When you grab a can of soda, energy drink, or even a so-called “health” drink, you probably aren’t thinking about the chemicals that could be leaking into your beverage. However, the truth is that most aluminum cans are lined with plastic and that lining can leach toxic substances into the drink you’re consuming. These toxins don’t just affect your overall health—they could be doing significant harm at the cellular level.

Let’s examine how the hidden plastic linings inside aluminum cans and other food containers could be compromising your cellular health and what you can do to protect yourself.

Aluminum Cans: The Hidden Plastic Layer

Aluminum cans are often marketed as a better alternative to plastic bottles, but they are actually lined with plastic, typically a form of epoxy resin. This plastic lining prevents the liquid inside from reacting with the metal of the can, but it introduces its own dangers. One of the primary concerns is the leaching of Bisphenol A (BPA), or similar compounds like BPS and BPF, into the beverages.

These endocrine disruptors interfere with your body’s natural hormone functions. When you consume a drink from a plastic-lined can, these hormone-disrupting chemicals can reach your cells and interfere with critical processes like:

• Cell signaling: Hormones help regulate everything from metabolism to growth and development. Disrupted cell signaling can throw your entire system off balance.
• Detoxification: Your cells work hard to detoxify your body, but exposure to these chemicals can impair their ability to do so efficiently.
• Mitochondrial function: The mitochondria, often called the “powerhouses” of your cells, may be compromised by these toxins, leading to reduced energy production.

The more cans you consume, the more these chemicals can build up in your body, potentially leading to chronic conditions, hormonal imbalances, and even reproductive health issues.

The Plastic Problem Doesn’t Stop with Aluminum Cans

It’s not just your soda or energy drink you need to worry about. Many other common packaging materials are lined with plastic, and these linings can leach similar toxins into your food. For example:

• Canned foods like vegetables, soups, and fruits are often lined with plastic. Even if the label claims “BPA-free,” other chemicals used in place of BPA may still pose significant risks.
• Refrigerated milk cartons are typically lined with polyethylene plastic—up to 20% of the carton’s structure is plastic.
• Shelf-stable cartons (used for items like broth or plant-based milk) are often lined with even more plastic, about 22%.

All of these packaging materials have the potential to leach harmful chemicals into the food or drinks they contain. These chemicals then enter your system and affect your cells’ ability to function optimally.

How Plastic-Lined Packaging Affects Cellular Health

When you consume food or drinks from plastic-lined packaging, the chemicals from these plastics can accumulate in your body and disrupt cellular processes. Over time, this can lead to:

• Hormonal imbalances: Chemicals like BPA, BPS, and BPF can mimic your body’s natural hormones, causing confusion in your cells and leading to health issues like infertility or thyroid dysfunction.
• Increased inflammation: These toxins in your system can cause chronic low-grade inflammation, impairing your cells’ ability to repair and regenerate.
• Reduced detoxification: Constant exposure to harmful chemicals can overwhelm your body’s detoxification pathways, especially those in the liver and kidneys, making it harder for your cells to remove toxins effectively.

This accumulation of toxins may also interfere with your body’s natural healing mechanisms, making it harder to recover from illness and maintain optimal health.

Safer Alternatives for Protecting Your Cells from Aluminum Cans

Thankfully, you don’t have to settle for plastic-lined cans and cartons. There are safer, non-toxic options available that can help protect your cellular health:

1. Glass Containers: Glass is one of the safest materials for storing food and drinks, as it doesn’t leach harmful chemicals. Choose glass containers for water, beverages, and pantry staples like sauces and soups.
2. Fresh or Frozen Foods: Instead of reaching for canned goods opt for fresh or frozen alternatives. Frozen vegetables and fruits maintain the most nutrients and eliminate the risk of plastic exposure.
3. Homemade Alternatives: Make your own stocks, broths, and sauces at home and store them in glass containers. This reduces your exposure to plastic and allows you to control the ingredients and ensure you’re consuming only what you want. Homemade options are often more nutrient-dense and free of the preservatives and additives commonly found in store-bought products.

1. Dried Goods: For items like beans, lentils, and grains, choose dried options instead of canned. These can be easily prepared at home and stored without exposure to harmful chemicals from plastic-lined packaging.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Cellular Health from Hidden Toxins

Your cells are the building blocks of your health, and what you consume directly impacts how well they function. You can take an important step in protecting your cellular health by reducing your exposure to plastic-lined packaging—whether in aluminum cans, cartons, or canned goods. Opt for glass, fresh, and homemade alternatives whenever possible to minimize the toxic load on your body and support optimal cell function.

Remember, it’s not just the food or drink that matters—it’s what it’s packaged in. By being mindful of the hidden plastics in your daily routine, you can safeguard your cells and fuel your body with the clean, non-toxic nourishment it needs.

References:

1. Deshwal, Gaurav Kr., and Narender Raju Panjagari. “Review on Metal Packaging: Materials, Forms, Food Applications, Safety and Recyclability.” Journal of Food Science and Technology, vol. 57, no. 7, July 2020, pp. 2377–92. PubMed Central.
2. Deshwal, Gaurav Kr., and Narender Raju Panjagari. “Review on Metal Packaging: Materials, Forms, Food Applications, Safety and Recyclability.” Journal of Food Science and Technology, vol. 57, no. 7, July 2020, pp. 2377–92. PubMed Central.
3. Claudio, Luz. “Our Food: Packaging & Public Health.” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 120, no. 6, June 2012, pp. a232–37. PubMed Central.
4. Mitchell, Diane C., et al. “Consumption of Dry Beans, Peas, and Lentils Could Improve Diet Quality in the US Population.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol. 109, no. 5, May 2009, pp. 909–13. PubMed.