Microplastics in the Body: How to Reduce Them

Erring on the side of caution against invisible microplastics is no longer an option. Their presence in human tissues, including human bodies, might be irrefutable due to ongoing studies. Researchers have located them in, urine, and also tissue, with a recent study highlighting a 45 per cent rise. A good range of methods have been proposed to eliminate microplastics from the body. Microplastics are minute plastic particles, measuring less than 5mm, and encompass shapes like fibers, beads, and fragments. They enter the body via inhaled air, ingested food and water, and absorbed through the skin. Most commonly, they are composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), typically found in plastic bottles, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), used in toys and milk containers. Microplastics can't be digested and remain in the gut or lymph nodes, and may also become embedded in other tissues, meaning the body is unable to break them down and eliminate them. These particles could harm the body in several ways. They can act as carriers for harmful chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, which can potentially impact the body's hormonal system. Additionally, they could damage cells and cause inflammation, heightened immune responses, and altered gene activity. Researchers have identified some effective methods to combat the buildup of microplastics in the body. Among these, kimchi stands out as a promising solution. A study published in Bioresource Technology 2026 revealed that a specific bacterium found in kimchi effectively binds to nanoplastics in the gut. In mice studies, this bacterium led to the elimination of more than twice the amount of plastic compared to those in the control group, highlighting its potential in mitigating microplastic buildup.

What is it, and how it works?

Microplastics are increasingly pervasive in the environment. They originate from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic and manufactured products designed to be microscopic, such as cosmetics and industrial formulations. Once ingested or inhaled, microplastics remain in the body as it lacks the means to digest and eliminate them. Microplastics accumulate in the body and eventually end up in one of several tissues. They can aggregate and form crystalline structures in the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. However, it is not the plastic itself that poses the most significant threat. The issue arises when these particles carry harmful chemicals, allowing them to reach tissues that they otherwise would not access.

When you can't fight the plastic, bind it

These particles absorb chemicals and are not susceptible to digestion. However, certain substances can bind to them. The bacterium in kimchi may work by absorbing these particles and precipitating out of solution, and therefore facilitating increased excretion. In a similar fashion, chitosan binds the plastic particles in a way that facilitates their elimination.

Research reveals how to tackle microplastics

Kimchi's unexpected health benefits

Kimchi's benefits extend beyond its antioxidant properties. Research from 2026 highlights kimchi as a potential solution in eliminating microplastics from the body, which adds to our understanding of its potential health benefits. As researchers continue to investigate its properties, kimchi could have an important role in mitigating the effects of microplastics on the body, especially as a food that many already consume frequently and eagerly. This bacterium absorbs and binds to the microplastics, facilitating their removal. It suggests that kimchi, a common and widely eaten food, can address this modern challenge to human health.

Chitosan makes the particles easy to eliminate

Chitosan, a dietary fiber extracted from crab shells, can be effective in addressing microplastic accumulation. In a study published in Foods 2025, ten participants supplemented with chitosan before a meal experienced a 45 percent increase in microplastics eliminated. Chitosan works similarly to the bacterium in kimchi in that it binds to microplastics. The resulting binding facilitates the elimination of microplastics through excretion. This research provides a promising approach to reducing microplastic buildup, although further studies are needed to validate its efficacy.

Sweat it out

The sweat itself does not contain the microplastics, but it can carry the chemicals that plastic leaches into the body, including BPA and phthalates, which are associated with hormonal disruption. Therefore, while sweating does not eliminate microplastics, it can help reduce the harmful chemicals that the body has absorbed. It may be worth investing in regular sauna sessions.

From passageways to traps

While the research on microplastics inside tissues is extensive, little is known about how these particles accumulate in the body and what mechanisms move them through the body. One mechanism involves the lymphatic system. This network of vessels and nodes carries fluids and waste products through the body. Lymphatic vessels encompass the entire gut. The liver, spleen, and lymph nodes quickly accumulate plastic. The lymphatic system carries toxins and waste from the gut, where they may accumulate in the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is an important pathway, allowing plastic to move through the body, and potentially enter other tissues.

What would a diet high in microplastics look like?

Foods that contain microplastics include:

• Bottled water
• Tinned foods
• Seafood, with fish likely to have ingested plastic too
• Salad and leafy greens if cleaned with water that contains plastic
• Packaged foodstuffs and confectionery
• People who rely heavily on packaged foods may be at a greater risk. However, the health risks associated with plastics are common among all demographics. Bottled water is a significant source, as the plastic from the bottle can leach into the water, even when the bottle is new. This is more likely when the bottle has been heated or left in the sun for prolonged periods of time.