Microplastics Detox - Part I - In the Kitchen
- Viroqua Plastic Free
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
If learning that microplastics are invading our human bodies feels like an insurmountable problem, do not despair. Just making a few simple changes will greatly reduce your daily exposure to microplastics.
It wasn’t long after plastic products became widely available to consumers that plastic ending up in the environment became a concern. But it took decades before we realized that as plastic was breaking down, the tiny pieces were contaminating lakes, rivers and oceans and the bodies of the creatures that live there. Examinations of fish specimens in museums discovered no microplastics in their digestive systems prior to the 1950s and increasing amounts since that time.
The term “microplastics” was first coined in 2004 by marine ecologist Richard Thompson who observed them on British beaches. In the last few years, microplastics and/or nanoplastics have been discovered in the human brain, liver, kidneys, lung, blood and other bodily fluids, saliva and breast milk. It isn’t just the actual particles that are of concern. It is also the plastic-associated chemicals that are delivered with the particles. This includes toxins such as phthalates, BPA/BPS, PFAS, pesticide residues, and persistent organic pollutants such as PCBs and DDT byproducts. The full health impact on our bodies is not yet known.
It is not possible to escape microplastics in our modern world, but you can minimize them in your home. Read on to learn how.
One of the most common ways these particles and chemicals enter our bodies is in the beverages and food we ingest.
AVOID:
· Drinking water (or any beverage for that matter) that is packaged in a plastic bottle. Drinking reverse osmosis water appears to be the best option because it removes a wide spectrum of contaminants and particles.
· Fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, meat and any other food that is packaged in plastic. Unfortunately, many food items are exposed to plastic and plastic-associated chemicals long before they arrive on the grocer’s shelf through current agricultural practices and processing systems. Although it is virtually impossible to find meat that is not packaged in plastic, grain-fed cattle are typically exposed to more plastic contamination than grass-fed animals.
· Food packaged in tin cans. Many tin cans are still lined with plastic. Looking for BPA/BPS-free packaging is helpful, but all tin cans are lined with some material to prevent the food from interacting with the metal. It is unknown if the replacements are any safer.
· Tea bags which often are made from plastic. Buy loose tea in bulk and use a stainless-steel strainer.
How you prepare, serve and store your food matters, too.
CHOOSE:
· A wood or bamboo cutting board. Plastic cutting boards release plastic particles with every scrape and cut.
· Wood or metal cooking utensils. If you decide to use silicone utensils, be sure to get food-grade quality.
· Stainless steel or cast-iron pots and pans. Non-stick pans are coated with PFAS, one of the “forever” chemicals. A well-seasoned cast-iron pan works just as well.
· Ceramic plates with metal silverware to serve your food and eat your meals.
· Glass storage containers for your leftovers. If you must wrap something, beeswax wrap is a better option than plastic cling wrap.
A couple more tips:
· Never microwave food in plastic. The heat releases the plastic-associated chemicals into the food you are warming up.
· Never place plastic in the dishwasher. The high heat releases more microplastics and chemicals that end up on all of your dishware. You may also want to lose the plastic-coated dishwasher pod for the same reason.
Every plastic product you don’t use and don’t buy is a win for you, your family and the environment. It also sends a strong message to plastic manufacturers that you are among the many who choose to live plastic free.
Sources: