We are exposed to hundreds of toxic chemicals from food, water, household products, personal care products, plastics, and air pollution. Recently, microplastics have been gaining the interest of scientists and environmental researchers for their adverse effects on human health. These tiny particles of plastic that are less than 5 mm in size ( the size of a rice grain) have been detected in our air, oceans, and food supply.  The smaller ones of these plastic byproducts are the nano-particles, which are less than 1 micrometer in size and have been detected in our drinking water, food, blood, tissues, and even in our arterial plaques. These tiny plastic particles are typically from the breakdown of plastics such as BPA (bisphenol A) used as a plastic hardener for food and beverage containers, phthalates that are found in personal care products, PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl ) used in non-stick cookware, plastic food storage bags, and even dental floss. 

 While researchers are still uncovering the long-term effects of microplastic exposure, early data suggest that these particles may contribute to inflammation, immune dysfunction, hormone disruption, and oxidative stress, affecting everything from brain health to fertility.  While we can’t directly control our exposure to some of the environmental microplastics, we can definitely take simple measures to minimize our exposure and their associated health risks.

Testing

At Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center, we offer a specific urine test that is designed to pinpoint your environmental toxicant exposure, including a few of the microplastic metabolites, to help provide a more targeted prevention and treatment plan. This environmental toxic profile measures 27+ metabolites for the categories listed below: 

1. 1. Phthalates– found in toys, food packaging, shampoo, and vinyl flooring
   2. BPA’s: Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S– Found in water bottles, dental sealants and cosmetics, personal care products, and some food items. 
   3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) : Xylene,  Styrene/Ethylbenzene, Benzene, Acrylonitrilem, 1-bromopropane,  1,3 butadiene, Ethylene Oxide, Vinyl Chloride: Found in household and beauty products, vehicle emissions, paints, and sealants.
   4. Parabens– Added as a preservative to food, cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. 
   5. Pesticides: Atrazine Mercapturate (AM), 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid, Pyrethroids, Organophosphates.
   6. Other Toxicants:  Triphenyl Phosphate, Acrylamide, Perchlorate, Oxybenzone (OBZ)

• Glyphosate – a non-selective herbicide used to kill certain weeds and grasses. 

Treatments

Conventional Medical Approaches:

• Currently, there are no treatments available for microplastic exposure.

Natural Approaches:

• Addressing exposure:  Plastics and plastic breakdowns are ubiquitous in our environment, so we should implement changes to our daily routine to eliminate or reduce our lifetime exposure.
• Support our bodies’ detoxification pathways through skin, liver, and kidneys 
• Optimizing Detoxification pathways through individualized therapeutic approach using herbs and nutrients for liver phase I and II, and cellular detoxification pathways. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do microplastics get into the body?  Ingestion through food and water, inhalation of airborne particles, and absorption through skin. 

Q: How do microplastics contaminate our food supply?

• Environmental Contamination: Microplastics can enter the food chain through airborne pollution, contaminated water and soil. 

• Plastic Packaging: Food packaging can release microplastics into our food. Microwaving and freezing can lead to even more release of microplastics in our food due to increased plastic shedding.

• Other Sources: Non-stick pots and pans, plastic-coated air fryers, dishwashing sponges, blenders, and kettles.

Q: What are some of the highly contaminated food sources?

• Bottled Water: One of the major sources of microplastics is single-use water bottles.
• Processed Foods: Many processed foods also contain microplastics due to canned lining and plastic packaging. 
• Seafood: Microplastics have been found in various seafood items, including shellfish and fish. 
• Rice and Other Grains: Microplastics have been detected in rice and other grains. 
• Teas: Teabags have been found to leach microplastics in our tea when heated
• Other sources:  Researchers have found microplastics in various salt brands, refined and organic sugar, and even honey.

 Q: How can I reduce microplastic and nanoplastic exposure? While we may not have complete control over our exposure to microplastics, we can implement changes that are in our control to reduce our exposure.  Please see below for some of the ways to reduce your ongoing exposure:

• Avoid single-use bottled water and plastic bottles
• Avoid non-stick pots and pans
• Switch to natural fiber clothing
• Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers 
• Avoid using plastic wraps or plastic food storage bags 
• Avoid freezing foods in plastic storage bags
• Read labels of your personal care and beauty products and check EWG ( Environmental Working Group) for potentially toxic chemicals and breakdown of plastics. 
• Choose natural pesticides and herbicides for your garden
• Use HEPA filters in your home rated for the removal of environmental toxins
• Use a Wooden Cutting board instead of a plastic

At Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center, we offer functional testing to evaluate your environmental toxin exposure, including plastic metabolites, and help guide you through reducing exposure and implementing safe, effective, and personalized detox strategies to decrease your body’s plastic load. 

Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center
Phone: 760-944-9300
www.opintegrativecenter.com