Can Folate Correct the Effects of BPA Exposure?

from www.asoftlanding.com

Is there anyway to counteract the effects of BPA exposure?

Over the last few years we’ve been smacked by so much information about the damage done to our endocrine systems by hormone-mimicking chemicals like BPA.  We’ve removed as many obvious sources as we can, and yet so  many are simply out of our control.  Canned foods remain one of those BPA-laden giants and manufacturers are having a hard time finding safer alternatives, leaving busy folks with few pre-prepared choices.

So what can we do to protect ourselves against exposures we can’t control?  And beyond that, is there anyway to reverse damage that has already been done?

There is exciting news on this front!  Dr. Greene recently discussed the protective nature of folate intake based on a preliminary study done by Duke University researchers.  They found that the effects of BPA on the babies of pregnant mice were negated when folate was introduced.  This was true even with significant exposure to the endocrine disrupting chemical!

These nutrients switched the genes back the way they should be, and the BPA effect was completely nullified. The researchers describe this as compelling evidence that certain nutrients can counteract BPA when given during pregnancy.  Beyond this, the researchers propose that these nutrients could block the effects of chemical estrogen exposures, even if given later in childhood and possibly even in adulthood.

In The New American Diet, author Steve Perrine takes this theory even further.  He explains that research has linked the addition of huge amounts of corn and soy in our diets to a decrease in folate intake (we’re talking about soy-based products here, not whole organic soy foods).  Americans are more likely to choose highly processed, packaged foods over fresh fruits and vegetables than ever before.

Mr. Perrine gives us a clear picture of folate’s key role in our health when he describes how some scientists liken folate to a canary in a coal mine:

When folate levels drop, levels of obesity, hear disease, stroke cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, depression – and even resistance to some antidepressant therapies – go up.

Now before you run out to buy a folic-acid supplement, you should know that studies show that getting your folate from fresh food offers twice the protection.  The best sources of folate are found in green leafy vegetables such as:

• Romaine lettuce
• Spinach
• Kale
• Endive
• Swiss Chard

Always be sure to choose organic, pesticide free fruits and vegetables so you don’t end up adding yet another endocrine disruptor to your diet.  If you’re not sure how to prioritize your organic buying choices to best fit your budget, be sure to check out the Environmental Working Group’s excellent work on the subject here.

>> You can find other good folate sources can be found here.