CW Vol 2. Ed. 9 - Sip Safe: Unmasking Toxins in Your Cup
Sip Smart: Are Your Drink Containers Hiding Toxins
Many people love a morning coffee, iced water on the go, or that quick tea break to recharge. But have you ever thought about what’s really in your cup? It turns out that the plastic bottles we use for cold drinks and the coated paper cups for hot beverages might be serving up more than just refreshment—they could be sneaking tiny toxins into your system. Let’s break it down and explore how to sip smarter for our health!
The Plastic Problem: Cold Drinks in Bottles & Cups
Plastic bottles and cups (think your go-to water bottle or that iced latte cup) are super convenient, but they’re often made with materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP). These plastics can release microplastics and chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) or phthalates into your drink, especially if the bottle’s been sitting in a hot car or reused too many times.
What’s the risk? Studies suggest these tiny particles and chemicals might mess with your hormones, build up in your body over time, or even increase inflammation. While the amounts are small, they add up—especially if you’re sipping from plastic daily.
Alarming fact: One study found that a single plastic water bottle could contain hundreds of thousands of microplastic particles. Yikes!
Hot Drinks & Coated Paper Cups: A Hidden Catch
Love your coffee or tea in a to-go paper cup? Here’s the twist: most of these cups are lined with a thin layer of plastic (usually polyethylene) to keep them from leaking. When you pour in hot liquid (think 185-194°F or hotter), that lining can break down, releasing microplastics, heavy metals (like lead or cadmium), and other nasties into your brew.
How much? Research shows that just 15 minutes of hot water in a coated paper cup can release about 25,000 microplastic particles—plus billions of even smaller nanoplastics. That’s a lot of uninvited guests in your drink!
Why it matters: These particles might act like carriers, bringing along toxins that could affect your gut, immune system, or even long-term health.
What Can You Do? Simple Swaps for a Healthier Sip:
Here are some easy, practical tips to cut down on these sneaky toxins:
Switch to Reusables: Invest in a stainless steel or glass water bottle for cold drinks and a ceramic or steel mug for hot ones. They’re toxin-free, durable, and eco-friendly!
Wash Before Use: If you must use a disposable cup, rinse it with water first—studies show this can reduce microplastic release by up to 65%.
Keep It Cool: Avoid leaving plastic bottles in hot places (like your car) to limit chemical leaching.
Go Loose Leaf: Skip tea bags (yep, some have plastic too!) and brew loose-leaf tea in a metal strainer instead.
Team Up for Change: Work with your crew—brainstorm ways to keep hydrated on site - while minimizing toxin exposure! Share your good ideas!
For a deeper dive, click here.
2/26/2025
CW Vol 2. Ed. 5 - The Dangers of Sugary (Natural and Artificial) Energy Drinks
Energy Boost or Health Drain?: While energy drinks are a common go-to for a burst of energy, these beverages often contain excessive sugar, artificial ingredients, and high levels of caffeine that can negatively impact your health. Regular consumption has been linked to: weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and energy crashes that leave you feeling more fatigued than before.
Additionally, energy drinks often contain artificial sweeteners and additives such as aspartame, sucralose, and synthetic B vitamins that may contribute to digestive issues, mood swings, and even metabolic disorders. According to Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS, a certified doctor of natural medicine, chiropractor, and clinical nutritionist, consuming these ingredients over time can increase the risk of insulin resistance and negatively impact gut health.
Sugar Overload: What is in Your Drink?: Here’s a breakdown of the sugar content in some of the most popular energy drinks:
Red Bull (8.4 oz can): 27 grams of sugar = 6.75 teaspoons Monster Energy (16 oz can): 54 grams of sugar = 13.5 teaspoons
Rockstar Energy (16 oz can): 63 grams of sugar = 15.75 teaspoons
Celsius Energy (16 oz can): 0 grams of sugar, but it is sweetened with sucralose!
To put this into perspective, the American Heart Association recommends a daily sugar intake of no more than 9 teaspoons for men or 6 teaspoons for women. Just one can of your favorite energy drink can easily exceed this limit. Excess sugar intake has also been linked to inflammation, hormone imbalances, and an increased risk of cancer, as highlighted in Dr. Axe’s research.
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener about 600 times sweeter than sugar. While marketed as a zero-calorie alternative, research suggests that sucralose may contribute to increased blood pressure, elevated glucose levels, and negative effects on gut health, insulin response, and metabolism over time.
For better energy solutions and smart strategies to cut back on energy drinks, click here!
1/29/2025
CW Vol 2. Ed. 4 - Say Goodbye to Red Dye #3 – What You Need to Know About This Colorful Culprit!
Red Dye #3: What You Need to Know: After more than 30 years of being banned in cosmetics (yes, you read that right—three decades!), Red Dye #3 is finally getting the boot from our food supply.
The FDA has given manufacturers up to three years to say goodbye to this controversial colorant. It's about time, right?With growing concerns about its health effects, we can all breathe a little easier knowing that safer food options are on the horizon.
What is Red Dye #3: Red Dye #3, also known as Erythrosine, is a synthetic food coloring used to give a bright pink or red hue to various processed foods and pharmaceuticals. It is derived from petroleum and has been widely used in the food industry for decades. Despite being banned in cosmetics due to health concerns, it has remained in food products—until now.
Where is Red Dye #3 Hiding?: If you've got a sweet tooth, brace yourself—Red Dye #3 has been lurking in some of our favorite treats for years. Some common culprits include:
Candy (yes, think gummy bears, lollipops, and fruit chews)
Baked Goods (those colorful cakes and cupcakes we love)
Snack Foods (fruit snacks and gelatin desserts)
Breakfast Items (hello, sugary cereals and toaster pastries)
Beverages (some sports drinks and flavored beverages)
Oral Medications!
The Not-So-Sweet Side of Red Dye #3: Let’s talk about the real reason we’re saying goodbye—Red Dye #3 has been linked to some pretty serious health concerns, such as:
Cancer Risk: Studies in animals suggest it might contribute to thyroid tumors. Yikes!
Hyperactivity in Kids: If your little ones get extra bouncy after a sugary treat, this dye might be to blame.
Allergic Reactions: It can trigger rashes and sensitivities in some people.
Endocrine Disruption: Long-term exposure could mess with your hormones.
Other Sneaky Food Dyes to Watch For: Red Dye #3 isn't the only bad actor in the lineup. Some other artificial dyes still on the market include:
Red Dye #40: Linked to hyperactivity and allergic reactions.
Yellow Dye #5 (Tartrazine): Known to cause allergic responses and behavioral issues.
Blue Dye #1 & #2: Potential links to cancer (yep, even blue isn't safe!).
Yellow Dye #6: Possible carcinogenic effects and allergy triggers.
Healthier (and Tastier!) Alternatives: Don't worry—ditching artificial dyes doesn’t mean boring food. Try these natural, vibrant alternatives instead:
Fruits and Vegetables: Beets, carrots, and turmeric bring bright, natural color.
Spices: Paprika and saffron for rich, natural hues. Plant-Based Dyes: Spirulina and annatto are great options.
Certified Organic Products: Look for those trustworthy labels that promise no artificial additives.
For a link to this Newsletter and an informative podcast about Red Dye #3, click here!
1/22/2025
CW Vol 2. Ed. 3 - Ditch the Plastic: Why Glass Food Storage is a Healthy Game-Changer
Glass - A Healthier Option: Glass containers are made from non-toxic materials, ensuring your food remains free from harmful chemicals. Unlike some plastics, glass doesn’t leach chemicals into your food when heated. This makes glass a safer option for microwave use or storing acidic foods like tomato sauce. Eliminating chemical exposure in your daily food storage is a simple yet impactful step toward better health.
Superior Food Preservation: Glass containers create a tight seal when paired with high-quality lids, keeping your food fresher for longer. They’re also less likely to retain odors, ensuring your meals always taste their best. Maintaining food quality is key to both health and satisfaction. Bonus: you won’t have to play “guess the leftovers” every time you open the fridge!
The Dangers of Using Plastic: Plastic containers, especially when used to reheat foods, pose significant health risks. Many plastics contain chemicals such as BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, which can leach into food when exposed to heat. Studies suggest that prolonged exposure to these chemicals may disrupt hormones, increase the risk of certain cancers, and contribute to other health issues. Even plastics labeled "microwave-safe" can release microplastics and other harmful substances during heating.
Additionally, reheating food in plastic can alter its taste and quality, as the materials can absorb and retain odors and stains. Switching to glass eliminates these risks, providing a safer and more enjoyable way to store and reheat your meals.
For tips on transitioning to glass and to access articles linked to this topic, click here!
1/15/2025
CW Vol 2. Ed. 2 - Teflon Cookware
Non-stick cookware, typically coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, has been a kitchen staple for decades. While these products offer convenience and ease of cleaning, they come with risks:
Toxic Fumes at High Temperatures: Overheating your non-stick pan can release fumes that may cause flu-like symptoms (called "polymer fume fever”). These fumes can also harm birds, so if you have feathered friends, take extra care—or better yet, swap that pan!
Environmental Concerns: The production of Teflon involves per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are persistent environmental pollutants linked to health risks. Food packaging and firefighter foams also contain PFAS!
Wear and Tear: Scratches or peeling on the non-stick surface might lead to tiny particles ending up in your food. While the long-term effects are still unclear, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Click here to read the health risks of non-stick chemicals and swaps if you are ready to find healthier alternatives!
1/8/2025
CW Vol 2. Ed. 1 - Cleaning Products
Did you know that what’s lurking under your sink might be more harmful than helpful? Traditional cleaning products often come packed with ingredients we can barely pronounce—phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde releasers—that sound more like science experiments than household helpers. While they might scrub a surface, they could also irritate our lungs, disrupt our hormones, or leave a toxic trail behind. These endocrine disruptors can also have a direct effect on respiratory pathways in our noses and cause allergies and asthma. Yikes!
But here’s the good news: cleaning doesn’t have to be the culprit of poor indoor air quality. Karalynne Call, founder of Just Ingredients, emphasizes the importance of choosing non-toxic, natural cleaning alternatives to reduce exposure to these harmful substances.
Click here to read more and learn about swaps for toxic cleaners!
1/1/2025