It seems that not only do we have to be careful with the type of food we eat, we also have to be aware of how it is cooked. New research released from scientists at the University of Exeter has linked a chemical commonly used in non-stick cookware with an increased risk of thyroid disease.
In a large study involving nearly 4000 participants it has been found that women with high blood concentrations of a chemical called perflourooctanoic acid (PFOA) were more than twice as likely to have thyroid disease. It was shown that men in study with higher concentrations of showed a similar trend although the difference was not as statistically significant.
There has long been a suspicion that PFOA concentrations may be linked to changes in thyroid hormone levels. This research shows that there is a solid statistical link between higher concentrations of PFOA’s in the blood and thyroid disease.
PFOA is widely used in the home to repel grease, water and stains and is used in many well known brands such as Teflon non-stick cookware, Scotchgard upholstery treatments and Gore-tex weather proof clothing. The main exposure is thought to be through the diet. It is also found in the grease proof wrapping used in fast food packaging and there is some suggestion that it could be ingested along with the food.
The thyroid gland is found in the neck and acts like a master gland, sending out hormones that effect the metabolism. Thyroid disease most commonly affects women. Symptoms of an under active thyroid include weight gain, hair loss, depression and fatigue,whereas symptoms of an overactive thyroid include weight loss, agitation, insomnia and heart palpitations.
The researchers have stressed that more studies need to be done to identify the exact mechanism of action. They have suggested that it is plausible that PFOA’s could disrupt the binding of thyroid hormones or alter the way they are metabolized by the liver.
We know that thyroid disease is commonly caused by an autoimmune response where the body’s immune system attacks the gland, we also know that oxidative stress is a common driver of thyroid disease. The Natural Medicine approach to thyroid disease works to modulate the immune response and address oxidative damage.
The Australian Government’s national Institute of Chemical Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) advises that normal cooking temperatures should not release PFOA, but fumes are released at extremely high temperature. In 2007 NICNAS warned that non-stick cookware should not be overheated or left unattended on a stove top.
In America the US Food and Drug Administration has entered into a voluntary agreement with manufacturers to phase out the use of PFOAs in the next few years.
Last year the chemical was added to the Stockholm Convention list of persistent organic pollutants, to which Australia is a signatory. The Canberra Times has reported that the use of PFOAs in Australia will be eliminated by 2015.
PFOA are very persistent chemicals that build up in the environment and in wildlife, there is increasing evidence that PFOAs cause cause subtle long-term health problems in animals, including liver problems and cancer.
Steps are in place to ban PFOAs in Australia and other parts of the world, but what are you using in the kitchen at the moment? As we all know cookware breaks down over time, although we are advised never to use metal scourers or metal implements with non-stick cookware they often get scratched which accelerates the breakdown of their non-stick surface. So how do we protect ourselves from this harmful chemical?
Here are some suggestions I hope you find useful;
- Avoid using non-stick cook ware
- Use cast iron cookware
- Avoid eating fast food food that comes packaged in grease proof wrapping
- Avoid using fabric and carpet sprays
If you or someone you know is suffering from thyroid disease and would like to know more about Natural Medicine treatment or if you would like further information on how to avoid harmful chemicals in the home make and appointment today.