Forever chemicals.
These are common synthetic chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). And they’re everywhere…
In our water, air, soil, food, cosmetics, cookware, and more.
Worse yet, they affect our health in many ways.
In fact, some have been linked to infertility issues.
And now, researchers tie forever chemicals to yet another health risk…
The gift that keeps on giving
According to a new study published in the journal Hypertension, middle-aged women with higher blood concentrations of PFAS were at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure (BP).
Researchers pulled data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation-Multi-Pollutant Study (SWAN-MPS). Then, they analyzed blood concentrations of specific PFAS.
Using blood tests from 1,000 participants, women with the highest one-third concentrations of three PFAS in particular experienced between a 42 and 47 percent increased risk of developing high BP.
What’s more, women who had the highest concentrations of seven common PFAS were at a 71 percent higher risk of high BP.
Chemicals, chemicals, everywhere
Have you ever wondered why PFAS are called “forever chemicals?”
Simply put, it’s because they NEVER degrade in the environment. So, they contaminate virtually everything and anything, indefinitely.
(And we wonder why we’re sicker than ever! More fatigue, disease, etc. Hmm, could it be because we’re SURROUNDED by toxins with almost no way of escaping them!?)
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there are thousands of different PFAS used in everyday items, from dental floss and shampoo to food packaging, upholstery, and clothing.
Not to mention potential exposure through the very food we eat (if the animal consumed these chemicals, well, we consume them too) and even the water we drink.
In fact, a study author noted how “one study estimated two of the most common ‘forever chemicals’ are found in most household drinking water and are consumed by more than two-thirds of Americans.”
And we’ve known for DECADES that they cause harm. Sure, some states are beginning to ban PFAS in food packaging and personal care items. But rest assured, our chemical companies will come up with something worse.
So, while it may be impossible to avoid them completely, there ARE steps you can take to control some levelsof exposure…
Like ditching non-stick pots and pans and opting for stainless steel or cast-iron. Ditching plastic cups and drinking out of glass or stainless-steel bottles. And never reheating your food out of takeout containers.
For additional insight, check out the April 2019 issue of my monthly Logical Health Alternatives newsletter (“Staying healthy in a polluted world: How to protect yourself against the dangerous toxins you come face-to-face with on a daily basis”). Not yet a subscriber? Click here to become one!
Until next time,
Dr. Fred
Source:
“Forever chemicals linked to hypertension in middle-aged women.” ScienceDaily, 06/13/2022. (sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220613112102.htm)