Microplastics and fertility
Case Study: MICROPLASTIC Polly*
Meet Polly, 32 years
Polly came to see me regarding difficulty conceiving after 18 months of trying for a baby. She is a marine biologist, has no significant past medical history, leads a healthy lifestyle, and has no family history of infertility or reproductive issues.
Diagnostic testing revealed normal sex hormone levels, no ovarian reserve and abnormalities in the uterus, and her partner’s semen analysis was normal.
Environmental and Occupational exposure
Occupational Risk: As a marine biologist, Polly has regular exposure to microplastic-contaminated water and sediments.
Environmental Exposure: Polly lives near an industrial area with a significant amount of airborne microplastics due to local manufacturing processes.
*After six months of lifestyle modification, detoxification strategies and completion of the Making Healthy Babies program, Polly reported an improvement in her menstrual regularity and overall well-being. Within a year, Polly successfully conceived and gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
So, What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, originating from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or manufactured as microbeads found in cosmetics and personal care products. These particles are now pervasive in the environment, including in oceans, soil, air, and even human bodies. Recent studies have raised concerns about their potential impact on human health, particularly on reproductive health and fertility.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have been found in various parts of the human body due to environmental, food, and water exposure. Research has shown that microplastics can be present in several areas of the body, including:
Blood: Studies have detected microplastics in the bloodstream, suggesting that they can enter the circulatory system and potentially travel throughout the body.
Lungs: Microplastics have been found in lung tissue, likely due to inhalation from the air. These particles can accumulate in the respiratory tract, especially in people exposed to high levels of airborne microplastics.
Gastrointestinal Tract: The digestive system, particularly the intestines, is a primary site where microplastics are found due to ingestion through contaminated food, beverages, and drinking water. Microplastics can pass through the gut and may be excreted in feces, but some may be absorbed into the body.
Placenta: Microplastics have also been detected in human placentas, suggesting that they can cross the placental barrier and potentially impact fetal development.
Organs and Tissues: Research is ongoing, but there is potential for microplastics to be found in various organs and tissues due to their ability to circulate in the body once they enter the bloodstream.
How can Polly reduce exposure to nano and microplastics
Choose Products with Less Plastic Packaging
Opt for products with minimal or no plastic packaging. Choose glass, metal, or paper alternatives when available.Bring reusable bags, containers, and utensils when shopping or eating out to avoid single-use plastics.
Avoid Products with Microbeads
Avoid personal care products, such as exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and cosmetics, that contain microbeads (tiny plastic particles). Look for products labeled as “microbead-free” or check the ingredient list for polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or other plastics.
Filter Your Drinking Water
Use a high-quality water filter that can remove microplastics from your drinking water. Some filters are designed specifically to capture small particles, including microplastics.
Reduce Synthetic Clothing and Use Washing Bags
Synthetic fabrics, like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, shed microplastics when washed. Reduce the purchase of synthetic clothing, opt for natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen, and use a washing bag (like a Guppyfriend) or a washing machine filter to catch microfibers.
Minimize Plastic Food Containers
Use alternatives to plastic food containers and utensils, such as glass, stainless steel, or bamboo. Avoid heating food in plastic containers, as heat can cause plastics to break down and release microplastics.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Limit the use of single-use plastics, such as plastic bottles, straws, cutlery, and packaging. Use reusable alternatives like stainless steel water bottles, bamboo cutlery, and fabric shopping bags.
Support and Advocate for Plastic-Free Policies
Support policies and legislation that aim to reduce plastic production and use, such as bans on single-use plastics, regulations on plastic pollution, and initiatives to promote recycling and sustainable alternatives.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Use a good quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne microplastics in your home. Regularly dust and vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum to remove plastic particles from indoor surfaces.
Be Informed About Seafood and Food Sources
Microplastics are often found in seafood, particularly in shellfish that filter water for food. Research and choose seafood from sources known for lower levels of contamination, and diversify your diet to include non-seafood protein sources.
Reduce Plastic Waste and Recycle Properly
Reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic products where possible. Proper recycling can help keep plastics out of the environment and reduce the breakdown of larger plastics into microplastics.
While it's impossible to completely eliminate exposure to nano and microplastics, these steps can help reduce personal exposure and contribute to broader efforts to mitigate the problem.
How can Molly detox her body of nano and microplastics?
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps maintain healthy kidney function and supports the body's natural detoxification processes by flushing out toxins and waste products.
Eat a High-Fiber Diet
Consuming a diet rich in fiber (from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds) can promote regular bowel movements and help eliminate waste, including microplastics that may have been ingested and remain in the gastrointestinal tract.
Include Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidants can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and potentially reduce inflammation. Foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and colorful vegetables are rich in antioxidants and may help counteract any oxidative stress caused by microplastic exposure.
Support Gut Health
A healthy gut can help your body manage and potentially expel unwanted substances. Eating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and other probiotics can support gut microbiota, which plays a role in the immune response and overall health. Prebiotic foods, such as garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus, can also nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity can help improve circulation, support the lymphatic system, and promote sweating.
Promote Liver Health
The liver is the body's primary detox organ. Supporting liver health through a balanced diet, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding exposure to other toxins (like chemicals and pollutants) can help the liver function effectively. Foods that support liver health include leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and Brussels sprouts), garlic, turmeric, and green tea.
Consider Chelating Agents and Supplements
Some natural compounds, such as chlorella, spirulina, and cilantro, are believed to have chelating properties that bind to heavy metals and potentially other toxins, aiding in their removal from the body. However, the effectiveness of these substances in removing microplastics specifically is not well-established. Consulting with a healthcare professional before using any chelating agents or supplements is important.
Support Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body. Practices like dry brushing, massage, and staying active can help promote lymphatic circulation.
Use Detoxifying Sweats (Saunas)
Saunas, particularly infrared saunas, may promote sweating, which can help release certain toxins through the skin. However, the extent to which this method is effective for microplastics is still unknown.
Limit Further Exposure
Reducing your intake of microplastics by avoiding plastic-packaged foods, filtering drinking water, and choosing natural fibers can help limit the body's burden of microplastics.
The best approach involves supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways and minimizing exposure to microplastics and other environmental toxins.
Sharma, S., et al. (2022). "Microplastics and human health: A review on recent advances." Environmental Pollution, 263, 114475.
An, R., et al. (2021). "Impact of microplastics on human health: A review of existing data." Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(3), 983.
Wang, Q., et al. (2023). "Endocrine disruption by microplastics in aquatic organisms and its implications for human health." Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11, 4567