Microplastics in the Brain

I was reading a recent study, and honestly, it stopped me in my tracks. Scientists have now found that each human brain contains about a teaspoon of microplastics, with levels 50% higher than just eight years ago. Even more unsettling? Brain tissue holds 7 to 30 times more plastic particles than other organs, like the liver or kidneys.

We’ve long known that microplastics pollute our oceans, food, and water, but the idea that these tiny plastic fragments are embedding themselves in our brains raises serious concerns. How are they getting there? What does this mean for brain health? And most importantly—what can we do about it?

How Do Microplastics Reach the Brain?

Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size—are everywhere. They enter our bodies through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. We can also take them in by:

🫁 Inhalation – Every breath we take brings in microscopic plastic fibers shed from synthetic clothing, carpets, and furniture. Indoor air—especially in homes filled with plastic-based materials—contains some of the highest levels of airborne microplastics.

💧 Drinking Water & Food – Bottled water is a major culprit, delivering millions of plastic particles per sip. Seafood, particularly shellfish, is another key source, as these animals filter-feed in plastic-polluted waters. Even tea bags can be a problem—some release billions of microplastics into a single cup.

🧠 Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier – Once inside the body, microplastics enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain. A 2023 study found that certain plastics can bypass the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield that normally blocks harmful substances from reaching the brain.

Where Are These Microplastics Coming From?

The scariest part? We are exposed to these particles through everyday habits:

🚰 Bottled Water – Contains up to 240,000 plastic particles per liter.🍵 Tea Bags – Many brands contain woven plastic, releasing billions of microplastics into hot water.

🛋️ Home Furnishings – Synthetic carpets, couches, and curtains continuously shed tiny plastic fibers into household dust.

👕 Clothing – Polyester, nylon, and spandex release microfibers when washed—a single wash cycle can shed millions of particles.

🧴 Personal Care Products – Some scrubs, toothpastes, and cosmetics still contain plastic microbeads, which can be absorbed through the skin.

What Does This Mean for Brain Health?

Emerging research suggests that microplastics in the brain could contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and even neurodegeneration. Animal studies indicate that these particles may:

🧠 Impair memory and slow cognitive function

⚡ Increase inflammation, which is linked to brain aging and disease

🛡️ Raise the risk of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

While human studies are still in early stages, the idea of plastic accumulating in the brain raises serious concerns about long-term cognitive health.

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Microplastics

While we can’t completely eliminate microplastics from our environment, there are steps we can take to reduce exposure:

✔ Switch to a Stainless Steel or Glass Water Bottle – Filtering tap water and avoiding bottled water can cut plastic intake by up to 90%.

✔ Use Loose-Leaf Tea – Instead of plastic-laced tea bags, opt for a stainless steel or ceramic infuser.

✔ Vacuum with a HEPA Filter – Helps capture airborne plastic fibers from synthetic carpets and furniture.

✔ Choose Natural Fabrics – Opt for cotton, linen, or wool over polyester and nylon for clothing, bedding, and furniture.

✔ Install a Laundry Microfiber Filter – Devices like Guppyfriend bags or washing machine filters can capture plastic fibers before they enter waterways.

✔ Eat Fresh, Whole Foods – Processed and packaged foods often leach plastic particles from packaging materials.

✔ Reduce Single-Use Plastics – Cut down on plastic utensils, containers, and wraps—all of which break down into microplastics over time.

Can Microplastics Be Removed from the Brain?

Now that we know microplastics are making their way into the brain, the big question is—can we get them out? Unfortunately, once these tiny plastic particles cross the blood-brain barrier, they don’t just leave on their own. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.

While there is no proven method to completely remove microplastics from the brain (yet), emerging research suggests there may be ways to limit their damage and help the body clear them over time.

How the Body Deals with Microplastics

The brain has natural detox systems designed to clear out waste, including unwanted particles like microplastics:

🧠 The Glymphatic System – This is the brain’s built-in waste disposal system. It works mainly during deep sleep, flushing out toxins through cerebrospinal fluid. Some researchers believe this system could help clear microplastics, though we don’t yet know how efficiently.

💪 Autophagy – This is the body’s process of breaking down and recycling damaged cells and foreign materials. Certain lifestyle factors (like fasting and exercise) can enhance autophagy, which may help the brain remove toxic particles.

Potential Ways to Support Brain Detox

While we can’t guarantee microplastics will be removed, certain strategies may support the body’s natural ability to clear toxins and reduce plastic-related damage.

✔ Prioritize Deep Sleep – Since the brain clears waste during deep sleep, improving sleep quality is key.

• Avoid screens and blue light before bed.

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule.

• Consider magnesium L-threonate for brain relaxation and detox support.

  
  

✔ Increase Antioxidants – Oxidative stress is one of the biggest dangers of microplastics in the brain. Antioxidants help neutralize damage.

• Glutathione – The body’s master antioxidant may help clear environmental toxins.

• Curcumin (from turmeric) – Known to cross the blood-brain barrier and reduce inflammation.

• Resveratrol – Found in red grapes and berries, supports brain detox pathways.

  
  

✔ Boost Autophagy with Fasting – Short periods of intermittent fasting (12-16 hours) can stimulate autophagy, which helps the body break down cellular waste.

✔ Minimize Future Exposure – Since we don’t yet know how to fully remove microplastics from the brain, the best strategy is limiting how much gets in.

Final Thoughts

The discovery of microplastics in the brain is alarming, but it’s also an important wake-up call. While we don’t yet know the full impact these plastic particles have on cognitive function, early research suggests they may contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration—all of which are linked to memory loss, brain fog, and even conditions like Alzheimer’s.

The most effective strategy is limiting exposure in the first place. Small changes—like switching to glass water bottles, filtering indoor air, choosing natural fabrics, and eating fresh, unpackaged foods—can significantly reduce the amount of plastic entering your body.

Microplastics are now a part of modern life, but that doesn’t mean we have to accept their impact on our health. What change will you make first?

Evidence

1. Leslie, H. A., et al. (2023). "Plastic particles in the human brain: Evidence of blood-brain barrier penetration." Journal of Environmental Science & Health.

2. Mason, S. A., et al. (2018). "Synthetic polymer contamination in bottled water." Frontiers in Chemistry.

3. Hernandez, L. M., et al. (2019). "Plastic teabags release billions of microparticles and nanoparticles into tea." Environmental Science & Technology.

4. Prata, J. C., et al. (2020). "Airborne microplastics: Consequences to human health?" Science of The Total Environment.

5. Napper, I. E., & Thompson, R. C. (2016). "Release of synthetic microplastic plastic fibres from domestic washing machines: Effects of fabric type and washing conditions." Marine Pollution Bulletin.

6. Deng, Y., et al. (2017). "Nanoplastics and human health: Toxicological considerations." Science of The Total Environment.

7. Kosuth, M., et al. (2018). "Anthropogenic contamination of tap water, beer, and sea salt." PLoS One.

8. Iliff, J. J., et al. (2013). "A paravascular pathway facilitates CSF flow through the brain parenchyma and the clearance of interstitial solutes, including amyloid beta." Science Translational Medicine.

9. Lee, H., et al. (2019). "Effects of intermittent fasting on brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases." Ageing Research Reviews.

10. Hou, Y., et al. (2019). "Neuroprotective effects of curcumin: A review of its possible role in limiting microplastic-induced damage." NeuroToxicology.