packed food in plastic.

Hidden Plastics Could INCREASE This Disease Risk

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

You cannot escape plastics in our modern world. They’re used for nearly everything!

But just because plastics are useful, doesn’t mean we should use them for everything in our lives.

Case in point: plastics cause problems when they contact our food.

We’ve known for a long time that when plastic-associated chemicals (specifically bisphenol-A and plasticizers) enter our bodies, they greatly increase the risk for disease.

They fire the flames of inflammation and oxidative stress, harming our cells and altering our genes.

But I never thought that chemicals from plastics could do this.

Researchers have found that hidden plastics could INCREASE this disease risk.

I’m talking about high cholesterol.

According to a recent study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, phthalates (chemicals used to make plastics more durable) increased cholesterol levels in mice.

You see, a specific phthalate called dicyclohexyl phthalate (or DCHP) acts like a hormone in our bodies and binds to a receptor called pregnane X receptor (or PXR).

And activating the PXR receptor makes the body produce MORE cholesterol, elevating both LDL and total cholesterol.

Worse still, exposure to DCHP increases waxy fat molecules called ceramides which have been closely tied to increased heart disease and diabetes in humans.

What can you do?

It’s hard to stay away from plastics in our food, after all. Think about it: almost every food comes wrapped in plastic or has at some time been stored in plastics.

While it’s difficult to stay away from plastics in your food at home, it’s nearly impossible if you go to a restaurant or eat any packaged foods.

Your first strategy is to buy foods in non-plastic packages like glass or buy your food fresh. You can also store your food in non-plastic containers.

While keeping all plastic away from your food is nearly impossible, you can greatly reduce your exposure to plastic-associated chemicals with a little bit of work.

In the meantime, make sure you’re maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. And if you need help lowering your cholesterol, check out my mailbag answer here.

P.S. The mainstream has spread A LOT of lies about high cholesterol. Find out the truth right here.

 

SOURCES:

Karpale M, Käräjämäki AJ, Kummu O, Gylling H, Hyötyläinen T, Orešič M, Tolonen A, Hautajärvi H, Savolainen MJ, Ala-Korpela M, Hukkanen J, Hakkola J. Activation of pregnane X receptor induces atherogenic lipids and PCSK9 by a SREBP2-mediated mechanism. Br J Pharmacol. 2021 Jun;178(12):2461-2481. doi: 10.1111/bph.15433. Epub 2021 May 14. PMID: 33687065. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33687065/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cardiovascular-diseases/news/ceramides-a-class-of-lipids-with-links-to-heart-disease/mac-20429577

 

Pittawala, Iqbal. “Study links high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease to plastics.” 11/30/2022. https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2021/11/30/study-links-high-cholesterol-cardiovascular-disease-plastics

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Small Moves for BIG Benefits (An Exercise Surprise!)

A patient asked me the other day, “What’s the least amount of exercise I can get by with that still has benefits?” That’s actually a great question. Because, let’s face it, many of us struggle to find time for exercise. And even more of us go out of our way to AVOID it. So, my...

Read This

Widespread “Forever” Chemicals Boost Cancer Risk?!

We’ve known for years that the chemicals lurking in many everyday products aren’t as harmless as we once believed… However, new research reveals an unsettling truth about one specific group of compounds that could be flowing straight from your tap into your waterglass. And according to a new study, they could be raising your cancer...

Read This

Mailbag: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY

“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?” —On Pins and Needles Hi Pins, Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning. When I...

Read This

Pancreas Protector Discovered in the VITAMIN Aisle

Most of us are concerned about our heart health. We also take steps to protect our brains. Even our kidneys and livers get some attention. But the pancreas? It’s seldom given a second thought—or at least, not until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be serious business. The pancreas is vital for...

Read This

Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food

New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined. And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods. And it could multiply their health risks… A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem...

Read This

A Simple Vitamin Solution Combats Parkinson’s

Our understanding of the gut-brain connection has grown rapidly in recent years. So, it’s no surprise that scientists suspect a connection between gut health and the development of Parkinson’s. However, new research is adding more details to the picture. A groundbreaking study revealed two common nutrients are often critically low in folks with Parkinson’s. This...

Read This

The “Cellular Wildfire” Fueling Long-COVID Revealed

A significant number of folks continue to feel unwell after supposedly “recovering” from COVID-19. I have some exciting news if you’re one of the millions battling long-COVID. Scientists from the University of Queensland just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle—and all signs point to inflammation as the culprit. Let me explain… ***** This groundbreaking...

Read This

Top 9 Nutrients Needed to Maintain Good Health

Let’s face it… the supplement aisle at your local grocery store is kind of overwhelming. Standing there staring at rows upon rows of colorful bottles, each promising better health, increased energy, or miraculous benefits can leave you feeling downright dizzy. With so many options, how can you possibly know which nutrients are truly essential for...

Read This

The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts

I get it… not everyone loves exercise. But you don’t have to become a gym rat to get major health benefits. New research reveals that those quick trips to take the garbage out or go to the bathroom might be even MORE valuable than your scheduled exercise time. In fact, these mini-movement breaks could be...

Read This

Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus

“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...

Read This