Plastics Send THIS Disease Risk SOARING

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted April 22, 2023

They’re EVERYWHERE.

From food packaging to clothing (yes, really) plastics are clearly here to stay. And that’s a big problem.

There’s no denying that they’re convenient. But that convenience comes at a HUGE cost.

Chemicals, like bisphenol-A and other plasticizers, send inflammation and oxidative stress levels soaring. And these creepy chemicals harm our cells and raise our risks for all kinds of diseases.

Chances are you already knew that plastics were harmful to your health.

But some disturbing research completed just last year dropped a bomb that most folks have NOT heard yet.

The study linked plastics to an increased risk for a condition that 28 million adults and nearly seven percent of kids 6 to 19 have…

I’m talking about high cholesterol.

Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more durable. Which, I’ll admit, sounds really useful.

Well, UNTIL you learn the plasticizers were linked to elevated cholesterol levels in an animal study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

It turns out one particular phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate (or DCHP), acts like a hormone inside the body.

It binds to the pregnane X receptor (or PXR). And activating that receptor makes the body produce MORE cholesterol, raising both LDL and total cholesterol.

That’s terrifying enough. But the bad news doesn’t end there.

DCHP exposure ALSO increases waxy fat molecules called ceramides, which are closely tied to increased heart disease and diabetes in humans.

Now, I’m not delusional. I KNOW it’s nearly impossible to avoid plastics in our food altogether.

Nearly EVERYTHING we eat is manufactured on a line where it comes into contact with plasticizers. It then gets shipped to the store in plastic. And in many cases, ends up stored in plastic in our homes.

But you CAN cut back on your exposure.

Start by buying fresh foods whenever possible and choosing foods packaged in glass when you can. And when you bring food into your home, store it in plastic-free containers such as glass, ceramic, and steel.

While keeping all plastic away from your food is nearly impossible, with a bit of extra work, you can cut way back on your intake of plastic-associated chemicals.

P.S. Keep in mind not all cholesterol is bad. For more on that and how you can improve your cholesterol levels, take a look at my mailbag answer HERE.

SOURCE:

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/

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 By Dr. Scott Olson, ND