While drinking plenty of water in summers is a must, a recent study has revealed that drinking water from re-filled plastic bottles can harm your endocrine system and physical health
Drinking water from re-filled bottles can interfere with your sex-hormones
HIGHLIGHTS
- The chemical-BPA (Bisphenol) is used in the manufacture of plastic bottle
- BPA has the potential to migrate to beverages
- The bacteria instantly mixes with stored water
Summers are in big swing and you will see many health advisories asking you to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. But a recent study has revealed that drinking water after re-filling used plastic bottles can be severely harmful. According to the study, the plastic bottles aren't manufactured in a way that it can be re-filled after use and this creates a conducive environment for the harmful bacteria to grow and re-produce itself. The bacteria instantly mix with stored water and therefore can cause you many harmful diseases.
The Study
The study conducted by the Treadmill Reviews analysed a plastic bottle re-used by an athlete for one week only to find that there were more than 900,000 bacterial colonies that bred inside the bottle which is worryingly more than what you find on your toilet seat. The researchers also found that 60% of the germs produced inside the bottle can make you fall prey to many health hazards.
The chemical-BPA (Bisphenol) is used in the manufacture of plastic bottles to soften it and make it long-lasting. This compound however, mixes with water to produce chemical complexes which can interfere with your body's sex-hormones affecting both your sexual as well as physical health.
According to Dr Marilyn Glenville, BPA is a chemical which affects the ovulation process in women and increase risk of hormonally driven problems like PCOS, breast cancer, endometriosis and many such things. The chemical particularly leads to dysfunctioning of the endocrine system of the body and affects the hormonal balance. The study has also revealed that BPA has the potential to migrate to beverages.
Alternatives to Plastics?
There are many ways through which you can prevent the injunction of BPA in your daily water and food intake.
1. One way is to not re-use the already used plastic bottle and recycle it later so that the environment is also protected.
2. Another way is to buy BPA-free bottles where you can store drinking water for long hours without allowing it to produce harmful chemicals.
3. Health experts advise to use bottles made out of glass or stainless steel bottles instead of normal plastic bottles.
DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.
