These 3 Things Help Excrete Microplastics, BPA, & Phthalates | Rhonda Patrick

Summary

The video script discusses how our bodies handle microplastics and associated chemicals like BPA, BPS, phthalates, and PFAS. It highlights the liver's role in processing these substances and the challenges of constant exposure. The script suggests strategies to aid detoxification, such as incorporating sulfurane-rich foods, increasing dietary fiber, and engaging in physical activities that promote sweating. However, it notes the limitations in eliminating 'forever chemicals' due to their long half-life, emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic exposure.

Takeaways

• 🧬 The body processes chemicals like BPA, BPS, phthalates, and PFAS through the liver using Phase 2 detoxification enzymes.
• ⏱️ BPA is cleared relatively quickly within about 6 hours, while phthalates take between 12 to 24 hours.
• 🔄 PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', have a half-life of 2 to 5 years, making them difficult to eliminate and leading to accumulation in organs.
• 🌐 Microplastics vary in size; larger particles can be excreted through feces, but smaller nanoplastics can cross biological barriers and enter the bloodstream.
• 🥦 Sulfurane, found in cruciferous vegetables, activates the Nrf2 pathway, enhancing the body's detoxification enzymes and potentially helping to clear harmful chemicals.
• 🥦 Animal studies show sulfurane can reduce BPA-related toxicity by boosting Phase 2 detoxification enzymes.
• 🥦 Incorporating sulfurane-rich foods or supplements could be a strategy for detoxifying harmful chemicals.
• 🥦 Dietary fiber can bind to harmful chemicals in the GI tract, reducing absorption and promoting excretion through feces.
• 💦 Physical activity and sweating can also help eliminate harmful chemicals, as trace amounts of BPA and phthalate metabolites are found in sweat.
• 🚫 Avoiding exposure to PFAS is the best strategy due to their resistance to breakdown and long half-life in the body.

Q & A

How do microplastics and associated chemicals enter the human body?

Microplastics and associated chemicals can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.

What role does the liver play in processing these chemicals?

The liver processes these chemicals using various enzymes, particularly Phase 2 detoxification enzymes, which convert them into more water-soluble forms for easier excretion.

How quickly is BPA typically cleared from the body?

BPA is cleared relatively fast, within about 6 hours under normal conditions.

What is the difference between how BPA and phthalates are excreted compared to PFAS (forever chemicals)?

BPA and phthalates are excreted relatively quickly, whereas PFAS have a half-life of 2 to 5 years, making them harder to eliminate and more likely to accumulate in organs.

How do microplastics of different sizes affect excretion?

Larger microplastics can pass through the gut and be excreted in feces, while smaller nanoplastics can cross biological barriers and enter the bloodstream.

What is a promising dietary strategy to help the body clear out chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates?

Incorporating sulfurane-rich foods or supplements into the diet can activate the Nrf2 pathway, boosting Phase 2 detoxification enzymes that help clear out toxins.

How does dietary fiber help in the elimination of harmful chemicals?

Dietary fiber can bind to lipophilic chemicals in the GI tract, reducing their absorption and promoting excretion via feces.

What is the potential role of physical activity in eliminating microplastic-associated chemicals?

Physical activity and practices that induce sweating can help eliminate harmful chemicals and compounds from the body, as sweat contains trace amounts of BPA and phthalate metabolites.

Why are the excretion strategies less effective for PFAS chemicals?

Excretion strategies are less effective for PFAS because they are resistant to metabolic breakdown and have a long half-life in the body.

What is the best way to avoid the accumulation of PFAS chemicals in the body?

The best way to avoid PFAS is to reduce exposure by avoiding plastics, especially those with high concentrations of PFAS, and by reducing overall plastic use.

How can a fiber-rich diet potentially aid in the excretion of microplastics?

A fiber-rich diet might help encapsulate microplastics in the gut, facilitating their removal through regular bowel movements and reducing their residence time in the body.