Best Ways to Remove Microplastics From Your System

Summary

In this episode of the Exam Room podcast, Dr. Hana Kova discusses the alarming presence of microplastics in our bodies, especially in the brain and arteries. She explains how microplastics accumulate through food packaging, seafood, and environmental pollution. While the health impacts are concerning, she emphasizes the potential protective benefits of plant-based foods, particularly complex carbohydrates like fiber-rich options such as fenugreek and okra. The episode also highlights practical steps to reduce exposure to microplastics, including using glass containers and avoiding plastic in hot food and drinks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microplastics are present in human brains, with studies showing an average of 7 grams of plastic in each brain sample, which is roughly the amount needed to make a disposable spoon.
• 😀 Microplastics have been linked to higher concentrations in people with dementia, though the correlation does not prove causation.
• 😀 The presence of microplastics in arteries is linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or premature death, with a 4.5 times increased risk in affected individuals.
• 😀 Packaging of ultra-processed foods, like those in plastic containers, is a significant source of microplastic exposure.
• 😀 Wild-caught fish and seafood are major sources of microplastics due to ocean pollution, with seafood containing up to 90 microplastic particles per 100 grams.
• 😀 Fruits and vegetables generally have low concentrations of microplastics, with a much lower presence compared to seafood.
• 😀 To reduce microplastic exposure, avoid eating fish and seafood, and opt for fresh fruits and vegetables with minimal packaging.
• 😀 Avoid heating food in plastic containers, especially when using a microwave, as this can increase microplastic leaching into your food.
• 😀 Using glass or stainless steel containers for food storage and beverages can reduce exposure to microplastics compared to plastic containers.
• 😀 Certain plant-based foods, like fenugreek and okra, show promise in removing microplastics from water, illustrating the protective power of plant-based fibers in potentially detoxifying the body.

Q & A

What are microplastics and how do they accumulate in the human body?

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic, often smaller than 5mm, that come from various sources like plastic packaging, clothing, and environmental pollution. They accumulate in the human body through food, water, and air, with particular concentrations found in organs such as the brain, liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs.

How are microplastics linked to diseases like dementia and cardiovascular issues?

Research has shown that microplastics can accumulate in tissues like the brain and heart. In individuals with dementia or cardiovascular diseases, higher concentrations of microplastics have been found. Though more studies are needed, it is suspected that microplastics may play a role in these diseases by affecting cellular function or triggering inflammation.

What are the primary sources of microplastics in the human diet?

The main sources of microplastics in the human diet include seafood, as fish and other marine life consume plastics in the ocean. Processed foods packaged in plastic, such as snacks and beverages, can also contribute to microplastic exposure. Additionally, vegetables wrapped in plastic may have trace amounts of microplastics.

How can certain foods help reduce the exposure to microplastics in the body?

Certain plant-based foods, such as fenugreek, okra, and berries, can help the body eliminate microplastics. These foods contain fiber and antioxidants that may bind to microplastics and facilitate their removal. Fiber, in particular, plays a key role in preventing microplastics from entering the bloodstream.

What is the role of fiber in reducing microplastic exposure?

Fiber helps to remove microplastics from the body by binding to them in the digestive tract and facilitating their excretion. It prevents microplastics from being absorbed into the bloodstream and may help reduce their overall impact on the body.

Why is it important to focus on complex carbohydrates in the diet when dealing with microplastics?

Complex carbohydrates, which are high in fiber, help the body handle microplastics more effectively. Foods like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes provide the necessary fiber to support the removal of these particles, reducing the potential health risks associated with their accumulation.

What steps can individuals take to reduce their exposure to microplastics?

Individuals can take several practical steps, such as using glass containers instead of plastic for storing food, avoiding microwaving food in plastic containers, choosing fresh, unprocessed foods, and reducing consumption of seafood. Avoiding plastic packaging and switching to alternatives like paper or glass can also minimize exposure.

How do environmental factors contribute to microplastic exposure?

Environmental pollution is a major contributor to microplastic exposure. Microplastics are found in oceans, rivers, and even remote areas, where they enter the food chain through marine life. This environmental contamination ultimately leads to microplastics being consumed by humans through seafood and possibly through other environmental means.

What is the significance of compounds like anthocyanins in protecting against microplastics?

Anthocyanins are antioxidants found in dark-colored fruits like berries, which can help block microplastics from binding to hormone receptors in the body. These compounds may protect against the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of microplastics, offering a layer of defense against their harmful impacts.

Is there enough evidence to definitively link microplastics to health conditions like dementia?

While there is growing concern and preliminary evidence linking microplastic exposure to health conditions like dementia, the research is still in its early stages. More studies are needed to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship between microplastics and various diseases.