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What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, usually less than 5 mm in size, that either arise from the degradation of larger plastic waste or are manufactured for specific applications, such as scrubbing beads in personal care products. These particles are widespread in the environment, found in oceans, rivers, soil, and even in the air we breathe.
Microplastics enter into the food web from marine animals that ingest them, and through water sources contaminated by them, they enter our bodies. The fact that plastic production has exponentially increased over the years, rising from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to over 380 million metric tons annually in 2020, the danger of human exposure to microplastics has increased drastically.
Recent studies have revealed shocking numbers as to how much plastic humans actually ingest. A global report released by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2019 showed that, on average, an individual could be ingesting as much as 5 grams of plastic per week, which is equivalent to the weight of a credit card. This means that in one month, it may be as much as 21 grams of plastics that one takes into his or her body. With that, we consume about 250 grams, or about 1/4th of a kilogram of plastic in a year.
With growing concern over plastic pollution, it is increasingly important to be aware not only of the amount of microplastics we consume, but also of their dangers and—most importantly—how to decrease and remove them from your body.
Harmful effects of Microplastics on Human Health
Microplastics are not just an environmental issue; they pose a serious threat to human health. While research is still ongoing, initial findings suggest that microplastics cause a range of health problems:
Inflammation: When ingested, microplastics may cause an inflammatory reaction in the host’s body as it tries to fight the foreign invader. This could result in escalating health issues.
Hormonal Disruption: Many plastics contain hazardous chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates which interfere with the endocrine system. Endocrine system is responsible for hormone regulation. A hormonal disruption can lead to reproductive problems, developmental challenges, and in some cases, an increased risk of cancer.
Cell Damage: Microplastics increase oxidative stress within organisms, resulting in the breakdown of cell structures. Over time, this could lead to long-term effects, such as chronic diseases.
Accumulation of Toxins: Microplastics have been found to adsorb and transport chemicals already present in the environment, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Once ingested, they enter the body and accumulate, leading to further health complications.
Gut Health: Microplastics damage the microbiome—the good bacteria in your gut. This could result in conditions like leaky gut syndrome, poor digestion, and weakened immunity.
Given these alarming potential effects, removing microplastics from your body becomes a critical health goal.
Methods to Remove Microplastics from Your Body Naturally
Although there is no method that can completely remove microplastics from your body instantly, there are several ways you can adapt to enable your system detoxify these harmful chemicals. Here are 8 methods on how to remove microplastics from your body:
1. Stay Hydrated with Clean Water
Adequate water intake allows the kidneys to filter and excrete waste, including microplastics. And, surely, you know not to drink just any water. Most microplastics are found in regular tap water; therefore, always ensure your water is purified by good filtration.
Dehydration can slow down the detox process and make it more difficult for your body to flush out toxins.
The most efficient in removal of microplastics from drinking water are carbon filters, reverse osmosis, and UV purification systems.
Drinking clean, filtered water will be beneficial to the kidneys which will help in washing out foreign intruders to the body such as micro particles.
2. Eat More Fiber
Dietary fiber helps move food and waste through your digestive tract more quickly, thus sweeping out microplastics from your body.
Soluble fiber (found in oats, apples, and carrots) has a tendency to bind into a gel-like substance that can stick to toxins while insoluble fiber (found in whole grains and vegetables) acts like a broom, sweeping trash through your intestine.
Certain fibers also act as prebiotics—food for the healthy bacteria in your gut. Healthy gut bacteria are not only integral for good gut health, but they are also part of one’s primary line of immunity. You can help your body to remove microplastics by eating fiber-rich food before they enter into your bloodstream.
3. Intermittent Fasting
It is a dieting technique that alternates between periods of eating and fasting. This process stimulates autophagy—a biological cleaning process in the body that eliminates old and damaged cells, proteins, and even foreign substances like microplastics.
During fasting, your body breaks down old, damaged cells and waste, improving overall cellular health. Fasting gives your body a break from digestion, allowing it to activate repair and detox processes that help eliminate microplastics and other toxins.
4. Chlorella and Spirulina
These are super foods of the algae class, yet rich in nutrients. Chlorella and Spirulina have been found to remove heavy metals, toxins, and potentially microplastics from the body.
These algae have a lot of chlorophyll, which binds with heavy metals and toxins, including microplastics, and helps to discharge them through the liver and digestive system. The antioxidants and nutrients such as beta-carotene and vitamin C in both chlorella and spirulina, which help fight off oxidative stress from toxins.
Incorporating foods like chlorella or spirulina into your diet, along with supplements, supports the detox process over time.
5. Detox with Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a powerful adsorbent used in hospitals for the treatment of poisoning. It is known to operate by forming a chemical bond with toxins in the gastrointestinal tract thus inhibiting the body’s ability to assimilate them.
Activated charcoal has a spongy surface area and one of its functions is to soak in microplastics, toxins and other chemicals, thus eliminating them from the body via feces.
The consumption of activated charcoal should be limited to occasional use, as overuse can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and medications.
Using activated charcoal is a powerful detoxification technique to eliminate the unwanted particles from your digestive system in the shortest time possible.
6. Detox using Cilantro
Cilantro, or coriander, is a powerful herb known for its natural detoxifying properties, particularly its ability to remove heavy metals from the body.
Cilantro acts as a natural chelator, binding to metals like lead, mercury, and aluminum, which often accompany microplastics in the environment.
Incorporating fresh cilantro into salads, or meals boosts your body’s ability to detox. Cilantro’s chelating properties help to remove microplastics indirectly by binding to the heavy metals often absorbed alongside them.
7. Antioxidant-rich Foods
When there is more oxidative stress in your body, it means there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Microplastics can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage. Eating foods rich in antioxidants helps reduce free radicals and oxidative stress.
Blueberries, spinach, dark chocolate, and green tea are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, vitamin C, and polyphenols.
These foods not only aid in detoxification but also reduce inflammation and improve immune function, helping the body repair damage from microplastics.
Including antioxidant-rich foods in your daily diet supports the body in combating the harmful effects of microplastics and other toxins.
8. Probiotics and Fermented Foods
What happens in your belly actually determines the body’s efficiency in the process of detoxification. Probiotics and fermented foods including yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are the sources of a healthy gut micro biome which in turn stimulates digestion and detoxification in return.
A healthy microbiome makes the gut barrier more impermeable for microplastics, thus does not allow them into the blood stream. Moreover, it increases the body’s exertion of toxins through the digestive system.
Probiotics and fermented foods are great for keeping the gut in good health which is beneficial for the elimination of toxins such as microplastics.
Summary
Microplastics are an unfortunate reality of modern life. It is impossible to get rid of microplastics fully, but minimizing their presence is the goal. By making conscious dietary choices, adjusting your personal care routines, and implementing detoxification strategies, you can significantly decrease your microplastic burden.
Also, do not forget to choose whole foods, avoid refined and processed products, use organic skincare products, and promote your body’s cleansing process with filtered water and fibre intake.
Taking action should not stop at the individual level. You should also contribute to a larger movement by advocating for stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal, supporting eco-friendly businesses, and participating in community clean-up efforts. These steps will significantly reduce the threats associated with use of the microplastics for both ourselves and the environment at large.
