Are We Being Slowly Poisoned?
How to Reduce Your Exposure and Protect Your Health
Microplastics are subtly infiltrating our lives without our knowledge. The water you drink, the food you eat, the air you breathe, and yes, even your own body, contains them. Human tissues have now been found to contain microplastics, which begs the serious question of what harm they are causing to us.
We don't know everything yet, but the studies are disturbing. These small plastic pieces could be messing with our hormones, compromising our immune systems, and causing gut and reproductive problems. If you've ever heard of BPA (bisphenol A), the plastic chemical that disrupts your hormones, then you already know the type of damage we're facing.
But here's the actual issue: microplastics are ubiquitous. And unless you change something, chances are you're ingesting it daily.
Where Are Microplastics Lurking in Your Life?
You could be eating, drinking, or breathing microplastics without even knowing it. Here's where they're lurking:
Bottled water—think bottled water is cleaner? Think again. It contains twice as many microplastics as tap water.
Canned foods: the plastic lining inside cans can leach microplastics into your food.
Plastic food containers & microwave packaging-Heating food in plastic? You're also melting tiny plastic particles into your meal.
Seafood & sea salt-The sea is filled to the brim with plastic, and the fish are ingesting those microplastics-which end up on your plate.
Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, acrylic) With each wash of these clothes, thousands of microplastics flow down the drain into the water supply.
Tea bags & paper cups: Most paper cups contain plastic linings, and your hot drink dissolves it into microplastics.
So, if microplastics are ubiquitous, what can you do about it? The good news is that you have more control than you realize.
How to Reduce Your Exposure to Microplastics
You can't avoid them entirely, but you can control how much plastic enters your system. Here's where to begin:
1. Make Smarter Food and Drink Choices
-Say goodbye to plastic bottles. Go for glass or stainless steel.
-Don't microwave food in plastic. Use glass or ceramic instead.
-Go fresh. Processed and packaged foods tend to contain more plastic contaminants. Stick to whole, unprocessed foods.
2. Reduce Microplastics in Your Water and Air
-Filter your water. A reverse osmosis (RO) filter can remove many microplastics.
-Improve indoor air quality. Use a HEPA air filter to cut down on airborne plastic particles.
3. Detox Your Body Naturally
-Consume more fiber. It assists your body in removing toxins, such as microplastics.
-Fill up on cruciferous veggies (broccoli, kale, cabbage). These support your liver detoxing better.
-Sweat it out. Exercise or sit in a sauna to assist your body in removing plastic-based chemicals.
Why This Matters, Particularly for Pregnant Women and Children
Microplastics pose an even greater risk to pregnant individuals, babies, and young children. Their developing bodies are more susceptible to plastic chemicals that can act as hormone disruptors, affecting brain development, immune systems, and long-term health.
And here's the harsh reality-we don't know the full impact of damage yet. But we do know this: the less plastic you eat, the better you'll fare.
Microplastics are ubiquitous, but you don't have to become their next casualty. You can begin with one easy alteration, replace your single-use water bottle, quit microwaving food in plastic, or invest in a filter. All of these tiny gestures contribute to a cleaner, healthier tomorrow.
About the Creator
Afaq Asghar
I’m a writer, a doctor, and a storyteller, tracing the poetry in heartbeats and the stories in scars. Balancing science and soul, I weave medicine into narrative, turning moments of healing and resilience into something that lingers.
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Comments (1)
I try and avoid microplastics if I can’! Great article