My thoughts on Microplastics:
🤮🤮🤮
Here's a quick definition from Stanford University:
"Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, which can originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items and the shedding of synthetic fibers from clothing. An estimated 10 to 40 million metric tons of microplastics are released into the environment each year, and this number could double by 2040 if current trends continue. These particles are not only pervasive in the environment but also pose significant risks to aquatic life and human health due to the toxic chemicals they may contain. Microplastics are found in a variety of products, including cosmetics and plastic packaging, contributing to widespread plastic pollution.
Stanford University"
Current science tells us that every human body NOW contains at least 1 teaspoon of microplastics, which can and DO cross the blood brain barrier and move right into our tiny little BRAINS.
"Ingested microplastics have been found to accumulate in the circulatory system and various organs, including the brain, where they can cause inflammation and tissue damage," said Mercola.
Other potential side effects are hormonal imbalances caused by the endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics. Microplastics can also absorb other environmental toxins and introduce them into the body.
There's no established safe level of microplastics, and we can't completely outrun them: They're everywhere and in everything. But it's a good idea to minimize exposure where you can."
How to AVOID microplastics as much as possible:
Do NOT drink water from plastic bottles. Thermos bottles are lined with glass, and will not convey plastic particles into your body. Use GLASS for drinks at home.
Do NOT cook in plastic containers. This includes small sized tv dinner trays.
Do NOT use cosmetics with microbeads.
AVOID eating fish. 180 of 182 tested seafood samples tested contain microplastics, which the fish consume along with ocean plankton.
DO NOT use tea bags, which are chock full of microplastics. Buy a steel diffuser and loose leaf tea instead.
WASH your rice before cooking it, using FILTERED water to rinse. Unwashed rice per half cup contains 3 to 4 milligrams of microplastic, and if you use the boil in bag packets, the rice contains 13 milligrams of microplastic.
When you top off your dinner with a sprinkling of salt, you're getting an unintentional side of microplastics. It's hard to outrun salt. It's in almost everything we eat, and our bodies need a certain amount of sodium to keep our fluids and electrolytes balanced.
"Unfortunately, one study found that 90% of the 39 sampled salt brands worldwide contained microplastics. This likely results from environmental contamination and the production and packaging process, which includes plastic. Microplastics have also been found in sugar.
How to avoid it: To cut down on exposure to microplastics in your salt and sugar, you can buy them packaged in glass or cardboard."
Honey
You might not expect your honey to harbor microplastics, but it does, even if it's in a glass jar. Microplastic fibers can be traced back to bees and pollution. One study exploring whether microplastics ingested or carried by honeybees were then incorporated into hives found that bees can continue the dispersal of microplastics through honey.
How to avoid it: Buying honey from local beekeepers who often use more-natural and sustainable harvesting methods may reduce the risk of microplastic contamination.
Apples and Carrots:
One study that sampled fruit and vegetables found that apples were the most contaminated fruit and carrots were the most contaminated vegetable. How does this happen?
"Plants have been shown to uptake micro- and nanoplastics from soil through their root systems, thereby contaminating the edible portions," Mercola said.
Many grocery stores also package fruit and vegetables in plastic to keep them fresh. According to the FDA, there isn't enough evidence to determine that microplastics from plastic food packaging migrate into food. But Mercola suggests you avoid it as much as you can anyway.
How to avoid it: Wash your fruit thoroughly, peel when possible, and opt for local or organic produce.
Proteins
A recent study from researchers at the Ocean Conservancy found that 88% of vegetable and animal proteins contain some level of microplastics. But highly processed proteins, like plant-based alternatives, fish sticks or chicken nuggets, harbor the most microplastics, suggesting the microplastic contamination partly comes from food processing. The study found that breaded shrimp had an average of 300 microplastic pieces per serving. Plant-based nuggets had 100 pieces per serving.
Food processing isn't the only way microplastics can get into these protein sources. Microplastics are in animal feeds and in the environments where animals are raised. Plant-based alternatives can be contaminated through the soil or irrigation.
How to avoid it: After reading that, you may be wondering what protein you should eat. The reality is that more research is needed to know the exact levels and their impact on our health. Our bodies need protein to function, so getting enough is important, no matter which source you choose.
Expert tips for reducing your intake of microplastics
You can cut down by following this advice:
Be careful how much shellfish you eat
Shellfish like mussels, oysters and scallops have higher levels of microplastics, so don't overdo it.
Avoid food-storage containers made of plastic
This is one of Mercola's biggest suggestions, because of the "plasticizing chemicals" in the plastic. BPA and phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can transfer from plastic to food. They're fat-soluble, so it happens most easily with fatty foods. It's best to store foods with fat in glass containers. You can store dry foods in plastic if you need to.
Avoid plastic-wrapped foods
This can be easier said than done, but it's something to strive for in areas where you can make the switch.
Get rid of plastic kitchen utensils
From the spoons we use to stir our sauces to the cutting boards we use to chop our vegetables, if they're plastic, you're ingesting microplastics. A good rule of thumb is: Anything plastic that comes in contact with your food should be swapped out for ceramic, glass, stainless steel or wood.
To help address the overall issue of microplastics in food, you can install a filter in your clothes-washing machine. If you can afford it, a special filter will catch microfibers before they pollute water systems. The PlanetCare 2.0 microfiber filter starts at $125."
https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/how-many-microplastics-are-you-eating-10-foods-with-more-than-you-think/
"It is almost impossible to go grocery shopping without buying something stored in or wrapped in plastic. Whether it's a small film wrapping a cucumber or a reheatable frozen dinner container, plastic is part of food production.
Unfortunately, a new study is showing that there is a concern regarding potential cytotoxicity from microplastics, especially from food containers that go through a temperature change."
"Caco-2 cells, which are cells from the colon that are cancerous, were selected for lab studies to determine the level of toxicity of microplastics from food containers. The study revealed that 100,000 to 260,000 microplastic particles were released from a variety of containers, with frozen food containers releasing the most.
When the containers were heated in the microwave, the breakdown of the polymer chains caused more microplastic fragments to be released."
Takeout containers are made from a variety of plastics, including polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate; there are a total of eight plastics that have been approved by the FDA for food storage use.
The study's abstract concluded, "The findings underscore the need for further research and regulatory measures to mitigate the risks associated with MPs [microplastics] and promote the development of sustainable alternatives in food packaging.""
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/microplastics-food-containers-cytotoxicity-study/
"Why are microplastics important?
Microplastics can be absorbed via ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. While it's absorbed mostly by the small intestine, it can distribute to other organs causing a range of issues from mild asthma to lung cancer.
While the focus of this study was its effect on human health, microplastics are a huge concern for wildlife, as well. Microplastics have already been found in our seafood, waterways, and drinking water and it is hurting all of us and our planet. There are an estimated 5.25 trillion plastic particles just in our oceans.
"What can I do about microplastics?
While the cytotoxicity of microplastics is dose-dependent, you can limit your exposure to microplastics in your daily life by storing your groceries in glass instead of plastic, transferring leftovers onto dishware before reheating, and removing frozen food from its packaging and transfer before cooking.
If you choose to order takeout from a restaurant, you can research to see which restaurants use reusable container programs, like Recirclable, or if you are allowed to bring your own containers."
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/microplastics-food-containers-cytotoxicity-study/
Here's a quick definition from Stanford University:
"Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, which can originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items and the shedding of synthetic fibers from clothing. An estimated 10 to 40 million metric tons of microplastics are released into the environment each year, and this number could double by 2040 if current trends continue. These particles are not only pervasive in the environment but also pose significant risks to aquatic life and human health due to the toxic chemicals they may contain. Microplastics are found in a variety of products, including cosmetics and plastic packaging, contributing to widespread plastic pollution.
Stanford University"
Current science tells us that every human body NOW contains at least 1 teaspoon of microplastics, which can and DO cross the blood brain barrier and move right into our tiny little BRAINS.
"Ingested microplastics have been found to accumulate in the circulatory system and various organs, including the brain, where they can cause inflammation and tissue damage," said Mercola.
Other potential side effects are hormonal imbalances caused by the endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics. Microplastics can also absorb other environmental toxins and introduce them into the body.
There's no established safe level of microplastics, and we can't completely outrun them: They're everywhere and in everything. But it's a good idea to minimize exposure where you can."
How to AVOID microplastics as much as possible:
Do NOT drink water from plastic bottles. Thermos bottles are lined with glass, and will not convey plastic particles into your body. Use GLASS for drinks at home.
Do NOT cook in plastic containers. This includes small sized tv dinner trays.
Do NOT use cosmetics with microbeads.
AVOID eating fish. 180 of 182 tested seafood samples tested contain microplastics, which the fish consume along with ocean plankton.
DO NOT use tea bags, which are chock full of microplastics. Buy a steel diffuser and loose leaf tea instead.
WASH your rice before cooking it, using FILTERED water to rinse. Unwashed rice per half cup contains 3 to 4 milligrams of microplastic, and if you use the boil in bag packets, the rice contains 13 milligrams of microplastic.
When you top off your dinner with a sprinkling of salt, you're getting an unintentional side of microplastics. It's hard to outrun salt. It's in almost everything we eat, and our bodies need a certain amount of sodium to keep our fluids and electrolytes balanced.
"Unfortunately, one study found that 90% of the 39 sampled salt brands worldwide contained microplastics. This likely results from environmental contamination and the production and packaging process, which includes plastic. Microplastics have also been found in sugar.
How to avoid it: To cut down on exposure to microplastics in your salt and sugar, you can buy them packaged in glass or cardboard."
Honey
You might not expect your honey to harbor microplastics, but it does, even if it's in a glass jar. Microplastic fibers can be traced back to bees and pollution. One study exploring whether microplastics ingested or carried by honeybees were then incorporated into hives found that bees can continue the dispersal of microplastics through honey.
How to avoid it: Buying honey from local beekeepers who often use more-natural and sustainable harvesting methods may reduce the risk of microplastic contamination.
Apples and Carrots:
One study that sampled fruit and vegetables found that apples were the most contaminated fruit and carrots were the most contaminated vegetable. How does this happen?
"Plants have been shown to uptake micro- and nanoplastics from soil through their root systems, thereby contaminating the edible portions," Mercola said.
Many grocery stores also package fruit and vegetables in plastic to keep them fresh. According to the FDA, there isn't enough evidence to determine that microplastics from plastic food packaging migrate into food. But Mercola suggests you avoid it as much as you can anyway.
How to avoid it: Wash your fruit thoroughly, peel when possible, and opt for local or organic produce.
Proteins
A recent study from researchers at the Ocean Conservancy found that 88% of vegetable and animal proteins contain some level of microplastics. But highly processed proteins, like plant-based alternatives, fish sticks or chicken nuggets, harbor the most microplastics, suggesting the microplastic contamination partly comes from food processing. The study found that breaded shrimp had an average of 300 microplastic pieces per serving. Plant-based nuggets had 100 pieces per serving.
Food processing isn't the only way microplastics can get into these protein sources. Microplastics are in animal feeds and in the environments where animals are raised. Plant-based alternatives can be contaminated through the soil or irrigation.
How to avoid it: After reading that, you may be wondering what protein you should eat. The reality is that more research is needed to know the exact levels and their impact on our health. Our bodies need protein to function, so getting enough is important, no matter which source you choose.
Expert tips for reducing your intake of microplastics
You can cut down by following this advice:
Be careful how much shellfish you eat
Shellfish like mussels, oysters and scallops have higher levels of microplastics, so don't overdo it.
Avoid food-storage containers made of plastic
This is one of Mercola's biggest suggestions, because of the "plasticizing chemicals" in the plastic. BPA and phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can transfer from plastic to food. They're fat-soluble, so it happens most easily with fatty foods. It's best to store foods with fat in glass containers. You can store dry foods in plastic if you need to.
Avoid plastic-wrapped foods
This can be easier said than done, but it's something to strive for in areas where you can make the switch.
Get rid of plastic kitchen utensils
From the spoons we use to stir our sauces to the cutting boards we use to chop our vegetables, if they're plastic, you're ingesting microplastics. A good rule of thumb is: Anything plastic that comes in contact with your food should be swapped out for ceramic, glass, stainless steel or wood.
To help address the overall issue of microplastics in food, you can install a filter in your clothes-washing machine. If you can afford it, a special filter will catch microfibers before they pollute water systems. The PlanetCare 2.0 microfiber filter starts at $125."
https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/how-many-microplastics-are-you-eating-10-foods-with-more-than-you-think/
"It is almost impossible to go grocery shopping without buying something stored in or wrapped in plastic. Whether it's a small film wrapping a cucumber or a reheatable frozen dinner container, plastic is part of food production.
Unfortunately, a new study is showing that there is a concern regarding potential cytotoxicity from microplastics, especially from food containers that go through a temperature change."
"Caco-2 cells, which are cells from the colon that are cancerous, were selected for lab studies to determine the level of toxicity of microplastics from food containers. The study revealed that 100,000 to 260,000 microplastic particles were released from a variety of containers, with frozen food containers releasing the most.
When the containers were heated in the microwave, the breakdown of the polymer chains caused more microplastic fragments to be released."
Takeout containers are made from a variety of plastics, including polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate; there are a total of eight plastics that have been approved by the FDA for food storage use.
The study's abstract concluded, "The findings underscore the need for further research and regulatory measures to mitigate the risks associated with MPs [microplastics] and promote the development of sustainable alternatives in food packaging.""
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/microplastics-food-containers-cytotoxicity-study/
"Why are microplastics important?
Microplastics can be absorbed via ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. While it's absorbed mostly by the small intestine, it can distribute to other organs causing a range of issues from mild asthma to lung cancer.
While the focus of this study was its effect on human health, microplastics are a huge concern for wildlife, as well. Microplastics have already been found in our seafood, waterways, and drinking water and it is hurting all of us and our planet. There are an estimated 5.25 trillion plastic particles just in our oceans.
"What can I do about microplastics?
While the cytotoxicity of microplastics is dose-dependent, you can limit your exposure to microplastics in your daily life by storing your groceries in glass instead of plastic, transferring leftovers onto dishware before reheating, and removing frozen food from its packaging and transfer before cooking.
If you choose to order takeout from a restaurant, you can research to see which restaurants use reusable container programs, like Recirclable, or if you are allowed to bring your own containers."
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/microplastics-food-containers-cytotoxicity-study/
