According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been an increase in the prevalence of autism from one in 150 children in the year 2000 having autism to one in 44 children in 2018, with it being more prevalent in boys than girls. Today, sources estimate it at 1 in 36 children. Additionally, in adults, this prevalence is one in 45 adults (1). There are various potential causes for autism, and research is ongoing. However, some have suggested that there is a connection between plastic and autism. This article will explore the research on the connection between plastic and autism.
What Is Autism?
Autism also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is an umbrella term for a group of disabilities that affect the brain. ASD is characterized by repetitive behaviors, interests, activities, and challenges in social interactions (2). There may also be delays in language, movement skills, and cognition. Children with autism can start showing signs early on; however, it is generally identified after the age of three when these delays are more clear (3).
What Causes Autism?
The research for the causes of autism is ongoing, but there are multiple potential causes, such as :
- Gene mutations
- Advanced maternal age at the time of conception
- Prematurity or very low birth weight
- Birth difficulty leading to deprivation of oxygen
- Maternal obesity
- Diabetes in the mother
- Conditions of the immune system in the mother
- Prenatal exposure too:
- Air pollution
- Pesticides
- Plastics (4)
Why Can Plastic Be A Concern?
Plastic is a compound that is used in many different applications. One chemical that is used in the making of plastic is bisphenol A (BPA). This chemical is known to leach out and enter your body. BPA has a structure that can mimic estrogen and can disrupt processes such as:
- Growth
- Cell repair
- Energy levels
- Reproduction
- Fetal development
Plastic and Autism
There have been many studies focusing on the effect of BPA on health, as well as specific research on the connection between BPA and autism and ADHD.
One recent study looked at the enzyme aromatase. This converts a group of male sex hormones in the brain, called neuroandrogens, into neuroestrogens. In boys, the levels of this enzyme are high in the brain. This enzyme has multiple important roles including:
- The growth and development of nerve cells
- Neural plasticity
- Emotional regulation
BPA can disrupt this enzyme, preventing it from carrying out its role. This effect of BPA has been considered a key part of the development of autism (5).
The Evidence
In two large cohort studies, it was found that mothers who had high levels of BPA in their urine had a higher chance of having a boy with more ASD symptoms at two years and diagnosis at nine years. The higher levels of BPA were also associated with a genetic modification where aromatase was suppressed.
Additionally, the study went on to investigate the effect in mice. In mice, BPA suppressed aromatase, and there were anatomical, behavioral, and neurological changes in male mice that may be consistent with autism (5). While this study indicates a potential connection between plastic and autism, more research is necessary on the different doses of BPA and the mode of administration.
Another study looked at not only the link between plastic and autism but also between plastic and ADHD. It focused on mother-child pairs, 658 at age 2, and 427 at age 5. The results of this study found that BPA concentrations in the mother, even low concentrations, may increase the risk of ASD. With ADHD, there was no association between BPA and ADHD at the age of five (6).
Are There Other Ways In Which Plastic and Autism Can Be Connected?
While there is evidence linking autism and plastics due to the effects of BPA on aromatase, there is another way in which plastic can affect both adults and children. BPA is a toxin, and when your body is exposed to it, it can place stress on your body.
In your body, the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response System, consisting of six circuits of related organs, helps to manage stress. In short-term stress, this system prompts the adrenal glands to release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. When the stressor clears, so do the hormones. However, if you are consistently exposed to BPA, it can cause your body to experience consistent stress. Because this stress persists, your adrenal glands will continue to release these hormones. This can cause your adrenal glands to become depleted and cause imbalances within the NEM system, resulting in Adrenal Fatigue.
Adrenal Fatigue is a condition where the body is unable to keep up with long-term stress, and this can cause a range of different symptoms. The Neuroaffect circuit helps you to cope with mental and emotional stress. It is comprised of your brain, autonomic nervous system (ANS), and the gut microbiome. When this circuit becomes imbalanced, it can cause changes in the health of these organs and systems. Some symptoms that can arise when there is an imbalance include changes in sleep habits, anxiety, and stress.
Additionally, it can cause an imbalance in the bacteria within the gut, also known as dysbiosis. In the mother, this gut dysbiosis can cause nausea, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation. Gut bacteria imbalances in the mother before or during pregnancy may be connected to an increased prevalence of autism (7).
Plastic and Autism: What You Can Do?
The connection between plastic and autism can be scary, but there are steps you can take to reduce your use of BPA. These include (8):
- If possible, opt for glass, porcelain, or steel containers, especially for hot food.
- If you have a polycarbonate food container, do not microwave it. The high temperature can cause it to break down and may cause the BPA to leach into your food.
- If you have a plastic container, check the recycle code on the bottom. If there is a number three or seven, it may contain BPA.
- Reduce your use of canned foods.
- Use baby bottles that are BPA-free.
What Can You Do to Reduce the Effects of BPA?
While being mindful of the products you use in your day-to-day life can help, some supplements may also help your body process BPA and other toxins. One supplement that may help is LipoNano Glutathione by Dr. Lam. This supplement contains glutathione, a powerful antioxidant as well as other antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin B12, L-carnitine, and alpha lipoic acid.
In your body, BPA can start to produce unstable molecules called free radicals. These free radicals can damage your cells, causing early cell death, premature aging, and increased inflammation. Antioxidants help to neutralize these free radicals, preventing further damage to your body. Glutathione also helps to assist in the elimination of toxins by binding to the BPA molecules rather than the BPA molecules being bound to DNA. Once bound to glutathione they can be eliminated via the kidneys, liver, intestines, or lungs. While your body produces glutathione naturally, if it is consistently exposed to BPA, glutathione levels can become low. There is research that glutathione as well as other antioxidants such as vitamin E may help with BPA toxicity. However, more studies are necessary (9).
To help enhance the absorption of glutathione and increase the effects of glutathione, LipoNano Glutathione by Dr. Lam is a liposomal product, meaning it is coated with a lipid layer. This protects it from being broken down and increases the absorption of the nutrients. This supplement is available in liquid form and the serving size is one teaspoon.
Takeaway Message
While there is a connection between autism and plastics, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your children. These include preventative measures such as reducing your use of BPA products and supplementing with antioxidants if you suspect that you have been exposed to BPA.
If you have found yourself resonating with some of the symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue mentioned above and are concerned that this could impact your health, you can give us a call at +1 (714) 709-8000 for an initial call.
