When surgery is performed for blocked carotid arteries, the arteries are cut open and plaque is pulled out. In a study of 257 patients that had plaque removed from their carotids, 58% had micro plastics in the plaque. At a 3-year follow-up, those patients whose arteries contained plastics had a much higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
We get micro plastics in our body through the food we eat, liquids we drink and the air we breathe.
It is impossible to eliminate all micro plastic introduction to your body, but there are ways to reduce them.
Some ways to reduce the micro plastic introduction to our bodies include:
· Avoid storing food in plastic containers.
· Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.
· Avoid drinking liquids from plastic containers when possible.
· Drink tap water from a quality filter which removes micro plastics, chlorine, heavy metals, and fluoride. If you take water to go, use a container with a stainless-steel lining.
Surprising to me, after bottled water, beer has been found to have high levels of micro plastics because most are made with municipal water. Choose a brand that uses filtered water (or switch to wine).
Shellfish and bivalves (clams, mussels oysters, scallops) feed from the bottom of the ocean where there are high levels of micro plastics.
I don't think this problem is going to be solved quickly, but we can protect ourselves as best we can with some small steps.
Liked this post. Another reason to eat fresh veggies!