Ever since most of us can remember, we’ve been tossing our leftovers into whatever container happened to be clean, usually plastic. (Anyone remember Tupperware parties?) We rarely stop to think about what our food sits in because life is crazy and convenience usually wins.
However, did you know that the container you choose can actually impact what ends up in your body?
Once you understand the why, this becomes one of the simplest places to start making meaningful wellness shifts.
What are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)?
In simple terms, EDCs are chemicals that interfere with your hormones. Hormones are the body’s messengers. They help regulate everything from your mood, energy, and metabolism to your stress response, digestion, fertility, and sleep.
When hormones are imbalanced, you feel it everywhere. Sometimes subtly through low energy and mood swings, and sometimes more loudly through blood sugar swings, irregular menstrual cycles, and increased stress sensitivity.
Most plastics contain hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates. And while many products advertise as “BPA-free,” that doesn’t necessarily mean safer. Often, BPA is simply replaced with a close chemical cousin that may behave in similar ways.
In fact, a landmark 2019 study from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that participants who switched from plastic to stainless steel or glass for just three days saw a significant drop in BPA and phthalate levels in their urine. Let’s say that again: three days! This is how quickly your body responds to reducing exposure, which means your small swaps truly matter.
How do these chemicals end up in your food?
Plastic isn’t as stable as we’d like to think. Everyday habits can make it easier for the chemicals to migrate from container into your food.
Here are some examples:
- Heating food: microwaving plastic or filling it with soup or hot foods.
- Wear and tear: old, scratched, or warped containers leach more.
- Acidic or oily foods: foods like tomato sauce, dressings, and soups can pull chemicals out of plastic more easily.
These examples aren’t meant to spark fear. They’re simply a reminder that tiny changes can protect hormonal health and support your longevity in a really accessible way.
Why choose glass or stainless steel as alternatives?
Glass and third-party tested stainless steel are safer alternatives because:
- They don’t leach EDCs into your food.
- They last much longer, reducing waste and replacement purchases.
- They keep flavors fresher (no plastic aftertaste).
- Glass makes reheating safer and easier.
- Stainless steel is lightweight and perfect for packed school lunches or meals on the go.
Think of these as containers that support your health rather than asking your body to go into detox mode!
How does reducing chemical exposure support your health?
Even small reductions in EDC exposure can support more stable energy, a calmer mood, better metabolic and digestive health, hormonal health and fertility, and reduce inflammation. It can also promote a steadier stress response, something that we can all benefit from!
Where do I start to make these changes?
You don’t need to fully overhaul your kitchen, but small steps go a long way:
- Swap your most-used plastic containers for glass or stainless steel.
- Avoid microwaving plastic, even types advertised as “BPA-free.”
- Utilize your mason jars! They’re great for soups, smoothies, overnight oats, and snacks.
- Invest in a good quality stainless steel or glass water bottle.
Pack your kids’ lunches in a stainless steel lunchbox rather than a plastic one.
By: Melanie Samuels & Melissa Coulier, Co-Founders of Live Well Lead Well.
