HEALTH FLASH Exposure to chemical fosters anxiety

Exposure to the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) early in life tends to foster anxiety. It alters gene expression in a brain area, which detects and responds to signals of danger and threats, says a study. Researchers also found that a soyrich diet can mitigate these effects.      BPA, found in many plastic food containers and bottles, often finds its way into food and drinks. Even in low doses, it can disrupt the endocrine system and lead to obesity, breast cancer, reproductive issues, and hyperactivity.      In the study, rats were exposed to low doses of BPA during gestation, lactation (nursing) and puberty. One group of animals was fed only soy; one group a soy-free diet; one group was fed only soy and exposed to BPA; and one group was fed no soy and exposed to BPA.      Rats on soyfree diet that had been exposed to BPA exhibited higher levels of anxiety. It was also found, for the first time, gene changes within the brain associated with this condition.      Rats on soyrich diet did not exhibit anxiety — suggesting that a soy-rich diet mitigates the effects of BPA.      IANS