You consuming anywhere between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastics annually; here’s how it is affecting your body

Environmental changes coupled with pollution affect us deeply, including the air we breathe and the food we eat. To add to it, ayurvedic practitioner Dr Dimple Jangda said human beings are consuming anywhere between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastics annually, which are known to cause endocrine disruption, and cancer risk, as they interfere with nutrition, metabolism, and neurodevelopment, and even cause reproductive toxicity.

So, what can help? If Dr Jangda is to go by, these 5 simple tweaks can:

*Stop using plastic cutting boards

“You see the abrasion from the knife marks. This causes microplastics to enter your cooked food, which is unhealthy in the long run. Replace it with a wooden cutting board with no polish,” said Dr Jangda.

*Replace plastic bottles with glass, copper, or steel ones

Instead of drinking water out of a plastic water bottle, try to carry your bottle. It could be copper or steel. This is way much healthier. Drink boiled water for better health benefits, said Dr Jandga

*Do not store cooked food in plastic containers

Heat causes microplastics to be released. Look for containers made out of glass. “Glass is one of the healthiest materials for cooking, as well as for storing cooked foods,” said Dr Jangda.

*Replace tea bags with loose tea leaves

Buy loose tea leaves and just boil your tea. If you already have a tea bag, just rip it open, said Dr Jangda.

According to a recent study, each cup of tea produced by one plastic tea bag steeped at brewing temperature included roughly 11.6 billion MPs and 3.1 billion nanoplastics.

Try and be mindful when shopping to avoid plastics (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

*Don’t use a plastic toothbrush

Replace with a bamboo toothbrush. “It’s better for the environment and for you,” said Dr Jangda.

Agreeing, Dr Urvi Maheshwari, internal medicine expert, Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai said, “Microplastics cause endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, and decreased reproductive health. It is recommended to make changes as early as possible to ensure you stay healthy.”

According to Dr Maheshwari, you can make vital changes by swapping plastic containers with glass or stainless steel when it comes to storing or cooking food. “Don’t use plastic bottles and replace them with stainless steel or glass bottles. Invest in high-quality filters at your home for water supply as other contaminants and microplastics can be removed from the water and you can drink healthy water,” said Dr Maheshwari.

 

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According to Dr Maheshwari, many cosmetics and toiletries contain microbeads or plastic derivatives that enter one’s body via consumption or skin absorption. “So, switch these products with natural ingredients. Instead of using a plastic chopping board try using the wooden one. Avoid microwaving the food that is stored in a plastic container. Use fabric bags or backpacks while shopping instead of plastic bags,” said Dr Maheshwari.

Don’t store or carry vegetables, fruits, or eatables in plastic bags. “Swap plastic straws with bamboo straws. Read labels while shopping and opt for items that have biodegradable components rather than synthetic materials.

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