Our bodies are constantly battling an invisible enemy: microplastics and their associated chemicals. Here’s what you need to know about how your body handles these invaders, and more importantly, what you can do to help.
The Main Villains:
• BPA and BPS
• Phthalates
• PFAS (forever chemicals)
• Microplastics
Your Body’s Natural Defense System
When these chemicals enter your body – whether through food, air, or skin contact – your liver springs into action. Think of your liver as your body’s chemical processing plant, equipped with special enzymes (Phase 2 detoxification enzymes) that transform these chemicals into forms that can be flushed out through urine.
The Good News and Bad News:
Good news: Your body can clear some chemicals relatively quickly:
- BPA: About 6 hours
- Phthalates: 12-24 hours
Bad news: We’re exposed to these chemicals almost constantly, and some are particularly stubborn. PFAS (forever chemicals) have a half-life of 2-5 years, meaning they stick around and build up in organs like your liver and kidneys.
Microplastics present their own challenge. While larger particles can pass through your digestive system, tiny nanoplastics can enter your bloodstream and accumulate in your organs. Scientists are still trying to understand if and how our bodies can remove these effectively.
Natural Ways to Help Your Body Fight Back:
- The Power of Sulforaphane
This compound, found abundantly in broccoli sprouts (100 times more than mature broccoli), activates your body’s master detoxification switch (Nrf2). Studies show it can boost toxin removal by up to 60% for certain pollutants. - Fiber: Your Internal Cleanup Crew
High-fiber foods can:- Bind to harmful chemicals in your digestive tract
- Help sweep away larger microplastics
- Reduce the time these toxins spend in your body
Best sources: legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Sweat It Out
Exercise, saunas, hot yoga, or any activity that makes you sweat can help eliminate some plastic-related chemicals. While sweating isn’t the primary way your body removes these toxins, every bit helps in reducing your toxic load.
The Forever Chemical Challenge
Unfortunately, these strategies work less effectively against PFAS due to their 2-5 year half-life. The best defense against forever chemicals is avoiding exposure in the first place by:
- Minimizing plastic use
- Avoiding mineral waters high in PFAS
- Reducing plastic contact with food and drinks
Remember: Your body is remarkably efficient at removing many toxins, but in today’s world, it needs all the help it can get. Supporting your natural detoxification systems through diet and lifestyle choices is key to maintaining your health in our plastic-filled world.
Comment below with ways you are decreasing your contact with everyday plastics.