Microplastic Mayhem Threatens Your Heart [ALERT]
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 12, 2024
As a regular Living Well Daily reader, you likely already know quite a bit about microplastics.
After all, I’ve often written about the dangers they pose to our health.
More research is needed to determine the precise damage ingesting microplastics causes, but we’ve already learned a thing or two.
For example, studies have linked them to adverse changes in gut bacteria and antibiotic resistance.
And now new research reveals yet another shocking way microplastics harm our health.
Scientists say we aren’t just surrounded by the tiny plastic fragments polluting every corner of our planet—they’re ALSO setting up shop inside our bodies!
In fact, researchers found the same microplastics that are choking our oceans and infiltrating our food chain INSIDE of clogged arteries—raising heart attack and stroke risk.
The groundbreaking three-year study concluded when the plastic bits become lodged in your artery plaque, it makes you nearly FIVE TIMES more likely to experience a major cardiovascular catastrophe.
This is just another example of how plastics wreak havoc on our health in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
It’s impossible to avoid microplastics entirely. But You CAN reduce your exposure:
- Ditch single-use plastics: Say goodbye to disposable water bottles, straws, utensils, and bags. Choose reusable alternatives like stainless steel or glass whenever possible.
- Filter your water: Invest in a high-quality reverse osmosis water filter that’s proven to remove microplastics from your drinking water. It’s a small step, but it can make a big difference.
- Avoid synthetic clothing: Those trendy polyester and nylon clothes might be cheap and easy to care for, but they’re also a significant source of microplastic fibers. Stick to natural materials like cotton, linen, and wool instead.
- Clean smarter: When doing laundry, use a front-loading washing machine whenever possible, as it releases fewer fibers. Use a microfiber-catching laundry ball or filter. And while you’re at it, skip harsh detergents.
- Eat fresh, unpackaged foods: Processed foods and those wrapped in plastic packaging are more likely to contain microplastics. Opt for fresh, whole foods whenever possible, and bring your own reusable bags and containers to the grocery store.
- Vacuum and dust regularly: Microplastics accumulate in household dust, so keep your living space clean by vacuuming (with a HEPA filter) and dusting often. Bonus points if you use a damp cloth to avoid stirring up particles.
Microplastics are a reality we have to live with, but with a little extra effort, you can reduce their impact on your health.
P.S. Detox your drinking water with a microplastics purge.
Source:
Marfella R, Prattichizzo F, Sardu C, et al. Microplastics and nanoplastics in atheromas and cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med. 2024;390(10):900-910. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2309822
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...
Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?
Maybe you feel young for your age. Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you? That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about...