The Effects of Microplastics on Your Health & How to Reduce Them

At a Glance

• Awareness of Microplastics and Nanoplastics - ‘young children and those young children themselves, that should really strive to limit their exposure to microplastics.’ This point emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, particularly young children, from the pervasive issue of microplastics in the environment.

• Book Promotion - ‘It’s my very first book. It’s entitled, Protocols, an Operating Manual for the Human Body.’ This quote marks a significant milestone for the speaker and serves as an insight into the culmination of over 30 years of research presented for public benefit.

• Impact of Microplastics on Health - ‘what’s the difference between a bunch of little particles and one big particle? Ah, there’s a big difference.’ This explanation simplifies the complex issue of how small plastics affect our bodies differently than larger pieces, increasing awareness of the insidious nature of nanoplastics.

• Personal Health Discovery - ‘Function not only helped me detect this, but offered medical doctor informed insights on how to best reduce those mercury levels.’ This personal anecdote adds a relatable touch to the discussion, showing the host’s own encounters with health monitoring and improvement.

• Importance of Proper Sleep - ‘That’s truly the foundation of all mental health, physical health and performance.’ This point underscores the universal importance of sleep, connecting it directly to the podcast’s broader themes of health and wellness.

• Microplastics in Cardiovascular Tissues - ‘polyethylene, which is a component of many plastics out there, were detected in the carotid artery plaques of, in this case, 150 patients.’ Highlighting a specific study, this quote draws a direct connection between everyday plastic exposure and severe health outcomes like cardiovascular disease.

• Humor in Science Communication - ‘Now, then you think about the typical dosages that are found in supplements of 50 milligrams per serving versus 225 milligrams per serving. And in either case, you realize that that’s much, much higher than what’s being discussed here.’ This light-hearted comment about over-supplementation provides a chuckle while also making an important point about dosage relevance in scientific studies.

What to Do

• Limit Exposure to Microplastics - Microplastics can have a negative impact on brain and bodily health, and limiting exposure is crucial, especially for young children.

• Stay Hydrated and Maintain Electrolyte Balance - Proper hydration and electrolyte balance are essential for optimal brain and bodily function.

• Engage in Regular Therapy - Therapy provides emotional support, directed guidance, and can help gain insights that improve various aspects of life, contributing to overall health.

• Increase Intake of Cruciferous Vegetables - These vegetables enhance liver detoxification processes which can help manage the body’s detoxification.

• Utilize Proper Cooking Methods for Vegetables - Light cooking methods preserve beneficial compounds like sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables.

• Avoid Overuse of Plastic Packaging - Reducing plastic use can decrease exposure to harmful chemicals and microplastics.

• Regular Exercise - Including cardiovascular and resistance training as it’s crucial for maintaining health and well-being.

• Monitor and Adapt to Dietary Needs - Adjusting diet based on medical insights, like reducing mercury intake, supports overall health.

• Control Sleeping Environment Temperature - Managing sleep temperature helps improve sleep quality, which is foundational for health.

• Use Safer Cooking Materials - Cooking with materials like cast iron or ceramic reduces exposure to harmful chemicals.

• Regular Consumption of Fiber and Hydration - Supports digestive health and can aid in the removal of toxins from the body.

• Be Informed and Adjust Lifestyle Accordingly - Staying informed about the impact of various materials and products helps in making healthier choices for mental and physical health.

What to Get

• Cast Iron Cookware - Amazon - Used for cooking to reduce exposure to BPAs and other harmful chemicals.

• Cardboard Containers at Farmers Markets - Used as an alternative to plastic containers to reduce plastic exposure.

• Guppy Bag - Amazon - Used to trap microfibers from clothes during washing to prevent them from entering the ocean.

• Filters for Washing Machines - Amazon - Installed in washing machines to trap microfibers from clothes.

• Toothpaste Tablets - Amazon - Used for oral hygiene, packaged in glass to avoid plastic, contains hydroxyapatite for tooth remineralization.

• Glass Jars - Amazon - Used for storing items like tooth tablets to avoid plastic packaging.

• Protocols, an Operating Manual for the Human Body by Andrew Huberman - Amazon - Book by Huberman, based on over 30 years of research, covers protocols for sleep, exercise, stress control, and more.

• Reverse Osmosis Filter - Amazon - Suggested for filtering drinking water to remove contaminants including microplastics.

• Farmer’s Market - Recommended for purchasing fresh produce without plastic packaging.

• Sulforaphane - Amazon - Mentioned in the context of detoxifying the body from harmful substances attached to or within microplastics.

• Cruciferous Vegetables - Consumed as part of a strategy to remove harmful substances associated with microplastics from the body.

Summary

In this episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast, Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neurobiology and ophthalmology professor at Stanford School of Medicine, delves into the pervasive and crucial issue of microplastics. These tiny particles are omnipresent in our environment, found in the air we breathe and in many of the products we consume daily, such as beverages and food packaged in plastic containers. Dr. Huberman explains that while microplastics are universally present in our organs and tissues, definitive causal links to specific human diseases remain elusive. However, the correlation between microplastic presence and health detriments is strongly supported by both animal studies and some emerging human data.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Huberman emphasizes the importance of awareness and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of microplastics on our health. He discusses various strategies that individuals can adopt, such as choosing alternative packaging materials, increasing hydration, and ensuring adequate intake of electrolytes which are crucial for optimal body and brain function. Highlighting products like the Element drink mix, he illustrates how simple changes in daily hydration habits can contribute to better health outcomes.

Moreover, the conversation covers the psychological and emotional aspects of dealing with environmental stressors like microplastics. Dr. Huberman touches on the benefits of therapy, as provided by platforms like BetterHelp, underscoring the holistic approach to health that encompasses both physical and mental well-being. He shares his personal routine and the adjustments he’s made to reduce his exposure to microplastics, such as choosing glass or stainless steel containers over plastic ones and opting for natural fiber clothing to decrease microplastic shedding during laundry processes.

The episode is not only educational but also a call to action, encouraging listeners to adopt more environmentally friendly habits and make informed choices about their consumption and lifestyle. The discussion is framed with a sense of urgency yet balanced with practical advice, making it clear that while the issue of microplastics is daunting, there are effective ways to reduce their impact on our health and the planet.