Sneaky Microplastic Invaders Cross the Gut Barrier

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted May 19, 2024

We’re under attack, invaded by an invisible enemy worming its way into every nook and cranny of our lives… and bodies.

I’m talking about microplastics, those tiny, insidious plastic particles contaminating our water,  food, and even the air we breathe.

It’s a full-blown crisis, and it’s happening right under our noses!

Scientists have sounded the alarm about microplastics for years. They’ve found these pesky particles everywhere—in the depths of the ocean, inside animals and plants, and even in our drinking water.

Now, a new study is issuing another warning. This time, it’s about what these invaders are up to INSIDE our bodies.

And it’s a threat we can’t afford to ignore.

A new study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives has found that microplastics are wreaking havoc on our digestive systems.

Even worse, the sneaky particles ALSO cross the gut barrier and invade tissues in our kidneys, liver, and even brains.

In fact, experts estimate that we’re consuming a whopping five grams of microplastics every single week. That’s the equivalent of munching on a credit card every seven days, my friend!

If that isn’t alarming enough, other research revealed that microplastics mess with our immune cells, the defenders that are supposed to keep us safe from foreign invaders.

That’s the bad news. But don’t panic. You CAN fight back against this plastic onslaught.

Step number one is to ditch the plastic when heating your food. No more microwaving meals in plastic containers, boiling food in plastic bags, or using plastic liners in your slow cooker. It’s time to go old-school and embrace glass and ceramic.

While you’re at it, swap out those plastic cooking and eating utensils for more eco-friendly options. If you must use plastic, be sure to handwash it instead of subjecting it to the scorching heat of the dishwasher.

When it comes to hydration, forget about those plastic water bottles and invest in a reverse osmosis filter for your tap water and a stainless-steel bottle to cart it around in.

You’ll be killing two birds with one stone by stopping exposing yourself to the microplastics found inside plastic water bottles and filtering out any microplastics that may be in the tap water.

And let’s talk about your wardrobe and household linens. Consider switching to natural fibers like cotton, linen, and bamboo. Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics with every wash.

Finally, if you’re a tea lover, pay close attention to the tea bags you use. Make sure they’re made from natural fibers instead of plastic, or switch to loose tea leaves and use a glass or metal strainer. Every small change counts!

Now, I’m not saying you should lose sleep over microplastics, but you shouldn’t entirely ignore this issue either. The latest research confirms they can harm your health.

However, by making these simple adjustments to your daily life, you can significantly reduce your exposure and minimize the risks associated with these pervasive particles.

P.S. Not ready to invest in a water filter for your tap? You can detox your drinking water with this microplastic purging trick.

Source:

Marcus M. Garcia, et. al., In Vivo Tissue Distribution of Polystyrene or Mixed Polymer Microspheres and Metabolomic Analysis after Oral Exposure in Mice. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2024; 132 (4) DOI: 10.1289/EHP13435

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.

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