Water

My first topic is water (1) the water we drink and (2) the water we shower, bathe and wash with every day. 70% of the human body is water. Skin is our largest organ.

We had previously been using Ozarka bottled water since before Davin passed.  He made sure we used the glass bottles instead of the plastic ones; however, about a year after he passed, Pete was tired of hauling those heavy glass bottles around, so we switched to plastic.  Davin was encouraging Pete and I to install Reverse Osmosis drinking water and a whole home water system before he passed away.  We recently installed the whole-home water purification system. We also installed 2 reverse osmosis systems, which are tied to our sinks, ice maker, and coffee maker (drinking sources).

Pete was diagnosed with a thyroid condition and has been working with his doctor on numerous solutions.

In the last year I have been researching the water situation regarding the microplastics; such as PCB, that are in our water.  In addition, Endocrine Disruptors are found in plastic bottles, food containers, and so many personal care items.  This was eye opening as part of Pete’s thyroid issue was also low testosterone.  These Endocrine Disruptors can block or amplify hormonal messages sent to and from your immune, neurological and reproductive systems.  Research has linked these man-made chemicals with early puberty, learning disabilities, lower IQ, and DNA damage.  They are implicated in the obesity epidemic and in other metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as cancer, reproductive problems and neural problems like attention deficit disorder.  Five of these chemicals to avoid are: phthalates, BPA, pesticides, POPs, and parabens.

When comparing water of the same spring that is packed in glass or plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), estrogenic activity is three times higher in water from plastic bottles. These data support the hypothesis that PET packaging materials are a source of estrogen-like compounds. Furthermore, the findings presented here conform to previous studies and indicate that the contamination of bottled water with endocrine disruptors is a transnational phenomenon.

The Effect of Plastic Products on Autoimmune Disease and Thyroid Function: Stop Using Plastic Coffee Lids!

For example, one of the most common and most overlooked autoimmune triggers is bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is found in all plastics, including water bottles, plastic coffee lids, the lining of cans, plastic utensils, and even in the ink on store receipts. Although it is impossible to completely avoid plastics, it is critical for you to reduce your exposure to plastics and BPA as much as possible if you have Hashimoto’s.

Plastic coffee lids and drink bottles some of worst offenders for BPA exposure

One of the worst forms of BPA exposure is from plastic products exposed to heat or acidic chemicals — making plastic coffee lids and drink bottles primary offenders. As coffee or tea passes through a plastic coffee lid, both the heat and the acidity leach very high levels of BPA into your drink. Also, small amounts of BPA insulate the coating of paper cups. If you have Hashimoto’s or autoimmunity, simply avoid using the lid and, even better, brew your own coffee or tea and drink from glass or ceramic cups.

It’s also important to avoid plastic bottles, especially if they are heated or contain an acidic beverage such as soda or fruit juice. You should absolutely never drink an acidic beverage from a plastic bottle as you will be drinking high amounts of BPA.

The key issue with BPA and autoimmunity is to eliminate daily sources of exposure. The recommendation is not to use plastic, period. I am only using stainless steel and glass bottles.

When Davin was researching Pete’s condition, he found out that Fluoride could be a contributing factor as well.  There is much controversy over Fluoride in our drinking water.  A new study came out last month, which did lead to more findings regarding thyroid issues and lower IQ in children. However, each of you need to do your own research.

As a result of the above, Pete and I decided to install a whole home water system.  There are numerous ones out there.  Thanks to Shannon, for your input.  We also installed two Reverse Osmosis for our drinking water, one is also hooked up to our Miele Coffee System and one to our ice machine. Also, we have stopped buying cases of bottled water for grab and go.  I am trying to do better about having a glass of water with me as much as possible. 

We are looking forward to seeing how some of these changes may affect Pete’s health, and mine as well!    

***My next post will review Sparkling water, organic laundry detergent sheets, and organic bar shampoo & conditioner.

Our new Puronics water purification system