How to consume fewer microplastics

A recent study shows a 50% increase of microplastics in the human body over the last eight years. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can enter the body and lead to increased inflammation. Additionally, people with dementia have 10 times the amount of microplastics in their brains compared to those without the neurological condition.

So, what can you do?

Lowering your exposure to microplastics can be difficult, but changing a handful of habits might help, according to Travis Hawks, a sustainability manager at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care.

Avoid plastic in your daily life

Many drinks are sold in plastic cups because they cost less and don’t break as easily. However, plastic cups can shed and expose you to microplastics.

“If you’re going to buy a drink, look for glass or metal options, like aluminum cans,” Hawks explains. “You can also bring your own reusable stainless-steel tumbler to coffee shops if they will let you. Overall, try to avoid plastic as much as possible.”

Plastic cups also end up breaking down in a landfill or as litter in the natural environment. This raises the levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in our environment and food sources.

Turn to filtered tap water

Grabbing a bottle of water might make sense on the go, but it may increase the amount of microplastics you consume. When plastic bottles are left in warm settings, like sitting in hot cars or the sun, heat breaks down the microplastics faster. In general, plastic particles are naturally released over time.

Instead, Hawks suggests drinking tap water and using a filter certified by the American National Standards Institute. “Some filters are specifically designed to capture microplastics, but even having a standard water filter would help,” he adds.

Minimize processed foods

Many people are unknowingly consuming microplastics. From seafood and farm animals to produce, tiny plastic particles are entering our food sources. This makes keeping plastic out of your body that much harder.

One way to ingest less microplastics is to eat fewer processed foods. Hawks says this is because the products are often wrapped in plastic.

Whether stored in a plastic bag, placed inside a cardboard box or covered in saran wrap, the longer your food sits, the more time microplastics can leave the packaging and enter your food. Even TV dinners sitting on a plastic plate or deli cuts on a Styrofoam tray can lead to increased microplastic consumption.

“Also, it’s a bad idea to microwave anything plastic or Styrofoam since it makes microplastic levels even worse,” Hawks cautions.

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