Hey, guys, new user, long-time reader here.
The level of obsessive dedication shown by many people on this site towards training, nutrition, and lifestyle, often down to the most minute details, is unquestionably impressive, and is exemplified by such advice as: “Sleep in as dark a room as possible to stimulate GH levels.” And worries about the right dextrose/maltodextrin profile in a post-workout shake. In fact, such worries, over, often trivial issues can be found all-over the forum. However, I feel that one issue, of much larger importance than your fucking stupid dextrose is being overlooked.
THE POTENTIAL DANGERS OF PLASTICS.
Indeed, you see the protein shaker attached in the image? Well, the majority (not all) of our beloved shakers are made out of a plastic called NALGENE. Nalgene bottles contain bisphenol-A (BPA,) which is an estrogen-mimicking endocrine disruptor. Indeed, strong evidence suggests that BPA has the potential to cause chromosomal disruption, miscarriages, and birth defects, and since some of you probably chug back at least three shakes a day, out of the same trusty shaker, year in year out, it could be a problem.
The other big plastic issue is with PVC containers and polystyrene, again, STAY AWAY! PVC contains dioxins that have been linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as testicular problems, and the same goes for polystyrene.
On the other hand plastic bottles are usually okay, as long as you don’t keep refilling and re-using the things, as, not only does the plastic deteriorate and leach into the water, the bottles themselves can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This is not some smart-arsed retort propagated by the water companies, to sell more bottles, by the way.
So, whilst your plastic consumption will, likely not kill you, it would be wise to limit your consumption of food from plastics whenever possible, especially until further research on the harmful effects of plastics emerges. At the very least, regularly replace your protein shakers and water bottles, and drink out of glass, not plastic; glass tastes better anyway. It’s certainly a bigger issue than the composition of your post-workout nutrition.
And lest us not forget the environmental damage plastics cause…