Study: BPA Disrupts Prostate Health

Bisphenol-A has seen its share of media attention, and none of it has been very positive. It’s a known endocrine disruptor still being used as a softening agent in plastics. You’re probably already aware that BPA disrupts reproductive health, which is contributing to hormonal imbalance in both women and men. BPA lines many aluminum cans and water bottles, and it has the tendency to leach into the contents of the container. A new study has exposed another startling health effect of BPA consumption–prostate cancer.

Why Men (and Everyone Else) Should Avoid BPA

According to a professor from the University of Illinois in Chicago, when scientists exposed an organoid similar to the prostate gland to very low doses of BPA, the organoid grew an overabundance of prostate stem cells. ^[1] While stem cells are present in the prostate gland, too many can raise the risk for prostate cancer. According to many theories, the more stem cells an organ has, the more likely a mutation can occur. Could BPA be one of the leading contributors to today’s cases?

BPA mimics female hormones, particularly estrogen, which means it poses a threat to men and women. Not only could it be a hidden contributing factor to prostate cancer, but research shows it may also be contributing to all forms of cancer. ^[2] Even avoiding BPA-free plastics is probably not the answer, because the alternatives to BPA appear to hold the same health risks. Bisphenol-S, for instance, is sometimes used in BPA-free plastics and BPA-free tin cans, but it isn’t the most reliable from a health standpoint. ^[3]

Ways to Avoid BPA

One of the best ways to avoid BPA is to stop using plastic containers and, instead, switch to glass or ceramic. Avoid drinking from plastic water bottles, reusable or not, and do not drink from plastic water bottles that have been sitting out in the hot sun. Heat speeds up the rate at which BPA is leached into the water. ^[4] Also, consider performing a cleanse periodically to support your overall health. Just making a simple switch for your health can go a long way, so consider using these tips the next time you are storing leftovers or beverages.

Are there any tips for avoiding BPA that we’ve missed? Please let us know in the comments!

References:

1. Esther L. Calderon-Gierszal, Gail S. Prins. Directed Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Prostate Organoids In Vitro and its Pertubation by Low-Dose Bisphenol A Exposure. PLoS One. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133238.


2. Ana M. Soto & Carlos Sonnenschein. Environmental causes of cancer: endocrine disruptors as carcinogens. Nature Reviews Endocrinology 6, 363-370 (July 2010). doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2010.87.


3. Manjumol Mathew, S. Sreedhanya, P. Manoj, C. T. Aravindakumar, and Usha K. Aravind. Exploring the Interaction of Bisphenol-S with Serum Albumins: A Better or Worse Alternative for Bisphenol A. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2014, 118 (14), pp 3832-3843. DOI: 10.1021/jp500404u.


4. Chun Z. Yang, Stuart I. Yaniger, V. Craig Jordan, Daniel J. Klein, and George D. Bittner. Most Plastic Products Release Estrogenic Chemicals: A Potential Health Problem That Can Be Solved. Environ Health Perspect. 2011 Jul 1; 119(7): 989-996. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1003220.

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How Soy Affects Reproductive Health

Soy milk, tofu, and meat substitutes are all the rage in the vegan and vegetarian community. These products provide all essential amino acids, making soy one of the few complete plant proteins on the planet. Despite soy’s high nutrient content, there are some dangers to soy that typically go unnoticed. Not only does soy contain nutritive inhibitors that prevent nutrient absorption, some research suggests that the plant may hinder thyroid health, especially in the presence of iodine deficiency. ^[1]

The Harmful Effects of Soy on Male Reproductive Health

Animal tests have previously suggested a chemical in soy can damage the male reproductive organs. This can directly impact fertility later in life, as research indicates that the phytoestrogens in soy may be a potent endocrine disruptor. ^[2] There is no evidence to suggest soy has this same effect on humans. Asia, for example, is known for its soy consumption, and reports on decreased fertility or other reproductive issues have yet to materialize.

However, researchers in the United States found that soy’s effects on rats were so severe that further testing was needed to ensure it was safe for human consumption. Scientists at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health fed pregnant rats a diet laced with genistein, a chemical found in soy. There is concern that this chemical may harm the male fetus, possibly affecting future reproduction. ^[3]

Further Research

According to a report in New Scientist magazine, scientists found that male rats exposed to high levels of genistein in the womb grew up to have larger prostate glands and smaller testes. ^[4] The rats had normal sperm counts and would behave as if they wanted to mate when placed with females. The effects were just as severe in males that did not eat genistein after weaning. They suggested that this indicated exposure in the womb and during breast feeding has the biggest impact.

The scientists also found that male rats exposed to genistein had a slightly large thymus gland, an organ that produces immune cells. This contradicts previous studies which suggested it has the opposite effect on the thymus gland. To add to the confusion, the scientists also found that moderate levels of genistein had an even bigger effect on males rats than large doses. The researchers said their findings had caused them concern.

What You Can Do

Soy is a subsidized ingredient, and the United States is the biggest producer of soybeans on the planet. Because of this, soy is in practically every processed food product from potato chips and cereal, to butter replacement and packaged tuna. In order to avoid soy at all costs, it is wise to purchase all whole foods, preparing your own meals and snacks at home. If you must purchase processed foods for convenience, choose organic and always look at the ingredients list. Fermented forms of soy, like natto and tempeh, are actually healthier and encouraged.

What are your thoughts on soy? Do you avoid it? Please share with us your thoughts in the comments!

References:

1. Doerge DR, Sheehan DM. Goitrogenic and estrogenic activity of soy isoflavones. Environ Health Perspect. 2002 Jun;110 Suppl 3:349-53.


2. Cederroth CR, Auger J, Zimmermann C, Eustache F, Nef S. Soy, phyto-oestrogens and male reproductive function: a review. In J Androl. 2002 Apr;33(2):304-16. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2009.01011.x.


3. G. H. Degen, P. Janning, P. Diel, H. Michna, H. M. Bolt. Transplacental transfer of the phytoestrogen daidzein in DA/Han rats. Archives of Toxicology. February 2002, Volume 76, Issue 1, pp 23-29.


4. Michael Le Page. Would-be mums told to avoid soya. New Scientist.