A wide range of chronic diseases, including heart problems, type 2 diabetics and high blood pressure has been linked to phthalates chemicals found in food packaging and pharmaceutical drugs according to “What Doctors Won’t Tell You”

Researchers from the University of Adelaide analyzed urine sample of 1504 men, 1498 of them, or 99,6 per cent tested positive for phthalates, and those with the highest levels were more likely to suffer from one of these diseases and to have more severe symptoms as there is a direct connection between the chemicals and chronic diseases.

It was found that Phthalates interfere with the endocrine system, which controls the release of hormone that regulates growth, metabolism and sexual development. Men who had the highest levels of phthalates also had increased levels biomarkers for inflammation, which are warning signs. 

Men who were tested that had the highest levels pf phthalates also had increased levels of biomarkers for inflammation, which are warning signs of other chronic conditions including some cancers.

“What Doctors won’t Tell You” further advised that this discovery may explain why “healthy” diets that stress the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables are so important. Fresh foods are often sold loose, processed foods and carbonated drinks absorb the phthalates from their packaging or containers, which get into our bodies.

What was further interesting, 82 per cent of the men that’s was tested were overweight or obese, this is  a common condition associated with eating processed foods that are higher in sugars, but the relationship between phthalates and chronic disease was similar even after controlling weight.