What is bispenol A—also known as BPA? 

Bisphenol A is used to make polycarbonate plastic products such as baby bottles and sippy cups, and is used in epoxy linings of cans to help to protect the safety and integrity of foods and beverages.  The FDA regulates BPA usage and believes that it is safe…

I am not so sure that I agree.  When Katie, my daughter was a baby, we used to warm her bottles in the microwave—a no, no, that we didn’t know about then. Well, she was getting hives—all the time.  At first we couldn’t correlate them to anything; they just seemed to appear out of nowhere. But then I started to suspect milk because she seemed to be getting the hives on her chest, face, hands and feet, usually around the time she'd been fed.  My mom suggested it might be heating the baby bottles that was the problem.  I immediately stopped warming her bottles in the microwave, and Katie has not had hives since the day I stopped.  Pretty incredible—she’d probably had 30 or more hive incidents that the doctor couldn't explain until we stopped warming her bottles—and I repeat, none, nada since—it’s been over 2 years.  

There is likely no way to completely eliminate BPA, but you can do things to avoid and reduce exposure.

First of all—if you are pregnant or have small children, never, ever ever warm food in the microwave using plastic. (Period).  Fetuses and babies are very susceptible to the toxic effects of BPA.  Discard baby bottles when they start to look cloudy.  You can hand wash them or keep them on the top shelf of the dishwasher as well.  If you use liquid baby formula in metal cans, switch to powder.  Check the bottom of your plastics—if they are coded with 1, 2, or 4 they do not contain BPA.  Try to reduce the number of canned foods that you feed to your children.

BPA has been linked to heart disease and diabetes in adults, too.  What can you do?  Avoid canned foods when you can, and do not use plastics that contain BPA (remember to check—1, 2, or 4). 

Some metal water bottles are lined with an epoxy-based enamel coating that could leach BPA. If possible, you should use stainless steel bottles that do not have a liner.

I just read another cancer survivor’s blog.  She’s also a second time survivor.  She was discussing her need for sugar and that she believes the quote “everything in moderation.”  That used to be me!  I used to justify my actions with the same motto—it seems logical, right?  The truth is, when it's bad for you, it's bad for you--whether or not you use moderation to cloak it under...  We all have our weakness--true!  But don't use a silly motto to keep you from the knowledge you need to build a healthier lifestyle.

Look, when you know better, do better.  (Thanks Oprah!)  Now go on, inspect your plastics and throw away the cloudy, BPA contaminated containers—especially if you’re using them for your children’s food and drink.