FoundMyFitness Podcast Episode #095 Summary: What Microplastics Are Doing to Your Brain, Body, and Reproductive Systems

Host/Author: Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D.
Release Date: September 19, 2024

Introduction: The Ubiquity and Impact of Microplastics

In Episode #095 of FoundMyFitness, Dr. Rhonda Patrick delves into the pervasive issue of microplastics—tiny plastic particles that infiltrate our environment and bodies. She elucidates how these particles are not merely transient invaders but accumulate in our organs, posing significant health risks. Patrick emphasizes the alarming statistic from early 2024, stating, “human brain samples were found to have, on average, 0.5% plastic by weight” ([03:15]).

Understanding Microplastics: Origins and Characteristics

Microplastics range from 5 millimeters to 100 nanometers (nanoplastics), resulting primarily from the oxidative breakdown of larger plastic items ([05:20]). Over 70% of these particles emanate from the degradation of everyday plastics, while the remainder are deliberately included in products like cosmetics, synthetic clothing fibers, and industrial plastics. Their diminutive size, especially nanoplastics, facilitates their pervasive presence in various environments.

Routes of Exposure: Ingestion and Inhalation

Patrick identifies oral ingestion and inhalation as the primary pathways for microplastic exposure:

• Oral Ingestion: Sources include bottled water, tap water, packaged foods, and contaminated fresh produce. Notably, tap water alone can introduce between 220,000 to 1.2 million microplastic particles annually ([12:45]). Bottled water exacerbates this issue by adding microplastics from packaging ([14:00]).

• Inhalation: Airborne microplastics originate from synthetic clothing fibers, degraded plastic waste, and tire wear. Urban environments, with high traffic density and synthetic material usage, significantly contribute to inhaled microplastics, leading to potential chronic lung inflammation ([22:10]).

Microplastics in the Body: Bioaccumulation and Organ Impact

Patrick underscores that microplastics accumulate in vital organs, including the lungs, liver, heart, brain, reproductive organs, and even the placenta ([28:30]). This accumulation raises critical health concerns:

• Lungs: Studies revealed microplastics in every lung sample analyzed from surgical patients, causing inflammation and respiratory issues like asthma and COPD ([28:45]).

• Liver: Liver cells exposed to microplastics exhibit mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress, potentially leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ([32:00]).

• Brain: Microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, activating microglial cells and triggering neuroinflammation. This process is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's ([40:20]).

• Reproductive System: Microplastics disrupt hormone balances, leading to lower sperm counts and impaired reproductive health. Human placentas have been found to contain microplastics, suggesting fetal exposure ([48:15]).

Harmful Chemicals Associated with Microplastics

Microplastics often carry harmful additives like BPA, BPS, phthalates, and PFAS—collectively known as "forever chemicals" due to their resistance to degradation ([19:30]). These chemicals are endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone signaling and altering metabolism. Notable impacts include:

• BPA and BPS: Mimic estrogen, leading to hormonal imbalances affecting reproductive health and brain function. A study highlighted that drinking from BPA-lined cans can increase blood pressure within hours ([19:45]).

• Phthalates: Used to make plastics more flexible, phthalates are linked to decreased testosterone levels, reproductive issues, and developmental problems in children ([24:10]).

• PFAS: Resistant to environmental breakdown, PFAS accumulate in the body, associated with immune suppression, thyroid dysfunction, and increased cancer risk ([20:00]).

Health Consequences: From Cellular Disruption to Chronic Diseases

Patrick connects microplastic exposure to a spectrum of health issues:

• Endocrine Disruption: BPA and phthalates interfere with hormone receptors, leading to reproductive health impairments, altered thyroid function, and metabolic disorders ([36:00]).

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Maternal BPA exposure is linked to behavioral problems in children, including traits associated with autism spectrum disorder. BPA disrupts neurotransmitter systems crucial for brain development ([55:30]).

• Cardiovascular Diseases: BPA disrupts calcium signaling in heart cells, leading to irregular heartbeats and increased blood pressure. Microplastics embedded in arterial plaques are associated with higher risks of heart attacks and strokes ([75:00]).

• Cancer Risk: Phthalates are associated with a higher risk of childhood cancers like osteosarcoma and lymphoma, while BPA's estrogen-mimicking properties may promote breast cancer cell growth ([90:20]).

Mitigation Strategies: Reducing Exposure and Enhancing Excretion

Patrick provides actionable steps to minimize microplastic and chemical exposure:

1. Water Filtration:

   • Reverse Osmosis Systems: Highly effective in removing up to 99.9% of microplastics and associated chemicals like BPA and PFAS ([55:50]).
   • Avoiding Bottled Water: Opt for glass or stainless steel containers to reduce plastic leaching.

2. Dietary Choices:

   • Fresh Over Packaged Foods: Minimize consumption of packaged goods to reduce microplastic intake.
   • Salt Selection: Choose rock or mined salts over sea salts to lower microplastic ingestion from salt ([68:10]).

3. Indoor Air Quality:

   • HEPA Filters: Use in homes to trap airborne microplastic particles from synthetic textiles and tire wear ([62:40]).
   • Synthetic Clothing: Opt for natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen to decrease microfiber shedding.

4. Food Preparation:

   • Avoid Heating Plastics: Refrain from microwaving food in plastic containers to prevent chemical leaching.
   • Use Safe Cookware: Choose titanium, ceramic, or cast iron over nonstick pans.

5. Handling Receipts:

   • Digital Receipts: Request electronic versions to avoid BPA exposure from thermal paper receipts ([80:15]).
   • Protective Gloves: If handling receipts frequently, wear nitrile gloves to block chemical absorption.

6. Enhancing Excretion:

   • Dietary Fiber and Sulforaphane: Consume fiber-rich foods and cruciferous vegetables to bind and eliminate toxins through feces. Sulforaphane, found in broccoli sprouts, activates detoxification pathways ([105:30]).
   • Physical Activity and Sweating: Engage in regular exercise and sauna use to facilitate the excretion of certain chemicals through sweat ([110:00]).

Conclusion: Empowering Change Through Awareness and Action

Dr. Rhonda Patrick concludes by emphasizing that microplastics present a multifaceted health challenge, affecting various biological systems and contributing to chronic diseases. However, she offers hope through informed personal choices and collective action. By adopting strategies to reduce exposure and support the body's detoxification processes, individuals can mitigate the adverse effects of microplastics. Additionally, advocating for systemic policy changes to address plastic pollution is crucial for safeguarding public health and future generations.

"Microplastics and their associated chemicals are not just an environmental concern. They're posing a significant human health challenge that's impacting us at multiple biological levels," Patrick asserts ([120:00]).

Resources for Further Information:

• FoundMyFitness website: foundmyfitness.com
• Microplastics article with references available under the "Topics" tab on the website.
• Consider becoming a FoundMyFitness member for access to live and recorded Q&A sessions on related topics.