Microplastics are found in various forms in the environment, including plastic bottles and some foods, as well as in the water supply. The average person ingests about 0.14 grams of microplastics per day, with a range of 0.002 to 1.74 grams. The majority of the particles, 99%, are smaller than five millimeters and can be eliminated from the body through the gastrointestinal tract.
Microplastics such as Bisphenol A (BPA) can have a harmful effect on human health by acting as a synthetic estrogen and accumulating in the prostate gland, ovaries, and causing inflammation in both men and women.
It is possible to detoxify microplastics and other toxins, including heavy metals and iron overload, by following a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise. Consultation with a healthcare professional can also provide guidance on specific steps to take to help reduce the effects of microplastics on your health.
Related: Learn About Iron Overload
Sweat For Detox Plastic From Body
Sweating is an effective way of removing and detoxifying microplastics from the body. Cultures have utilized sweating practices, such as the sauna, for centuries, which have a therapeutic effect on the immune system and promote overall detoxification.
While the concept of detoxifying through sweat may be perceived as a myth, several studies have demonstrated its effectiveness.
When You Sweat, You Get Rid Of The following:
- Plastics
- Pesticides & herbicides
- Pollutants
- Heavy Metals
It is a known fact that the body excretes various toxins, pollutants, plastics, pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals through sweat. In fact, sweat is the primary source of excretion for these compounds, with higher concentrations compared to blood or urine.
Microplastics: Hormonal Affect And Fertility
It is a common occurrence for people to be exposed to microplastics and toxins, including methylates, which are known to disrupt hormone levels and cause infertility. However, there is a way to alleviate the effects of these compounds – by excreting them through sweating.
Other types of compounds influence our health, such as
- Flame retardants
- Organochlorine pesticides
You can excrete them through sweat, urine, and blood, but sweat is the number one pathway.
How Long Does Plastic Stay In Your System?
Everyone is exposed to microplastics and other toxins. Compounds like methylates, which are xenohormones with estrogenic effects, can disrupt your hormone levels and cause infertility. Most plastics accumulate in the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys, and your body will naturally try to eliminate these compounds within a day. However, if you continuously consume plastic, such as through coffee cups or food packaged in certain types of plastic, it can lead to long-term negative effects.
Avoid Heavy Metals Such As Arsenic, And Mercury
Heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury can disrupt our endocrine system, which regulates hormones and other important bodily functions.
During the 1990s Gulf War, it was found that 30% of US veterans experienced Gulf War sickness caused by exposure to pollutants, metals, and poisons. Fortunately, they were able to improve the symptoms through the Hubbard Protocol, which consisted of daily exercise, sauna-induced sweating, crystalline nicotinic acid, and other supplements.
The niacin flush in this protocol enhances the sweating aspect and helps flush and detoxify toxins. Human sweat contains glycoproteins that can bind to compounds in the system and excrete them, making it an effective way to help excrete toxins.
Exercise For Heavy Metal Toxicity
Exercise plays a crucial role in detoxifying heavy metals from the body. By improving circulation and promoting the removal of toxins, individuals who engage in regular exercise have higher levels of metals and chemicals in their sweat.
Combining exercise with sauna and niacin can enhance the sweating process, leading to an effective detoxification of a range of toxins, including chemicals, pesticides, metals, plastics, and microplastics. Thus, the most effective method for excreting these toxins is a combination of sauna-induced sweating, exercise, and niacin.
Best Supplements For Heavy Metals
There are also some other additional supplements that you could take that bind to toxins, such as:
- Chlorella: Chlorella contains high levels of chlorophyll and can bind to heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium.
- Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal binds with heavy metals and toxins within the digestive system and removes them on its way out of the body. People can use it in both acute and chronic cases of poisoning.
- Curcumin: It boosts overall defense by binding Iron and supports mitochondria by reducing oxidative stress by regulating inflammation.
- N-Acetylcysteine: N-acetylcysteine is an antioxidant that can help with heavy metal poisoning. It can bind with heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, and remove them from the body as well as a precursor of a master antioxidant called Glutathione.
But I think there’s still the number one thing to do and focus on: regular swift exposure through the sauna and exercise.
Reduce Microplastics Exposure By Regular Fasting
Fasting is an effective way to promote the release of toxins stored in fat cells. This is achieved through the stimulation of the Autophagy process. Additionally, fasting reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which are significant contributors to chronic diseases. Fasting also triggers Mitochondrial Biogenesis, similar to exercise, which supports the overall immune system and cellular function.
A study conducted by Dr. Valter Longo found that fasting can reduce exposure to microplastics by up to 66%. Practicing regular fasting is a great way to reduce exposure to microplastics and other environmental pollutants.
Melatonin For BPA and Heavy Metal Toxicity
Exposure to BPA and heavy metals(especially fluoride) can disrupt melatonin production, eventually decreasing antioxidant capacity.
Researchers have found that melatonin pre-treatment in combination with heavy metal treatment also shows a significant positive effect.
Besides, Another study found that Melatonin significantly protected against BPA-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.
This is done by reducing oxidative stress and improving antioxidative defense.
Heavy metals disrupt melatonin levels, leading to longer sleep and detoxifying the process. Sleep deprivation also leads to inflammation and mitochondrial damage.
This is why toxic substances like BPA and heavy metals should be avoided.
Related: Melatonin: Does It Affect Fertility?
Other Types For Detoxify Our Body Microplastics And Chemicals
There are other strategies for detoxifying our body from Microplastics, such as:
- Donate Your Blood For Better Performance: Blood donation can help you perform better in your day-to-day life by reducing iron overload and toxicity in your body. The process of donating blood is simple and only takes about an hour. Excessive Iron can damage people and cause impair mitochondrial function and the production of important hormones.
- Sulfur-Rich Compounds: Broccoli and cauliflower are miracle workers to help defend and detoxify from those dangerous chemicals, including BPA, and support Glutathione production.
- Never heat plastic: Avoid putting plastics in the microwave or any hot food in plastic containers.
| Method | Safety | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Sauna | It may be safe for most individuals but not suitable for those with certain health conditions. | It may help eliminate toxins through sweat, but the effectiveness of sauna detox for microplastics is not well established. |
| Fasting | It may be safe for most individuals but not suitable for those with certain health conditions. | It may help eliminate toxins through the digestive system, but the effectiveness of fasting for microplastics specifically is not well established. |
| NAC | Generally considered safe, but may cause side effects in some individuals. | NAC has been shown to have antioxidant and detoxifying properties and may help eliminate toxins, including microplastics. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. |
| Exercise | Safe when performed at a moderate intensity | May help with the elimination of toxins through sweat and improved circulation. |
| Hydration | Safe | It may help with the elimination of toxins through urine |
| Natural fiber supplements | Generally safe, but may cause digestive side effects in some individuals | It may help with the elimination of toxins through the digestive system |
| Melatonin | It may be safe for most individuals in appropriate doses. | Melatonin has been shown to have antioxidant and detoxifying properties and may help eliminate toxins, including microplastics. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. |
Outline
Microplastics are not only present in our environment but also within our bodies. We are exposed to these plastics through various means and they accumulate in various parts of our bodies such as the liver, breast milk and even within our cells.
Sweating is one way to detoxify microplastics. However, optimal levels can be achieved by incorporating melatonin and antioxidants into our routine for better production of these compounds.
However, Melatonin deficiency is common among most people because Blue light exposure and EMF are the two major issues that people need to be aware of when using technology. They are linked to inhibiting Melatonin production.
I hope this article is helpful to you.