Looking for a New Years resolution? How about lowering your exposure to plastics.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles which measure less than 5 millimetres. They can be found in the ocean, soil, air, the water we drink and food we eat, synthetic clothing, personal care products and now even more alarmingly inside the human body.
The thyroid can be particularly vulnerable to microplastics, as they often carry harmful chemicals, which can disrupt thyroid function in the following ways
- Endocrine Disruption: Chemicals associated with microplastics such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and heavy metals are known endocrine disruptors which can disrupt the balance of thyroid hormones by mimicking them or blocking them from entering the cell. For example, BPA which is found in plastic water bottles and the lining of tin cans can sit on thyroid hormone receptors, and disrupt signalling pathways and regulation of thyroid hormones.
- Inflammation: When microplastics enter the bloodstream or tissues they are identified by the immune system as a foreign substance and this elicits an immune response which can cause oxidative stress. This oxidative damage may then contribute to inflammation which can impair thyroid cell function.
- Bioaccumulation: Microplastics accumulate in tissues over time. This persistence increases the likelihood of long-term exposure to their toxic chemical additives, compounding the risk of thyroid gland disruption.
While it is impossible to completely avoid microplastics, there are steps you can take to minimise your exposure which will support the health of your thyroid. Here are 8 easy, practical steps you can take.
1. Reduce Plastic Use: Cut down or avoid single-use plastics including plastic bags and water bottles. Instead opt for glass or stainless-steel containers, and never heat food in plastic containers as the heat can exacerbate the leaching of microplastics into the food.
2. Filter Drinking Water: Use a water filter to remove microplastics from your drinking water.
3. Choose Natural Products: Avoid personal care products that contain microbeads or plastic-based ingredients. Look for products with natural alternatives like coconut oil or jojoba beads.
4. Wear clothing made from natural fibres like cotton or wool instead of synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, which can shed microplastics when washed.
5. Avoid eating processed foods which can often contain plastics and replace with fresh, whole food ingredients.
6. Switch cling film for beeswax wraps and use a wood, glass or silicone cutting board over a plastic one. The minute you stop taking in BPA it is no longer persistent and will no longer be in your system.
7. Swap out plastic-containing teabags for either lose leaf tea or reusable linen tea bags or tea balls. Lots of tea brands use a plastic containing sealant to close the tea bag, which can leach into your cup of tea when hot water is added.
8. Detox using a traditional dry sauna. During the first 5-10 minutes in the sauna, toxins trapped in the fat-cells will leave the cells just under the skin. Wipe them off with a clean towel and then have a shower. This is one of the best ways to remove heavy metals, toxins and plastics through the skin. Infrared saunas are also good for people who can’t tolerate a dry sauna or heat.
There is no doubt we are in a plastic pandemic and the global production and consumption of plastics is contaminating not only the planet but our health as well. The evidence linking microplastics to endocrine disruption is compelling but if you want to protect your thyroid, part of that picture is reducing exposure to microplastics where you can.
