Probably! And it’s destroying your health especially your brain!
Plastics have become an inescapable part of modern life but at what cost to our health? Recent research has confirmed that the average person is consuming a card’s worth of plastic each week! Microplastics…tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimetres in size…. are being found in many human tissues, including the brain. This raises serious concerns about long-term health consequences and the urgent need to reduce our exposure to plastic.
How Plastics Get Into Our Bodies
Microplastics can enter our bodies through multiple pathways:
Ingestion: We consume microplastics through food and beverages, especially from plastic-packaged items and bottled water. Seafood, particularly shellfish, is also a significant source since marine life absorbs plastic from polluted waters.
Inhalation: Plastic particles are present in the air we breathe, especially in urban areas where pollution levels are higher. Synthetic fibres from clothing and household textiles also contribute to airborne microplastics.
Dermal Absorption: Plastics and plastic chemicals like phthalates and BPA can be absorbed through the skin via personal care products, such as lotions and cosmetics, and through contact with synthetic fabrics.
The Health Impact of Plastics and Microplastics
The latest research from the University of New Mexico shows that microplastics are being found in human brains : at levels 7 to 30 times higher than those found in other organs like the kidneys and liver…. Here’s why this matters:
Cognitive Decline and Dementia: Brain samples from individuals with dementia showed significantly higher plastic levels than those without dementia. This suggests that microplastics might play a role in neural-degeneration, although more research is needed to understand the connection fully.
Inflammation and Immune Response: Microplastics trigger an inflammatory response in the body. When immune cells attempt to break down plastic particles, it can cause cellular stress and tissue damage.
Cardiovascular and Endocrine Disruption: Chemicals in plastics, like BPA and phthalates, are endocrine disruptors. They interfere with hormone regulation, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders, reproductive issues, and even heart disease.
Respiratory Issues: Inhaled microplastics can accumulate in lung tissue, leading to chronic inflammation and potentially increasing the risk of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
The Environmental Cost of Plastics
Plastics don’t just harm human health….they wreak havoc on the environment:
Oceans: Around 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year. Marine life ingests these particles, which move up the food chain…ultimately ending up on our plates. Yummy!
Soil and Agriculture: Microplastics from fertilisers, sewage sludge, and plastic waste contaminate soil, reducing crop yields and soil health.
Air Pollution: When plastics degrade, they release microplastics and harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution.
How to Reduce Your Plastic Exposure
You can’t eliminate plastic exposure completely, but you can drastically reduce it by making mindful choices:
Switch from plastic bottles to glass or stainless steel: Heat and sunlight cause plastic bottles to shed microplastics into the water.
Buy fresh, unpackaged food whenever possible: Plastic food packaging sheds particles into your food. Opt for reusable produce bags and glass storage containers.
Avoid single-use plastics: Skip plastic straws, cutlery, and takeaway containers. Bring your own reusable alternatives.
Use natural fibres and eco-friendly textiles: Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon release plastic microfibres when washed. Choose cotton, wool, and hemp instead.
Filter your water: Install a high-quality water filter to reduce microplastic contamination from tap water. Aquatru is my favourite and they will be on The Healthy Home Show Podcast soon … so listen out for that episode!
Avoid heating food in plastic containers: Heat accelerates the release of plastic chemicals into food. Use glass or ceramic for food storage. I never recommend using a microwave as they are really bad for your health but if you absolutely have to use one , NEVER microwave plastic.
How to Eliminate Plastics From Your Body
While research on detoxing from microplastics is still emerging, some strategies may help:
Eat a high-fibre, antioxidant-rich diet: Fibre helps bind to toxins in the digestive tract, promoting elimination. Antioxidants combat inflammation and oxidative stress caused by plastic exposure.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of filtered water supports kidney and liver function, which helps your body naturally eliminate toxins.
Sweat it out: Exercise and saunas promote detoxification through sweating.
Consider a binder supplement: Activated charcoal or bentonite clay may help bind to microplastics and other toxins in the digestive tract, aiding in their removal. I use the ones from Cellcore Biosciences.
Final Thoughts
Plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental crisis….it’s a public health crisis. The rise of plastic contamination in our bodies, including our brains, demands immediate action. By making thoughtful changes to reduce plastic exposure and supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes, you can protect your health and contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet. If you need some guidance around Detoxing, check out my my Detox Cheat Sheet here.
I hope you have found this week’s Newsletter informative about Plastics and how they can really affect our Physical & Mental Health. If you are interested in diving into the 12 main concepts that create a Healthy Home and Lifestyle, there’s loads more info on my website – www.charlielemmer.com
Why not check out The Healthy Home Show Podcast!…. Every fortnight I chat with experts in the world of Healthy Homes and Non-Toxic Living who give us their insights on how to create the optimal healthy home and lifestyle. here are the links to the podcast:
The Healthy Home Show – Spotify
The Healthy Home Show – Apple Podcasts
Please leave a review for the show, if you are so inclined. It really helps me understand where to guide the content next or you can just give a rating. And, if you prefer to watch your content on Youtube, we have that covered too!
Be WELL
Charlie x
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