Are Microplastics the Silent Killer? Here’s What You Need to Know

Highlights: 

• The average human eats roughly a credit card’s weight of microplastics every week (~5g).
• Microplastics, along with hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates, have been detected in human placentas and reproductive tissues, raising significant concerns about their impact on fertility, hormonal balance, and cardiovascular health.

Microplastic bioaccumulation poses a growing environmental and health threat. As Dr. Rhonda Patrick explains in a recent episode of her podcast, FoundMyFitness, “We’re taking in microplastic particles and the numbers are actually staggering. The average person inhales or ingests up to 120,000 microplastic particles per year.” These particles, found in everyday food, water, and air, accumulate in vital organs such as the brain, liver, lungs, and reproductive system. 

Emerging evidence suggests that microplastics could accelerate aging, disrupt hormone regulation, and contribute to cognitive decline. As microplastics infiltrate the body’s most vital systems, they may quietly speed up the aging process, affecting fertility, and increasing the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s, issues that could impact the health and longevity of entire generations.

How Microplastics Enter and Accumulate in Human Tissues

Dr. Patrick notes that microplastics, particles smaller than 5 millimeters, infiltrate the human body through ingestion and inhalation. These particles are present in drinking water, food packaging, and the air, especially in urban environments. She notes that larger plastic particles may pass through the gastrointestinal system, but smaller microplastics and nanoplastics can penetrate biological barriers and accumulate in tissues.

A 2022 study on lung tissue from surgical patients found microplastics in nearly every sample, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – materials commonly used in plastic bags, bottles, and clothing. Dr. Patrick points out that the accumulation of microplastics in tissues induces oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which are known hallmarks of aging and degenerative diseases. Uniquely, microplastics are also capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, creating further health risks.

Neuroinflammation and the Role of Microplastics in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Dr. Patrick explains that the accumulation of microplastics in the brain has significant implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In fact, research published in 2022 demonstrated that nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, accumulating in regions critical for memory, learning, and emotional regulation – the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

Microplastics in the brain can trigger neuroinflammation by activating microglia, the brain’s immune cells, leading to long-term damage. Dr. Patrick states that this inflammatory response is a known factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, animal studies have shown that exposure to microplastics leads to learning and memory impairments, symptoms commonly associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Further investigation into microplastic-induced neuroinflammation is needed, but current evidence raises concerns about the potential for chronic exposure to contribute to cognitive decline and dementia.

The Impact of BPA, Phthalates, and Microplastics on Hormonal Balance and Reproductive Health

Endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, commonly found in plastics, interfere with hormonal regulation. Dr. Patrick emphasizes that these chemicals mimic hormones like estrogen, disrupting the body’s natural hormonal signaling and increasing the risk of age-related diseases.

Research shows that BPA exposure reduces testosterone levels in men, potentially contributing to reduced muscle mass, decreased libido, and lowered bone density, all of which are crucial for healthy aging. In women, phthalates disrupt estrogen pathways, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, increased risk of early menopause, and susceptibility to osteoporosis. 

Dr. Patrick highlights the serious impact of microplastics on reproductive health, particularly during fetal development. She explains that microplastics have been found in human placentas on both the maternal and fetal sides, as well as in the amniotic membranes, suggesting that microplastics cross the placental barrier and expose the developing fetus to harmful particles during critical growth periods.

Equally concerning, Dr. Patrick points out that microplastics have been detected in testicular tissue, sperm, and even in the blood-testes barrier, which protects developing sperm cells from harmful substances. She references animal studies showing that exposure to microplastics results in decreased sperm count, reduced motility, and altered sperm morphology – factors that raise serious questions about long-term fertility and reproductive health in humans.

Microplastic Particles and Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death, particularly in aging populations. Now, research indicates that this critical mortality risk may be further exacerbated by the accumulation of microplastics in arterial tissue. Dr. Patrick references a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, stating that “patients with microplastics lodged in their arterial walls were 4.5 times more likely to experience a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, within three years compared to patients who did not have microplastics in their arterial walls.”

Atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, restricts blood flow and increases the risk of heart disease. Dr. Patrick explains that microplastic particles, once lodged in arterial walls, contribute to chronic inflammation, accelerating this process. Additionally, chemicals carried by microplastics, such as BPA and phthalates, further promote plaque formation, amplifying the risk of cardiovascular events.

How to Mitigate the Effects of Microplastic Accumulation

While microplastic exposure is difficult to avoid, Dr. Patrick presents a few strategies for reducing accumulation and mitigating its effects on health and aging. She states that one of the most effective solutions is using reverse osmosis filtration systems for drinking water, which can remove up to 99% of microplastic particles and other harmful contaminants.

Dietary changes can also help. Dr. Patrick recommends increasing fiber intake, noting that fiber binds to microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting their excretion. She references studies supporting the idea that fiber-rich diets reduce the absorption of harmful particles. Additionally, she highlights the detoxifying potential of sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphane activates detoxification pathways in the body, helping to eliminate toxins such as BPA and phthalates.

By adopting these strategies, individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure to microplastics and limit the negative effects on long-term health.

Microplastic Bioaccumulation, Aging, and Longevity

The bioaccumulation of microplastics in human tissues presents a significant challenge to aging and longevity. Dr. Patrick concludes that chronic exposure to microplastics leads to inflammation, hormonal disruption, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and reproductive issues. The presence of these particles in critical organs such as the brain, heart, and reproductive system suggests that microplastic accumulation may contribute to the acceleration of aging and age-related diseases.

Importantly, Dr. Patrick stresses the need for further research into the long-term health impacts of microplastics, particularly their role in neurodegenerative diseases and hormonal health. Until then, individuals should take practical steps to reduce their exposure through water filtration, dietary changes, and the avoidance of plastic containers for food storage.

By addressing the issue of microplastic pollution and employing strategies to reduce exposure, both individuals and policymakers can work to protect health and longevity for future generations.