Fertility/Egg Health: BPA & Folate

Did you know something you may use every day can affect fertility? BPA has been shown to affect egg health and thus fertility.

BPA stands for bisphenol A which is a chemical that is used in certain plastics and resins since the 1950s.  It has been banned from being used in baby bottles & sippy cups by the FDA since 2012 because of its known side effects.  Evidence suggests that women who have higher levels of BPA in their system were less likely to have eggs that fertilize when doing IVF & fewer eggs retrieved- but this affects all women trying to conceive. 

But, there is good news! Research has also found that consuming natural folate can cancel out the effects of BPA- folate from supplements did not make a difference.  Consuming 400mcg of natural folate from food has been shown to cancel out the effects of BPA. Our body needs folate to make DNA and other genetic material. It improves the quality of egg health,  increases progesterone levels, and reduces the risk of ovulation disorders. 

We cannot totally avoid all BPA, but a reduction can help overall fertility health, especially 3-4 months before egg retrieval/conception. I tend to lean heavily into everything in moderation. I do not want people who are focusing on improving their egg health to feel like they have to become obsessed with eliminating BPA. It is important to be mindful of the following.

1. Reducing exposure with simple changes (i.e.switching from storing your leftovers and food from plastic to glass.

2. Increasing folate via diet food rather than supplements 

Here are some easy changes to reduce BPA

1. Try and avoid reusable plastic food storage containers and stick to glass & stainless steel

2. Use a glass or stainless steel water bottle- avoid plastic ones (single-use and reusable) 

3. Swap plastic for stainless steel colander and tea kettles

4. Use glass bowls or storage containers when microwaving food.

5. Opt for digital receipts with able as paper ones have BPA

6. Increase Folate via diet-  berries, oranges, spinach, broccoli, kale, lentils, avocado, and cauliflower

Attached is a Great Recipe I have made in the Instant Pot. This recipe is from Better Homes & Gardens Soups and Strews Winter Warm-Ups magazine  

French Onion Soup with Lentils and Kale

2 Tbsp. butter
4cups thinly sliced sweet
onions
1 32-oz. carton reduced-
sodium beef broth
1cup water
1 cup black or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
3 Tbsp. dry white wine
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
⅕ tsp. black pepper
¼ tsp. salt
2 to 3 cups coarsely chopped fresh kale

1. Using the sauté setting of a 6-at. electric pressure cooker, melt butter in pot. Add onions and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until tender and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in the next seven ingredients (through salt). Lock lid in place. Set on high pressure to cook
8 minutes.
3. Release pressure quickly according to the manufacturer's directions. Open the lid carefully.
Stir in kale and let stand
5 minutes.
Makes 6 servings (1 cup each).