5 ways to reduce the microplastics in your body as study finds a spoonful in our brains

On the heels of a shocking new study that found our brains contain about a spoonful of microplastics, experts say there are a few ways to limit exposure and consumption of these dangerous specks.Previous research suggested that humans consume a credit card’s worth of plastic every week on average, and the pesky particles — which are less than 5 millimeters long — have been found in the oceans and clouds.Microplastics have also been detected in various parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, placenta, blood, semen and even breast milk, though levels found in the brain are much higher than other organs or bodily fluids.While the full health impact of microplastics remains uncertain, studies suggest they can damage cells, trigger inflammation, disrupt organ function and alter immune responses.Exposure to these tiny particles has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke as well as some cancers. Tiny — and, experts say, very, very expensive.

According to one study, microplastics found in the US food and water supply that contain “forever chemicals” are contributing to a quarter of a trillion dollar a year health crisis.Though microplastics may be nearly impossible to completely avoid, experts say there are steps you can take to limit your exposure.According to industry data, bottled water was America’s favorite packaged drink last year, with 16.2 billion gallons consumed, a 2% increase from 2023.And while hydration is a cornerstone of health, water packaging can sabotage it.In a recent scientific paper, physicians reported that switching from bottled water to filtered tap water could cut microplastic intake by about 90% — from 90,000 to 4,000 particles each year.Microplastic exposure from plastic water bottles occurs when particles break off from the bottle’s inner surface and enter the water, particularly when the bottle is squeezed or exposed to heat.Experts recommend using a stainless steel reusa...