Microplastics: What They Are and How You Can Reduce Your Exposure

You’ve likely heard the word microplastics everywhere lately—and with good reason. These tiny plastic particles are showing up in our food, water, air, and even our bodies. And because our detoxification systems aren’t built to handle the volume of plastic we’re exposed to today, it’s something every one of us should be aware of.

Microplastics have been linked in emerging research to Alzheimer’s and dementia, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic health concerns. The good news? Knowledge is power—and with a few simple shifts, you can significantly reduce your exposure and support your body’s natural detox pathways.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are incredibly small plastic particles (less than 5 mm in size) that mostly come from the breakdown of larger plastic items. Since so much of what we buy is packaged in plastic, these materials gradually degrade into smaller and smaller fragments. We now find them in our soil, oceans, drinking water, food—and yes, even in human blood and brain tissue.

Some studies have shown the equivalent of a credit-card’s worth of plastic accumulating in the human body, including the brain. Once microplastics enter the brain, they tend to stay there, and they can bioaccumulate over time. While we wait for science and policy to catch up—ideally banning microplastics altogether—there are steps we can take now.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about empowerment. Here are some practical ways to reduce your exposure and support your body.

Simple Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure

1) Sweat it out (sauna or exercise)

Sweat is one of the body’s natural detoxification routes. Studies show that some microplastics and related chemicals can be eliminated through perspiration—whether in a sauna, steam room, or during a sweaty workout.

2) Support your gut health

A strong gut barrier and healthy microbiome help prevent harmful substances—including some microplastics—from entering the bloodstream.
Support your gut daily with:

• Probiotics

• Prebiotic-rich foods

• A fibre-rich diet

• Hydration

A healthy gut = healthier elimination.

3) Rethink how you prepare your favourite drinks

Plastic can leach microplastics when exposed to heat.

Tea & coffee:

• Some tea bags release microplastics into hot water

• Single-use plastic coffee pods (like Keurig) brew through plastic

Better choices:

• Loose-leaf tea with a stainless steel strainer

• Compostable coffee pods

• French press, pour-over, or stainless steel percolator

Laundry & dish pods:
Those “dissolving” pods often come in plastic film. Try:

• Plastic-free detergent sheets

• Powder in cardboard packaging

4) Avoid heating food in plastic

Heat accelerates plastic leaching—microwaving food in plastic containers can release thousands of microplastic particles.

Try:

• Glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel containers

• Wooden or glass cutting boards (plastic boards shed micro-pieces into food)

• Glass or stainless-steel water bottles

Bonus: Thrift stores are amazing for finding affordable, plastic-free kitchenware—and it keeps more waste out of the landfill.

5) Choose natural fibres when you can

About 60% of modern clothing is made from synthetic fibres (aka plastic). These shed microplastics into the air and the wash cycle.

Try:

• Organic cotton

• Linen

• Wool

• Naturally dyed fabrics

You don’t need a perfect wardrobe—every swap helps.

6) Switch to natural cleaning products

Many household cleaners contain microplastics in the formula and packaging.

A simple solution:

• Make your own natural cleaners

• Store them in dark glass bottles

• Use reusable cloths instead of synthetic wipes

It’s cleaner for your home and the planet.

7) Reduce packaging where possible

Plastic is hard to avoid entirely, but you can make small, meaningful choices:

• Bulk stores (like Bulk Barn)

• Bringing your own glass jars

• Farmers markets

• Choosing products with cardboard, paper, or glass packaging

Small daily tweaks create long-term change.

Remember: You don’t need to be perfect

This isn’t about eliminating all plastic—none of us can do that in today’s world. It’s about making simple, manageable changes that lower your exposure and support your long-term health.

Even one or two swaps can make your home and body safer.