I explore many facets of food recovery and finding balance in our relationship with what we eat. Today I’m diving into a topic that’s becoming more and more concerning—how plastics are seeping into our food system and affecting our bodies. In fact, this is something many of us may not have thought much about: plastics in our food. I’m not just talking about plastic wrappers or containers; I’m talking about microplastics and nanoplastics—tiny, almost invisible particles—that are ending up in our foods and, eventually, inside us. Humor me while I explore how these plastics get into our bodies and brains and the potential health risks they pose, especially for those of us recovering from the effects of ultra-processed foods.
Let’s start by talking about what microplastics and nanoplastics actually are. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size—about the size of a sesame seed, if not smaller. Nanoplastics are even smaller, measuring less than one micrometer. While plastics are incredibly useful in modern packaging, they also break down into these smaller particles over time. These particles have made their way into our water systems, the air we breathe, and yes, even our food.
The big question is How Do These Plastics End Up in Our Food? The primary way plastics make their way into our food is through packaging. Most processed and ultra-processed foods come in plastic containers, wraps, or bottles. When plastics are exposed to heat, light, or mechanical stress—like being transported, stored, or even heated in a microwave— they can release micro and nanoplastics. Not to mention the lining of the inside of cans, microwave popcorn, and you can really spin out down a rabbit hole with things like your toothpaste tube and even the handles and bristles of a toothbrush. I really freaked out when I learned about microwaving because I have been guilty of that for decades, so all I can think about is how much plastic is lodged in all my organs and noggin. Another way is through contamination in the supply chain. Water used in agriculture, soil that has been treated with plastic-based fertilizers, and even the machinery that processes food can all contribute to the plastic particles that end up in what we eat.
I was at church a couple of weeks ago and all of a sudden I smelled something sweet and fruity. I looked around and saw this little girl in front of me had opened a plastic pouch of fruit snacks. That was just about the time I was learning more about plastics in food, and I thought to myself, that little girl is not only consuming dye colored processed frankenfood, but it is wrapped in plastic to boot. But, It’s not just packaged goods that are affected—foods that we consider natural or minimally processed, like fruits, vegetables, and fish, can also contain these particles…and guess what I put all my fruits and vegetables in??? Of course, those plastic bags! Not to mention my berries come in plastic containers, and my pre-bagged Carrots, Lettuce, and Baby Spinach Leaves come pre-bagged in plastic. Is that how your grocery store is too?
Also, Plastic particles have been found in tap water, bottled water, table salt, and even in marine life like fish and shellfish. Better recycling systems and improved waste management are key to preventing plastic waste from entering natural ecosystems. Advocates suggest stricter regulations and more effective recycling programs, particularly in regions where waste disposal systems are underdeveloped. Also, our trash can end up in our oceans and the fish eat the broken down plastics from our trash mistaking them for food, and we eat the fish!
Now, this is where things get even more concerning. Recent studies show that microplastics and nanoplastics can be absorbed into our tissues. They have been found in our blood, and some evidence suggests that they can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially affecting brain function. Not only are plastics showing up in our brain, they are lodging in the plaque in arteries, as well as showing up in the placenta of pregnant women. I would be so curious to know if that means the fetus has been affected in any way, I haven’t heard any concrete information on that so I will leave it alone, but it’s very disturbing.
For those of us recovering from ultra-processed food consumption, this is particularly alarming because our bodies are already working hard to detox from years of consuming ingredients and chemicals that weren’t natural. Adding plastics to the mix can further burden our immune system, digestive system, and even our brain function. And, unfortunately, for those that sustain themselves on ultra processed foods, most come in plastic packaging that further exacerbates the problem, let alone being heated in the plastic that speeds up the shedding process.
We know that plastics contain chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates (pronounced “thalates”), which are endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can interfere with hormone regulation, potentially increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, reproductive issues, and even certain cancers such as breast and prostate. Some research also suggests that these plastics could contribute to inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to conditions like anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
It’s worth talking a little more about Endocrine disruptors, to be clear they are chemicals that interfere with the body’s endocrine system—the network of glands and hormones that regulate essential functions such as growth with increased risk of developmental issues in children, including learning disabilities and cognitive impairments, also metabolism and its associations with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as reproduction in men and women such as reduced sperm quality and hormonal imbalances. These disruptors can mimic, block, or alter the normal activity of hormones, leading to various health issues.
In simple terms, the endocrine system operates on precise hormonal balances. Even small disruptions can lead to significant health effects, especially during critical periods of development like fetal growth and puberty. The pervasive presence of these chemicals in everyday products makes exposure common, raising concerns about their cumulative impact on health. The last thing we want is our children being exposed before birth and continuing on for a lifetime.
So what do we do about all this? How can we minimize the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on our health, especially when it seems like they’re everywhere?
Here are a few practical steps:
- Reduce Plastic Use: Whenever possible, choose alternatives to plastic packaging. Opt for glass, stainless steel, or other reusable containers. While it may not eliminate exposure completely, reducing your use of plastic packaging can make a difference.
- Avoid Heating Foods in Plastic: Never microwave food in plastic containers. When plastic is heated, it releases more chemicals and microplastic particles. Transfer food to a microwave-safe glass or ceramic dish before reheating. I have gotten a thousand percent better at this, learning about this has scared me straight when it comes to microwaving. I am not perfect with tupperware in the fridge, but I am working on switching things out little by little.
- Filter Your Water: Microplastics are found in both tap water and bottled water. Using a high-quality water filter at home, like a reverse osmosis system, can help reduce your exposure.
- Eat Fresh, Whole Foods: The more whole, unprocessed foods you consume, the less plastic exposure you’ll have. This is especially important for those of us recovering from the effects of ultra-processed foods. Buying fresh produce, grains, and proteins in bulk and using reusable cloth bags or glass jars can reduce your plastic consumption.
- Be Mindful of Seafood Consumption: Microplastics are heavily concentrated in marine environments, and they accumulate in the bodies of fish and shellfish. If you do consume seafood, try to limit it to varieties known to have lower contamination, or consider other protein sources.
- Advocate for Change: Finally, we can’t do this alone. Advocate for policies that limit plastic use in packaging and encourage manufacturers to explore safer, biodegradable alternatives. The more awareness we raise, the more likely it is that changes will happen at a systemic level. This is so important because I think it all starts with awareness, and this is so huge, we have to get more information out about it because we have no idea of long term effects and we certainly don't have drugs developed to counteract the effects of whatever diseases these plastics can eventually cause, we literally have no history in treating anything like this.
As we move forward on our journey to food recovery, understanding how the food system impacts our health is crucial. Microplastics and nanoplastics might be small, but their potential health impacts are big. Being aware of where these plastics come from and how they affect our bodies is the first step in protecting ourselves. If you’re recovering from ultra-processed food addiction, remember that your body is resilient. It can heal, and by making informed choices, you can support your health in ways that are both nourishing and protective.
I hope this has given you some insight into the hidden dangers of plastics in our food system. If you found this helpful, feel free to share this with someone you care about. Now I want to share a few questions that I have answered in connection with this topic!
- Are all plastics created equally and equally harmful? (THIS IS A HUGE QUESTION!!!!) Black plastics have raised health concerns due to their potential to contain and leach harmful chemicals. Here’s why they are considered particularly problematic. Black plastics are often produced from recycled electronic waste, which may contain hazardous substances. This recycling process can introduce toxic chemicals into consumer products. Studies have detected toxic flame retardants in black plastic kitchen utensils and food-contact items. These chemicals can migrate into food during cooking or serving, posing health risks. Think Rotisserie Chicken or Take Out Dinner and Plastic Wear.
Recommendations to Minimize Risk:
• Limit Use of Black Plastic Utensils: Opt for utensils made from safer materials like stainless steel, wood, or silicone.
• Avoid Heating Food in Black Plastic Containers: Heating can increase the leaching of harmful chemicals into food.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of research and guidelines regarding safe kitchen practices and materials.
- Is Food the only way we can ingest Plastics? Actually, no! Airborne Microplastics: Microplastics are also airborne, entering ecosystems and human environments through the air we breathe. They are found in cities, agricultural areas, and even remote locations. These airborne plastics can settle on food or be directly inhaled, increasing exposure. Even the tires on our cars are shedding plastics in the air.
- How much information do we have on this issue of Plastics? Unfortunately, the research is still in its early stages and we have much to learn, so we are just beginning to uncover this monumental problem. So stay tuned and just control what you can.
- I know you are saying that plastics are found everywhere in the body, but Is the brain the most critical place the plastics are settling? The body's immune system may react to microplastics as foreign bodies, potentially leading to chronic inflammation, which is linked to various health conditions. Microplastics and nanoplastics can potentially trigger neuroinflammation when they accumulate in the brain. This happens when the immune system recognizes these foreign particles and launches an inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation in the brain is linked to a range of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The accumulation of these particles could lead to cognitive impairments such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or slower mental processing. Although direct human evidence is still emerging, animal studies suggest that plastic particles may affect learning and memory. If nanoplastics cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) (a highly selective membrane that protects the brain from harmful substances), they could disrupt the brain’s delicate environment.
- How is it possible that these plastics are crossing the blood-brain barrier? Nanoplastics (particles smaller than 100 nm) are small enough to potentially cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, researchers believe that their tiny size allows them to pass through cell membranes more easily. Once in the bloodstream, they may exploit weaknesses in the BBB to enter brain tissue. Inflammation caused by microplastics in the body could weaken or increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, making it easier for harmful particles to enter. This could be particularly concerning for people with pre-existing conditions that already compromise the BBB (e.g., multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury). Some research suggests that microplastics coated with lipids (fats) might mimic natural substances that are allowed to cross the BBB, tricking the brain into letting them pass. Nanoplastics can also bind to proteins in the blood, forming a “corona” that allows them to slip through the BBB undetected.
If you want to find out more information on this serious topic, there are several podcasts I listened to on YouTube with Rich Roll, Rhonda Patrick and Casey Means and many more.
