Reducing Microplastic Buildup – Intake and Excretion:

• Microplastic pollution has become a significant environmental and health concern in recent years, and reducing microplastic buildup as become a major concern. The widespread use of plastic products, especially single use items, has led to an alarming increase in plastic waste. Plastic waste constitutes a substantial portion of environmental pollution. According to UNESCO, plastic waste accounts for 80% of all marine pollution, with approximately 8 to 10 million metric tons ending up in the oceans annually.

   

  Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have been detected in various environments, including oceans, rivers, and the air we breathe. Microplastics are also found in human blood samples, raising concerns about potential health implications. These plastics can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage, leading to serious health issues.

   

  While recycling is often promoted as a solution to plastic pollution, the reality is more complex. Many plastics are not recyclable due to their composition or contamination with food or other waste. This inefficiency underscores the need for reducing microplastic buildup and consumption at the source.

   

  Beyond environmental concerns, microplastic exposure poses direct health risks. Chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, commonly found in plastic products, can leach into food and beverages, especially when containers are exposed to heat or used repeatedly. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions and increased cancer risk.

   

  Reducing intake of microplastics:

  1. Water Consumption:
  Switching from plastic bottled water to filtered tap water reduces one of the most significant sources of  microplastic intake. A study highlighted by the New York Post found that this simple change can reduce annual microplastic consumption from about 90,000 to 4,000 particles per year, making this one of the most impactful interventions.
  2. Dietary Choices:
  Opting for fresh, unprocessed foods can minimize exposure to microplastics commonly found in packaged and processed items. For instance, choosing loose-leaf tea instead of plastic tea bags hugely reduce ingestion of microplastics.
  3. Food Storage and Preparation: Using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic ones for food storage and avoiding microwaving food in plastic containers can reduce microplastic chemicals leaching into food.
  4. Air Quality: Regular cleaning and proper ventilation can help reduce indoor air pollution from microplastics present in dust and airborne particles.
  5. Care Products: Choosing personal care products free from microbeads and other plastic components can reduce skin exposure to microplastics.
  6. Clothing Choices: Wearing more natural fiber clothing and reducing the use of synthetic fabrics can decrease the shedding of microplastics during washing.

  Excretion of microplastics:

  The excretion of plastics from the human body is less well documented, but detoxification has been a guiding principle of functional medicine and naturopathy for a long time and is a viable path to pursue. Methods of detoxification include:
  1. Sweating – One study showed the presence of BPA in the sweat of 16 out of 20 subjects, which implying the idea that sweat is a mechanism for excretion of plastics.
  2. In fish models, it takes about 70 days to clear 75% of the microplastics accumulated in their brains, which implies that changes in the diet need a longer duration to make changes in the concentration of microplastics.
  3. Microplastic excretion by way of the bowels is enhanced with fiber rich foods.
  4. Drinking plenty of water aids kidney function and the excretion of microplastics through the urine.
  5. Using acupuncture and functional medicine to harmonize and enhance the functions of the liver, kidneys, large intestine, and skin to process and excrete microplastics and optimize health are important activities to pursue.

  Liver Detoxification

  The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying and metabolizing harmful substances, including some of the chemicals found in plastics. However, completely eliminating plastics from the body is challenging because many plastic-related compounds, such as bisphenols (BPA, BPS) and phthalates, are persistent and accumulate in tissues. Here’s how the liver helps to clear them:
  1. Phase I Detoxification (Oxidation, Reduction, Hydrolysis):
  Liver enzymes (cytochrome P450) convert plastic-related chemicals into more water-soluble forms. This step can sometimes create reactive intermediates that need further detoxification.
  2. Phase II Detoxification (Conjugation):
  The liver binds these chemicals to molecules like glutathione, sulfate, or glucuronic acid to make them easier to eliminate.
  Glucuronidation is particularly important for clearing bisphenols (BPA, BPS).
  Sulfonation and methylation also help neutralize toxic plastic components.
  3. Bile & Fecal Excretion:
  Many plastic-related toxins are excreted via bile into the intestines.
  4. Fiber helps trap and eliminate these toxins through feces.
  5. Once the liver processes toxins into water-soluble forms, they are filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine.

  Supporting Liver Detoxification

  To enhance liver function and promote plastic detoxification:
  1. Increase antioxidants: Blueberries, Pecans, Strawberries, Artichokes, Goji Berries, Raspberries, Kale, Red Cabbage, Beets, etc…
  2. Glutathione, vitamin C, and selenium help neutralize free radicals.
  3. Eat cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale boost detox pathways.
  4. Drink plenty of water: Helps flush out toxins through urine.
  5. Avoid plastic exposure: Reduce plastic use, especially with food and drinks.

   

  Microplastic pollution presents a pressing challenge that significantly affects environmental and human health. By adopting practices such as mindful dietary choices that include drinking filtered water from a glass or metal container, using alternative materials for food storage, and improving air quality, we contribute to reducing microplastic buildup and promoting microplastic excretion.

   

  Adopting these changes not only protects the environment but also promotes better health outcomes for us and our loved ones.