Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, and even heart tissue, raising concerns about their long-term effects on health. While there’s no proven way to completely eliminate them from the body, research is uncovering methods that might help reduce their accumulation.
How microplastics get inside us
Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size—are everywhere. They’re in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Researchers have found them in bottled water, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and even table salt. Some studies estimate that people ingest tens of thousands of microplastic particles per year.
Once inside the body, some microplastics pass through the digestive system and are excreted, but others may be absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to organs. Scientists have detected microplastics in human lungs, livers, and even in placentas. Recent studies have also found them in arteries, suggesting they might contribute to cardiovascular disease. This raises an important question: can we actually remove them from our bodies?
The body’s natural elimination process
The good news is that our bodies aren’t completely helpless. Some microplastics get expelled naturally through feces, urine, and possibly even sweat. Research on human stool samples has confirmed that many microplastics are eliminated through digestion. The liver and kidneys may also play a role in filtering out certain plastic particles or their chemical components.
However, the efficiency of this natural detox process isn’t clear. Larger microplastic particles might remain trapped in tissues for long periods, and if they cause inflammation or oxidative stress, they could contribute to long-term health risks. That’s why researchers are looking into ways to enhance the body’s ability to get rid of them.
High-fiber diets might help
One of the simplest and most effective ways to promote microplastic removal is through diet. Scientists believe that dietary fiber helps trap microplastics in the gut and speeds up their elimination through feces. Insoluble fiber, found in foods like whole grains, vegetables, and nuts, acts like a broom in the intestines, pushing waste (including microplastics) through the digestive system more efficiently.
Animal studies have provided some early evidence supporting this idea. Researchers found that rats fed a high-fiber diet excreted more microplastics in their feces than those on a low-fiber diet. While more research is needed in humans, increasing fiber intake is a low-risk strategy that aligns with general health recommendations.
Hydration and kidney function
Drinking plenty of water is another way to support the body’s detoxification processes. While microplastics themselves may not dissolve in water, proper hydration helps the kidneys filter waste and maintain overall health. Some scientists believe that very small plastic particles, known as nanoplastics, could be excreted in urine, but this remains an area of ongoing research.
Hydration also keeps digestion running smoothly, preventing constipation and ensuring that fiber does its job in flushing out unwanted particles. Although drinking more water won’t directly wash away microplastics, it supports the organs responsible for clearing out waste.
Antioxidants and their protective role
Microplastics don’t just accumulate in the body—they can also cause oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and cellular damage. This is where antioxidants come in. Found in fruits, vegetables, and certain supplements, antioxidants neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals, which can be triggered by microplastic exposure.
A recent study in fish showed that antioxidants like lycopene (found in tomatoes) and chlorella (a type of algae) helped reduce the harmful effects of microplastic ingestion. While this doesn’t prove that antioxidants remove microplastics, they may reduce the damage they cause. Eating foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols (found in berries and green tea) could help counteract the negative effects of microplastic exposure.
Can probiotics help?
One of the more promising areas of research involves probiotic bacteria, which might help remove microplastics from the gut. Scientists have found that certain probiotic strains can bind to plastic particles, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
A recent animal study found that mice given probiotics excreted more microplastics in their feces than those without probiotics. The idea is that probiotic bacteria latch onto microplastics and help carry them out of the digestive system. While human studies are still needed, this research suggests that probiotics might be a useful tool in reducing microplastic accumulation.
Sweating out toxins
Some wellness advocates claim that saunas and exercise can help remove microplastics through sweat. While it’s true that sweat contains certain toxins, like heavy metals and BPA (a chemical found in plastics), there’s no direct evidence that intact microplastic particles are excreted in sweat.
However, sauna use and regular exercise can improve circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a role in detoxification. While this isn’t a direct removal method, it may support overall health and help the body manage toxin exposure.
Experimental approaches
Scientists are also exploring more advanced methods for removing microplastics, though none are widely available yet. Some of these include:
- Blood filtration technologies – Similar to dialysis, researchers are investigating whether microplastics could be filtered out of the bloodstream.
- Enzyme-based treatments – Certain bacteria and fungi produce enzymes that can break down plastic. Scientists are looking at ways to use these enzymes in medicine, though this is still in early development.
- Chelation therapy – A method used to remove heavy metals from the body, but there’s no evidence it works for microplastics.
While these ideas are still in research phases, they show that scientists are actively looking for solutions beyond natural detoxification.
Prevention is still the best strategy
Since completely removing microplastics from the body is difficult, the best approach is to limit exposure in the first place. Here’s how:
- Drink filtered water – Tap water can contain microplastics, but high-quality filters (such as reverse osmosis systems) can remove most of them.
- Avoid plastic food and water containers – Heating food in plastic releases microplastics and harmful chemicals. Opt for glass or stainless steel instead.
- Reduce seafood consumption – Shellfish and certain fish contain high levels of microplastics due to ocean pollution.
- Wear natural fabrics – Synthetic clothing sheds plastic microfibers that we inhale and ingest. Choose cotton, wool, or hemp when possible.
- Improve indoor air quality – Household dust contains microplastics. Use HEPA filters and vacuum regularly to reduce airborne exposure.
These steps won’t eliminate microplastics from the body, but they reduce the amount we take in daily, easing the burden on our natural detox systems.
Our takeaway
Microplastics are an unavoidable part of modern life, so it is close to impossible to completely avoid them. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless against them. While there’s no miracle cure for removing them from the body, research suggests that high-fiber diets, hydration, probiotics, and antioxidants can support the body’s natural elimination processes. Advanced medical treatments may emerge in the future, but for now, prevention remains the best defense.
Sources
Click to view.
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Marko is the founder and editor of LifeSpan Digest. With a deep interest in biotech, healthspan optimization, and regenerative medicine, he analyzes emerging discoveries and explores how science is reshaping human aging. Through expert insights and data-driven reporting, he provides readers with the knowledge to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of longevity.