Hidden Plastics Could INCREASE This Disease Risk
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 15, 2022
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
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
The $1000 Weight-Loss Secret Your Body Makes for FREE
Weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become household names. These injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs have captured widespread attention, with celebrity endorsements and social media success stories highlighting their dramatic results. But here’s what those glossy headlines aren’t telling you… GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released by your gut. It acts as...
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...