Runners’ Relief
If you’re a runner, you probably know that uh-oh
feeling that makes you dash for the nearest
bathroom (or bush!). Bloating and stomach
cramps can sideline even the best of us at times.
However, a study published in the Journal of the
International Society of Sports Nutrition found
that consuming low FODMAP (fermentable
oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide
and polyol) foods curbed these symptoms in 69
percent of athletes tested.
But don’t go carb-cold-turkey; you need carbs to
fuel all your activities. Instead, consider swapping
high FODMAP foods for low ones. For instance,
trade wheat pasta for brown rice or a sweet potato,
or have an orange instead of an apple. Also, try
eliminating some common gastro triggers such as
onions and garlic and see how you fare.By Virginia Pelley thrive HEALTH
Perilous Phthalates
Phthalates are a class of chemicals found in many personal-
care products such as shampoo and lipstick, as well as in food
packaging, vinyl fl ooring and car interiors. Studies suggest that
phthalates may alter hormone function and could contribute to the
development of asthma, obesity, diabetes and infertility. However,
since phthalates are excreted from the body in about a day,
researchers don’t yet know how exposure aff ects health over time.
“We suspect there’s greater vulnerability in prenatal exposure
and exposure during puberty,” says Leonardo Trasande, M.D.,
MPP, director of the Center for the Investigation of Environmental
Hazards at New York University. “But without data on [lifetime]
exposure, it’s diffi cult to make heads or tails of the risk.”
Unfortunately, it’s pretty much impossible to avoid using
plastic or items containing phthalates since they are so
widespread, but you can be proactive about limiting your
exposure. Divine what’s safe(r) by looking at the number inside
the recycling triangle on any plastic product.by the
plastıc numbersTechno Tissues
The future has arrived: Scientists have successfully
printed a 3-D “scaff olding” that replicates and fuses with
the body’s natural tissues, supporting and helping repair
damage to cartilage and bones in your knees, ankles
and elbows. “What we’re printing is a framework that
acts like a lattice or a garden trellis,” says Sean Bittner,
a Ph.D. candidate at Rice University and a National
Science Foundation fellow. “When we surgically implant
it where cartilage and bone have been lost, it should
encourage the remaining healthy cartilage and bone
around it to grow into the scaff old like vines.”
This technology is still years away from common
use. For now, protect your connective tissues and joints
by doing a proper warm-up, practicing regular mobility
work and always using proper exercise form.1 PET or PETEPolyethylene
terephthalate is benign unless heated or
scratched, in which case it could leach
chemicals into food and beverages. It is
used in many water and juice bottles and
is recyclable.
2 HDPEHigh-density polyethylene is
used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles
and detergent containers. It has a low risk
of leaching and is recyclable.
3 PVC Vinyl or polyvinyl chloride
materials typically contain phthalates,
which are a known carcinogen and
endocrine disruptor. It is commonly found
in toys, plastic wrap, food containers,
shower curtains, lotions and candles. It is
not safe for cooking and is not recyclable.
4 LDPELow-density polypropylene
is used to make plastic grocery bags,
squeezable bottles and reusable food
containers. It is relatively safe and is
sometimes recyclable.
5 PPPolypropylene is found in yogurt
containers, baby bottles, medicine bottles
and microwave-safe containers. It is
recyclable.
6 PSPolystyrene is used to make
Styrofoam items, packing peanuts and
plastic cutlery. It has been found to
leach styrene, a neurotoxin and possible
carcinogen that has been banned in
many cities. It is very diffi cult to recycle.
7 BPA, PC (polycarbonate) or
“Other”Items in this catch-all category
contain polycarbonate, which is used
in water bottles, DVDs, computer parts
and sports equipment. PC can leach
bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor
that mimics estrogen. Most items in this
category cannot be recycled.oxygenmag.com 31
What’s in
your water
bottle —
besides
water?