Alexei Volkov
Plastic is everywhere, from the food we eat to the water we drink and even the air we breathe. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, have been detected in the human bloodstream and are a pressing health crisis. While there is no scientific way to completely remove microplastics from the body, there are ways to reduce exposure and limit the amount in our bodies. This includes reducing plastic consumption, using plastic alternatives, and filtering water. Additionally, engaging in physical activities that promote sweating can help eliminate toxins from the body.
How to rid body of plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minuscule plastic particles | Often smaller than a grain of sand |
| Found in | Food, water, air, breast milk, blood, urine, liver, lung tissue, placenta, and even in remote territories like Antarctica |
| Health risks | Infertility, fetal development issues, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hormonal imbalance, chronic inflammation, reduced fertility, clogged arteries |
| Ways to reduce exposure | Use plastic-free toothpaste tablets, solid body wash, and shampoo; avoid bottled water; use water filters; use baking soda, vinegar, and water for cleaning; use HEPA filters; eat organic, unprocessed foods; exercise and sweat |
| Ways to detox | Sauna sessions, deep breathing exercises, bile secretion, dietary fiber, bile secretion, blood donation, dialysis, phospholipids |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid bottled water
Plastic water bottles are one of the main contributors of microplastics in the human body. Studies show that 93% of bottled water contains microplastics. With every single liter (33 oz) of bottled water, we consume 10 particles of microplastics.
Tap water is a major improvement over bottled water and is often healthier. However, 83% of tap water still contains microplastics and chemicals like chlorine. To remove or significantly reduce exposure to these materials, use a water filter. Filters are available both online and in many grocery stores. Install a high-quality water filtration system, such as reverse osmosis, to reduce microplastics in your drinking water.
Avoid drinking water from plastic bottles. Replace plastic containers with stainless steel or glass options, especially for hot beverages and food storage. Ensure these containers have non-BPA and non-bisphenol tops.
Heating or boiling water in plastic containers can increase the microplastic content by up to 100 times. Therefore, it is important to avoid using plastic containers for hot beverages.
By avoiding bottled water, you can significantly reduce your intake of microplastics and take a step towards a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
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Filter your water
Filtering your water is an important step in reducing your exposure to microplastics. While the full extent of the health risks posed by microplastics is not yet known, they have been linked to changes in the gut microbiome and the body's antibiotic resistance, as well as symptoms such as obesity, reproductive harm, and increased cancer risk.
There are various water filtration systems available that can effectively remove microplastics from drinking water. When choosing a filtration system, it is important to consider the size of the microplastics you want to remove. Microplastics can range from 100 nanometres to 5 millimetres in size, so a filter's micron rating should be able to capture particles within this range. Some common types of water filtration systems that can remove microplastics include reverse osmosis, distillation, and ultrafiltration. These systems have been designed to remove various contaminants from water and are effective in reducing microplastic levels.
In addition to using specialised filtration systems, there are also simple filtering methods that can be employed. For example, a stainless steel mesh, similar to those used to strain tea, can be used to remove lime-encrusted plastic particles from water. This method has been found to effectively reduce the number of nanoplastic particles in water. Another simple technique is to boil your water before filtering it. Boiling water can cause calcium carbonate, which is commonly found in tap water, to solidify and encrust plastic particles, making them easier to remove through a basic filtration process. This method has been found to remove up to 90% of microplastics, although its effectiveness depends on the type of water being used.
It is worth noting that while filtering your water can significantly reduce microplastic levels, it may not be able to eliminate them completely. Additionally, the availability and effectiveness of certain filtration methods may vary depending on your region and the quality of your water. It is always recommended to consult with experts or refer to trusted sources for specific guidance on the best filtration methods suitable for your needs.
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Improve indoor air quality
Improving indoor air quality is essential to creating a healthier home. Here are some detailed steps you can take to improve indoor air quality and reduce your exposure to microplastics:
Understand the sources of indoor air pollution: Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can be found in both indoor and outdoor air. The majority of microplastics in indoor air come from plastic fibres released by synthetic clothing and textiles used in home furnishings. Other sources include plastic toys, furniture, bags, cosmetics, toothpaste, and scrubs. Understanding these sources can help you take targeted measures to reduce your exposure.
Reduce plastic usage: Opt for natural fibres such as cotton or wool instead of synthetic clothing. Choose fresh, unpackaged foods and store them in glass or stainless steel containers. Limit the use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, straws, and bottles, and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible.
Improve ventilation and filtration: Increase the flow of outdoor air into your home by opening windows and improving ventilation. Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to capture airborne microplastics, especially in homes with synthetic carpets or furnishings. Regularly vacuum using a certified asthma and allergy-friendly vacuum to reduce the spread of allergens and improve air quality.
Minimize off-gassing: Off-gassing or outgassing refers to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from certain products, including plastics. These chemicals can be harmful, especially to children and babies. Choose low-VOC or VOC-neutral products whenever possible, and ensure proper ventilation when using products that may contain VOCs, such as paints.
Support global initiatives: Advocate for and support global initiatives aimed at reducing plastic consumption and improving waste management practices. For example, you can empower countries in their efforts to recycle plastics by supporting organizations like rePurpose Global. Additionally, promote policies that reduce emissions and plastic waste, such as the United Nations resolution to stop the flow of plastic waste into the oceans.
By following these steps and reducing your exposure to microplastics and other indoor air pollutants, you can create a healthier and more sustainable environment for yourself and your loved ones.
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Avoid plastic-packaged foods
Plastic is everywhere, and it is almost impossible to avoid it completely. However, we can take steps to reduce our exposure to plastic-packaged foods and limit the amount of plastic entering our bodies.
One of the most common ways we are exposed to plastic is through our food and drinks. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bottles, cups, and food packaging, are a significant source of microplastics. These tiny plastic particles can end up in our food and drinks, and we end up consuming them. To reduce your exposure, it is recommended to avoid plastic-packaged foods as much as possible. Choose fresh produce over pre-packaged items, and opt for glass or steel storage containers instead of plastic. You can also wash and reuse glass jars from purchased sauces and condiments.
It is also important to avoid heating food in plastic containers, as heat can cause the plastic to degrade and leach harmful chemicals into your food. This includes microwaving, putting hot food into a plastic container, and even using the dishwasher, as the temperatures can get very high. Instead, allow food to cool to room temperature before storing it, and opt for glass or ceramic containers that can handle higher temperatures.
Bottled water is another source of microplastics, with studies showing that most bottled water contains these particles. A simple solution is to switch to a reusable glass or steel water bottle and drink tap water, which has significantly less plastic contamination. If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water, consider investing in a water filter to further reduce potential exposure to microplastics and other contaminants.
While it is challenging to eliminate plastic from our lives completely, making conscious choices to reduce our reliance on plastic-packaged foods and single-use plastics can help limit our exposure to microplastics and their potential health risks.
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Support your body's detoxification
While there is currently no scientifically proven way to completely remove microplastics from your body, there are several ways to support your body's detoxification and limit your exposure to plastics.
Firstly, it is important to understand the sources of microplastic exposure. Microplastics are typically formed from the breakdown of larger plastics, and they can be found in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the
To support your body's detoxification, it is recommended to increase your fiber intake by consuming foods such as carrots, berries, apples, and nuts. Fiber facilitates gut movements and helps expel toxins from the body through defecation. Engaging in regular exercise or sauna sessions can also promote sweating, which is another effective way to eliminate toxins from the body.
Additionally, it is crucial to enhance liver and kidney function. While microplastics can accumulate in these organs and impair their detoxifying abilities, certain supplements can help reduce pressure on them. Supplements such as vitamin C, glutathione, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have antioxidant properties that can counteract the adverse effects of plastics and their pollutants.
It is also beneficial to improve indoor air quality by utilizing HEPA filters in your home to capture airborne microplastics. Installing a high-quality water filtration system, such as reverse osmosis, can significantly reduce microplastic consumption from drinking water.
Finally, it is important to lower your plastic consumption by opting for fresh, unpackaged, and organic foods whenever possible. Switch from plastic containers to stainless steel or glass options, especially for hot beverages and food storage. These simple steps can make a significant difference in reducing your exposure to microplastics and supporting your body's natural detoxification processes.
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Frequently asked questions
Opt for fresh, unpackaged foods and avoid canned foods with plastic linings.
Use wooden or reusable cups and plates, and avoid using straws.
Engage in physical activities that promote sweating, such as sauna sessions, to help eliminate toxins from your body.
Supplements such as vitamin C, glutathione, and N acetylcysteine (NAC) contain antioxidant properties that can help counteract the adverse effects of plastics and their pollutants.
Install a high-quality water filtration system, such as reverse osmosis, or use water filters available online or in grocery stores.
