The Effects of Microplastics on Your Health & How to Reduce Them

Liver Detox

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying microplastics and nanoplastics from the body. Andrew Huberman explains that the liver uses phase one and phase two detoxification processes to break down and excrete foreign substances, including microplastics. Phase one involves oxidation, converting toxins into less harmful components, while phase two, known as conjugation, makes these toxins water-soluble for easier excretion 1.

Your liver's ability to break down and remove things from your body that you frankly don't want in your body.

--- Andrew Huberman

Huberman emphasizes the liver's primary role in removing microplastics and associated chemicals like BPA and BPS, highlighting the body's remarkable ability to manage foreign intruders 2.

   

Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane, found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, aids in the liver's detoxification process. Andrew Huberman suggests that consuming these vegetables can enhance phase two detoxification, which is crucial for managing microplastics and other toxins 3. While supplements are available, Huberman notes that consuming raw or lightly cooked cruciferous vegetables can provide sufficient sulforaphane for detoxification benefits.

You don't need to supplement with sulforaphane if you're willing to eat raw broccoli.

--- Andrew Huberman

He recommends incorporating these vegetables into your diet regularly, emphasizing their role in promoting liver health and reducing the impact of environmental toxins 4.

   

Sweating

Sweating through activities like exercise or sauna use can help eliminate harmful substances related to microplastics. Andrew Huberman highlights the benefits of sweating as a mechanism for removing toxins, although he clarifies that it may not completely detoxify the body 5.

Sweating may help remove some of the things that are attached to microplastics and nanoplastics.

--- Andrew Huberman

He suggests engaging in activities that promote sweating, such as sauna sessions or hot yoga, to support the body's natural detoxification processes and reduce the impact of microplastics and associated chemicals 6.