Microplastic Poisoning Remedies NYC - Dr. Alicia Armitstead

The medical community does not have a specific "microplastic poisoning" treatment. In the meantime, infected individuals can take steps to minimize exposure and promote improved health through holistic remedies using natural sources. 

-Dr. Alicia Armitstead

Natural Remedies for Microplastic Poisoning at the Healing Arts NYC Health and Wellness Center in Manhattan NY 10017 and Connecticut

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics, the tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size, have emerged as a pervasive pollutant across diverse environments. They originate from the degradation of larger plastic debris, the shedding of synthetic fibers, and the production of microbeads used in personal care products. Their minute size enables them to easily infiltrate ecosystems, becoming nearly ubiquitous worldwide in air, water, and soil.

Microplastics are found in various locations, spanning the vast stretches of the oceans to the soil depths. They contaminate water bodies, from the surface of the seas to the deep oceanic trenches. Freshwater systems such as rivers and lakes are not exempt from this contamination. Additionally, microplastics have been detected in soil and agricultural fields, often due to sewage sludge application and irrigation with contaminated water. They have managed to enter the food chain and are found in seafood, drinking water, and even table salt.

Despite their pervasive presence, the purpose of microplastics is complex and multifaceted. Initially, microbeads were incorporated into personal care products like exfoliants and toothpaste for their abrasive qualities. Microfibers from synthetic fabrics provide durability and versatility in textile manufacturing. However, the breakdown of macroplastics into microplastic particles usually occurs involuntarily through environmental degradation.

How Microplastics Can Get Into Your Body

Humans can absorb microplastics through various pathways, primarily ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Here are the key ways through which microplastics can enter the human body:

• Food: Microplastics have been found in a wide range of food items. Seafood, particularly shellfish, is a notable source since these organisms filter large volumes of water and can accumulate microplastics. Other sources include salt, honey, sugar, and some processed foods.

• Water: Both tap water and bottled water have been shown to contain microplastics. Studies have found microplastic particles in drinking water worldwide, making this a significant pathway for ingestion.

• Tableware and Packaging: Plastic containers, bottles, and other packaging materials can lead to microplastic contamination of food and beverages, especially if they are exposed to heat or scratches.

• Airborne Microplastics: Microplastics can be present in indoor and outdoor air as dust particles. These can be inhaled and enter the respiratory system. Activities like cooking, vacuuming, and using synthetic textiles can release microplastics into the air.

• Occupational Exposure: Certain occupations, like textile manufacturing, construction, and waste management, can expose workers to higher levels of airborne microplastics, increasing inhalation risk.

• Personal Care Products: Microbeads in exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and other personal care products can be absorbed through the skin. While the extent of dermal absorption is less precise compared to ingestion and inhalation, it nonetheless presents a potential exposure route.

• Recreational Activities: Swimming in polluted waters and contact with contaminated sand and soil can lead to microplastic absorption through skin contact and accidental ingestion or inhalation.

• Clothing and Textiles: Synthetic fibers from clothing, carpets, and furniture can shed microplastics that eventually find their way into the body through inhalation or ingestion, especially in homes with poor ventilation or extensive use of synthetic materials.

• Consumption of Dust: Microplastics that settle in household dust can be ingested inadvertently, especially by children who spend more time on the floor and may put objects in their mouths.

• Medical Procedures: A potential, though very specific, pathway is through certain medical devices and products made from plastic or containing microplastic elements. While the extent of this exposure route is still under investigation, it underscores the pervasive nature of microplastics.

• Outdoor Activities: Activities such as gardening, playing in playgrounds, or spending extensive time in areas with high plastic pollution can lead to skin contact with microplastics, especially if these particles are present in soil or water the individual comes into direct contact with.

• Biomagnification: Microplastics can be absorbed indirectly through the food chain. As smaller organisms consume microplastics and these organisms are eaten by larger predators, the concentration of microplastics can increase in the bodies of higher trophic levels, eventually affecting humans who consume these organisms.

• Filters and Purifiers: While these generally reduce contaminants, some studies suggest that certain water filters may not effectively remove all microplastic particles. Thus, they fail to eliminate them from drinking water altogether, potentially facilitating their ingestion.

• Cosmetic Products: Apart from microbeads, microplastics can be present in cosmetics like foundations, powders, and other beauty products, offering another dermal exposure pathway.

• Cooking and Heating Plastics: Microplastics can be released into the air when plastics are exposed to heat, such as during cooking (especially when using plastic utensils or plastic-wrapped food). These particles can then be inhaled or deposited back into the food.

• Bathing and Showering: Although skin is generally a good barrier, prolonged exposure to heavily contaminated water, such as in bathing or showering, might lead to minimal absorption of microplastics through the skin or indirectly through ingesting small amounts of water.

Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing strategies to minimize human exposure to microplastics. Further research is essential to quantify these exposure routes and better understand their health implications. Public awareness, policy changes, and innovations in product design and waste management are needed to mitigate the environmental risks posed by microplastics.

Governments are gradually responding with measures to reduce plastic pollution, such as banning microbeads in cosmetics and implementing better waste management policies. However, these responses are still developing, and much remains to be done.

Symptoms of Microplastic Poisoning

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. As awareness and research on microplastic exposure are relatively new, understanding its health effects is still being developed. However, potential symptoms and health concerns associated with microplastic exposure may include:

• Gastrointestinal Distress: Ingestion of microplastics can cause an upset stomach, abdominal pain, or other gastrointestinal issues.

• Inflammation: Microplastics can cause inflammatory responses in tissues, potentially leading to chronic inflammation over time.

• Toxicity: Microplastics can act as carriers for toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which can leach into the body, potentially causing toxicity.

• Immune System Impact: There may be effects on the immune system, similar to other foreign particles that invade the body.

• Respiratory Issues: If inhaled, microplastics could cause respiratory issues such as coughing, shortness of breath, or other lung-related problems.
  

• Cellular Damage: Laboratory studies have shown that microplastics can cause cellular damage, including oxidative stress and cell death.
  

How Microplastics Damage the Human Body

Here are some possible illnesses and body malfunctions associated with microplastics:

• Inflammatory Responses: Microplastics can induce an inflammatory response in the body. When ingested or inhaled, the immune system may recognize these particles as foreign substances, leading to inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a precursor to many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and autoimmune disorders.

• Oxidative Stress: Microplastics can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress, which damages cells and tissues. Oxidative stress has been linked to numerous health problems, including neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's), cancer, and heart diseases.

• Endocrine Disruption: Some microplastics contain or absorb endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. EDCs can interfere with hormone function, potentially leading to reproductive issues, developmental problems, metabolic disorders, and thyroid dysfunction.

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Microplastics ingested through food and water can cause gastrointestinal irritation and disruption. Studies in animals have shown that ingesting microplastics may lead to changes in gut microbiota, inflammation, and damage to the intestinal lining.

• Respiratory Problems: Inhaling airborne microplastics can lodge these particles in the respiratory tract, causing respiratory issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and other respiratory infections.

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Once microplastics enter the bloodstream, they can induce vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, hypertension, and thrombosis.

• Neurological Impacts: Microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially leading to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. These processes are associated with cognitive decline, memory impairment, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

• Reproductive and Developmental Effects: The presence of microplastics and associated chemicals in the body can affect reproductive health. Studies have shown that these particles can impact sperm quality, fertility, and fetal development.

• Immune System Disruption: Microplastics can also interfere with the normal functioning of the immune system. The immune system may attempt to combat these particles as foreign invaders, leading to an overactive response that could damage healthy tissues or fail to address other genuine pathogens effectively. Such immune disruptions could make the body more susceptible to infections and other autoimmune conditions.

• Potentially Carcinogenic Effects: Although more research is needed, there is concern that microplastics and the chemicals they release might have carcinogenic effects. These particles can carry harmful substances, including known carcinogens, and their persistent inflammatory and oxidative effects might contribute to the development of certain cancers.

• Chronic Inflammation: Microplastics can cause long-term inflammation by being recognized as foreign bodies. Chronic inflammation is well-known to contribute to the progression of a wide range of diseases, including certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

• Endothelial Dysfunction: Microplastic-induced oxidative stress and inflammation can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, known as the endothelium. This damage is a precursor to various cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

• Neuroinflammation: When microplastics cross the blood-brain barrier, they may initiate an inflammatory response in the brain, leading to neuronal damage and impaired cognitive functions. This mechanism is a significant concern for neurodegenerative diseases.

• Hormonal Imbalances: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are either part of or adsorbed by microplastics can lead to significant hormonal imbalances, affecting reproductive health and metabolic functions. These imbalances can cascade into broader health issues, like obesity, diabetes, and even various cancers.

While our understanding of the full extent of the health implications caused by microplastics is still evolving, the potential risks they pose are significant. The prevalent presence of microplastics in our environment and the initial evidence of their harmful effects on human health underscore the urgent need for comprehensive research and regulatory measures. Awareness and mitigation strategies are crucial to reduce microplastic pollution and limit human exposure, promoting a healthier future for coming generations.

Emerging research has begun to uncover the potential harm microplastics pose, particularly to cardiovascular and brain health. One of the primary concerns regarding the cardiovascular system is the ability of microplastics to enter the bloodstream. Studies have shown that once ingested or inhaled, microplastics can translocate from the gut into the circulatory system. The presence of these foreign particles in the blood is problematic because it can lead to vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which are precursors to various cardiovascular diseases.

The accumulation of microplastics in blood vessels could contribute to conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and thrombosis. Inflammation and oxidative stress, prompted by the body's immune response to the plastic particles, can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, impairing their function and leading to plaque formation. Moreover, the presence of microplastics might trigger a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state, exacerbating the risk of cardiovascular ailments over time.

The potential effects of microplastics on brain health are equally alarming. Microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer that typically shields the brain from harmful substances circulating in the bloodstream. This barrier is crucial for maintaining the brain's homeostasis, and its breach by microplastics poses serious health risks. Once inside the brain, microplastics could induce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, potentially disrupting neurological function.

Neuroinflammation, often due to the immune system's response to foreign particles, can damage neural cells and impair cognitive functions.

Studies on animal models have suggested that the presence of microplastics in the brain could lead to behavioral changes, memory impairment, and cognitive decline. Oxidative stress, another significant factor, can lead to the degradation of neural tissues and is associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The interaction of microplastics with neural cells could alter the normal communication pathways within the brain, potentially impairing processes crucial for learning, memory, and other cognitive functions.

The harmful effects of microplastics are not limited to cardiovascular and brain health; other systems in the body can also be affected. However, the growing body of evidence highlighting these specific impacts underscores the urgent need for further research. Understanding the mechanisms underlying microplastic toxicity and its long-term effects on human health is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.

To summarize the harmful effects, we must first address the cardiovascular impacts.

Microplastics entering the bloodstream can induce vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, thereby contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and thrombosis. The chronic inflammatory state induced by these particles can lead to widespread vascular damage and impaired circulatory function.

Regarding brain health, microplastics pose a significant threat by crossing the blood-brain barrier and inducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. These intrusions can potentially lead to cognitive decline, memory impairment, and behavioral changes. The risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases is also heightened due to the chronic stress and damage imposed by these particles on neural tissues. The disruption of normal brain functions due to the presence of microplastics highlights the issue's significance and necessitates further investigation to fully grasp the extent of their impact.

How Microplastic Poisoning Is Treated by the Medical Community

Microplastic poisoning is an emerging concern, and as of now, there is no specific medical treatment explicitly designed to address the ingestion or inhalation of microplastics. Instead, current approaches focus on mitigating exposure, managing symptoms, and supporting overall health. Here are some strategies and potential treatments that could be considered:

• Reducing Exposure: Minimizing exposure is the most effective way to combat microplastic poisoning. This includes:
• Using water filters to reduce microplastics in drinking water.
• Avoid plastic containers and single-use plastics, particularly for hot foods and drinks, which can cause plastics to break down more readily.
• Choosing fresh, whole foods over processed items that might be contaminated with microplastics.
• Ensuring proper ventilation and regular cleaning to reduce airborne microplastics in indoor environments.
  

• Guided Nutritional Supplementation: Guided nutritional supplementation provides patients with highly targeted solutions that help the body restore balance and improve the functionality of the body's organs.

• Ionic Detox Foot Baths: Ionic Detox Foot Baths help pull toxins out of the body through the feet by putting ions in the water your feet are soaking in. The ions in the foot bath water hold a charge that enables them to bind to any toxins in your body, similar to how a magnet works. 

• Light Therapy – Light Therapy is a therapeutic technique that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to provide various health benefits. It forms part of the broader field known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) or low-level light therapy (LLLT). This non-invasive treatment involves targeting the body with low-level laser or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing.

• Antioxidants: Since microplastics can induce oxidative stress, incorporating antioxidants into the diet may help mitigate some adverse effects. Foods rich in vitamins C and E, or supplements as recommended by healthcare professionals, may be beneficial.

• Anti-inflammatory Agents: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or natural anti-inflammatory compounds found in foods (like turmeric) might help manage inflammation caused by microplastic exposure.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Hydration: Ensuring adequate hydration can help maintain healthy gastrointestinal transit times and mucus production in the respiratory system, potentially aiding in the expulsion of microplastics.

• Dietary Fiber: A diet high in fiber can promote gut health and regular bowel movements, helping to expel ingested microplastics more efficiently.

• Detoxification: A managed supplement program for detoxification focusing on improving liver and kidney function might support the body's natural ability to filter and excrete waste products.
  

Summary

The presence of microplastics in our environment is a growing concern with potentially severe implications for cardiovascular and brain health. These tiny plastic particles infiltrate our ecosystems, food chains, and even our bodies, eliciting a range of adverse health effects. The ability of microplastics to enter the bloodstream and accumulate in various tissues, including the brain, poses significant risks by inducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage. As our understanding of these impacts deepens, it becomes increasingly clear that mitigating the spread of microplastics and curbing their production is imperative for safeguarding public health.

The challenge lies in balancing plastics' industrial utility with the necessity for environmental and health protection. Governments and regulatory bodies must accelerate their efforts to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to minimize microplastic pollution. This includes stricter regulations on plastic production, more effective waste management practices, and the promotion of alternatives to plastic in industrial and consumer products.

Simultaneously, there is a critical need for continued research to elucidate the full scope of microplastic toxicity and its long-term impacts on human health. This will aid in formulating evidence-based policies and interventions to protect our health and ecosystems from the pervasive threat of microplastics. Enhanced public awareness and education about the sources and risks of microplastic pollution are also vital components in driving behavioral changes and fostering a collective effort to address this environmental crisis.

In the face of these challenges, a multifaceted approach involving scientific research, regulatory action, and public engagement will be essential. Only through concerted efforts can we mitigate the detrimental effects of microplastics and ensure a healthier future for generations to come. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as the pervasive nature of microplastics continues to pose a significant threat to both the environment and human health.

Additional References

• Health Effects of Microplastic Exposures - National Library of Medicine
• Microplastics on Human Health: How much do they harm us? - United Nations Development Program