Microplastics Detox: How to Reduce Your Exposure and Restore Your Body’s Natural Filters

DetoxingGut Health

Jan 4

ESTIMATED READ TIME: 18 minutes

Not long ago, pollution meant smog-filled skies or chemical runoff in rivers. Today, one of the most dangerous forms of pollution is invisible to the naked eye, yet it’s finding its way into nearly everything we eat, drink, wear, and breathe.

They’re called microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size. They enter our water and food supply after being broken down from bottles, packaging, clothing fibers, and countless personal care and industrial products. These particles are small enough to float through the air, cling to dust, and even circulate in human blood.

Scientists now estimate that the average person consumes up to 5 grams of plastic every week, which is roughly the weight of a credit card.

Plastic has infiltrated our oceans, soil, and food chain so completely that even rainwater samples from the highest mountain peaks and snow in Antarctica contain traces of it. Why should we be concerned? Because exposure is linked to inflammation, immune impairment, tissue damage, altered metabolism, abnormal organ development, and other health issues.

As Scripture reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). But as you'll learn, what we’ve filled the Earth with is changing both the health of the planet and of our own bodies. Below, learn the hidden sources that release microplastics, along with how to help your body detox and heal, even in a plastic-saturated world

What Are Microplastics, And Where Do They Come From?

Microplastics form when larger plastic items—like bottles, bags, synthetic clothing, or industrial materials—break down over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, and mechanical wear.

More than 10,000 additives, processing aids, and chemicals are used to make plastics—and about two-thirds of these have not been assessed for safety, while 2,400 have been flagged as potentially toxic, according to sources including Stanford Medicine.

In fact, all of the plastic ever made (except what’s burned) persists and doesn't just disappear. Instead, it fragments and spreads all over the earth.

Annual production of plastics has increased nearly 230-fold since the 1950s. Many millions of tons of plastic are released into the planet every year, and this number could double by 2040.

Plastic is simply found everywhere today: in coral reefs, Antarctic ice and glaciers, ocean depths, and even the top of Mount Everest.

Even with careful choices, avoiding microplastics entirely is nearly impossible. But once you know where they come from, it's much easier to take the first step toward reducing your exposure and protecting your body’s detox systems.

Some of the most common sources of microplastics include:

Plastic water bottles and packaging: Every time you open and drink from a plastic bottle, tiny fragments can leach into the water, especially when the bottle is exposed to heat or sunlight (for example, if it's sitting in your car).

Synthetic clothing fibers, such as polyester, nylon, and spandex, shed microfibers during washing. This then releases millions of tiny plastic particles into the water supply.

Food containers and utensils: Heating food in plastic, putting hot food into plastic tupperware, or using single-use containers accelerates plastic breakdown.

Cosmetics and personal care products: Many exfoliating scrubs, toothpastes, feminine hygiene products, and cosmetics contain microbeads or polyethylene fragments. These are then rubbed right into your skin or, even worse, placed inside your mouth and body.

Car tires and road dust: Tire wear is now one of the largest contributors to microplastics in the air and soil.
Household dust: Plastics from furniture, electronics, and carpets break down into fine airborne particles that we then inhale daily.

How Microplastics Harm the Body

Because they are so small, microplastics can pass through the intestinal barrier and enter your bloodstream. And once inside your body and blood, they can accumulate in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain.

Researchers are also turning their attention to nanoplastics, even smaller particles, less than one micrometer in size. These are small enough to enter human cells and disrupt gene expression, potentially posing an even greater risk to the heart, brain, and reproductive organs.

Microplastics have been detected in over 1,300 species and often wind up in human lungs, placentas, brain, heart, and even semen, breast milk, and newborn meconium (their first stool).

You can see just how deeply they’ve infiltrated modern life, which is a major concern considering that studies link microplastic exposure to:

Higher levels of inflammation and oxidative stress, which accelerate cellular aging and damage DNA
Hormonal disruption, as plastic additives like BPA and phthalates (often called "endocrine disruptors") mimic or block natural hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.
Gut microbiome imbalance (known as dysbiosis), which can impair immunity and nutrient absorption
Liver stress and toxin buildup, which then overwhelm the body’s primary detox organ
Respiratory irritation from inhaled microfibers and airborne dust

A 2025 review found that microplastics can alter gene expression related to metabolism and inflammation, potentially contributing to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues, obesity, and neurological disorders, as well as cancers such as lung, liver, skin, bone marrow, breast, colon, ovarian, cervical, and prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

In one of the first studies to examine humans directly, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, patients with microplastics found in arterial plaque were significantly more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, and premature death within two years compared to those without.

Children may be especially vulnerable to microplastics' effects since their organs and hormones are still developing. One study found microplastic particles embedded deep within children’s tonsil tissue, and that early exposure could heighten risks of hormonal imbalance and autoimmune conditions later in life.

Microplastics' impact on fertility is another big concern. Studies link long-term exposure to these compounds with fertility issues, including altered reproductive development, as well as thyroid imbalance, obesity, and metabolic disorders.

Reducing Exposure: Small Changes, Big Impact

One truth is clear: plastic was never meant to become part of us.

The global plastic problem is certainly overwhelming, but you do have the power to make significant changes at home that drastically lower your exposure.

Every small decision compounds, and over time, simple swaps can reduce your intake by thousands of plastic particles every week. Here's where to start:

Ditch single-use plastics. Use stainless steel or glass bottles and food containers instead of disposable plastic ones. Heat and sunlight increase leaching, so never put hot food or beverages in plastic.

Avoid plastic food containers. Choose glass, ceramic, or stainless steel for storage, cooking, freezing, and reheating.

Upgrade your cookware. Many nonstick pot and pan coatings release microplastics and chemicals when used at high heat. Plastic-coated and nonstick materials also contain PFAS, known as “forever chemicals," which persist in the environment and the human body for decades, contributing to immune and hormonal disruption. Use cast iron or stainless steel instead.

Filter your water well. A high-quality carbon block or reverse osmosis filter (which you can have installed in your home) can remove most microplastic particles from your drinking water while also providing filtered water for cooking and showering.

Choose natural fabrics. Opt for clothes made from cotton, wool, or linen over synthetics like polyester or nylon to reduce microfiber shedding.

Buy organic, non-toxic feminine products: Consider using something other than commercial tampons or pads, such as a silicone disc or cup.

Avoid plastic packaging for oils and fats. Quality olive oil (which you should choose over processed types like "vegetable oil") should be stored in dark glass bottles in a cool, dry place to protect it from light and prevent plastic leaching.
Vacuum and dust regularly. Keep your home tidy and use HEPA filters to reduce airborne microplastics indoors.

How to Support Your Body’s Detox Organs & Pathways

The second step in a microplastic detox plan (after reducing your exposure) is to strengthen the systems that eliminate them from your body.

The body’s detox pathways—especially the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and gut—work together to filter waste, neutralize toxins, and transport pollutants out.

Supporting these organs helps improve resilience to environmental stressors like microplastics, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Here's how to do it:

1. Nourish Your Liver

Organ Meats (Liver, Kidney, and Glandulars): Organ meats are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth, providing preformed vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins that promote energy and cellular repair.

Beef or Chicken Liver: Rich in B12, folate, and choline to boost glutathione and methylation, two essential detox pathways.

Kidney: Provides selenium and B12 to support antioxidant enzymes that protect liver cells and neutralize oxidative stress. It’s especially supportive for healthy adrenal and kidney function.

Bovine Stomach (Tripe): Contains digestive enzymes and collagen that strengthen gut integrity, which indirectly reduces toxic burden on the liver.

Duodenum: The first segment of the small intestine, and in glandular supplement form, it provides peptides and nutrients that aid bile secretion, nutrient absorption, and enzymatic detoxification.

Milk Thistle: Used for over 2,000 years, this herb contains silymarin, a potent antioxidant complex that's been shown to help protect liver cells, enhance regeneration, and increase glutathione levels even after toxin exposure.

Burdock Root: A classic liver-cleansing herb that helps purify the blood, stimulate bile flow, and promote elimination of toxins through the skin and kidneys. It’s also rich in inulin fiber to support healthy gut flora and digestion.

Bupleurum: A key herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas for “Liver Qi stagnation.” It has strong anti-inflammatory properties, a rich supply of antioxidants (such as saikosaponins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids), and can help the liver process toxins more effectively.

Uva Ursi (Bearberry): A natural urinary tract cleanser that helps the kidneys excrete waste products, reducing toxic load and supporting detox through increased urine flow.

Juniper Berry: A gentle diuretic and antiseptic herb that stimulates kidney function and promotes urinary elimination. It also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, meaning it can support gut, bladder, and urinary health by reducing bacterial buildup and infections.

Citrus Peel and Essential Oils: Compounds like d-limonene in orange and lemon rinds help stimulate phase I and phase II liver detox enzymes, such as by improving fat metabolism and toxin breakdown. They also fight inflammation, have strong antioxidant effects, and possess immunomodulatory activities.

Green Foods: Leafy greens (spinach, kale, broccoli, parsley) and green fruits (kiwi, avocado, olives, green apples) supply chlorophyll and loads of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and help bind and escort toxins from the body.

Sulfur Compounds (Garlic, Onions, Cruciferous Vegetables): Sulfur supports phase II liver detoxification by increasing glutathione production and enhancing toxin conjugation.

2. Strengthen Gut Integrity

A strong gut barrier is one of your best defenses against microplastics and other environmental toxins.

When the intestinal lining is compromised, these tiny particles can pass into the bloodstream and place extra strain on the liver and immune system. Supporting digestion, microbiome balance, and mucosal health is key for both detoxification and immune defenses.

Probiotic-Rich Foods: Cultured and fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and raw milk yogurt replenish beneficial bacteria that support overall digestion and microbial diversity. They also help regulate immunity and strengthen the gut barrier, reducing the chances of microplastics and toxins crossing into circulation.

Prebiotic Fiber: Chia seeds, flaxseeds, psyllium husk, and fibrous fruits with skin (like apples and berries) contain soluble fibers that act like sponges, binding toxins and microplastics in the gut for safe elimination through the stool.

Collagen Peptides: Collagen contains amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline that repair the gut lining, support tissue regeneration, and strengthen the mucosal barrier. Collagen can help prevent “leaky gut,” which allows microplastics and other pollutants to seep into the bloodstream.

Magnesium (especially magnesium glycinate, threonate, or bound chelated/bound to amino acids): Magnesium supports over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those involved in detoxification and bowel motility. It also helps relax the intestinal muscles, promoting regular elimination to prevent toxin buildup.

Zinc, Copper, and Selenium: These trace minerals are cofactors for detox enzymes like glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. They protect gut tissue from oxidative stress and support immune defenses against inflammation triggered by plastics or chemical exposure (just be sure to consume them in healthy ratios if supplementing long-term).

Zinc: Found in oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and lentils.
Copper: Found in liver, shellfish, sesame seeds, and cashews.
Selenium: Found in Brazil nuts, eggs, and wild-caught fish.

Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli, vitamin C supports glutathione recycling (the body’s master antioxidant) and helps maintain the integrity of intestinal epithelial cells by supporting collagen synthesis.

3. Support Your Kidneys

The kidneys filter over 50 gallons of blood each day, excreting water-soluble toxins in the process, including plastic-related compounds and heavy metals. Proper hydration and electrolyte balance ensure that the kidneys can efficiently flush out metabolic waste without becoming overburdened.

Hydrate with Mineral-Rich Fluids: Water alone doesn’t remove many toxins; minerals and electrolytes are required to transport waste across cellular membranes.

Add a pinch of unrefined sea salt or Himalayan salt to your water to provide trace minerals.
Make a homemade electrolyte drink using coconut water, lemon juice, and sea salt.
Sip bone broth, which contains sodium, potassium, magnesium, and glycine—all critical for kidney and adrenal health.

Avoid Overburdening the Kidneys: Limit excessive sodium from processed foods, refined sugar, and alcohol. Maintain a diet rich in antioxidants, potassium, and hydration to reduce oxidative stress on kidney tissue.

Herbal Support:

Nettle Leaf: A gentle diuretic that helps increase urine flow and flushes waste while delivering minerals like iron and calcium.
Dandelion Root: Supports both liver and kidney function, acting as a mild diuretic and promoting bile production.
Parsley, Spirulina, and Chlorella: Encourage kidney filtration and provide chlorophyll, which binds to and helps neutralize toxins.

4. Sweat, Move, and Breathe to Boost the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is your body’s drainage network, as it helps to remove cellular waste and toxins through the skin, lungs, and excretory organs. Unlike the cardiovascular system, it doesn’t have a "pump"—so movement, breathwork, and sweating are needed to keep it flowing.

Move and Exercise Daily: Brisk walking (ideally in fresh air), rebounding (using a mini-trampoline), dry brushing, and swimming in non-chlorinated water all stimulate lymph flow and circulation, supporting toxin removal.
Sweat It Out: Regular sauna or steam therapy (15–20 minutes, a few times per week) encourages detox through the skin while improving cardiovascular and immune function. Infrared saunas are also helpful for deep tissue cleansing.
Breathe Deeply: Intentional breathwork and deep diaphragmatic breathing enhance oxygen exchange, alkalize the blood, and help expel volatile toxins through the lungs.

Detox-Supportive Supplements, Foods, and Herbs

Once your detox organs are supported, the next step is to help your body bind, degrade, and remove microplastics and chemical residues.

The compounds below work synergistically, trapping pollutants, neutralizing their effects, and escorting them safely out of the body.

Compounds That Bind:

Mucilaginous Fibers (Okra, Fenugreek, Aloe, Slippery Elm):

The natural gels in these plants act like a soft “net,” physically trapping microplastics and heavy metals in the gut before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Their gentle texture soothes the intestinal lining, enhances regular elimination, and supports a healthy microbiome, much like their role in water purification, where okra and fenugreek have been shown to remove up to 90% of microplastics from contaminated water.

Psyllium Husk & Flaxseed Fiber:

Rich in soluble fiber, these bind waste materials, bulk the stool, and help sweep out toxins through regular elimination. Psyllium, in particular, forms a viscous gel that prevents reabsorption of bile acids bound to pollutants.

Chitin (from Oyster Mushrooms and Shellfish):

Chitin is a fibrous compound that binds hydrocarbon-based toxins—the same chemical structures found in many plastics—rendering them less reactive. Inside the gut, it can behave like a magnet for pollutants, while providing prebiotic support for beneficial microbes.

Chlorella & Spirulina:

These green algae contain unique peptides and polysaccharides that can bind to heavy metals, microplastics, and chemical residues. They also provide chlorophyll and antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and promote the body’s natural chelation and detoxification processes.

Compounds That Degrade (or Neutralize):

Probiotics (especially Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis):

These resilient, spore-forming soil microbes don’t just support gut health—they can actually break down hydrocarbon structures similar to those found in plastics.

A 2025 study showed that B. subtilis interacts with nanoplastics by forming temporary coatings around them, then activating mechanisms to remove and neutralize the plastic particles. In one study, when nanoplastics were present in high concentrations, B. subtilis helped reduce bacterial growth and root colonization in plants, proving that these bacteria directly engage with plastics in their environment.

Other research has found that B. licheniformis and Lysinibacillus massiliensis degraded common plastics like low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS) within 22 days, showing that natural microbial remediation of plastic is not only possible but efficient.

In the human body, spore-based probiotics can similarly assist by metabolizing toxins, strengthening gut barrier integrity, and producing enzymes that degrade plastic-like chemical residues. They are also highly heat- and acid-resistant, making them ideal for survival through digestion and colonization of the gut.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods:

Polyphenols from green tea, berries, turmeric, and herbs like rosemary can help quench free radicals generated by plastic exposure and help repair oxidative DNA damage. These compounds also activate the body’s master antioxidant switch, which boosts cellular defense and enhances liver detox pathways.

Compounds That Remove:

Moringa & Fenugreek:

Moringa seeds contain cationic proteins that act as natural coagulants by clumping impurities (including microplastics) so they can be filtered and excreted. Similarly, fenugreek’s mucilaginous fibers attract and trap contaminants, offering internal cleansing benefits that parallel their ability to purify water.

Calcium Bentonite Clay:

This mineral clay works through both adsorption (binding toxins to its surface) and absorption (pulling them into its layered structure). It can bind heavy metals, microplastics, and other pollutants in the digestive tract, helping the body eliminate them naturally through the stool.

Activated Charcoal:

Known for its porous surface and immense surface area, activated charcoal captures chemical residues and gases in the gut. It’s best reserved for extreme cases or occasional or acute exposures, as it can also bind beneficial nutrients if overused.

Humic and Fulvic Acids (including Shilajit):

These natural carbon-based compounds bind heavy metals and synthetic pollutants while improving nutrient transport into cells. They also support mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and restore the body’s electrical balance, which can be disrupted by environmental toxins.

Key Takeaways on How to Fight Back Against Microplastics & Return to Purity

The sad truth is, we’ve become so dependent on synthetic materials and ultra-processed, plastic foods that we rarely consider their destructive toll on our health and planet. Yet, the same principles that sustained humanity for thousands of years still apply today: we must eat whole, natural foods, drink pure water, move, sweat, and care for the land that sustains us.

We can’t live in a world without plastic—at least not yet. But we can choose how much of it we allow into our bodies and our homes. The path forward is clear: less plastic, more purity, and a return to what’s real.

If all of this feels overwhelming, begin here:

Morning:

Start your day with a glass of mineral-rich water (add a pinch of sea salt or a squeeze of lemon) to rehydrate your cells. Follow with a green drink or smoothie containing spirulina, chlorella, leafy vegetables, and fresh herbs. Take a probiotic or spore-based blend, especially strains like Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis, to strengthen gut integrity and seed beneficial microbes.

Midday:

Eat clean, whole foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, polyphenols, and sulfur compounds to support liver detoxification. Include mineral-rich foods high in zinc, copper, and selenium, such as oysters, pumpkin seeds, eggs, and wild-caught fish. Add fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, or raw yogurt, and consider supplementing with milk thistle for liver protection or vitamin C to boost glutathione production.

Evening:

Sip on a warm cup of bone broth or mineral broth to replenish electrolytes and support kidney filtration. Use gentle binders such as bentonite clay, activated charcoal (in moderation), or mucilaginous fibers like okra, aloe, and fenugreek tea to capture and eliminate microplastics and other toxins through the digestive tract. Herbal teas made from burdock root or uva ursi can further support liver and kidney cleansing.

Throughout the Day:

Move, sweat, and breathe deeply. Exercise, sauna sessions, and mindful breathing help promote circulation, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and activate natural detox pathways. Rebounding, walking outdoors, or stretching with deep breathing also helps your body release toxins through the skin and lungs while calming the nervous system.

Overall, aim to avoid and then bind, neutralize, and remove microplastics from your life.

When you support your body’s natural detox rhythms through nourishment, hydration, movement, and rest, you restore purity, energy, and resilience, the way nature intended.

References:

https://www.epa.gov/water-research/microplastics-research

https://iee.psu.edu/news/blog/microplastics-sources-health-risks-and-how-protect-yourself

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666911022000247

https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/nanoplastics

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl2746

https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/01/microplastics-in-body-polluted-tiny-plastic-fragments.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590182625000293

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2309822

https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/01/microplastics-in-body-polluted-tiny-plastic-fragments.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723048830