Are Microplastics Really Making Us Sick? | Dr Stephanie Wright

Microplastics are everywhere - in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the environment around us. But how much do we actually know about what they are doing inside the human body?

In this episode I speak to microplastics researcher Dr Stephanie Wright to discuss everything from the difference between micro and nanoplastics, how particles interact with cells and the immune system and how researchers even measure plastic in blood and tissues.

Timestamps

(0:00) Intro - Are microplastics actually harming us?

(0:51) What do we actually know about the health effects?

(2:00) What animal studies can - and can't - tell us

(4:16) Should we be more concerned about nanoplastics?

(5:52) How could microplastics cause harm inside the body?

(7:50) Microplastics, the gut and the immune system

(9:03) How do we measure microplastics in the body?

(12:06) Microplastics in the brain - what was wrong with the research?

(14:19) How much microplastic are we actually exposed to?

(15:40) Can microplastics be removed from the body?

(17:01) The biggest sources: heating plastic, tea bags and tyre wear

(19:16) Which foods contain the most microplastics?

(20:37) Can plants absorb nanoplastics from soil?

(21:45) Microplastics in the placenta and fetus

(24:00) Will microplastics accumulate as we age?

(25:50) Are we blaming microplastics for too many health problems?

(27:00) The 'exposome' - why your whole environment matters

(30:58) How dangerous are microplastics compared with other pollutants?

(32:14) Can fibre help remove microplastics?

(38:50) What we still don't know about microplastics

🦠LOAM Science

The world's first invisible fiber blend with a clinical trial! Get 10% OFF LOAM with code DRKARAN10: https://loamscience.com/products/loam-prebiotic-fiber-formula?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=drkaran

📧Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity:

https://drkaran.kit.com/subscribe

📕 This Book May Save Your Life

The No.1 Sunday Times bestseller packed with evidence-based advice to improve your health.

https://geni.us/DrKaranBook

📕 This Is Vital Information

Order my new book covering everything you're too embarrassed to ask your doctor but really should.

https://linktr.ee/ThisisVitalInformation

🤖 Dr Karan's Digital Twin

Ask my AI twin your health questions anytime.

http://DrKaran.ai

About Dr Karan:

Dr. Karan Rajan is a doctor, author, Founder of LOAM Science and Chief of Science at Throne Science, dedicated to making health and medical science accessible to all. Through evidence-based analysis, he addresses topics such as gut health, brain health, and healthy lifestyle choices, while dispelling common medical myths with a touch of dark humor.

📱Connect with me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajan/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.karanr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaranR/

Website: www.drkaranrajan.com

X: https://twitter.com/drkaranrajan