Hidden Health Issues of Microplastics: How Ayurveda Can Reduce the Adverse Effects

Introduction

Microplastics or mini 5mm-sized plastics are now widespread and popular and have infiltrated every corner. Starting from the oceans to the air breathed, they have infiltrated everything. The pervasive habit of these plastics is alarming, but their impact on human health is even more concerning now!

As these particles get inside our bodies through water, food, and air, they pose hidden health risks that are alarming and of utmost importance.

Explore the health impacts of microplastics and the Ayurvedic approach to reducing them.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are mini plastic materials as a result of the breakdown of larger plastic items or intentionally manufactured as small components. These are produced in two ways:

• Primary Microplastics: Exfoliating scrubs that are found in skin care products or pallets used in industries are often the primary producers of microplastics like small particles or microbeads.
• Secondary Microplastics: Environmental wear and tear, including sunlight and physical abrasion, causes larger plastic items like bottles or bags to break down into fragmented pieces of plastic, making it even easier to spread.

Microplastics are pervasive in various environments,

• Water: A study conducted back in 2018 revealed that 83% of tap water and 94% of bottled water are infiltrated by microplastics worldwide. All water bodies, such as the ocean, rivers, and lakes, contain these microplastics that are very harmful to not only humans but also other water bodies and animals.
• Food: Since microplastics are abundantly seen in water bodies now, they have begun to contaminate the food chain, thereby harming the humans who consume seafood.
• Air: Microplastics are airborne and can be breathed in, which introduces further health risks to our health.

Recent studies have shown that microplastics are popularly becoming easy to move around. For instance, a study conducted in 2021 on Environmental Science & Technology highlighted that the average person consumes about 5 grams of microplastics weekly—about the same as the weight of a credit card.

How Does Microplastics Harm Our Health?

Microplastics can have several health risks that can be severe and permanent.

• Toxicity: Plastics contain harmful hazardous materials like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and other hazardous additives used in plastic production. These particles can creep into the body via different means, leading to toxicity and disturbing various bodily functions.
• Endocrine Disruption: Endocrine disruption leads to reproductive issues, thyroid issues, and a few other hormonal disturbances. Microplastics contain such chemicals capable of causing this disruption.
• Cancer and Autoimmune Disorders: Microplastics trigger severe inflammation of the body and organs and increase the risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer and autoimmune diseases in humans.
• Accumulation in the Body: With time, microplastics start to accumulate in human organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs and risk leading to serious health issues and disease.
• A Conduct for Microorganisms: Microplastics can harbour and transport harmful microorganisms. This can exacerbate health risks by introducing pathogens into the body.

It is an ongoing research study about microplastics. For example, a 2020 study in Nature Communications highlighted that microplastics are present in human placental tissues, raising concerns about their impact on foetal development.

Hidden Health Issues of Microplastics

Microplastics are associated with a variety of hidden health issues, including:

• Inflammation and Immune System Disruption: Constant exposure to these microplastics can cause inflammation, which disturbs immune function and increases the risk of infections and diseases.
• Hormonal Disruption: Microplastics have an endocrine disturbing feature that can cause hormonal imbalances, affecting reproductive health, especially in women.
• Respiratory Issues: Microplastics are prevalent in the air particles too, and inhaling these airborne particles can cause respiratory issues like asthma and chronic bronchitis. The most affected will be areas with high levels of plastic pollution.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Ingested microplastics can lead to gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, nausea, and changes in gut microbiota, potentially leading to digestive disorders.
• Oxidative Stress and Cellular Damage: Microplastics can trigger oxidative stress, which damages cells and may speed up ageing and lead to various degenerative diseases.
• Potential Carcinogenic Effects: Continued exposure to microplastics and other associated chemicals may shoot up the chances of life-threatening diseases like cancer.
• Accumulation in Organs: Microplastics can store up in key organs, including the liver and kidneys. This accumulation can harm organ functioning and cause chronic health troubles.
• Neurological Impact: A recent study shows that microplastics can affect cognitive functions of the human brain and add to neurological disorders. However, the long-term impact on brain health remains a grey area.
• Impact on Reproductive Health: The harmful properties of microplastics may have negative impacts on the fertility and reproductive health of both men and women, potentially leading to complications in childbirth.
• Long-term Chronic Health Conditions: Prolonged exposure to microplastics can contribute to chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions.

Long-term Effects of Microplastics on Health

The long-term health effects of microplastics are still under investigation, but current evidence indicates that prolonged exposure may lead to serious health issues. The buildup of microplastics and their toxins in the body can lead to systemic inflammation, damage to organs, and a higher risk of chronic diseases.

Ayurveda’s Perspective on Toxins and Health

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. In Ayurveda, toxins are known as “Ama,” which refers to metabolic waste products that accumulate in the body and disrupt health.

Understanding Toxins (Ama) in Ayurveda:

Ama is considered a base cause of disease in Ayurveda. It is developed from poor digestion and metabolism, leading to the accumulation of toxic particles in the body. These toxins lead to bodily imbalances and various health problems.

How Microplastics Relate to Ayurvedic Toxins:

Microplastics, as external environmental toxins, contribute to the body’s toxic load. Ayurveda views the storage of external toxins and internal ama as bad for health, highlighting the need for detoxification to restore the balance of health in the body.

The Body’s Natural Detoxification Processes:

Ayurveda acknowledges the body’s natural detoxification systems, including the liver, kidneys, and digestive tract. Supporting these processes through Ayurvedic detoxification can enhance the body’s ability to manage and eliminate toxins.

Ayurvedic Approaches to Reducing the Impact of Microplastics

Ayurveda provides several methods to mitigate the impact of microplastics and other toxins:

• Detoxification Techniques: Panchakarma is a rigororus Ayurvedic detoxification practice consisting of five key methods designed to eliminate body toxins. These are created to clean Ama and restore balance in the body. Frequent fasting and cleansing diets also help Ayurvedic detoxification.
• Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs are popular for their detoxifying features. For instance, Triphala—a blend of three fruits: Amla, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki—supports digestion and helps with the elimination of toxins.
• Dietary Guidelines: An Ayurvedic diet highlights the need for balancing the body’s doshas (energies) and promoting natural Ayurvedic detoxification. Incorporate fresh, whole foods, minimise processed and plastic-wrapped items, and pick foods that boost digestion and elimination.
• Panchakarma: Traditional Ayurvedic therapies involve treatments such as Abhyanga (oil massage), Swedana (steam therapy), and Basti (enema) to remove toxins from the body and restore balance.
• Lifestyle Practices: Daily routines, yoga, and pranayama (breathing exercises) are integral to Ayurvedic practices. Incorporate early rising, regular exercise, and mindful breathing to enhance the body’s natural detoxification processes and reduce the impact of environmental toxins.

Other Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure

In addition to Ayurvedic detoxification practices, consider these strategies to reduce human exposure to microplastics:

• Use stainless steel or glass containers instead of plastic. Using these materials that are less prone to leaching harmful materials is better and more sustainable.
• Avoid products with microbeads: Often microplastics are found in exfoliating scrubs and hence contribute to microplastic pollution. It is encouraged to use natural, more sustainable exfoliants.
• Choose natural fibres for clothing and bedding. Prefer materials like cotton, wool, and linen to reduce the release of microplastics from synthetic textiles. Natural fibres are more environmentally friendly and less likely to shed microplastics.
• Reduce the use of single-use plastics: Start using reusable alternatives instead of plastic bags and bottles to cut down on microplastic waste and pollution. Moreover, this would lead to decreased human exposure to such harmful chemicals.
• Opt for natural cleaning products: Opt for eco-friendly products that are natural often less harmful to the environment and do not contribute to microplastic pollution.
• Filter tap water with a quality filter: Start adding filters to your tap water to reduce the consumption of contaminated tap water. This helps ensure that your drinking water is cleaner and safer.
• Avoid plastic-wrapped foods and beverages: It is often observed that processed foods are packaged in plastic materials. This is not only unhealthy because it is processed but also because plastic packaging can leach chemicals and microplastics into food and drinks.
• Minimise use of synthetic carpets and upholstery: Opt for natural materials to eliminate the release of microplastics into your home environment. Synthetic materials can shed microplastics over time.
• Support and advocate for policies. reducing plastic pollution: Community efforts should be taken to support legislation that aims to reduce plastic waste and microplastic pollution. One should make efforts, as collective action can drive significant changes.
• Regularly clean and maintain household filters and appliances. Ensure that filters in your home, such as those in water systems and air purifiers, are cleaned and replaced often to maintain their effectiveness.

Integrating Ayurveda into Modern Life for Better Health

By embracing Ayurvedic detoxification practices into modern life, we can help to protect against the unfavourable impacts of microplastic pollution and waste. By adopting Ayurvedic practices, you can support your body’s natural detoxification processes, reduce toxic buildup, and improve overall health. Ayurveda provides an approach that complements modern practices and also gives a strategy for managing human exposure and the negative impact of microplastics on human health.

Conclusion

The health troubles of microplastics pose great risks to our well-being. From toxicity and endocrine disturbances to long-term chronic conditions, microplastics can have a significant impact on human beings and their health. By blending Ayurvedic practices with practical measures to reduce microplastic exposure, you can enhance your health and strengthen your body’s defenses against environmental toxins.

To dive deeper into Ayurveda, you might want to explore Herbal Park, where you can learn about and experience these practices firsthand. Working with an Ayurvedic practitioner to get personalised advice can help you customise these strategies to better suit your specific needs as per your health.