Plastic has become so integrated into modern life that many people don’t realize it has also entered the human body. Recent research shows that micro- and nanoplastics are now detectable in human blood, lungs, liver, brain, colon, placenta, and even feces. Scientists estimate that microplastics may make up about 0.5% of brain weight in cadaver analyses, highlighting how widespread exposure has become.

While this sounds alarming, the good news is that there are practical steps to reduce exposure and support the body’s natural detoxification systems. Understanding where these particles come from—and how the body handles them—can help us make smarter choices.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles formed when larger plastic items break down through environmental wear, heat, or friction.

They differ from plasticizers, which are chemicals added during plastic manufacturing to make materials flexible or durable.

Common plasticizers include

• Phthalates
• DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate)
• Bisphenol A (BPA)

These compounds can leach from plastics and attach to microplastic particles, creating complex mixtures of polymer fragments, additives, and environmental contaminants.

Each microplastic particle may have its own unique characteristics including:

• Polymer type
• Chemical additives
• Size and shape
• Surface weathering
• Adsorbed contaminants or microbes

This diversity is one reason scientists say assessing toxicity is challenging (Koelmans et al., 2020).

How Much Microplastic Are We Exposed To?

Research estimates suggest significant daily exposure.

Examples include:

• ~34,254 particles per year from oral intake alone
• Up to ~15,381 particles per day from consumption of terrestrial animal products

Microplastics have already been detected in:

• Blood
• Liver
• Brain
• Colon
• Lungs
• Placenta
• Feces

This does not necessarily mean they accumulate indefinitely. The body does have mechanisms for processing and eliminating particles.

How the Body Handles Microplastics

Particle fate depends heavily on size, chemistry, and immune recognition.

Key detox organs include

1. The Liver

The liver plays a major role through:

• Phagocytosis by Kupffer cells
• Biliary excretion into the intestine

Smaller particles may be internalized by hepatocytes and later secreted into bile, eventually reaching the intestines and being eliminated in stool.

Studies have shown that microplastics can be detected in bile within 24 hours after exposure in animal models.

Interestingly, patients with cirrhosis have much higher concentrations of microplastics in the liver, suggesting impaired clearance.

2. The Lymphatic System

Particles smaller than about 100–1000 nm may enter lymphatic circulation, while larger particles may be transported by macrophages.

Inflammation can increase lymphatic permeability, potentially influencing both retention and clearance.

3. Kidneys

Biodegradation products may be eliminated through urine.

4. Lungs and Airways

Inhaled microplastics can be cleared through mucus and airway clearance mechanisms.

Detox Support Strategies

Supporting the body’s natural elimination systems may help improve clearance of environmental particles and their associated chemicals.

1. Support Bile Flow

Biliary excretion appears to be one of the most important pathways.

Helpful strategies include:

• Taurine
• Bitter herbs such as:
  
  • Dandelion
  • Yellow dock
  • Burdock root

2. Support the Lymphatic System

Lymph flow is essential for transporting immune cells and clearing debris.

Strategies may include:

• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Movement and rebounding
• Herbs such as
  
  • Cleavers (Galium aparine)
  • Red root (Ceanothus americanus)
  • Poke root (Phytolacca americana)

3. Increase Fiber Intake

Fiber supports elimination of bile and contaminants through stool.

Helpful options include:

• Ground flax
• Chia seeds
• Vegetables
• Resistant starch

Fiber also helps bind bile acids, reducing enterohepatic recirculation.

4. Use Binders

Certain binders may help reduce reabsorption of contaminants:

• Activated charcoal
• Psyllium
• Modified citrus pectin

5. Antioxidant Support

Microplastic exposure may increase oxidative stress.

Helpful nutrients include:

• Glutathione
• Vitamin C
• Polyphenols
• Sulforaphane (broccoli sprouts)

6. Support the Skin as a Detox Organ

Plasticizers such as phthalates may be excreted through sweat.

One effective approach is infrared sauna therapy.

If you’re looking for a medical-grade home sauna, the Relax Far Infrared Sauna is one of the best options available.

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Far infrared saunas can help support:

• Circulation
• Sweating
• Detoxification
• Mitochondrial health

The Most Important Step: Reduce Exposure

Detoxification is helpful, but avoiding exposure is even more powerful.

Practical ways to reduce microplastic exposure

• Avoid plastic food containers
• Avoid plastic wrap
• Use glass or stainless steel food storage
• Drink from glass or metal water bottles
• Use glass or stainless steel water filtration systems
• Choose natural fiber clothing
• Buy used cars (new car interiors off-gas plastics)
• Choose building materials like wood, stone, mud, and glass
• Support supplement companies using non-plastic packaging

One Easy Switch: A Plastic-Free Toothbrush

One overlooked source of microplastics is the plastic toothbrush.

Most toothbrushes are made from petroleum plastics that shed particles during use and eventually end up in landfills or waterways.

A great alternative is the Primal’s Plastic-Free Toothbrush, which is designed to eliminate unnecessary plastic exposure while maintaining excellent dental hygiene.

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Making simple swaps like this can significantly reduce daily plastic exposure over time.

The Big Picture

Microplastics are a modern environmental challenge, but they are not an unsolvable one.

By combining exposure reduction with support for the body’s detoxification pathways, we can dramatically reduce the burden on our bodies.

Focus on:

• Reducing plastic contact with food and water
• Supporting bile and lymphatic flow
• Increasing fiber
• Using binders when appropriate
• Supporting antioxidant defenses
• Sweating regularly

Small choices made consistently can make a meaningful difference in long-term health.

References available upon request. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice.