Plastic gets a bad rap. As it should. Plastic leads to heart attacks and strokes, cancer and brain disorders. You name the health concern, and plastic is a possible cause. It is one of many environmental toxins.

Based on the review “Effect of bisphenol A on the neurological system: a review update” published in the Archives of Toxicology, here are 10 ways BPA from plastic can impact brain health:

1. Oxidative Stress: BPA exposure increases oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain, leading to cellular damage and impaired brain function.

2. Gene and Protein Expression Change*: BPA alters the expression levels of several crucial genes and proteins involved in brain development and function.

3. Neurotransmitter Disruption: BPA has destructive effects on neurotransmitters, which are essential for communication between neurons.

4. Excitotoxicity and Neuroinflammation: BPA exposure can cause excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation, damaging neurons and brain tissue.

5. Blood–Brain Barrier Damage: BPA damages the blood-brain barrier, which normally protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood.

6. Neuronal Damage and Apoptosis: BPA promotes neuronal damage and apoptosis (programmed cell death), leading to loss of brain cells.

7. Intracellular Calcium Disruption: BPA disrupts intracellular calcium homeostasis, which is critical for neuron function and health.

8. Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthesis: BPA inhibits the synthesis of nitric oxide, a molecule important for neural communication and blood flow regulation in the brain, leading to potential impairments in brain function and health.

9. Microglial DNA Damage and Astrogliosis: BPA induces DNA damage in microglial cells and promotes astrogliosis, an abnormal increase in the number of astrocytes due to the destruction of nearby neurons, contributing to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

10. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: BPA exposure leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, impairing the energy production necessary for proper neuronal function and contributing to neurodegenerative processes.

These impacts highlight the neurotoxic effects of BPA and the importance of minimizing exposure to protect brain health.

The next thing you need to do is get tested for plastic. We use the Vibrant Envirotoxin test, looking at 39 different envirotoxins including BPA and phthalates from plastic. 

Don’t miss out on this one.