New research has revealed something unsettling: microplastics – tiny particles shed from the plastic we use every day – are showing up in human brains, as well as in most other organs. This is worrisome, says Dr. Brandon Luu, because it shows that microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, possibly even raising the risk of dementia and other diseases. So, what can we do to reduce our exposure? Luu, who recently completed his internal medicine residency at U of T, offers a few practical steps.
Ditch plastic water bottles, tea bags and ultra-processed foods.
Bottled water is one of the biggest sources of microplastic ingestion – both from single-use bottles and the reusable plastic ones that people often tote to the gym. Luu recommends switching to metal or glass bottles. He also advises forgoing plastic tea bags, which release particles when heated, and opting for loose tea leaves with a metal infuser. There are many health reasons to avoid highly processed foods, he adds, including a greater risk of ingesting microplastics due to how they’re processed and sealed.
Never microwave food in plastic containers.
Even “microwave-safe” only guarantees that the container won’t warp or melt – not that it won’t shed a lot of tiny plastic particles into your meal.
Help your body eliminate plastic.
Completely avoiding microplastics is impossible. The evidence around how to rid them from your body is evolving, but sweating – through exercise or saunas – may help. Adding fibre to your diet might help reduce absorption – by binding together microplastics in the gut, allowing them to be excreted before they enter the bloodstream. “More research is needed,” says Luu. “But in the meantime these changes could significantly lower your exposure – and that’s a good start.”
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No Responses to “ How to Avoid Ingesting Plastic ”
What about storing food (cold or cooked food after cooled down) in plastic containers?
Dr. Brandon Luu replies:
@Priscilla: From my understanding, cold storage in plastic can still release micro- and nanoplastics, although studies suggest levels are much lower than during microwaving. Long-term fridge or room-temperature storage, especially over months, can lead to measurable particle release. For anyone wanting to minimize exposure, using glass or ceramic for both storage and heating is the safest practical approach. That said, for leftovers kept in plastic in the fridge for a few days, any added exposure is likely to be small.
Aren’t most teabags made of paper, especially the less expensive ones?
What about putting plastic items in the dishwasher? (bowls, spoons, etc.)