None of us are trying to consume microplastic, but it happens. Researchers have estimated that we consume about 1 credit card’s worth of plastic per week. And here is yet another study about how plastics might be associated with big problems for our health. This time they looked at quantities of microplastics in feces and found greater quantities in the poop of people with inflammatory bowel disorders. This doesn’t surprise me because previous studies by Dr. Datis Kharrazian have shown multiple ways that microplastics can contribute to inflammation and autoimmunity. Many other researchers have shown how microplastic consumption can disrupt hormones in too many ways to count.
Since POTS/MCAS/EDS patients are already at higher risk for inflammatory problems, GI problems, and hormone disturbance, I take this study as another reminder to get serious about reducing plastic exposure. A few ways to do that include:
1. Replacing single-use plastic bottles and utensils with glass, stainless steel, porcelain, or other materials.
2. Favoring food out of glass containers instead of cans (which are typically lined with plastic).
3. Avoiding heating food on plastic or anything lined with plastic (such as styrofoam plates).
4. Bringing your own mug to Starbucks, so that you don’t sip scalding hot liquid through a plastic lid after it already melted the plastic lining of the paper cup.
5. Remembering that hot or acidic foods are thought to dissolve even more plastic from their containers, so consider buying acidic foods (e.g., vinegar-based salad dressings) in glass containers when possible.
6. When you do need to drink out of single-use plastic bottles, trying to protect them from getting left in the hot sun.
7. Removing plastic wrap from food before microwaving it.
Who knew we would ever need to develop ”microplastic hygiene”?! What a weird modern problem… OK, good luck getting the microplastic out of your life, your body and your poop!
Nutrition for POTS, MCAS, dysautonomia, autoimmunity and related conditions 