Plastic Pollution: Study Links Microplastics to Heart Disease

In a world where plastics are seemingly everywhere, their tiny toxic counterparts, microplastics, are making their presence felt in alarming ways. From infiltrating our food to contaminating the air we breathe, these plastic particles are raising concerns, particularly when it comes to our heart health.  

Understanding the Link: Toxins and the Heart 

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows a link between microplastics and heart disease risk. An analysis of artery-clogging plaques from patients revealed a startling, quadrupled risk of heart attacks, strokes, or mortality in the presence of microplastics, emphasizing the role of toxins in cardiovascular health. 

The plaques contained polyethylene, a prevalent substance used in household items like cling wrap and cutting boards. The study also found polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in 12 percent of the patients. PVC is used in a wide range of various domestic and industrial products, from raincoats and shower curtains to window frames and indoor plumbing (aka PVC pipe).  

It is possible that exposure to these toxins can lead to the progression of cardiovascular diseases by triggering inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to plaque buildup in arteries and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

Microplastics: A Growing Global Threat 

Microplastics accumulate in human tissues, including the lungs, liver, and bloodstream. 

Their widespread presence across the environment is due to several factors:  

Plastic Production and Disposal: The widespread production and use of plastic materials, coupled with improper disposal and recycling practices, contribute to the accumulation of microplastics in the environment. Each year, approximately 40 million tons of PVC are produced worldwide, representing a staggering increase from just two million tons produced in 1950 to over 450 million tons today
Plastic items degrade over time into smaller fragments, eventually breaking down into microplastics through processes like weathering, UV radiation exposure, and mechanical abrasion.  

Everyday Products: Microplastics are found in numerous everyday products, including: 

• Personal care items like exfoliating scrubs, sunscreen, and toothpaste 
• Synthetic textiles like polyester and nylon clothing. These products release microplastic particles during use and laundering 
• Drinking cans more info here 
• Beer more info here 
• Salt and pepper gringers more info here
   

Plastic Pollution: Plastic pollution is a significant global problem, with large quantities of plastic waste entering waterways, oceans, and terrestrial environments each year. Once in the environment, plastics break down into microplastics which are consumed by livestock and wild fish, then consumed by humans. Shockingly, an estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic enter the ocean each year, adding to the ecological crisis and endangering marine life. On land, more than 85% of all plastic waste in the United States alone ends up in landfills, where they undergo several abrasive activities and produce secondary microplastics.  

Atmospheric Transport: Microplastics can also be transported over long distances through atmospheric processes like wind and precipitation. Studies discovered tiny plastic pieces in remote places like mountains and polar ice caps, showing how widespread they are. 

Not only is ingesting plastic harmful to the body, because it’s simply unnatural, but these tiny specks of plastic can absorb and concentrate toxic chemicals from the environment. When ingested by organisms, including humans, these highly toxic toxins can leach into tissues and cause harmful health effects. 

Minimizing Microplastics: Best Practices  

Initiatives aimed at minimizing plastic pollution and promoting toxin-free environments are important for addressing the underlying factors contributing to heart disease risk. Here are a few simple steps that can be taken today:  

1. Reduce plastic usage by opting for reusable alternatives over single-use items (such as plastic bags from a store or zip lock bags for storage). 
2. Ensure proper disposal to prevent environmental contamination 
3. Choose products devoid of microplastics and install advanced water filtration systems in your home 
4. When selecting seafood, individuals should prioritize options with lower microplastic contamination. Such as smaller fish —sardines, anchovies, farmed trout, fresh tilapia, arctic char—and bivalves such as scallops, clams, and oysters don’t build up as many contaminants as do the large carnivores. 

Microplastics are just one cluster of problem-inducing toxins that make their way through our environment and into our bodies. In fact, there are over 144,000 toxins present in our environment that affect the body and lead to chronic inflammation, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.  

Fortunately, hope is on the horizon with health care options that tackle this toxin epidemic head on. MDLifespan’s Dr. Paul Savage says recent data from their PlasmaXchange protocol shows that plasma exchange therapy, in combination with balanced nutrients and lifestyle changes, reverses toxins and decreases chronic inflammation and risk of illness.  

“PlasmaXchangeis the first of its kind,” states Dr. Savage. “A simple, safe and effective method of removing all environmental toxins, including microplastics.  Young or old, healthy or sick, rich or poor, everyone has a toxins. We know that these toxins are contributing to the increase in cancer, dementia and heart disease, among many other diseases. And, the first sign that toxins are killing you is when one of these diseases appears.” 

Which Toxins Are in Your Body?  

Curious which toxins could be impacting your health and lifespan? MDLifespan offers a Total Toxin Testing, which is a comprehensive approach that identifies various environmental toxins, including heavy metals, forever chemicals, pesticides, plasticizers, parabens, mycotoxins, and more.  

It’s important to know these toxin levels to create a game plan for minimizing their impact on health and aging. Knowing which toxins harm your health and making the right diet and lifestyle changes can help you live longer and healthier.