Dad's Diet Before You Were Born: A Hidden Health Risk
Plastics are everywhere. They are in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. But did you know that these tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, can affect your health before you are even born?
The Impact on Future Generations
Recent research shows that what your dad ate before your birth might have an impact on your health today.
- Scientists found that mice exposed to microplastics had offspring with health issues.
- These problems included:
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Extra body fat
- All of these can lead to serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
The study also found that female mice were more affected than male mice:
- Female mice had less muscle mass.
- Male mice had less fat mass.
How Microplastics Affect Health
Microplastics can:
- Change how genes work: They can turn genes on or off, leading to health problems.
- Cause damage to the liver.
- Suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of cancer and other diseases.
The Worst Offenders
The most harmful plastics include:
- PTFEs (the chemical name for Teflon)
- Polystyrene (like styrofoam)
These plastics are often found in:
- Food packaging
- Cleaning tools
A Wake-Up Call
This research is a wake-up call. It shows that both parents' environments can affect the health of their children.
Men planning to have children should consider reducing their exposure to harmful substances like microplastics. This can protect both their health and that of their future children.
