Microplastics In Foods

Plastics: They May Be Everywhere (Not Just in Bottled Water)

Microplastics plastic particles between 1 nanometer and 5 millimeters — and even smaller nanoplastics have quietly infiltrated our environment.

• They’re in oceans.

• They’re in soil.

• They’re in food.

• And increasingly, they’re in us.

A 2025 study published in Nature Medicine reported that human brain tissue contains measurable amounts of microplastic averaging approximately 4,800 micrograms per gram in sampled tissue. We are still early in understanding what that means. But the exposure is real.

A 2024 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with microplastics detected in arterial plaque had significantly higher rates of cardiovascular events. Other research has linked micro- and nanoplastic exposure to vascular inflammation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic disruption.

There are currently no established “safe” levels for microplastics in the human body.

The absence of a threshold does not mean the absence of risk.

Why “Low Dose” Doesn’t Always Mean “Low Risk”

In toxicology, we often see what’s called a U-shaped dose-response curve.

Certain compounds, particularly endocrine disruptors, can have significant biological effects at very low levels, sometimes comparable to high levels.

Dr. Raffaele Marfella, lead author of the NEJM study, noted that even low-level chronic exposure to micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to vascular inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

We’re still learning what “micro” truly means in the context of lifelong exposure. But reducing input where possible is reasonable.

Where Microplastics Show Up Most

Research continues to evolve, but here are some of the most studied food sources:

1️⃣ Bottled Water

Studies have found hundreds to thousands of particles per liter, likely from packaging and processing.

Better choice: Filtered tap water stored in glass or stainless steel. Avoid plastic bottles exposed to heat.

2️⃣ Plastic Tea Bags

One study found that a single plastic tea bag steeped in hot water released billions of micro- and nanoplastic particles.

Better choice: Loose-leaf tea with a stainless steel or glass infuser.

3️⃣ Sea Salt

Ocean-derived salts can contain measurable microplastics due to marine contamination.

Better choice: Mined rock salt or brands with purity testing.

4️⃣ Shellfish

Filter feeders like oysters and shrimp can accumulate plastics from ocean water.

Better choice: Diversify protein sources and choose sustainably sourced seafood.

5️⃣ Rice

Research has detected plastic particles in commercial rice, particularly instant varieties. Washing rice reduces levels significantly.

Better choice: Rinse thoroughly and avoid instant rice.

6️⃣ Beer

Microplastics have been found in multiple beer brands, likely from water contamination.

Better choice: Moderate intake and prioritize filtered water as primary hydration.

7️⃣ Produce

A 2020 study detected microplastics inside fruits and vegetables, including apples and carrots.

Better choice: Wash thoroughly, rotate sources, and choose unpackaged produce when possible.

What This Actually Means

This isn’t about panic.

It’s about awareness.

Microplastics may contribute to:

• Inflammation

• Oxidative stress

• Hormone disruption

• Vascular injury

• Immune activation

We don’t yet know long-term thresholds. But we do know chronic inflammation is cumulative. And exposure reduction is a lever we can control.

What You Can Do

✔ Drink filtered water from glass or stainless steel

✔ Avoid heating food in plastic

✔ Choose loose-leaf tea

✔ Wash produce thoroughly

✔ Minimize ultra-processed foods (often heavily packaged)

✔ Support liver detox pathways and bowel regularity

You cannot eliminate exposure completely. But you can reduce your burden. And in physiology, burden matters. If you’re feeling inflamed, hormonally dysregulated, or metabolically stuck — environmental load is often part of the picture.

If you’d like a structured, physiology-driven review of what may be contributing to your symptom patterns, reach out for a Discovery Call with Cami Grasher. Click below to choose a day and time that work best for you.

Discovery Call

Longevity isn’t just genetics or destiny. It’s what you do, its your epigentics or lifestyle. And informed choices compound over time.