A fresh study has shown that chowing down on plenty of fiber-packed foods can actually help lower the levels of two common “forever chemicals” known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, specifically perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), can stick around in your body for years, according to The Guardian. It turns out that fiber is particularly good at tackling these substances, which are found in the blood of nearly every person on Earth, thanks to contaminated food, water, and consumer products.
The study’s lead author, Jennifer Schlezinger, who is an associate professor of environmental health at Boston University, is feeling pretty pumped about the findings. She mentioned that they’re still in the middle of an experiment but are already seeing some promising results. She emphasized that this approach is not only effective but also accessible and budget-friendly.
PFAS, a group of around 15,000 chemical compounds, are commonly used in firefighting foams and to make products resistant to stains, water, and sticking. These “forever chemicals” can take centuries to break down naturally, and they have been linked to a slew of serious health issues, including cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, and more. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has even stated that there is no safe level of PFOS or PFOA in drinking water, and it can take the body decades to completely eliminate these chemicals.
The researchers believe that dietary fiber may form a gel in the gut that prevents the absorption of PFAS by the gut lining cells. This gel also interferes with the absorption of bile acids, which have a similar structure to long-chain PFAS. So, by upping your fiber intake, you might just be helping your body get rid of these harmful chemicals. Schlezinger pointed out that both soluble and insoluble fibers are essential, and oat beta-glucan can also be effective, especially when consumed with meals to sync up with bile production.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on a potential strategy to combat the harmful effects of PFAS by simply tweaking your diet to include more fiber-rich foods. So, next time you’re planning your meals, don’t forget to load up on those fruits, veggies, and other fiber-packed goodies to give those pesky forever chemicals a run for their money. Better safe than sorry, right?
