Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, measuring less than 5 millimeters (smaller than a grain of rice), that come from biomaterials present in everyday cosmetics and industrial applications, as well as from the use and improper disposal of larger plastics.
On average, each of us consumes tens of thousands of microplastic particles every year, often through air, water, food — including staples like rice, tea, and seafood — and even via household dust. While science is still unraveling the full impact on human health, studies in animals and cells suggest microplastic exposure may be associated with a range of risks, from inflammation and reproductive problems to impacts on the gut, lungs, and other organs.
How To Safely Rid the Body of Microplastics
While there’s no magic cleanse, the body is naturally equipped to process and remove microplastics over time. You can support this process by making healthy, mindful choices to:
Stay hydrated: Water helps flush out toxins, and drinking plenty, ideally filtered tap water rather than bottled, can help.
Move your body regularly: Physical activity stimulates circulation and supports your natural detoxification system.
Choose detox-friendly foods: Berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus are rich in antioxidants, which aid the natural detoxification process. In addition, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and green tea have properties that help activate enzymes and reduce inflammation.
Limit high-risk foods and microplastic-prone lifestyle habits: Mollusks and shellfish, such as clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops, can contain very high levels of microplastics since they filter seawater, and cutting down on their consumption can reduce the body’s load of microplastic.
Also consider replacing plastic bottles, cutlery, and containers with glass, stainless steel, and other sustainable alternatives like wood, ceramic, and bamboo.
Tips To Avoid Microplastics
Hannah Kopelman, DO, chief dermatologist at DermOnDemand, recommends 3 practical and simple evidence-based tips.
“First, avoid heating food in plastic and switch to glass or stainless steel for storage and drinking — heat accelerates plastic breakdown and potential microplastic release,” she tells nécessité.
“Second, be selective with personal care: choose products labeled “microbead-free,” skip gritty physical scrubs, and favor cream or enzyme exfoliants. Last, reduce microfiber shedding by washing synthetics less often, using a fiber-catching laundry bag or filter, and choosing natural fabrics when you can.”
Other helpful tips include:
Washing rice before cooking
Eating a whole, home-cooked meal
Choosing seafood such as tuna, salmon, and farmed fish with lower levels of microplastics
Opting for clothes and beddings made from cotton, wool, or linen to reduce plastic shedding
Using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum to remove microplastics from household dust
Taking off your shoes at the door to prevent tracking in particles from outside
