The Stroke-Boosting Threat Lurking in YOUR Arteries

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted May 26, 2025

We want to take a moment on this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on in the country they helped preserve.

I’ve warned you about heart disease and stroke risk factors before.

You know, the usual suspects—like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and smoking.

But there’s a disturbing new threat on the scene that no one talks about nearly enough.

And it’s probably circulating in your bloodstream right now.

Microplastics and nanoplastics are tiny plastic particles that have become widespread environmental pollutants.

Microplastics are plastic fragments less than 5mm, while nanoplastics are smaller, measuring less than 1 micrometer (0.001mm).

These particles originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items through weathering, UV radiation, mechanical forces, and products that intentionally contain them, like certain cosmetics.

Their small size allows them to enter food chains, water supplies, and even human bodies—raising concerns about ecological and health impacts.

Now, research reveals that these microscopic bits of plastic can accumulate in the fatty plaque that builds up in arteries. And their presence dramatically increases your heart attack and stroke risk.

When researchers compared healthy, plaque-free arteries to those with plaque buildup, they found that those with plaque had 16 times more microplastics.

But it gets worse.

In people who experienced a stroke, mini-stroke, or vision loss, the arterial plaque contained an alarming 51 times more plastic.

Microplastics are likely flowing through your blood right now and accumulating in your lungs, liver, and other organs. And now we know they’re also settling into the dangerous arterial plaque that can block blood flow to your brain.

So, where are these plastics coming from? Virtually everywhere:

• Plastic water bottles and food containers
• Synthetic clothing fibers
• Microbeads in personal care products
• Breakdown of larger plastic items in the environment
• Plastic dust from car tires
• Food packaging and plastic wrap
• Plastic teabags and coffee pods

Completely avoiding plastic exposure in modern life is impossible. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure and lower your health risks:

• Drink from glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic bottles
• Store food in glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel containers
• Filter your drinking water with a high-quality filter designed to remove microplastics
• Choose natural fiber clothing when possible
• Avoid heating food in plastic containers
• Minimize the use of single-use plastics
• Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter to reduce plastic dust in your home
• Choose fresh, unpackaged foods when possible
• Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods, which can counteract inflammation from plastic exposure

We’ve long known about traditional risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking. But now we know this invisible plastic invader may also be silently contributing to arterial damage and stroke risk.

Until more research is done and better solutions are available, your best defense is awareness and taking reasonable steps to reduce your plastic exposure. But don’t forget about traditional risk factors as well—and focus on a healthy diet and regular exercise.

P.S. Tiny plastic particles found in the BRAIN!

Source:

Ross Clark, Matthew Campen, Pierce Massie, et al., Carotid Plaque Microplastics are Associated with Clinical Symptoms and Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Macrophage Immunomodulatory Effects, Presented at: Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions 2025, Baltimore, MD, Session Info: 01. Poster Session 1 & Reception, Tuesday, 04/22/2025, 06:00PM – 08:00PM

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 By Dr. Scott Olson, ND