Tiny yet treacherous, microplastics have infiltrated our bodies, silently wreaking havoc on our health. Emerging research reveals their alarming link to weakened immune systems, increased risk of heart disease, and even early death.
Microplastics Can Stay in the Body
Microplastics enter the human body through food, air, and skin contact. A study published in the Archives of Toxicology in June identified polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyacrylonitrile nanoparticles in autopsy samples. These findings show that microplastics can pass through biological barriers and accumulate in specific tissues. The highest levels were found in the thyroid, kidneys, and brain tissues.How Microplastics Affect Hormones and Immunity
More than 10,000 chemicals are used in plastic production, including plasticizers, flame retardants, colorants, and ultraviolet stabilizers—many of which are proven endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A. These substances can interfere with hormone function, harm the reproductive system, and weaken the immune system.Microplastics May Increase Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke
Growing evidence suggests a link between microplastics and impaired cardiovascular function. A 2024 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that microplastics and nanoplastics may damage blood vessels and promote clotting through several toxic effects.Dr. Chia-Ming Chang, an attending physician in the Department of Medical Genetics and Eugenics at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, told The Epoch Times that microplastics lingering in blood vessels can attract immune cells, initiating repair processes and triggering chronic inflammation. This worsens the risk of atherosclerosis—fatty buildup in the arteries—and thrombosis—blood clot formation—increasing the likelihood of stroke and death.
How TCM May Help Lower Risk
Conventional medicine currently focuses on limiting exposure, drinking enough water, and eating more fiber to promote excretion. However, TCM takes a different route—strengthening the body’s defenses and detox systems to make it harder for toxins to take hold in the first place.
1. Strengthen the Spleen
In TCM, the spleen is not just a physical organ. It’s part of a system responsible for digestion and for distributing fluids throughout the body. When the spleen is weakened—often due to poor diet, stress, or lack of rest—it loses its ability to effectively process waste and fluid. This leads to the accumulation of “retained toxins.”Strengthening the spleen may help the body better process waste and eliminate modern pollutants like microplastics.
Recipe: Spleen-Strengthening Herbal TeaThis simple herbal tea supports spleen function and helps the body clear retained toxins more efficiently.
5 grams China root
2 grams aged tangerine peel
5 grams Coix seeds
500 milliliters hot water
- Rinse the China root and aged tangerine peel thoroughly.
- Combine them with the cooked Coix seeds in a thermos or insulated cup.
- Add hot water and steep for 5 minutes before drinking.
2. Nourish the Liver
In both modern medicine and TCM, the liver plays a central role in detoxification. It filters the blood, processes toxins, and keeps the smooth flow of qi and blood throughout the body. When the liver is overburdened or weakened—whether by emotional stress, poor diet, or toxins—its ability to eliminate waste is reduced. This allows harmful substances such as microplastics and their chemical additives to accumulate.TCM considers the liver closely interconnected with the spleen and kidneys, forming a triad that governs digestion, detoxification, and fluid metabolism. A sluggish liver can disrupt the spleen’s ability to clear toxins from the body. Over time, this can lead to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Herbs such as dandelion root, which have heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, are traditionally used to support liver function and prevent toxin buildup.
3. Support Metabolism
Maintaining a healthy metabolism can support the body’s natural detoxification pathways, which may help remove small microplastics through bowel movements, urination, and even sweat—though research in this area is still developing.- Stay hydrated.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in fiber.
- Add probiotic-rich foods like sweet potatoes, wood ear mushrooms, kiwifruit, and flaxseeds to support detoxification.
