Remove Microplastics From Your Body - 8 Steps to Start Today (2023)

Scientists call microplastics the number one thread to human kind. It it critical that we learn how to limit our exposure to these harmful particles and gradually remove them from our bodies.

Follow these steps to remove microplastic from your body:

1. Prioritize a healthy, plastic-free diet
2. Ditch plastic in your kitchen
3. Avoid plastic takeout
4. Avoid single-use plastic 
5. Avoid canned foods
6. Try a plastic-free personal care routine  
7. Filter your tapped water
8. Choose natural clothing

Learn more about the terrible impact of microplastics on our bodies, where they come from, and why these steps will help your body detoxify.

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What are microplastics?

Microplastics, as the name implies are tiny plastic particles. Officially they are defined as less than five millimeters or 0.2 inches in diameter. They either are intentionally produced or result from the breakdown of larger plastic items in nature.

Primary microplastics

Primary microplastics are intentionally produced for commercial use. They can include tiny particles in cosmetics, pellets for artificial grass, or shed from synthetic microfibers found in clothing or commercial textiles like fishing nets. Primary microplastics enter the environment (and our bodies) through direct use or unintentional loss during production or transport.

Secondary microplastics

Microplastics resulting from littered larger plastic pieces that corrode over time are called secondary microplastics. Plastic never really biodegrades. Over multiple years, decades of even centuries, it breaks down through exposure to weather conditions like sunlight, saltwater, wind, and sand.  

Whether primary or secondary, microplastics are present on land, in oceans, lakes, and rivers. In fact, it is estimated that 14 billion tons of microplastics are found in our oceans today and microplastic makes 92% of the plastic found on ocean’s surfaces.

While microplastics are a direct thread to marine animals, who are reported to die from its ingestion every day, the tiny particles are also increasingly dangerous to humans. Microplastics are often not filtered out during water treatment and are passed through the food chain, leaving a high risk of being consumed unintentionally.

 

The impact of microplastics on our health

While the negative impact of microplastics on the environment is well documented, researchers are still investigating their impact on humans. In recent years, more and more studies have surfaced concerning evidence that leave little doubt about their negative implications on our health.

 

Humans ingest a credit card worth of plastic every week

The WWF estimates that humans ingest five grams of microplastics every week. That is equivalent to chewing up a whole credit card. This plastic ingestion not only occurs with the food we eat and the water we drink, but we can even inhale it with the air we breathe.

A study from 2022 actually was able to identify plastic in human lungs for the first time. The researchers identified traces of microplastic in all regions of the human lung in a first step linking microplastics to respiratory symptoms and disease.

Another concerning study from the same year has found that 17 out of 22 examined blood samples from healthy adult volunteers showed some traces of microplastic. These included PET traces, which is widely used to produce drink bottles, as well as polystyrene (mostly used for food containers) and polyethylene (many applications, e.g., for food packaging). Sadly, not even our most vulnerable infants are safe, with traces of microplastics even found in breast milk and infant blood.

 

Microplastic can have severe health effects in our bodies

One thing is clear: Wherever microplastics are found in the human body – they do not belong there. Scientists have linked microplastic exposure to a series of health conditions, including cancer, severe immune reactions, and reproductive disorders.

If plastics are ingested, the can, for example, lead to an immune reaction by the body that is similar to what happens if you are exposed to a virus or bacteria. The body tries to fight off the foreign object, which can lead to fever, stress and immune system disruption.

Additionally, plastic contains toxic chemicals added during production or absorbed from surroundings, that have potentially disastrous effects. Plastic additives like fillers, lubricants, dyes, flame-retardants, and many more are proven to be so called endocrine disruptors. These are chemicals, which are known to interfere with our hormonal systems and can have health effects like cancerous tumors, developmental disorders, or birth defects.

It is even possible to link plastic to changes in DNA, which could have severe intergenerational effects beyond our comprehension today. Over the last few years, the scientific community has gone as far as adapting a narrative that pronounces microplastics the number one thread to humankind.

The negative impact of microplastics make it essential we take action to reduce our exposure to these harmful particles. But in order to do that, we need to understand, how they end up in our bodies. 

 

Sources of microplastics ingestion

From the environment onto our plates

Microplastics come from different sources like plastic bags, bottles, and other plastic items that are littered and pollute our environment. When these plastics break down, they become microplastics that end up in our waterways like oceans, rivers, and lakes. Sometimes the particles can be too small to be filtered out by water filtration plants and end up in our drinking water.

Especially in our oceans, these micro particles are also consumed by marine animals. When humans then consume seafood, like fish, there is a high likelihood of adding plastics to our menu. A worrying study by Ocean Conservancy even revealed that 99% of studied fish from Lake Ontario and Lake Superior contained at least one piece of microplastics, including in the parts that are consumed, like the fillet.

But water pollution is not the only source that makes us consume plastic. Polluted soils containing microplastic are also increasing the risk that the tiny particles travel through the root systems of fruits, vegetables, and crops. With microplastics being found in fruits, vegetables, and crops it essentially means that it gets into everything that eats these, including the meat and dairy products we consume.

 

External food contamination with microplastics

An even bigger source of microplastic consumption is food contamination related to plastic exposure like food packaging or plastic utensils. When food gets in contact with plastic many studies have shown that abrasion and heat exposure can lead to significant release of microplastics into food and beverages. Even the simple act of opening a package releases small particles into the air that in the end can be consumed or inhaled. Especially bottled beverages are known to release plastic particles from the bottle itself and the cap. With every liter of bottled water, we consume at least 10 particles of microplastic.

 

Microplastics in personal care products

Lastly, microplastics are sometimes added to our personal care products on purpose. Tiny plastic particles are added to products like toothpaste or facial scrubs to achieve an exfoliating or scrubbing effect. Many of these so-called microbeads are already banned in some countries and companies have voluntarily phased them out. But in disguise, they can still be found in many cosmetics. If you buy toothpaste from one of the big brands, there is still a good chance, you're scrubbing your teeth with plastic.

 

How to get rid of microplastics in your body

Unfortunately, there is no perfect way to completely remove microplastics from your body. Plastics are so prevalent that the best way to remove them from our bodies is to limit our exposure to the best of our ability and prioritize a healthy lifestyle that aids the natural detoxification processes in our bodies. 

1. Prioritize a healthy, plastic-free diet

The following food is known to help your body's natural detoxification abilties:

• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, asparagus or cauliflower are known to aid natural detoxification of your body.
• Leafy greens like spinach and kale are known to contain clorophyll, which may have positive effects
• Citrus fruits contain antioxidants and vitamin C, which may help the body flush toxins
• Garlic is known to contain sulfur, which can help activate liver enzymes
• Ginger and Turmeric are known to have positive effects on digestion and anti-inflammatory properties
• Green tea contains so-called polyphenols, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• Berries as well are rich in antioxidants and healthy vitamins
• A fiber-rich diet and grains like chia an flax helps bowel movement and support digestion
• Staying hydrated is equally important to help your body flush out the toxins

Additionaly, try to avoid high-risk food. You can opt for organic food, which is known to be less exposed to industrial fertilizers, which could contain microplastic. Some seafood is also known to be more exposed to microplastic than others. Mollusks like clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops for example have the highest levels of microplastics recorded.

 

2. Ditch plastic in your kitchen

One of the main sources of microplastic consumption in your home is your kitchen. Tupperware, bakeware, and plates made of plastic are releasing chemicals and microplastic if exposed to food. Have you ever seen one of your plastic containers change color, because you stored tomato sauce? You won’t be surprised that the same also happens the other way around, as your tomato sauce absorbs microplastic and contained toxins.

The second major source for microplastic in the kitchen is your plastic sponges and kitchen brushes. When you wash your dishes, those plastic items release microplastics that stick to your tableware and later are consumed. Choose natural kitchen brushes and natural loofah sponges which are a perfect alternative, whithout adding to your plastic diet.

This natural dish wash set will reduce your exposure and consumption of harmful microplastic particles

 

3. Avoid plastic takeout

A lot of takeout food still comes packed in plastic. Especially with the exposure to heat and fat, plastic containers like the ones made of Styrofoam are known to release increased amounts of microplastic and chemicals. By bringing your own containers made of glass or aluminum, you can avoid these effects. Additionally, keep a reusable water bottle and coffee mug with you to fill them on the go if needed. Naturally, plastic straws and plastic cutlery should be avoided.

4. Avoid single-use plastic

In addition to avoiding contaminated food, you should try to limit the exposure of your groceries to plastic packaging and bags. Keep a reusable bag or backpack near the door and take the loose produce in reusable produce bags. If you forgot your bags at home, at least go for the paper option. Take the glass bottle instead of the plastic bottle and try to take paper packaging wherever you can.

Taking the fresh meat or fish from the counter instead of the prepacked one can also limit your exposure. If you have trouble finding specific items not packaged in plastic, bulk stores and markets can be great alternatives to the regular grocery store.

5. Avoid canned foods

Where possible, avoid canned foods, which are mostly lined with plastic. You should find most canned products also in a glass instead, which is safer to use. If there is no glass option, avoid producers that are known to use BPA in their linings.

6. Try a plastic-free personal care routine

Many cosmetics and personal care products still contain microplastic. Look for the “Zero Plastic Inside” logo and search the publicly available information and databases to check your products for plastic. There are many plastic-free alternatives for all personal care products. As a first step, we recommend trying toothpaste tablets and solid bodywash- and shampoo, which are guaranteed plastic-free. 

7. Filter your tapped water

Tapped water can contain microplastic and chemicals like chlorine. With a water filter, you can remove or significantly reduce the exposure to these materials. Filters are available in most grocery stores, and they often specifically mention if they successfully remove microplastic.

8. Choose natural clothing

Finally, by choosing natural materials like cotton in your clothing, and avoiding microfiber, you can limit the microplastics created by abrasion and reduce your exposure in the household.

 

We created a plastic world, only we can change it

We live in a world, where plastic exposure is certain. There is no aspect in life that is not in some way surrounded by plastic products. While the risk of our overexposure to plastic is still being researched, microplastics found in humans and even breastmilk, should give us the warning sign we need to change our personal routines and avoid plastic wherever we can. We as consumers have the power to avoid consumption of products, we deem unsafe and motivate producers and regulators to change their practices for the better.

 

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Disclaimer: Please be cautious if you see products (additives or supplements) online that claim to remove microplastics from your body. Consult your medical professional and ask for scientific evidence. Also, none of the steps outlined in this article can replace proper medical treatment if you have symptoms.