (BPA) was first created in 1891 by Russian chemist Aleksandr Dianin. In the 1930s, scientists discovered BPA could mimic the hormone estrogen, which led researchers to explore its potential as a synthetic hormone drug.
Back then, BPA was tested in small experiments to see if it could:
- Reduce menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes and mood swings.
- Cause uterine cells to grow or react in laboratory tests, mimicking estrogen effects.
- Influence hormone-related conditions such as irregular menstrual cycles
BPA was never approved as a medication for humans because it was not safe or effective, but its estrogen-like properties caught scientists’ attention. Later, in the 1950s, BPA was widely adopted for making strong, clear plastics, leading to its use in food containers, water bottles, baby bottles, can linings, and thermal paper receipts.
Because BPA can mimic estrogen, long-term exposure may affect hormones and breast tissue. Limiting exposure is especially important for women, children, and people recovering from breast cancer.
Everyday Sources of BPA
- Store receipts: Thermal paper can transfer BPA to your skin. Ask for digital receipts when possible.
- Plastic containers and bottles: Heating or reusing plastics can release chemicals into your food or drink.
- Canned foods: Linings may contain BPA.
- Bottled water: May contain microplastics and chemical residues.
- Lotions, sunscreens, and makeup: Plastic packaging can leach chemicals.
The Link Between BPA and Breast Cancer
Because BPA mimics estrogen, studies show it may stimulate certain hormone-sensitive breast cells or increase inflammation in breast tissue. Limiting exposure supports breast health and overall hormonal balance.
Plastics, Heat, and Food Storage — Easy Guidelines
- Don’t microwave food in plastic containers. Use glass or ceramic.
- Let hot food cool before storing in plastic.
- Replace old or cloudy plastic containers.
Plastic Numbers Made Simple
Look at the triangle with a number at the bottom of bottles or containers:
- 1 (PET or PETE): Common in single-use bottles for water and soda. Only use once and do not heat.
- 2 (HDPE): Found in milk jugs and some food containers. Safer for reuse and cold liquids, but avoid heating.
- 3, 6, 7: Avoid if possible. May contain BPA or other harmful chemicals. Don’t heat.
- 4 and 5: Safer for reuse. Look for BPA-free labels.
Tip: Glass, stainless steel, and silicone containers are safest.
Microplastics: Tiny Particles Everywhere
Microplastics are tiny bits of plastic that come from packaging, clothing, and dust. They can enter your body through food, air, and water.
Reduce exposure:
- Air your home and vacuum with a HEPA filter. (A HEPA filter traps very tiny particles, like dust, allergens, and microplastics.)
- Choose natural fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, wool, hemp, or bamboo. They shed fewer particles than synthetic fabrics.
- Use loose-leaf tea or paper tea bags instead of plastic tea bags.
Recommendations: Safe Hair and Pet Care
Hair Care (Humans):
- Use Oliva60 shampoo and conditioner bars, sulfate- and paraben-free, with zero plastic waste.
Pet Care:
- Bowls: Use stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowls.
- Toys: Avoid hard or brittle plastic toys that can break into small pieces; choose natural rubber or cotton toys instead.
- Bath time: : Use Oliva60 dog shampoo bars, gentle and eco-friendly.
Can You Detox from BPA? Supporting Your Body Naturally
Your body eliminates toxins through your liver, kidneys, and skin. You can help this process with daily habits:
- Move daily: Exercise supports circulation and lymph flow.
- Drink plenty of water: Helps your kidneys filter toxins.
- Eat colorful vegetables: Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower support liver detox.
- Sweat safely: Sauna, infrared therapy, or exercise helps release toxins.
- Sleep and relaxation: Deep sleep and rest restore balance.
- Healthy relationships: Social connection and emotional support reduce stress.
- Reduce stress: Mindfulness, meditation, and gentle movement calm your nervous system.
Everyday Safety for the Whole Family (Including Pets)
🍲 Cooking and Food
- Cookware: Stainless steel, cast iron, glass, or ceramic-coated pots.
- Utensils: Bamboo, silicone, or metal spatulas.
- Food storage: Glass or stainless steel with silicone lids.
đź’§ Water and Drinks
- Don’t reuse single-use plastic bottles.
- Filter tap water with a carbon or reverse osmosis system.
🧴 Lotions and Skincare
- Choose paraben-free, plastic-free products. Avoid unnecessary chemicals.
- PEGs are chemicals used to make lotions smooth, avoiding them reduces potential toxin exposure.
Why This Matters in Physical Therapy
At Chaux Physical Therapy, we focus on body, environment, and mind. Reducing plastic exposure helps the body recover from inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and fatigue. When your body isn’t burdened by toxins, movement is easier, tissues heal faster, and your nervous system stays balanced.
Why Take the Next Step Toward Whole-Body Healing
- Swap one plastic item for a safer alternative this week, for example, a glass bottle for water, or a shampoo bar for your plastic bottle.
- Stay hydrated, move, and rest deeply.
- Schedule a physical therapy session to improve circulation, lymph flow, and nervous system balance.
Together, we can help your body move, heal, and live in balance, safely and naturally.
References (2020–2025)
- Rochester JR, Bolden AL. Bisphenol A and related compounds in human health: a review. Environ Health Perspect. 2020;128(3):036001.
- Meng Z, et al. Endocrine-disrupting effects of bisphenol A exposure: Implications for breast cancer. J Hazard Mater. 2021;414:125480.
- Liao C, Kannan K. Occurrence of bisphenols in food and exposure assessment in the US and Canada. Environ Int. 2020;137:105518.
- Rochester JR. Bisphenol A exposure and hormone-related cancers: Review of the literature 2020–2023. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2023;10:45–60.
- Chen H, et al. Microplastics in human diet and health risks: Recent updates. Sci Total Environ. 2022;806(Pt 1):150611.
- Rochester JR, Bolden AL. Bisphenol A and related compounds in human health: a review. Environ Health Perspect. 2020;128(3):036001.
