Microplastics and nanoplastics (smaller particles of microplastics) are present throughout our environment, including in our water and food. Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPNs) are produced through the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as water bottles, food packaging, and synthetic clothing. A major source of MPNs exposure occurs through ingestion is both bottled and tap water.
Microplastic exposure has been linked to oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endocrine & microbiome disruption. Some of the reasons why microplastics and nanoplastics are problematic, include:
- Getting trapped in the mucosal lining of the gut, resulting in inflammation
- Becoming lodged in white blood cells, contributing to autoimmune conditions
- Becoming embedded in arterial walls and stroke related blood clots, individuals with microplastics embedded in carotid arterial plaque have a 4.5-fold higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death compared with patients without MPNs
- Crossing the blood brain barrier – a recent study found microplastic concentrations are 7 to 30 times higher in the brain than other organs (e.g., kidney or liver)
- Emerging evidence links individuals with dementia having higher concentrations of MPNs in brain tissue
- Contributing to endocrine disruption – affecting the thyroid, adrenals, sex hormones, blood sugar regulation and weight
Ways to Reduce MPNs Exposure
- Avoid plastic water bottles & other plastic drinks
- Enjoy a whole foods diet, ultra processed foods have repeated exposure to MPNs due to packaging, machinery and storage materials used during manufacturing
- Store leftovers in glass containers, never store food in plastic containers in the freezer or heat in the microwave as this increases the leaching of plastic into our food
- Be mindful of the Dirty Dozen produce that retain higher amounts of pesticides, which can contain MPNs
- Consume filtered water that removes MPNs
- Avoid plastic cutting boards, utensils & straws. I keep a set of real utensils in the glove box of my car, for easy access when I am out and about
Ways to Mitigate MPNs Exposure
- Avoiding an abundance of seed oils, helps to keep our membranes healthy and intact (i.e., harder for MPNs to cause damage). The nutrient phosphatidylcholine helps to repair cellular and mitochondrial membranes. Foods high in phosphatidylcholine include: egg yolks, meat, poultry, sunflower seeds and soybeans.
- Incorporate polyphenols into your meals- dark berries, low sugar fruits, leafy greens, a colorful variety of vegetables, herbs and spices. This helps our bodies become more resilient to MPNs explore.
- Okra and fenugreek help to remove microplastics from extracellular fluid at a rate of 80-95%.
- Bovine liver aids in removing MPNs from the kidneys, and is high in phosphatidylcholine.
- Enzymes help break down MPNs in the blood stream, preventing them from lingering and potentially contributing to an immune reaction.
- Glutathione (the master antioxidant) helps cells detox MPNs.
- Red light therapy also helps to detox cells.
- Supplemental microplastic detox products (containing many of the nutrients list above and more) can be taken a couple times a year. I really like Kingdom Health Science’s product.