The Deadly Link Between BPA and PSA

If out of sight equals out of mind, then it’s safe to say that environmental toxins are one of the most dangerous threats to human health. Because make no mistake—they are hidden everywhere: in the food you eat, the air you breathe, and the everyday products you use.

Yet, because you can’t see, smell, or taste them, it’s easy to forget that they exist at all. That is, until they start to cause trouble.

And according to the results of one recently published study, the trouble for older men exposed to the notorious hormone-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) could be serious…  

What is PSA

Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced by normal, as well as malignant, cells of the prostate gland. Both prostate cancer and several benign conditions (particularly benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, and prostatitis) can cause PSA levels in the blood to rise. 

PSA is a produced by the prostate and found mostly in semen, with very small amounts released into the bloodstream. When there’s a problem with the prostate—such as the development and growth of prostate cancer—more PSA is released. Sometimes, a man’s prostate releases slightly high PSA for other reasons. Rising PSA eventually reaches a level where it can be easily detected by a blood test.

PSA is secreted through two tiny passages, called ejaculatory ducts, to mix with semen during ejaculation. PSA liquefies the semen so that sperm cells can swim freely. PSA is also thought to liquefy mucus in the female cervix so that the sperm cells can pass into the uterus.

What is BPA

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound primarily used in the manufacturing of various plastics, including polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is found in products such as shatterproof windows, eyewear, water bottles, and epoxy-coated metal food cans. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that can interfere with hormonal functions in both humans and wildlife. Due to its widespread use and persistence in ecosystems, it has become a subject of public health and environmental concern.

Research reveals a life-threatening link

As part of this recent study, researchers reviewed data from more than 2,700 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), collected between 2003 and 2012. Subjects were all older men over the age of 50.

The data included levels of BPA concentrations in urine, PSA levels, and medical records. And analysis of associations between these three factors revealed some pretty troubling trends.

For starters, researchers found clear links between urinary BPA concentrations and PSA levels in these older men, with a significant increase in PSA associated with every unit increase in BPA levels.

But that’s not all. Analysis also showed that, among older men categorized as high prostate cancer risk, every unit increase in urinary BPA concentration nearly doubled the risk of prostate cancer emergence.

Translation: Among this group of older men, at least, the link between BPA exposure, PSA levels, and ultimately, prostate cancer development couldn’t be any clearer.

Daily detox support is essential

While BPA has been banned in baby bottles and cups for some time now, it’s still one of the most ubiquitous environmental toxins you’ll encounter, most commonly in plastic food packaging and thermal receipts. (That’s right—those paper receipts can transfer BPA when you touch them.)

And while regulators may have deemed these everyday sources of exposure to be safe, studies like the one above (published this summer in the journal Nutrients) suggest quite the opposite.  

Men at high risk of prostate cancer, in particular, need to take special care to limit continued exposure to BPA wherever possible. And to provide their bodies with extra support to effectively detoxify dangerous chemicals before they cause trouble.

As we’ve explained before, regular exercise and deep breathing comprise one key strategy to enhance your body’s natural detoxification processes. That’s one reason why physical activity is a vital element of our XY Wellness roadmap.

But there are quite a few nutrients that can provide effective daily detox support, as well—because in the fight against prostate cancer, you simply can’t afford to let your guard down.

Until next time,

The XY Wellness Team