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How To Avoid and Remove Microplastics In Your Body

In 2019, a study done by the University of Newcastle in Australia found that people could be ingesting a credit cards worth of plastic each week. This equals approximately 5 grams each week.

An article by R&D World countered the findings and stated that the research was flawed. But this does not mean it is not a critical issue we need to address. In this article we are going to help you understand why microplastics are so harmful and what you can do to minimize ingesting it. 

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that originate from sources like bottles, bags, cosmetics, and even clothing fibers. They typically measure less than five millimeters in size. These minuscule particles are everywhere—in oceans, soil, and even the air we breathe.

Unlike organic materials, microplastics don’t easily degrade. Instead, they accumulate, posing a significant threat to wildlife and ecosystems. These microplastics can be many different plastic types like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, to name a few.

There are two types of microplastics.

  • Primary microplastics are intentionally made products for commercial use. This includes plastic pellets, fibers and microbeads that are used in other products.
  • Secondary microplastics are created from the breakdown of larger plastic objects. This could be plastic bottles or bags that corrode over time from sunlight, saltwater or wind. 

Each type has its own properties, making it challenging to address the issue thoroughly. Microplastics is a pressing environmental issue that affects us all.

Microplastic Ingestion Rates

Studies show many different values of how much plastic we are taking in each year than the original explosive number of 5 grams per week.  The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has done a review of several existing studies and has come up with the following as an estimate for the amount of microplastics a typical person will ingest. 

  • 0.06 and 0.10 grams of plastic from drinking water.
  • 10.87 and 20.88 grams of plastic from food.
  • 7.40 and 50.71 grams of plastic from cups, boards and containers.

Another study found an “alarming” number of microplastics in brain samples. In that study, 24 of 91 samples measured on average about 0.5% plastic by weight. This number identifies the brain as “one of the most plastic-polluted tissues yet sampled.”

The reality is, understanding just how much microplastic material we are consuming is hard to assess with accuracy. But there is proven data on how it negatively affects us. So, limiting plastic in your life is the safest bet. 

water bottles on store shelf
Depositphotos

Health Risks of Microplastics

Microplastics infiltrate our bodies in ways we mightn’t even realize, raising serious health concerns. As I began to learn more about these tiny particles, I discovered they can accumulate in our organs, potentially causing inflammation and disrupting our immune systems.

Research has linked microplastics to various health issues, including respiratory problems and gastrointestinal disorders. When ingested or inhaled, these particles may carry toxic chemicals that can leach into our tissues, further complicating our well-being.

Some studies suggest that microplastics can even affect hormonal balance, leading to reproductive issues and developmental problems.

The uncertainty around the long-term effects of microplastics is alarming. While we may not yet fully understand all the risks, it’s clear that they pose a threat to our health. Studies prove we must prioritize our health by educating ourselves about microplastics and advocating for cleaner environments.

Sources of Microplastics Ingestion

Sources of microplastics ingestion include the food we consume, water we drink, air we breathe, and the personal care products we use. 

Studies have shown that seafood, particularly shellfish, can contain microplastics due to ocean pollution. Drinking water is another source. Microplastics can leach into our tap water and plastic bottles of water. It is a good habit to switch to a metal water bottle and be sure to check your cities water reports which should monitor this. 

Even the air we breathe can introduce microplastics into our system. Personal care products, like exfoliating scrubs and certain cosmetics, can also contribute. Many of these items contain microbeads, which I’ve learned aren’t always listed on labels.

Let’s look at some strategies for reducing the amount of microplastic your family ingests.

Strategies to Reduce Microplastics

Reducing microplastics from our daily lives includes minimizing purchases that contain plastic and knowing where our food comes from. While we may never be able to completely remove them because of sources out of our control, we can definitely minimize our risk. 

Always check labels before making any purchase; if you see “polyethylene” or “polypropylene,” it’s best to put it back on the shelf. The ultimate goal is to go plastic-free in as many areas of your life as possible. At first, the idea might feel overwhelming, but small changes can make a big difference. This is why I wanted to start KindHive.co, a place to share ideas and products that are all plastic-free!

Start working through the list below and make small changes until eventually you tackle all the strategies on the list. 

Personal Care and Hygiene

– Avoid microbead-containing personal care products
– Choose plastic-free cosmetics and beauty products
– Use bamboo toothbrushes over plastic ones
– Use toothpaste tablets or make your own toothpaste and store in a jar
– Choose bar soaps instead of liquid soaps in plastic bottles
– Select reusable cloth diapers instead of disposable ones

Clothing and Laundry

– Choose clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk
– Install a microfiber filter on your washing machine
– Use a laundry bag designed to catch microfibers during washing

Home and Cleaning

– Choose natural fiber carpets and curtains
– Vacuum and dust regularly using a HEPA filter
– Use natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda and learn how to make your own cleaning products that you can store in non-plastic containers
– Use natural fiber sponges or cloths for cleaning
– Choose wooden or bamboo cutting boards

Food and Drink

– Cook meals at home using whole foods
– Use reusable water bottles made of glass or stainless steel
– Filter your tap water
– Drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water
– Choose loose-leaf tea over tea bags
– Opt for fresh, unpackaged produce
– Cook meals at home using whole foods
– Reduce consumption of pre-packaged and processed foods
– Choose seafood that’s been properly cleaned and deveined
– Avoid eating shellfish whole (including digestive tract)
– Avoid synthetic waxes on fruits and vegetables
– Reduce consumption of pre-packaged and processed foods

Food Storage and Preparation

– Store food in glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers
– Don’t microwave food in plastic containers
– Avoid heating food in plastic packaging
– Use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap

Shopping and Packaging

– Avoid single-use plastics like bags, straws, and utensils
– Choose glass or paper packaging over plastic when possible
– Choose loose-leaf tea over tea bags
– When shopping online, choose retailers that use eco-friendly packaging

Can Microplastics Be Removed From The Body?

There’s no definitive method to completely remove microplastics from the body. Adopting a holistic approach that includes a healthy diet, proper hydration, regular exercise, and reducing overall plastic exposure with the methods above may help mitigate the potential risks.

Here are some recommendations for things you can try to do to remove microplastics based on current research:

  1. Fiber-rich diet: Consuming a diet high in fiber may help support the body’s natural detoxification processes, potentially including the elimination of microplastics.
  2. Organic foods: Choosing organic produce may reduce exposure to microplastics, as these foods are less likely to have come into contact with plastic-based chemicals.
  3. Detoxifying foods: Some studies suggest that certain foods like leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables may help support the body’s detoxification processes
  4. Filtered water: Using water filtration systems can help reduce exposure to microplastics in drinking water.
  5. Boiling water: A recent study found that boiling tap water could remove up to 90% of microplastics in hard water and up to 25% in soft water.
  6. Chlorella and spirulina supplements: These algae supplements may bind to and eliminate toxins.
  7. Activated charcoal: It has shown effectiveness in removing BPA from the digestive system

Scientists are actively investigating ways to remove microplastics from the human body. Some promising areas of research include:

  • Probiotic interventions: Studies are exploring how probiotics might help protect against microplastic toxicity.
  • Plant-based flocculants: Research is being conducted on using plant extracts (e.g., okra, aloe) to remove microplastics from water, which could potentially be applied to human health

As research progresses, more effective strategies may emerge. In the meantime, focusing on prevention by reducing plastic use and exposure remains crucial.

Sources:
R&D World
The University of Newcastle
Environmental Working Group
National Institute of Health
Association of American Medical Colleges
Medical News Today

 

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