How To Remove Microplastics From Your Body?

Microplastics are tiny particles that could enter your body through the food you eat, even through your drinking water. It could also enter your body through ingestion and inhalation.

Microplastics can also be absorbed through the skin, mainly when you come into contact with products that contain microplastics, such as toothbrushes and face scrubs.

However, following proper measures could protect the body against the potential health risks associated with microplastic accumulation in the body.

How are you exposed to microplastics, and how do they lower your quality of life?

This article highlights different strategies that could help detoxify and reduce microplastic

buildup in your body. Learn about the impact of plastic on your body and the benefits of plastic detox for a healthier life.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are solid polymer, water-insoluble particles that are less than five millimeters tiny plastic particles.

Some microplastics are intentionally produced for commercial use, such as shedding from microfiber production or plastic beads found in facial exfoliators.

Naturally produced microplastics could break down until they become like dust, making distinguishing them from the natural environment difficult.

Best Ways To Reduce Use Of Microplastics

1. Say No To Single Use Plastic

   Single-use plastics often contain harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, disrupting hormone balance and leading to various health issues. You could avoid using plastic bags, straws, bottles, etc., which might limit exposure to BPA chemicals.

   Single-use plastics contribute to pollution, especially in oceans and landfills. You could reduce your carbon footprint using reusable bags, water bottles, and food containers.

2. Avoid Plastic Takeout

   Plastic containers made of Styrofoam might release increased amounts of microplastics and chemicals when exposed to heat and fat. It may lead to the ingestion of microplastics, causing adverse health effects.

   Opting for alternatives like reusable metal or bamboo straws and cutlery could help reduce plastic usage and support a better sustainable takeout experience. Carrying a reusable water bottle and mug may also help you avoid using disposable plastic cups and bottles.

3. Consume Plastic-Free Diet

   Choose organic fruits, vegetables, and grains less exposed to industrial fertilizers that may contain microplastics. Organic farming practices could prioritize soil health and reduce synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

   Comprise nutrient-dense whole foods, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus, which support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

   Citrus fruits, berries, and green tea contain antioxidants that could help flush out toxins from the body. These foods may also provide vital vitamins and minerals supporting overall health.

4. Transform Kitchen Space

   Plastic containers, bakeware, and plates might release chemicals and microplastics when exposed to food, which can be harmful when consumed.

   Plastic sponges and brushes used for dishwashing can also contribute to the release of microplastics.

   Choose glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers instead of plastic. They could be safer alternatives as they do not release harmful chemicals or microplastics.

   You could also switch to natural kitchen brushes and loofah sponges, as they are biodegradable and do not release microplastics.

5. Consider Plastic-Free Personal Care

   A 2022 study found that 50% of tested toothpastes contained microplastics. Face scrubs and toothpaste contain microbeads that could pass through filtration systems and might enter water supplies. Limiting exposure to plastic-laden products for personal care and hygiene could reduce excessive plastic exposure, inhalation, and ingestion.

6. Avoid Microplastics In Drinking Water

   As per a study, around 93% of bottled water contains microplastics, with every liter containing ten microplastic particles. Investing in a water filtration system might help remove or significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics and other harmful substances.

7. Avoid Canned Foods

   Most canned products are lined with plastic, with harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), which can disrupt hormone balance and cause health issues. Glass containers could minimize exposure to these chemicals, as they are a safer alternative to plastic-lined cans.

Impact Of Plastic On The Body

1. Physical Disruption: When microplastics are swallowed or ingested, they act as foreign objects that disrupt the body’s natural functions. Larger pieces of plastic might be eliminated through fecal matter. Still, in some cases, they are absorbed or remain in the stomach, potentially causing physical harm.
2. Chemical Poisoning: Plastics in small pieces can be absorbed into the body, causing a poisoning risk. The chemicals in plastic, such as additives like bisphenol A, could harm human health and cause endocrine disorders when absorbed into the bloodstream.
3. Microorganism Breeding Ground: Plastics can serve as a breeding ground for microorganisms. Consuming plastics with high amounts of microorganisms causes various health issues like metabolic disorders, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption.

Benefits Of Plastic Detox

1. Boost Energy Levels

   Reducing toxins from your body may help in boosting energy levels. Removing substances like BPA and phthalates from your body system could improve cognitive function, positively affecting mood and emotional stability.

   Engaging in physical activity generates sweating, which might assist in toxin elimination through the skin. It could also promote better circulation, ensuring that nutrients reach cells efficiently, resulting in increased energy levels.

2. Improve Digestive Health

   Plastic-packaged foods and processed items may contain pesticides and preservatives that might disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome, causing pesticide-triggered dysbiosis. Consuming organic foods with healthy nutrients and minerals could support your digestive health by proper breakdown of food and nutrient absorption.

3. Protect Environment

   Proper waste disposal may prevent plastic accumulation in landfills and oceans. Supporting sustainable initiatives and businesses prioritizing environmentally friendly practices is crucial in protecting the environment. Thus, avoiding personal care products with microbeads and opting for eco-friendly alternatives might support a more sustainable future.

4. Manage Body Weight

   Certain chemicals found in plastics may cause disruptions in metabolism and fat storage. Research indicates that bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates could interfere with the body’s hormonal balance and lead to weight gain.

   Studies show that people with higher levels of BPA in their urine tend to have a higher body mass index and increased waist area.

   Phthalates are a group of chemicals associated with weight gain and obesity. These chemicals might disrupt the endocrine system, affecting metabolism and fat storage.

   Thus, reducing your excessive exposure to microplastics may help you maintain a healthy weight and support a healthy metabolism.

5. Balance Hormone

   The endocrine system regulates hormones that could control various bodily functions, including metabolism, reproduction, and growth.

   Plastics contain phthalates that can mimic hormones in the body and interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. Restoring hormonal balance through a plastic detox could help enhance reproductive health and increase the chances of healthy pregnancies.

Who Will Benefit Most From A Plastic Detox?

Prioritizing a plastic detox could deliver significant benefits to those with underlying health conditions related to hormones, pregnant women, children, and environmentalists.

Pregnant women and children are more vulnerable to the effects of plastics. They can protect their health by detoxifying their bodies from these harmful substances.

Environmentalists, deeply concerned about the planet’s safety and ecosystems, will witness the positive impact of reducing plastic consumption. They could support the protection of biodiversity and the health of the oceans by encouraging plastic detox.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are There Any Health Risks Associated With Ingesting Microplastics?
   Yes. Disruption of natural bodily functions, chemical absorption, and increased vulnerability to physical side effects from microorganisms are potential health risks associated with ingesting microplastics.
2. How Does Microplastics Enter the Human Body?
   Microplastics enter the human body through various sources, such as consuming polluted food and water, inhaling airborne particles, and absorption through the skin.
3. Can Microplastics Be Eliminated From the Body Naturally?
   Once ingested and accumulated in tissues and organs, microplastics cannot naturally be eliminated from the body. However, some strategies could help reduce microplastic exposure, such as minimizing plastic use and choosing natural alternatives.
4. Are There Any Long-Term Effects of Microplastic Exposure on Human Health?
   The long-term effects of microplastic exposure on human health are negative impacts on respiratory health, immune reactions, and microplastics in human lungs and blood.

Conclusion

Detoxifying microplastic from our body and planet may help prevent any future complications.

Too much microplastics in your system may cause long-term health concerns like respiratory problems and heart diseases.

Sustainable methods like living an active life, reducing plastic usage, and switching to organic food intake could be effective in following a plastic detox.

However, you should also take the initiative to minimize exposure to these harmful plastic particles. To support plastic detox, you could support proper waste disposal and policies promoting practical waste management.