Troubling Tea ALERT (Read BEFORE Your Next Sip)

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted March 8, 2024

If taking care of your health seems complicated you should know that’s a feeling we ALL experience occasionally.

At times it feels like nothing can just be… well… SIMPLE.

Take tea for example…

For years I’ve been extolling the virtues of this healing beverage. I’ve explained that tea drinking is an affordable and delicious ticket to a healthier life.

And that’s STILL true.

Tea is packed with disease-fighting antioxidants. And potent phytochemicals in tea fight inflammation, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and more.

But DESPITE those powerful benefits, I now have to warn you to look out for a hidden harm that could be lurking in every mugful…

A new study conducted at the Keck School of Medicine at USC is a sharp reminder of just how easily we can be exposed to toxic chemicals in our daily lives.

Researchers found a concerning link between eating certain common foods and beverages and increased PFAS levels including teas, processed meats, and takeout meals.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS for short, are a group of synthetic chemicals found in countless household products including nonstick pans, water-resistant textiles, and food packaging.

Their indestructible carbon-fluorine bonds prevent them from breaking down which has earned them the ominous nickname “forever chemicals.” And it is that same indestructibility that causes PFAS to steadily accumulate in the environment AND human bodies.

Research connects high PFAS exposure to liver damage, unhealthy cholesterol, disrupted blood sugar levels, and even cancer. Plus, there’s evidence the chemicals can weaken bones, alter hormones, and suppress overall immune function.

The new study found that for every additional daily serving of processed pork people ate, blood levels of a PFAS chemical called PFOA were 13 percent higher. And eating hot dogs was linked to a 25-percent jump in blood levels of another forever chemical.

Researchers believe that PFAS make their way into meat through environmental contamination of animal feed as well as contact with processing equipment and food packaging.

However, drinking tea had the most alarming ties to PFAS.

Every additional daily serving was linked to substantially higher blood levels of several PFAS chemicals, including… 25 percent higher levels of PFHxS, 16 percent higher levels of PFHpS, and 13 percent higher levels of PFNA.

Scientists believe contamination occurs either during the cultivation of the plants or during the processing and packaging of the tea bags.

I suspect it’s all three. And the bags top MY list as the worst of the three suspects. And the only one of the three you have true control over.

The benefits of drinking tea far outweigh these newly discovered links to PFAS. But if you’re drinking tea from one of those fancy new plastic teabags, stop.

Not only are you VIRTUALLY guaranteed to get a dose of microplastics with your tea, you’re also likely to increase your PFAS exposure.

And another thing…

Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…

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The Strange Smile Link to Healthy Aging

There are some excellent reasons to keep up with your brushing and flossing from protecting your heart to maintaining a shiny smile. But science has just added another critical one to the list you’d NEVER guess…

Powerful Pomegranate Compound STUNS Scientists

Pomegranates aren’t just tasty treats. Modern science CONFIRMS the fruit deserves its legendary healing reputation. In fact, the power of one potent pomegranate compound is blowing scientists away!

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A fast and complete recovery from hip or knee surgery requires focusing on two key areas: restoring fitness and optimizing nutrition. (In fact, it’s true for ANY surgery.) Discover exactly what you need to know to get started…

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Decreasing mobility as you age raises your risk for a devastating fracture or broken hip. But THIS one simple change sends mobility soaring by a stunning 46%.

Can’t Stop Overeating? THIS Could Be WHY

Our G.I. tracts contain trillions of bacteria that are crucial to digestion, immunity, and more. Click through to find out the weird way alcohol can affect them.

P.S. Concerns are growing over microplastics. These tiny invaders aren’t just polluting our environment they’re also sabotaging our HEALTH.

Source:

“Associations of dietary intake and longitudinal measures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in predominantly Hispanic young Adults: A multicohort study,” Environment International, Available online 4 February 2024, doi. org /10.1016 /j.envint .2024.108454

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