What Are Microplastics and Where Are They Found?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, invisible to the human eye, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or are manufactured for use in cosmetics, textiles, and industrial applications. They are now found virtually everywhere on Earth, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, and even in the air we breathe. Microplastics have infiltrated the food chain, appearing in seafood, drinking water, soil, and even common food products like salt and honey.
Because plastics are non-biodegradable, they persist in the environment for many years. As they fragment into smaller particles, they become even more difficult to remove. These microscopic pollutants have been detected in human organs, raising growing concerns about their potential health impacts.
Are Microplastics Dangerous to Humans?
While research on the health effects of microplastics is still in its early stages, recent studies suggest that these particles are making their way into human tissues—including the brain and arteries—where they may pose significant health risks.
A 2023 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found microplastics in human brain tissue, raising concerns about their potential role in neuroinflammation, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases. Meanwhile, another study in The New England Journal of Medicine discovered microplastics embedded in arterial plaques, suggesting a possible link to cardiovascular disease. These findings indicate that microplastics are not just environmental pollutants—they may also be silent contributors to serious health problems.
How Are Microplastics Entering Our Blood and Brain?
The precise mechanism by which microplastics infiltrate human tissues remains unclear, but researchers suspect that they enter the bloodstream through multiple "leaky" barriers in the body.
The gut, which serves as the first line of defense, may become permeable due to poor diet, stress, or inflammation—allowing microplastics to slip into circulation. Once in the bloodstream, they can travel to other parts of the body, potentially breaching the blood-brain barrier, a normally protective shield that can become "leaky" due to chronic inflammation or neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, microplastics may enter through the gums, as oral inflammation and gum disease can create direct pathways for these particles to access the bloodstream.
How Do You Prevent the Negative Effects of Microplastics?
While eliminating microplastics from the environment is nearly impossible, there are two key strategies to reduce their impact on human health:
Minimize exposure to plastics. Reduce the consumption of food and beverages that have been in contact with plastic packaging. Opt for glass, stainless steel, or ceramic alternatives whenever possible. Avoid bottled water, plastic-wrapped produce, and plastic food containers, as these can leach microplastics into their contents.
Strengthen the body's natural barriers. By supporting gut health, maintaining a healthy oral microbiome, and reducing systemic inflammation, we can minimize the permeability of the gut, blood-brain barrier, and gums—making it harder for microplastics to enter the body. This can be achieved by optimizing your diet, doing regular exercise, and getting adequate sleep.
How Can Viome Help You Protect Yourself from Microplastics?
At Viome, we use advanced microbiome and human health testing to uncover key factors that impact the body's natural defenses. Our AI-driven nutritional recommendations are designed to help reinforce these protective barriers, reducing the likelihood of microplastics entering the bloodstream and brain.
By personalizing health strategies based on your unique biology, Viome empowers you to take proactive steps toward minimizing your exposure to microplastics and optimizing long-term health.*
