Drinking Hot Beverages Through Straws
Drinking through a straw protects sensitive teeth and helps keep them white. But does drinking a hot beverage with a straw put you at risk?
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Q. I find that drinking through a straw (especially darker beverages like coffee, tea, and iced tea) protects my sensitive teeth and also helps keep them white. But I’ve heard that certain plastics can be absorbed into your body and be mistaken for estrogen. Can this become an issue if I am using straws in hot beverages?
Answer. You’re right that drinking through a straw can protect teeth from stains or the enamel-eating effects of acidic beverages.
But it’s also true that plastic molecules can be absorbed into the body and there is concern that some of them may interfere with the body’s endocrine (hormonal) functions.
Heat speeds the release of these compounds from containers into foods or liquids which is why microwaving in plastic containers is not a good idea. (Same goes for storing plastic water bottles in a hot car.) By the same logic, if you’re regularly drinking hot beverages through a straw, it would probably be wise to find some paper straws—just to be on the safe side. Or, look for eco-friendly stainless steel straws.
Colored Straws photo from Shutterstock
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.