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Okra and Fenugreek Extracts Remove Most Microplastics from Water
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/07/12/okra-fenugreek-remove-water-microplastics.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola July 12, 2025
Story at-a-glance
- Microplastics contaminate drinking water, food, and blood; the average person consumes a credit card’s worth of plastic weekly, causing hormone disruption and organ damage
- Natural okra and fenugreek extracts removed up to 93% of microplastics from real-world water samples, outperforming synthetic chemicals like polyacrylamide by nearly 40%
- Plant extracts work through “bridging,” or trapping plastic particles with long-chain sugars that clump contaminants together, making them heavy enough to filter out
- Just 1 gram per liter of plant extract cleaned water in 60 minutes, proving these natural solutions are practical and cost-effective for everyday use
- Beyond microplastics, these plants also remove heavy metals and industrial toxins while being completely biodegradable, unlike synthetic chemicals that leave harmful residues
Ingesting microplastics has become unavoidable. These particles — smaller than five millimeters — have already been found in drinking water, food, and even blood. Scientists estimate that the average person now consumes the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic every single week.1 These plastics are not just littering the environment; they’re accumulating inside your body.
Microplastics act like sponges, absorbing, and concentrating toxic pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. Once swallowed, these contaminated particles cross cell membranes, damage gut lining and disrupt your endocrine system. Some are even small enough to pass through your blood-brain barrier. And because they mimic estrogen and other hormones, their long-term presence is tied to everything from infertility to neurodegenerative disease.
Conventional water treatment plants weren’t designed to remove particles this small. Worse, the water treatment chemicals currently used, like polyacrylamide, carry toxicity risks of their own. They don’t break down easily, and their byproducts linger in ecosystems long after the water leaves the plant. You’re not just drinking the residue of industrial plastic; you’re drinking the chemicals used to try to clean it up. That’s why a new breakthrough caught my attention.
In a 2025 study published in ACS Omega, researchers at Tarleton State University in Texas demonstrated that natural plant extracts, specifically from okra and fenugreek, removed up to 93% of microplastics from water sources.2 These weren’t purified lab samples. This was groundwater, freshwater, and seawater from real-world locations. So, how exactly do these humble plants outperform synthetic chemicals? That’s where the following set of findings comes in.
Okra and Fenugreek Beat Chemicals in Removing Microplastics from Water
The ACS Omega study examined the microplastic removal ability of natural polysaccharides extracted from okra and fenugreek.3 The research involved both lab-simulated and real-world water samples, including surface water, ocean water and groundwater from different U.S. regions.
Unlike earlier lab-only trials, this study assessed the effectiveness of these natural water treatment agents in actual environmental conditions — rivers, wells, and coastal waters — contaminated with different shapes, sizes, and types of microplastics.
• The study focused on how well each plant worked individually and in combination — Using what’s called a jar test — essentially a small-scale lab method to simulate water treatment — the researchers compared three natural treatments: fenugreek alone, okra alone and a 1:1 mix of both.
The team evaluated how long each treatment took to work, how much of the plant extract was needed and which water conditions yielded the best results. They also tested against the synthetic chemical polyacrylamide, which is currently used in many industrial water treatment systems.
• Fenugreek removed the most microplastics overall, especially in groundwater — In groundwater samples, fenugreek achieved removal rates between 80% and 90%, outperforming all other materials, including the commercial chemical polyacrylamide.
Okra worked best in seawater, removing around 80% of microplastics. When the two were combined, they performed best in freshwater, capturing roughly 77% of contaminants. That means you’d be getting cleaner water in under an hour using a natural, plant-based method instead of relying on synthetic chemicals with known risks.
• The best results were achieved with just 1 gram (g) of plant extract per liter (L) of water — The optimal concentration was 1 g/L, and the sweet spot for contact time was 60 minutes. That’s how long it took for most of the particles to bind with the polysaccharide and settle out.
This makes it a practical method for everyday use. You don’t need a large quantity of the plant extract, and you don’t have to wait all day for it to work. Even a short soak of 30 minutes led to 70% removal in some tests.
• These plants also removed other pollutants — The study noted that fenugreek and okra were also capable of reducing total dissolved solids and suspended solids in the water. These include toxins, heavy metals and industrial runoff. So, you’re not just removing microplastics — you’re stripping out the very chemicals that ride along with them into your bloodstream.
• Polyacrylamide, the commercial standard, lagged behind on every metric — Synthetic water treatment agents like polyacrylamide only removed about 54% of microplastics in the same water and under the same conditions. On top of that, they leave behind trace molecules called monomers that aren’t biodegradable and are suspected to carry long-term health risks.
In contrast, fenugreek and okra are not only nontoxic but also biodegradable and sourced from renewable agriculture.
These Plants Trap Microplastics by Clumping Them Together
Unlike synthetic chemicals that work by neutralizing electrical charges, these plant-based water cleaners worked through “bridging.” That means the long-chain sugars in the plants wrapped around and trapped the plastic particles like nets. Over time, the trapped particles got heavier and sank, allowing them to be filtered out of the water more easily.4
• Plant extracts with a high molecular weight did better at binding plastic particles — Fenugreek had the highest intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight, which helped it form stronger and longer-lasting bridges with microplastic particles. That’s likely why it showed the highest removal efficiency in every water type tested. The study showed that when plant extracts are larger and more viscous, they’re better at grabbing and bundling contaminants.
• The researchers used lab tests to show how the plants remove microplastics — They took close-up microscope images to show the plant extracts physically trapping the plastic particles. They also measured the electrical charge on the particles before and after treatment. Since the charge didn’t change much, they confirmed the plants worked by clumping the plastics together, not by changing their charge.
• Different types of plastic responded better to different plants — The researchers found that fenugreek was especially effective at capturing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most toxic forms of plastic. Okra worked better on lighter types of plastic commonly found in seawater. Matching the plant extract to the plastic type makes the treatment more precise and more effective.
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How to Protect Yourself from Microplastics Using Natural, Proven Solutions
If you’re serious about protecting your body from microplastics, the most effective strategy is to control your environment. That means cleaning up your water, ditching plastic in the kitchen, switching out synthetic fabrics, and using smarter tools and storage for everything from leftovers to laundry. Once you know what to look for, these swaps are simple, but they have a massive impact.
1. Upgrade your water filtration and ditch plastic bottles — Drinking contaminated tap water or buying bottled water in plastic exposes you to microplastics every single day. I recommend installing a certified filtration system that’s been proven to remove particles under 5 microns.
This includes systems with sub-micron filters. If you have hard tap water, boiling it for five minutes cuts microplastic levels by up to 80%.5 Always choose bottled water in glass if you’re buying it on the go, and avoid plastic bottles.
2. Make smarter food packaging choices and don’t microwave plastic — Heat and plastic don’t mix. Microwaving food in plastic containers causes those containers to leach microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals directly into your meal. Store leftovers in stainless steel, glass, or ceramic — not plastic tubs or plastic wrap. Choose grocery items in glass jars instead of soft plastic. Use cloth wraps at home instead of zip-top bags or cling film.
3. Re-evaluate your kitchen essentials — Every time you use a plastic cutting board, it sheds microscopic pieces into your food, especially when you’re slicing acidic or hot foods. Switch to wooden or tempered glass boards. Also replace plastic utensils with stainless steel or bamboo. These changes don’t just reduce your microplastic intake — they make your kitchen cleaner and safer over time.
4. Choose natural fibers and rethink how you wash clothes — If you’re wearing polyester, acrylic, or nylon, you’re wearing plastic, and it’s ending up in your water supply. Every wash releases synthetic microfibers that enter rivers, oceans, and drinking water. Start transitioning to natural fabrics like cotton, wool, or linen.
For synthetic items you already own, wash them less often, on colder settings, and use a microfiber-catching laundry bag or washing machine filter to trap the fibers before they escape.
5. Check your personal care products and go food-grade when possible — Many cosmetics, exfoliants, toothpaste brands, and skincare products still contain plastic microbeads or emulsifiers made from petroleum-based compounds. These aren’t just bad for the environment — they end up in your mouth, bloodstream, and organs.
Look for all-natural, food-grade personal care items. Read labels and avoid anything with polyethylene, polypropylene, or acrylates. If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.
You’re not powerless in the face of environmental microplastic exposure. With every plastic-free choice you make, from what you store your food in to how you wash your clothes, you’re protecting your health, your hormone balance and your long-term resilience.
FAQs About Okra and Fenugreek for Removing Microplastics from Water
Q: How do okra and fenugreek remove microplastics from water?
A: These two plants contain natural polysaccharides — long sugar chains — that act like sticky nets. When added to water, they bind microplastic particles together through a process called “bridging.” This makes the particles heavier so they settle to the bottom, allowing cleaner water to be poured off or filtered. Fenugreek was most effective in groundwater, okra worked best in seawater and the combination excelled in freshwater.
Q: Are okra and fenugreek more effective than synthetic water treatment chemicals?
A: Yes. In the study published by ACS Omega, fenugreek removed up to 93% of microplastics, while okra achieved 80% removal in seawater.6 Their combination cleared about 77% from freshwater. By comparison, polyacrylamide — the most common synthetic treatment — only removed 54% under the same conditions.
Q: What kind of water filter do I need to remove microplastics from tap water?
A: To effectively remove microplastics, your filter needs to handle particles smaller than 5 microns. Look for systems that use sub-micron carbon block filters or ceramic filters specifically rated for microplastic removal. Standard pitcher filters and faucet attachments won’t do the job. If you have hard water, boiling it for five minutes before use also removes 80% of microplastics.
Q: What else can I do to avoid microplastic exposure?
A: Avoid bottled water in plastic and don’t microwave food in plastic containers. Use glass or stainless steel for food storage, switch to wooden cutting boards and choose clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or wool. Install a water filter certified to remove sub-5-micron particles, and use a microfiber-catching bag when washing synthetic clothes.
Q: Why are microplastics dangerous to human health?
A: Microplastics act as sponges for toxic chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, and hormone disruptors. Once ingested, they damage your gut lining, cross into your bloodstream and accumulate in organs. They’ve been found in human blood, lungs, and placentas, posing long-term risks to metabolic, hormonal, and immune health.
How microplastics turn harmless bacteria deadly
Reproduced from original article:
https://www.naturalhealth365.com/how-microplastics-turn-harmless-bacteria-deadly.html
by: April 16, 2025
(NaturalHealth365) The plastic water bottle you just drank from. The takeout container your lunch came in. The synthetic clothing you’re wearing right now. These everyday items are silently participating in one of the most dangerous health experiments in human history – turning harmless bacteria into antibiotic-resistant superbugs in your own body.
While we’ve been taught to fear germs, a new study suggests the true villain might be the microscopic fragments of our plastic-dependent lifestyle that have infiltrated everything from our drinking water to our bloodstreams.
Shocking lab results reveal how microplastics sabotage antibiotic effectiveness
The eye-opening study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology exposed E. coli bacteria to microplastics smaller than 5mm – about the size of a pencil eraser – with disturbing results. Bacteria that came in contact with these plastic particles became a staggering FIVE TIMES more resistant to four of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics compared to bacteria grown without plastic exposure.
The research team cultured the MG1655 strain of E. coli in specialized broth, exposing the bacteria to microplastics for 48 hours – enough time for the bacteria to form protective biofilms on the plastic surfaces. They tested eight different concentrations of microplastics to measure the impact on bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance.
The results were undeniable: exposure to microplastics caused heightened resistance to nearly every antibiotic tested – essentially rendering these life-saving medications increasingly ineffective.
Why this threatens every American’s health security
This discovery couldn’t come at a more critical time. Antibiotic resistance already claims over 35,000 American lives annually according to the CDC, with more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occurring each year in the U.S. alone.
The bacteria studied – E. coli – is particularly concerning since certain strains can cause severe, even life-threatening illness. And this is just one of many dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including:
- MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus): A deadly infection primarily occurring in hospitals that causes more than 120,000 deaths annually
- C. diff (Clostridioides difficile): A devastating bacteria that causes severe colitis and diarrhea, infecting half a million Americans yearly
The hidden mechanism making superbugs even stronger
Scientists have identified the alarming way microplastics enhance bacterial resistance. These plastic particles provide perfect surfaces for bacteria to form protective shields called biofilms – sticky, slime-like layers that adhere to moist surfaces and protect bacteria from antibiotics.
“Based on their observations, the study’s authors concluded that bacteria cells that are better at forming biofilms tend to grow on microplastics,” reports The New Lede, “suggesting the plastic particles can lead to recalcitrant infections in the environment and healthcare setting.”
Even more disturbing, the researchers discovered that bacteria passages with microplastics formed stronger biofilms even after the microplastics were removed – showing these plastic particles are literally selecting for more resistant bacterial strains.
The wastewater “hot spots” creating perfect breeding grounds for superbugs
The dangerous marriage of microplastics and antibiotics plays out daily in our wastewater systems. Treatment plants have become what scientists identify as resistance “hot spots” – places where discarded medications meet plastic fragments, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to develop immunity to our medicines.
Each year, roughly 20 million metric tons of plastic waste enters our environment. Inside treatment facilities, this plastic debris provides perfect surfaces for bacteria to attach, evolve, and potentially return to human populations through various environmental pathways.
The researchers tested common plastic types found in everyday items – polyethylene from bags and bottles, polystyrene from food packaging, and polypropylene from bottle caps and containers. Each type contributed to bacterial resistance, with effectiveness varying based on the plastic’s unique surface characteristics.
The study examined several types of plastic materials including polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene in various sizes. All tested plastics contributed to increased bacterial resistance, though their effects varied depending on their specific surface properties and chemical composition.
Protecting yourself in a world filled with invisible threats
As this crisis worsens, experts recommend several strategies to protect yourself and your family:
- Minimize use of plastics, especially single-use items, to reduce microplastic exposure
- Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use – these medications become less effective with each use
- Consider natural antibacterial alternatives when appropriate, including:
- Honey (particularly Manuka honey)
- Fresh ginger
- Cloves
- Garlic
- Echinacea
Unlike prescription antibiotics that often leave you running to the bathroom with diarrhea or feeling nauseous all day, these natural alternatives fight bacteria without the miserable side effects. They also don’t contribute to the growing resistance problem we’re facing.
The scientists behind this research are calling for real solutions. This isn’t something we can solve with individual choices alone. While reducing your plastic use helps, we need major changes in how our communities handle waste, especially in water treatment plants where this dangerous microplastic-bacteria interaction is happening right under our noses.
As the study team put it, we urgently need to understand how microplastics and antibiotic resistance work together, particularly in places already struggling with high infection rates and plastic pollution. If we don’t get ahead of this problem now, we’re looking at a future where common infections could once again become life-threatening as our medicines stop working – all because of the invisible plastic fragments we’ve allowed to infiltrate virtually every aspect of our lives.
Sources for this article include:
How Microplastics Accumulate in Your Brain and Other Organs
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/02/07/microplastic-in-the-brain.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola February 07, 2025
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Research reveals microplastics are increasingly present in human organs, with brain tissue containing seven to 30 times more microplastic concentration than liver or kidney samples taken from 2016 and 2024 studies
- Microplastics originate from degrading plastic items and manufactured products, infiltrating oceans, soil and air, making them nearly impossible to avoid in our environment
- Nanoplastics (under 100 nanometers) cross the blood-brain barrier within two hours, contributing to inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s through beta-amyloid peptide acceleration
- Laboratory studies indicate microplastics affect multiple body systems, causing digestive inflammation, respiratory issues, endocrine disruption and reproductive disorders, though human research remains challenging
- Practical ways to reduce exposure include filtering tap water, avoiding plastic packaging, using natural fiber clothing and choosing glass or metal containers over plastic ones
Most people enjoy eating seafood regularly or taking a relaxing, warm bath. While these seem harmless, research shows that they now come with an unseen invader — microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, often smaller than a grain of sand, are increasingly pervasive in our environment. In fact, they’re now in your brain and other organs.
Plastic Is Everywhere, and It’s Also in Your Brain
In a preprint study published in Research Square, researchers sought to find out the amount of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) currently embedded in the human body. For their experiment, they collected a total of 51 post-mortem tissue samples of liver, kidney and brain from 2016 and 2024. From there, the samples were subjected to a chemical test that created solid materials namely, polymer-based solids that can be detected by special equipment.1
The researchers discovered that the brain contains the highest concentration of MNPs — around seven to 30 times more — compared to liver or kidney samples. Moreover, the MNPs found in the brain typically range in the nanometer scale with shard-like properties. According to their findings:2
“A non-parametric analysis of variance (Kruskal-Wallis) confirmed that MNP concentrations in brains were significantly greater than all other tissues (P<0.0001).
Furthermore, from 2016 to 2024, there was a significant increase in MNP concentrations in both livers and brains. The predominant polymer found in all tissues was polyethylene, which independently displayed similarly increasing trends from 2016 to 2024 in the liver and brain.
The proportion of polyethylene in the brain (74%) appeared significantly greater relative to other polymers in comparison to the liver and kidney (44% to 57%), although kidney samples from 2024 also had increased relative PE (71%) …
The concentrations in liver and kidney were not as high (relative to brains) as we would have suspected, as these are ‘front line’ organs for xenobiotic uptake and clearance. That said, the lipophilic nature of plastics may make them easily handled by the liver, which has a major role in uptake and repackaging of dietary triglycerides and cholesterol.”
However, the researchers didn’t dive into the health effects of MNPs on human health, noting that this topic is better suited for a new study.3
Where Do Microplastics Come From?
Microplastics originate from various sources. Some are created when larger plastic items like bottles, bags and food packaging break down due to sunlight exposure, weathering and physical abrasion. Think of a plastic bottle left under the sun — it becomes brittle and eventually fragments into smaller and smaller pieces. These fragments are microplastics.
In other cases, microplastics are manufactured intentionally, such as microbeads used in certain cosmetics and personal care products (although many countries have now banned their use).
These tiny plastic particles have infiltrated nearly every corner of the environment. They’re found in our oceans, rivers and lakes, polluting the water and harming marine life. They’re also present in the soil, affecting plant growth and entering our food supply. Even the air you breathe contains microplastics, which lodge into your lungs when inhaled.4 This widespread contamination makes it nearly impossible to avoid exposure entirely.
When it comes to food, microplastics enter your system through various pathways. Marine animals, both predator and prey, ingest microplastics in the ocean, and these particles then accumulate in their tissues. This means that when you consume seafood, you’re also ingesting these microplastics.5
Similarly, microplastics in the soil are absorbed by plants, contaminating the growth and nutrition of fruits, vegetables and other crops.6 Plastic packaging used for food and beverages also shed microplastics, further contributing to your exposure.
Beyond food and water, you’ll encounter microplastics in many other everyday products, many of which you most likely own. For example, synthetic clothing, like polyester and nylon, sheds tiny plastic fibers during washing. These microfibers are a significant source of microplastic pollution in our waterways. While microbeads have been banned in many countries, some industrial processes still contribute to microplastic pollution.
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Microplastics and the Brain
Again, one of the most concerning aspects of microplastic pollution is their ability to reach the brain. The brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier, which normally prevents many harmful substances from entering the delicate brain tissue. However, nanoplastics (less than 100 nanometers), are able to cross this barrier7 in just two hours after they enter the body.
The concern is that these microscopic particles pile up in the brain over time, a process known as bioaccumulation. While research regarding the health impacts of MNPs is not definite yet, researchers theorizes that they provoke the immune system, thereby causing inflammation.8 Chronic inflammation in the brain has been linked to various neurological problems.
While research is still ongoing, there is concern that long-term exposure to MNPs and their subsequent accumulation in the brain contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
As noted in an animal study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, once nanoplastics cross the blood-brain barrier, they contribute to neurotoxicity by accelerating the spread of beta-amyloid peptides, which is the main pathogenic protein of this condition.9
Unsolved Mystery — Researching the Impact of Microplastics
Studying the health effects of microplastics in humans is a complex challenge. It’s difficult to assess the impact of microplastics on human health because of ethical concerns.
This has caused scientists to resort to in vivo, in vitro and animal test models to monitor and study the impact of microplastics.10 But from this research, we’re now able to infer the likely consequences of microplastics on human health. Here’s what a 2023 study published in Yonsei Medical Journal have compiled:11
- Digestive system — Microplastics cause physical irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and digestive symptoms. This results in an imbalance in your gut microbiota, causing abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits.
- Respiratory system — The inhalation of microplastics causes oxidative stress in the airways, leading to coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath. Fatigue and dizziness will also occur due to low blood oxygen concentration.
- Endocrine health — Microplastics interfere with hormone health, disrupting your endocrine function. This leads to metabolic disorders, developmental problems and even lower fertility rates. Much of the reason for this is because microplastics typically have bisphenol A, a chemical that greatly affects endocrine health and the reproductive system.
Addressing the issue of microplastic pollution and its potential health impact requires collaborative efforts between scientists, governments and industries. Scientists need to conduct more research to understand the health effects, governments need to implement policies to reduce plastic pollution, and industries need to develop more sustainable alternatives to plastic.
“Considering the ubiquitous nature and long persistence of microplastics, it is necessary to make efforts to mitigate their exposure given their effects on entire generations and multiple generations.
In the future, in-depth research on the pollution status and hazards of marine microplastics, as well as the correlation between exposure to microplastics and diseases in humans, should be conducted; and based on these findings, human health should be protected by preventing and managing microplastics,” the researchers concluded.12
Take Control of Your Health in a Plastic World
While research is still ongoing, it’s clear that having foreign, microscopic objects embedded in your organs is not good for your health, or anyone’s health for that matter. Therefore, it’s important to take proactive steps to minimize your exposure while scientists continue to investigate the long-term effects.
Addressing the problem of microplastic pollution requires a collective effort. By combining individual actions with broader policy changes and industry innovation, we’ll move towards a future with less plastic contamination and a healthier environment for everyone. But in the meantime, implementing practical strategies at a personal level will help reduce microplastic exposure. Here are my top recommendations:
| Filter your tap water and avoid water bottled in plastic — If you need to buy bottled water, opt for glass bottles. Also make sure the filter you use to purify your tap water can filter out microplastics. |
| Boil hard tap water — If you have hard tap water, consider boiling it before using it for cooking or drinking, as hard water traps more microplastics. Recent research shows boiling hard tap water for five minutes removes up to 90% of the microplastics in the water. |
| Avoid plastic packaging — Opt for products packaged in glass, metal, or paper instead of plastic. This can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that breaks down into microplastics. At home, use wax paper, parchment paper or paper bags to store foods rather than plastic wrap. |
| Use reusable containers — Replace single-use plastic bottles, cups, and containers with reusable alternatives made from safer materials like stainless steel or glass. |
| Never microwave plastics — Heat can cause plastics to leach chemicals into food. Use glass or ceramic containers for microwaving. |
| Avoid plastic cutting boards — Use a wooden or glass cutting board instead. |
| Opt for natural fibers — Whenever possible, choose clothing and other textile products made from natural fibers like cotton, wool and linen, as synthetic fabrics such as polyester shed microfibers and leach xenoestrogens. |
| Wash synthetic clothes less frequently — When washing synthetic textiles, use a microfiber filter in your washing machine to trap synthetic fibers and prevent them from entering the water system. |
| Opt for food grade cosmetics and personal care products — Some cosmetics, toothpastes, and personal care products contain microbeads or other plastic particles. Look for products free of these materials. Ideally, opt for all-natural, food grade products. |
| Choose your children’s toys carefully — Replace plastic toys with those made from safe, nontoxic and sustainable materials. |
| Opt for natural cleaning products — Chemical cleaning products like soaps, cleansers and surface cleaners, usually contain microplastics and phthalates that affect your endocrine system. Replace them with natural alternatives like white vinegar, baking soda and essential oils. |
- 1, 2, 3 Res Sq [Preprint]. 2024 May 6:rs.3.rs-4345687, Results and Discussion
- 4 Journal of Hazardous Materials Volume 416, 15 August 2021, 126124, Abstract
- 5 NOAA, Ingestion
- 6 Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances Volume 17, February 2025, 100528, Effects of Microplastics on Agricultural Soils
- 7 Nanomaterials (Basel). 2023 Apr 19;13(8):1404, Abstract
- 8 Journal of Translational Medicine Volume 22, Article number: 959 (2024), Abstract
- 9 Journal of Hazardous Materials Volume 465, 5 March 2024, 133518, Abstract
- 10 Science of The Total Environment Volume 946, 10 October 2024, 174215, Toxicity to the Digestive System
- 11, 12 Yonsei Med J. 2023 Apr 20;64(5):301–308
New research connects microplastics in blood clots to higher heart attack and stroke risk
Reproduced from original article:
https://www.naturalhealth365.com/new-research-connects-microplastics-in-blood-clots-to-higher-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk.html
by: July 16, 2024
(NaturalHealth365) Recent reports of microplastics discovered in male reproductive organs have sparked widespread discussion on social media. While the medical community is still uncertain about the long-term effects on human offspring, the increasing exposure to plastics raises alarm bells among researchers and the public alike.
The concern doesn’t stop there. A new study published in eBioMedicine has uncovered a troubling link between microplastics in blood clots and serious health issues, including strokes and heart attacks.
Microplastics: An unwelcome guest in our bloodstream
Researchers conducted an in-depth study to better understand the impact of microplastic pollution on human health. They examined blood clots from patients who had experienced strokes, deep vein thrombosis, or heart attacks, using advanced spectrometry techniques to identify and measure various types of microplastic particles.
The findings were striking: 80% of the analyzed blood clots contained microplastics. More concerning still, the study suggested a correlation between higher concentrations of microplastics and an increased risk of thrombotic events and more severe health outcomes.
The study results reveal microplastics consisting of polymers with surprisingly diverse physical characteristics were found in varying concentrations within the thrombi of veins and arteries. Though a small amount of microplastics within thrombi might not be problematic, their accumulation is linked to ischemic strokes.
The bigger picture: Microplastics and environmental health
While the focus on human health is crucial, it’s important to consider the wider environmental impact of microplastics. These tiny particles aren’t just a problem for our bodies; they’re infiltrating ecosystems worldwide, from the depths of our oceans to the soil beneath our feet. This is where the problem begins.
Microplastics have been found in marine animals ranging from tiny plankton to large whales. Fish and seabirds often mistake these particles for food, leading to malnutrition and potential toxic effects. This contamination doesn’t just affect marine life – it also poses risks to humans who consume seafood.
Recent studies have shown that microplastics are accumulating in agricultural soils, potentially affecting crop growth and soil health. This contamination can occur through various routes, including the use of plastic mulch in farming and the application of sewage sludge as fertilizer.
But microplastics aren’t just in our water and food – they’re in the air, too. Urban areas, in particular, have shown high concentrations of airborne microplastics, which can be inhaled and potentially cause respiratory issues.
Practical steps to reducing your exposure
While it’s nearly impossible to avoid microplastics entirely, there are ways to minimize your exposure:
- Limit the use of plastic packaging, especially for food storage.
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers.
- Choose glass or stainless steel water bottles over plastic ones.
- Be aware that certain foods, like honey, salt, beer, and fish, may contain higher levels of microplastics.
- Opt for products in glass or paper packaging when possible.
- Use reusable cloth bags instead of plastic for shopping.
As awareness of the microplastic problem grows, so does the need for further research and policy action. Scientists are calling for more comprehensive studies to understand the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure and to develop effective strategies for reducing pollution. Policymakers are also beginning to take notice, with several countries implementing bans on single-use plastics and growing calls for stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal.
Everything from milk jugs to plastic bottles, plastic shopping bags, and even some toiletries are likely to contain high levels of microplastics. Scrapping plastic bags for paper or a tote bag and always choosing glass bottles over plastic can help minimize exposure to microplastics.
By making these small changes in our daily lives, we can reduce our exposure to microplastics and potentially mitigate their impact on our health. As research continues, staying informed and making conscious choices will be key in navigating this significant health concern.
Editor’s note: Discover the best strategies to avoid a heart attack or stroke, own the Cardiovascular Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.
Sources for this article include:
Microscopic Menace — Scientists Discover Plastic Nanoparticles in Men’s Testicles
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/07/15/plastic-nanoparticles-in-mens-testicles.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola July 15, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Scientists discovered microplastics in men’s testicles, raising concerns about their potential impact on reproductive health
- Researchers were surprised to find microplastics in the testicles, given the tight blood-tissue barrier in the male reproductive system, known as the blood-testis barrier
- The study found microplastics in all the testes examined, with polyethylene (PE) being the most common type of plastic
- A 2023 study similarly found microplastics in the male reproductive system, including the testis and semen
- Plastics are loaded with chemicals that are xenoestrogens that can mimic the effects of estrogen in your body; much of their danger is related to their stimulation of estrogen receptors
The average person eats about 5 grams of plastic per week — about the amount found in one credit card.1 So it’s no wonder that tiny pieces of plastic are turning up throughout the human body, including in places you might not expect. Following research that found plastic particles in the human bloodstream,2 and another study that found them in the human heart,3 scientists have now discovered microplastics in men’s testicles.4
The study’s lead author, Dr. John Yu, a toxicologist in the College of Nursing at the University of New Mexico, wasn’t expecting microplastics to have infiltrated the testicles, given the tight blood-tissue barrier in the male reproductive system, known as the blood-testis barrier.
As noted in Pharmacological Reviews, “The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers in the mammalian body.”5 The presence of microplastics in the testes suggests that microplastics can bypass or penetrate the BTB, raising concerns about their ability to infiltrate other protected and sensitive tissues in the body, as well as their potential impact on reproductive health.
Microplastics Found in Human and Dog Testicles
For the study, researchers from the University of New Mexico measured 12 types of microplastics in 47 canine and 23 human testes.6 Microplastics are small plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They may be intentionally manufactured for use in products like cosmetics, personal care items (such as exfoliating beads in face scrubs) and industrial applications. They also include microfibers shed from synthetic clothing during washing.
Microplastics also include small plastic fragments that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as bottles, bags and other plastic debris. This breakdown can occur due to environmental exposure, such as sunlight (photodegradation), ocean waves and weathering.
The study involved both human and dog testicles, as dogs share many physiological and anatomical similarities with humans, making them a valuable model for studying human diseases and conditions.
Further, because dogs share the same living environment as humans, they are exposed to similar pollutants, chemicals and other potential hazards. As such, they’re often considered sentinel animals,7 meaning they can serve as early warning indicators of potential health risks and environmental hazards that might also affect humans.
The study found microplastics in all the canine and human testes examined, with significant differences between individuals. On average, total microplastic levels were 122.63 µg (micrograms) per gram (g) in dogs and 328.44 µg/g in humans.8 Both humans and canines had similar proportions of the main types of microplastics, with polyethylene (PE) being the most common.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was also detected and linked with lower sperm count in dog testicles. Higher levels of PVC were also associated with decreased weight of the testicles, as was polyethylene terephthalate (PET).9 A 2023 study similarly found microplastics in the male reproductive system, including the testis and semen.10
Are Microplastics Involved in Male Infertility?
It’s estimated that 11 million tons of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans annually — an amount that could nearly triple by 2040.11 What’s the end result of a plastic world? An impending fertility crisis is upon us. Men experienced a 50% to 60% decline in sperm counts from 1973 to 2011, according to a 2017 study published in Human Reproduction Update.12
An update to the study, which includes data from 53 countries and an additional seven years13 — 2011 to 2018 — found sperm concentration declined “appreciably” by 51.6% from 1973 to 2018. The percent decline per year doubled, increasing from 1.16% after 1972 to 2.64% after 2000.14
Total sperm count also declined at an alarming level — 62.3% from 1973 to 2018. A class of plastic chemicals called phthalates, which are so ubiquitous that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated “phthalate exposure is widespread in the U.S. population,”15 may be particularly to blame.
An estimated 8.4 million metric tons of plasticizers, including phthalates, are used worldwide each year,16 with phthalate production amounting to about 4.9 million metric tons annually.17 Microplastics often contain phthalates, which can leach out of the material18 causing endocrine-disrupting effects.
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Exposure to Plastic Chemicals in Utero May Affect Male Fertility as an Adult
Women’s exposure to phthalates during pregnancy is linked to male babies’ anogenital distance (AGD) — the distance from the anus to the base of the penis — with higher exposure associated with shortened AGD.19 Later in life, shorter AGD is linked with a smaller penis20 and poorer semen quality, such that AGD at birth may be predictive of adult reproductive function.21
Phthalate syndrome refers to a number of disturbances to male reproductive development that have been observed after exposure to phthalates in utero.22 In studies on rats, it’s been found that when a rat that’s been gestating in a mother rat fed phthalates during the sensitive periods of reproduction, his genitals end up smaller and less developed, his testicles might not be fully descended, his penis may be smaller, and the whole size of the genital area is smaller.23,24
What’s more, phthalates represent only one class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. There are many more, including bisphenol-A (BPA), flame retardants, pesticides and per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) chemicals.25 Since microplastics often contain harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals, this is one way they may affect fertility.
It’s also likely that they affect fertility via other mechanisms as well, including inflammation, oxidative stress and even direct disruption of reproductive functions if they accumulate in the testes and other sensitive areas.
An evidence review conducted for California State Legislature in 2023 revealed, in fact, that “exposure to microplastics is suspected to adversely impact sperm quality and testicular health in humans based on … high quality of the body of evidence.”26
Plastic’s Estrogenic Effects
Plastics are xenoestrogens that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.27 Much of their danger is related to their stimulation of estrogen receptors. Phthalates, for instance, have estrogenic properties, and some endocrine-disrupting chemicals are also considered estrogenic carcinogens.
This is because the abnormal stimulation of estrogen receptors promotes cell proliferation and potentially contributes to the development and progression of estrogen-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer28 and endometrial cancer.29
Due to their estrogenic effects, plastics exposure contributes to estrogen dominance, which may affect men’s reproductive health. Exposure to certain endocrine disruptors is associated with reduced semen quality and impaired fertility in men,30 for instance, while endocrine disruptors — particularly xenoestrogens — are also “etiologic factors in the global decrease of sperm counts and other problems of the male reproductive tract.”31
Progesterone Can Help Lower Your Estrogen Burden
Before you consider using progesterone it is important to understand that it is not a magic bullet and you get the most benefit by implementing a Bioenergetic diet approach that allows you to effectively burn glucose as your primary fuel with backing up electrons in your mitochondria that reduces your energy production. My new book coming out shortly about Cellular Health covers this process in great detail.
Once you have dialed in your diet, an effective strategy that can help counteract estrogen excess is to take transmucosal progesterone (not oral or transdermal), which is a natural estrogen antagonist. Progesterone is one of only four hormones I believe many adults can benefit from. (The other three are thyroid hormone T3, DHEA and pregnenolone.)
I do not recommend transdermal progesterone, as your skin expresses high levels of 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which causes a significant portion of the progesterone you’re taking to be irreversibly converted primarily into allopregnanolone and cannot be converted back into progesterone.
Ideal Way to Administer Progesterone
Please note that when progesterone is used transmucosally on your gums as I advise, the FDA believes that somehow converts it into a drug and prohibits any company from advising that on its label.
However, please understand that it is perfectly legal for any physician to recommend an off-label indication for a drug to their patient. In this case progesterone is a natural hormone and not a drug and is very safe even in high doses. This is unlike synthetic progesterone called progestins that are used by drug companies, but frequently, and incorrectly, referred.
Dr. Ray Peat has done the seminal work in progesterone and probably was the world’s greatest expert on progesterone. He wrote his Ph.D. on estrogen in 1982 and spent most of his professional career documenting the need to counteract the dangers of excess estrogen with low LA diets and transmucosal progesterone supplementation.
He determined that most solvents do not dissolve progesterone well and discovered that vitamin E is the best solvent to optimally provide progesterone in your tissue. Vitamin E also protects you against damage from LA. You just need to be very careful about which vitamin E you use as most supplemental vitamin E on the market is worse than worthless and will cause you harm not benefit.
It is imperative to avoid using any synthetic vitamin E (alpha tocopherol acetate — the acetate indicates that it’s synthetic). Natural vitamin E will be labeled “d alpha tocopherol.” This is the pure D isomer, which is what your body can use. There are also other vitamin E isomers, and you want the complete spectrum of tocopherols and tocotrienols, specifically the beta, gamma, and delta types, in the effective D isomer.
There are also other vitamin E isomers, and you want the complete spectrum of tocopherols and tocotrienols, specifically the beta, gamma, and delta types, in the effective D isomer. As an example of an ideal vitamin E you can look at the label on our vitamin E in our store. You can use any brand that has a similar label.
You can purchase pharmaceutical grade bioidentical progesterone as Progesterone Powder, Bioidentical Micronized Powder, 10 Grams for about $40 on many online stores like Amazon. That is nearly a year’s supply, depending on the dose you choose.
However, you will need to purchase some small stainless steel measuring spoons as you will need a 1/64 tsp which is 25 mg and a 1/32 tsp which is 50 mg. A normal dose is typically 25-50 mg and is taken 30 minutes before bed as it has an anti-cortisol function and will increase GABA levels for a good night’s sleep.
Unfortunately, this vendor frequently runs out of product, and if that’s the case, then you can use Simply Progesterone by Health Natura. It’s premixed with vitamin E and MCT oil.
If you are a menstruating woman, you should take the progesterone during the luteal phase or the last half of your cycle, which can be determined by starting 10 days after the first day of your period and stopping the progesterone when your period starts.
If you are a male or non-menstruating woman you can take the progesterone every day for four to six months and then cycle off for one week. The best time of day to take progesterone is 30 minutes before bed as it has an anti-cortisol function and will increase GABA levels for a good night’s sleep.
This is what I have personally doing for over a year with very good results. I am a physician so do not have any problems doing this. If you aren’t a physician you should consult one before using this therapy, as transmucosal progesterone therapy requires a doctor’s prescription.
Additional Strategies to Decrease Your Estrogen Load
Considering that estrogenic microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, including in food and drinking water, taking steps to avoid them is important both for reproductive and overall health — and may help lower your estrogen burden.
You can help reduce your exposure by becoming conscious of the plastic you’re using daily — and cut back where you can. Some steps are easy, like swapping plastic bags, bottles, straws, utensils and food containers for more durable, reusable options. You’ll also want to choose fresh foods as much as possible. Avoid fast foods and ultraprocessed foods, and choose those with minimal natural packaging or glass packaging instead.
You should also filter your drinking water and be mindful of the materials you use in your home. Avoid flooring, shower curtains and furniture made with phthalates, and vacuum often to pick up household dust, which is often contaminated. Some additional commonsense strategies that can help you limit your exposure and lower your estrogen load include:
| Avoid synthetic estrogens — Minimize exposure to synthetic estrogens, such as those found in hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives. Consult with a qualified health care professional about alternative treatments and/or contraceptive methods with lower estrogen content. |
| Avoid linoleic acid (LA) — Omega-6 PUFA like LA functions very similarly to estrogen as they both increase your risk for cancer and decrease metabolic function by suppressing your thyroid. Best to read my comprehensive LA article for more details. |
| Choose natural products — Opt for natural and organic personal care products, including makeup, skin care, and hair care items, to reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals like parabens and phthalates, which have estrogenic properties. |
| Limit pesticide exposure — Choose organic produce whenever possible to reduce exposure to pesticides, many of which have estrogenic effects. Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly can also help remove pesticide residues. |
| Rethink your household products — Many household cleaning products, laundry detergents and air fresheners contain chemicals with estrogenic properties. Swap them out for natural, nontoxic alternatives or make your own cleaning solutions using vinegar, baking soda and essential oils instead. |
| Avoid plastic containers — Minimize the use of plastic containers and food packaging, which can leach estrogenic compounds into food and beverages. Instead, opt for glass or stainless steel containers for food storage and water bottles. |
| Maintain a healthy weight — Aim for a healthy weight and body composition through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Excess body fat, particularly around the thighs, hips, and buttocks, can contribute to higher estrogen levels. |
| Support liver health — Support liver function, as your liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing and eliminating excess estrogen from your body. Eat a nutrient-rich diet, limit alcohol consumption and consider incorporating liver-supporting herbs and supplements, such as milk thistle or dandelion root. |
| Promote hormonal balance — Explore natural approaches to promote hormonal balance, such as consuming foods rich in cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale) and flaxseeds, which contain compounds that help support estrogen metabolism and detoxification. |
| Reduce stress — Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga or spending time in nature. Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, including estrogen levels, so prioritizing stress reduction is essential. |
- 1 WWF Analysis, No Plastic in Nature: Assessing Plastic Ingestion From Nature To People June 2019
- 2 Environment International May 2022, Abstract
- 3 Environ. Sci. Technol. 2023, 57, 30, 10911–10918, Abstract
- 4, 6, 8 Toxicological Sciences May 15, 2024
- 5 Pharmacol Rev. 2012 Jan;64(1):16-64. doi: 10.1124/pr.110.002790. Epub 2011 Oct 28
- 7, 9 NPR May 22, 2024
- 10 Sci Total Environ. 2023 Jun 15:877:162713. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162713. Epub 2023 Mar 21
- 11 Pew Trusts July 23, 2020
- 12 Human Reproduction Update, Volume 23, Issue 6, November-December 2017, Pages 646–659, doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmx022
- 13 EurekAlert! November 15, 2022
- 14 Human Reproduction Update November 15, 2022, Outcomes
- 15 U.S. CDC, Phthalates Factsheet (Archived)
- 16 CNN February 20, 2021
- 17 American Journal of Public Health February 18, 2021, page e1
- 18 Environ Sci Technol. 2021 Sep 7; 55(17): 11814–11823
- 19 Environ Health Perspect. 2005 Aug; 113(8): 1056–1061
- 20 Scientific American March 16, 2021
- 21 Environ Health Perspect. 2011 Jul 1; 119(7): 958–963
- 22 Environ Int. 2020 Jan;134:105287. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105287. Epub 2019 Nov 26
- 23 YouTube, After Skool, A Global Fertility Crisis, Shanna Swan October 12, 2021, 13:31
- 24 Environ Res. 2008 Oct; 108(2): 177–184
- 25 Scientific American March 13, 2024
- 26 California State Policy Evidence Consortium (CalSPEC). Microplastics Occurrence, Health Effects, and […] January 2023. Sacramento, CA., Page 33
- 27 Cancers 2022, 14(19): 4637
- 28 Environ Sci Pollut Res Int., 2018 Aug; 25(24):23624-23630
- 29 Environ Health Perspect., 2020 Dec;128(12):127005
- 30 Medicine, Biology, Environmental Science February 1, 2010
- 31 Rev Environ Health. 2002 Oct-Dec;17(4):253-62. doi: 10.1515/reveh.2002.17.4.253
What Is Adenomyosis? This Little-Known Condition Affects Up to 1 in 5 Women
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/06/26/what-is-adenomyosis.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola June 26, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Adenomyosis is a benign estrogen-dependent uterine disorder that may cause abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain and infertility
- It’s estimated that about 20% of women, primarily those of reproductive age, may suffer from the condition, yet there’s surprisingly little awareness surrounding it
- Estrogen is believed to promote the growth of adenomyosis; many people are exposed to excessive estrogen in the form of birth control, estrogen replacement therapy and even exposure to plastics
- Estrogen is also carcinogenic and antimetabolic, radically reducing the ability of your mitochondria to create cellular energy
- One of the most important strategies for adenomyosis — aside from avoiding estrogen and xenoestrogens — is to take natural progesterone, which is anti-estrogenic
Adenomyosis is a benign estrogen-dependent uterine disorder,1 which involves symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain and infertility.2 In cases of adenomyosis, endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, is found in the myometrium, or the muscular wall of the uterus.
In other words, the uterine lining grows into the uterus’ muscular wall,3 causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe. For some women, adenomyosis causes no symptoms at all while others experience debilitating pain.
It’s estimated that about 20% of women, primarily those of reproductive age, may suffer from the condition,4 yet there’s surprisingly little awareness surrounding it among health care professionals and the public alike.5
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis can be categorized into two main types: focal and diffuse. In focal adenomyosis, the endometrial tissue is localized to a specific area or areas within the uterine muscle. These localized regions are sometimes referred to as adenomyomas, which are similar to fibroids but contain endometrial tissue.
Diffuse adenomyosis involves a more widespread infiltration of endometrial tissue throughout the uterine muscle. This type is characterized by a uniformly thickened uterine wall. In either type, the lining of the uterus grows into the uterine wall, leading to thickening and enlargement of the uterus, which in some cases may double or triple in size.6
“The displaced tissue continues to act normally — thickening, breaking down and bleeding — during each menstrual cycle,” Mayo Clinic notes.7 Common symptoms of adenomyosis include heavy menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, pelvic pain and bloating.
Some women with adenomyosis may also experience pain during intercourse. Infertility is also possible and women with adenomyosis who become pregnant are more likely to have complications such as miscarriage, pre-term delivery, preeclampsia and post-delivery bleeding.8
The condition can sometimes be asymptomatic, however, making diagnosis challenging. While most women who develop adenomyosis are between the ages of 40 and 50, it can develop in younger women as well. The condition is becoming more common in women in their 30s,9 and even teenagers can be affected. Other factors that increase the risk of adenomyosis include:
- Carrying two or more pregnancies to term10
- Prior uterine surgeries, including uterine fibroid removal, cesarean section or dilatation and curettage (D&C)
- Endometriosis
Top Causes of Adenomyosis
A combination of hormones, genetics and inflammation or injury to the area likely influence adenomyosis development. Science Alert reported:11
“It is thought that the region between the endometrium and myometrium becomes damaged, either by the natural processes of the menstrual cycle, pregnancies, and childbirth, or medical procedures. In some women, damage to the endometrial tissue layer does not heal as it should, and the endometrium-like cells enter and grow abnormally into the myometrium.”
It’s possible that uterine incisions during surgery may allow for the direct invasion of endometrial cells into the uterine wall, for instance. It’s also been suggested that the misplaced endometrial tissue may be deposited in the uterine wall in the fetus during development.12
Inflammation of the uterine lining after childbirth is another potential factor that could degrade the boundary of cells lining the uterus. Another theory suggests bone marrow stem cells in uterine muscle could trigger the condition.13
Estrogen, a hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, is also believed to promote the growth of adenomyosis. Therefore, conditions that result in higher levels of estrogen may be linked to an increased risk. “Regardless of how adenomyosis develops, its growth depends on the body’s circulating estrogen,” Mayo Clinic explains.14
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Estrogen Promotes Adenomyosis
“Estrogens have been proven to be the crucial hormones driving the growth of adenomyosis,” as noted in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.15 Yet, estrogen’s exact role in worsening adenomyosis is still not fully understood.
In one study, researchers found that a molecule called miR-145 is much higher in adenomyosis tissue compared to healthy tissue.16 High levels of miR-145 turn on genes that cause inflammation and cell adhesion.
One important gene affected by miR-145 is CITED2, which plays a key role in stopping cell movement. The study showed that estrogen, through a specific receptor, increases miR-145 levels, helping adenomyosis to progress. Yale Medicine also explains:17
“Evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to estrogen may be a contributing factor [to uterine adenomyosis]. Women may be exposed to more estrogen if their menstrual cycles are shorter than average or if they have been pregnant two or more times.”
However, many people are exposed to excessive estrogen in the form of birth control, estrogen replacement therapy and even exposure to plastics.
The Hazards of High Estrogen
While estrogen is routinely referred to as “the female hormone,” this is misleading, as it’s not exclusive to women. Moreover, there’s not just one estrogen but several. One of the properties of estrogens is their ability to increase cells’ ability to hold water, which is why women with estrogen dominance are prone to edema (water retention). Cellular swelling is both a characteristic of the cellular stress response and a signal for cellular proliferation.
During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, estrogen stimulates the uterine lining and follicles to swell and multiply in preparation for the fertilization of an egg. Similarly, during and after pregnancy, breast tissue swells and grows larger to facilitate milk production. But cellular swelling and proliferation is also a hallmark of cancer. Indeed, the word oncology comes from the Greek word “oncos,” which means swelling.
In his 1997 book, “From PMS to Menopause: Female Hormones in Context,”18 biologist Ray Peat19 stated that estrogen had been shown to replicate the shock phase of the stress reaction in animals. According to Peat, the physiological purpose of estrogens is to stimulate cell division by triggering water uptake by the cell. Peat also suspected that estrogen was a metabolic inhibitor that slows down energy production in the cell.
Further, as bioenergetic researcher Georgi Dinkov explained in my interview with him, estrogen is carcinogenic and antimetabolic, radically reducing the ability of your mitochondria to create cellular energy in a form of ATP by depending on aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect), which radically impairs oxidative phosphorylation. This further contributes to its carcinogenic effect.
According to Dinkov, the biochemical role of estrogen is to aid in wound healing. In cases of tissue trauma, estrogen reverts the differentiated cells in that specific tissue back to a stem cell-like condition, to repair the damaged tissue. In young, healthy women, progesterone will turn off estrogen’s activity. However, progesterone declines with age, but estrogen synthesis typically does not. Hence, if your estrogen is high and progesterone low, your cancer risk will rise.
Estrogen also promotes the differentiation and proliferation of fat cells (adipocytes) in the subcutaneous fat layer, which is particularly prevalent in the thighs, hips and buttocks and therefore leads to increased fat storage in these areas.
Some people and clinicians believe that bioidentical estrogen solves the problem but it does nothing of the sort. Bioidentical estrogen still has all the same negative characteristics. It increases the risk of all cancers, lowers your metabolic rate and increases your risk of obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis — along with adenomyosis.
Tips to Lower Your Estrogen Exposure and Load
Conventional adenomyosis treatment typically involves pain medications and hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, and even surgery, including hysterectomy. But one of the most important strategies — aside from avoiding estrogen and xenoestrogens — is to take natural progesterone. Not only is progesterone anti-estrogenic but it’s a potent cortisol blocker and will improve mitochondria production of cellular energy by blocking estrogen and cortisol.
Before you consider using progesterone it is important to understand that it is not a magic bullet and you get the most benefit by implementing a Bioenergetic diet approach that allows you to effectively burn glucose as your primary fuel with backing up electrons in your mitochondria that reduces your energy production. My new book coming out shortly about Cellular Health covers this process in great detail.
Once you have dialed in your diet, an effective strategy that can help counteract estrogen excess is to take transmucosal progesterone (not oral or transdermal), which is a natural estrogen antagonist. Progesterone is one of only four hormones I believe many adults can benefit from. (The other three are thyroid hormone T3, DHEA and pregnenolone.)
I do not recommend transdermal progesterone, as your skin expresses high levels of 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which causes a significant portion of the progesterone you’re taking to be irreversibly converted primarily into allopregnanolone and cannot be converted back into progesterone.
As a general recommendation, I recommend taking 25 to 50 mg of bioidentical progesterone per day, taken in the evening one hour before bed, as it can also promote sleep. For optimal bioavailability, progesterone needs to be mixed into natural vitamin E. The difference in bioavailability between taking progesterone orally without vitamin E and taking it with vitamin E is 45 minutes versus 48 hours.
You can make your own by dissolving pure USP progesterone powder into one capsule of a high-quality vitamin E, and then rub the mixture on your gums. Fifty milligrams of powdered progesterone is about 1/32 teaspoon.
Do not use synthetic vitamin E (alpha tocopherol acetate — the acetate indicates that it’s synthetic). Natural vitamin E will be labeled “d alpha tocopherol.” This is the pure D isomer, which is what your body can use.
There are also other vitamin E isomers, and you want the complete spectrum of tocopherols and tocotrienols, specifically the beta, gamma, and delta types, in the effective D isomer. As an example of an ideal vitamin E you can look at the label on our vitamin E in our store. You can use any brand that has a similar label.
If you are a menstruating woman, you should take the progesterone during the luteal phase or the last half of your cycle which can be determined by starting 10 days after the first day of your period and stopping the progesterone when your period starts.
If you are a male or non-menstruating woman you can take the progesterone every day for 4-6 months and then cycle off for one week. The best time of day to take progesterone is 30 minutes before bed as it has an anti-cortisol function and will increase GABA levels for a good night’s sleep.
Please note that when progesterone is used transmucosally on your gums as I advise, the FDA believes that somehow converts it into a drug and prohibits any company from advising that on its label. However, please understand that it is perfectly legal for any physician to prescribe an off-label indication for a drug.
In this case progesterone is a natural hormone and not a drug and is very safe even at high doses. This is unlike synthetic progesterone, called progestins, that are used by drug companies, but frequently, and incorrectly, referred to as progesterone, which are dangerous and should never be used by anyone.
Considering the health risks associated with estrogen excess, here are some additional commonsense strategies that can help you limit your exposure and lower your estrogen load:
| Avoid synthetic estrogens — Minimize exposure to synthetic estrogens, such as those found in hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives. Consult with a qualified health care professional about alternative treatments and/or contraceptive methods with lower estrogen content. |
| Avoid linoleic acid (LA) — Omega-6 PUFA like LA functions very similarly to estrogen as they both increase your risk for cancer and decrease metabolic function by suppressing your thyroid. Best to read my comprehensive LA article for more details. |
| Choose natural products — Opt for natural and organic personal care products, including makeup, skin care, and hair care items, to reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals like parabens and phthalates, which have estrogenic properties. |
| Limit pesticide exposure — Choose organic produce whenever possible to reduce exposure to pesticides, many of which have estrogenic effects. Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly can also help remove pesticide residues. |
| Rethink your household products — Many household cleaning products, laundry detergents and air fresheners contain chemicals with estrogenic properties. Swap them out for natural, nontoxic alternatives or make your own cleaning solutions using vinegar, baking soda and essential oils instead. |
| Avoid plastic containers — Minimize the use of plastic containers and food packaging, which can leach estrogenic compounds into food and beverages. Instead, opt for glass or stainless steel containers for food storage and water bottles. |
| Maintain a healthy weight — Aim for a healthy weight and body composition through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Excess body fat, particularly around the thighs, hips, and buttocks, can contribute to higher estrogen levels. |
| Support liver health — Support liver function, as your liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing and eliminating excess estrogen from your body. Eat a nutrient-rich diet, limit alcohol consumption and consider incorporating liver-supporting herbs and supplements, such as milk thistle or dandelion root. |
| Reduce stress — Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga or spending time in nature. Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, including estrogen levels, so prioritizing stress reduction is essential. |
- 1 Molecular Medicine Reports March 8, 2021
- 2 J Clin Med. 2023 Jul; 12(14): 4828
- 3, 10, 17 Yale Medicine, Uterine Adenomyosis
- 4 Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology August 2006, Volume 20, Issue 4, Pages 465-477
- 5, 8, 11 Science Alert May 13, 2024
- 6, 9 Cleveland Clinic, Adenomyosis
- 7, 12, 13, 14 Mayo Clinic, Adenomyosis
- 15 J Clin Med. 2022 Aug; 11(15): 4407
- 16 Reproductive BioMedicine Online May 12, 2024, 104108
- 18 From PMS to Menopause: Female Hormones in Context (PDF)
- 19 Ray Peat Articles
‘We’re All Plastic People Now’: A Groundbreaking Documentary
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/05/25/plastic-people.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola May 25, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- The documentary film “We’re All Plastic People Now” delves into how we have become the embodiment of the trash we created. Director Rory Fielding had four generations of his family’s blood tested for plastic-derived chemicals and found alarming results
- Many of the chemicals used to make plastic are endocrine disruptors, which mimic, block or interfere with your natural hormones, causing problems in various physiological functions, such as growth, metabolism and reproduction
- Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals are also considered estrogenic carcinogens, which mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, thus increasing your risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers
- Vote with your pocketbook and get your national and local government involved to catalyze changes in plastic use. More tips below on how to reduce your microplastic exposure are included
A plastic straw, a bottle of water, a plastic bag from the grocery — these single-use plastics seem so innocuous that people barely give them a second thought before tossing them out. Unfortunately, the development of this throwaway culture has contributed to the mounting burden of plastic waste that threatens the environment, wildlife and our very own bodies.
Discarded plastics are made primarily from petrochemicals1 and degrade into microscopic fragments called microplastics, which lurk everywhere, from the depths of our oceans to the food we eat and the air we breathe. It’s a sobering reality underscored by the Emmy Award-winning documentary featured above, “We’re All Plastic People Now.”
Plastic Pollution Has Become a Generational Burden
Produced and directed by Rory Fielding, “We’re All Plastic People Now” delves into how we have become the embodiment of the trash we created. It’s introduced by actor and ocean preservationist Ted Danson and featured at the 2024 Santa Fe Film Festival.2
While the film briefly illustrates the devastating impacts of microplastics on marine life, particularly sea turtles found with plastic-filled stomachs, it dives deeper into a more disturbing truth — humans are not separate from plastic pollution.
As David A. Davis, Ph.D., a researcher from the University of Miami who’s featured in the film, aptly puts it, “Water is life, so if the water is polluted and we have sentinel species like dolphins and sea turtles, if they’re also sick, we can anticipate that we’ll be sick, too.”
Studies have detected microplastics in human tissues, including the brain,3 lungs,4 kidney, liver5 and heart,6 as well as in human blood7 and stool.8 Even babies are exposed to microplastics starting from their mothers’ placenta to the breast milk they rely on for nourishment.9
Dr. Antonio Ragusa, the study’s lead researcher on microplastics in the placenta and one of the featured experts in the documentary, bluntly referred to humans as “cyborgs” because our bodies are no longer purely biological but have become part plastic.
This assertion is further confirmed in the film as Fielding had four generations of his family’s blood tested for plastic-derived chemicals. Their blood samples were submitted to Rolf Halden, Ph.D., an environmental engineer from Arizona State University. According to Halden’s analysis, Fielding and his family carry over 80 different chemicals in their body. He further explains:
“What we detected in the blood of all these participants are precursors of plastics, plastic constituents themselves, as well as degradation products of consumer plastics. These chemicals are known to be carcinogens, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, obesogens and neurodegenerative agents.”
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Can Make Your Body ‘Go Awry’
Many of the chemicals used to make plastic are endocrine disruptors. As microplastics circulate in your body, they carry these chemicals and distribute them to your cells and tissues, where they can pose significant harm to your health. Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a pediatrician and director of the Center for Investigation of Environmental Hazards at New York University, noted in the film:
“We live in a world where we’re still not as aware of endocrine-disrupting chemicals as we should be. We’re talking about our natural hormones, our molecules that orchestrate all sorts of signaling of basic bodily functions, maintaining a healthy temperature, good metabolism, salt, sugar and even sex.
When we’re talking about endocrine-disrupting chemicals, we’re talking about synthetic chemicals that hack those molecular signals and make things go awry in the human body.”
Some of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in microplastics include bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). By mimicking, blocking or interfering with your natural hormones, EDCs can disrupt the function of your endocrine system, which leads to problems in various physiological functions such as growth, metabolism and reproduction.10
Some EDCs are also considered estrogenic carcinogens. Also known as xenoestrogens, these chemicals can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.11 This results in abnormal stimulation of estrogen receptors, which then promotes cell proliferation and potentially contributes to the development and progression of estrogen-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer12 and endometrial cancer.13
Another form of EDC found in microplastics is PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), a group of about 5,000 ubiquitous chemicals in consumer products and used in industrial, electronic, firefighting and medical applications. They’re also known as “forever chemicals,” as they do not degrade naturally, persist in the environment and accumulate in people and wildlife.14
In the featured documentary, John Hocevar, director of Greenpeace Oceans Campaign, states, “PFAS chemicals can give us cancer … and they can damage our immune systems. PFAS can also interfere with fetal development, and they can harm our hormonal and reproductive systems.”
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Can Plastics End the Future of Humanity?
In the documentary, Shanna Swan, Ph.D., a professor from Mount Sinai Hospital, sheds light on her research on phthalates, which she believes is one of the major culprits behind the decline in sperm count in the last 50 years. She purports that exposure to these chemicals causes phthalate syndrome, a condition wherein the male reproductive organs and fertility are affected depending on their mother’s exposure to phthalates while they’re in the womb. She explains:
“What [phthalates] are doing is they’re lowering testosterone. Initially, male and female have the same genital ridge … Around early first trimester, there starts to be differentiation of the males and females. All that’s happening very fast in early pregnancy, and that needs testosterone to be there at the right time and the right amount …
If the testosterone doesn’t come on board at the right time and there isn’t enough of it … let’s just say we call those males incompletely masculinized. And in the females, if testosterone gets in there when it shouldn’t or more than should be there, then the female starts producing more male-like genitals.
So, what you’re seeing is a decreasing of sex differences. So, the male becomes less completely a male, the female less completely a female.”
Halden further emphasizes the potential implications of the trend of decreasing sperm counts and loss of fertility, cautioning that we could be “playing with the future of humanity.”
“Essentially, we are allowing chemicals like plastic chemicals into our family planning,” Halden adds. “They [plastic chemicals] decide whether there is life or not. We don’t want to give more voting rights to chemicals as we plan in the future.”
Dr. Ragusa echoes this sentiment, stating, “Plastic can be the future for big oil companies. But not for us, not for humanity. For humanity, plastic is the end of the future.”
A Battle for Change in Southern Louisiana’s Cancer Alley
In an 85-mile stretch of land between New Orleans and Baton Rouge is an area known as “Cancer Alley.” In the area there are over 150 plastic plants and chemical industries. The cancer rates in this area are 50 times higher than the national average.15
The pervasive presence of estrogenic carcinogens in the surroundings likely contribute to these numbers. Moreover, exposure to plasticizers is also associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA damage,16 all of which are also mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
Sharon Lavigne, founder of Rise St. James in Louisiana, lives in the middle of Cancer Alley. She shared that their community used to have beautiful trees before 19 petrochemical plants were built to replace them, with 12 of them located near Sharon’s home.
“I lost my sister-in-law [to] cancer. I lost my neighbor on both sides of me [to] cancer. We had so many people dying, it made me wonder what was going on …” Sharon says. “I felt like if another industry would come in here, it would be a death sentence for St. James [Parish].”
Her personal experience spurred her on to fight against further industrial expansion in her community. The documentary features how their group’s efforts successfully prevented the construction of what would’ve been the world’s largest plastic plant in their hometown.
Profit From Plastic Is Prioritized Over Public Health
Despite the mounting evidence of the dangers caused by microplastics, the industry is still planning to expand plastic production. According to Christy Leavitt, the plastics campaign director of Oceana, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation:
“We’ve seen, over the last couple of decades, the amount of plastic production has increased rapidly, and so too has all of the plastic pollution … They’re looking towards a world where not only do we have the current amount of plastic that’s out there, but they want, in fact, triple the amount of that.”
She also revealed that recycling is no longer going to be enough to address the worsening plastic crisis. Halden elaborates on the economic challenges of recycling plastics, explaining that while the plastic industry’s narrative promotes recycling, it’s actually far more economical for them to produce virgin plastic.
The production of cheap plastic from fossil fuels is also being incentivized, causing companies to produce new ones instead of recycling. As for the logistic issues, Halden presented data from BeyondPlastics.org:17
“The things that we carry into recycling centers are only a small fraction of the overall plastic mass that we’re using. In past years, only about 9% of plastics actually arrived at recycling centers. Today, it’s only 5% of all the plastics that we make and consume.
But that’s not where the bad news ends because when the plastics arrive at the recycling center … they just put the plastic in a barge and ship it to a country that doesn’t have a solid waste disposal system. So, it ends up in the landfill, blows into the ocean and comes right back in our food.”
Moreover, NPR news correspondent Laura Sullivan, who also appears in the documentary, found internal documents revealing a stark contrast between the oil industry’s million-dollar promotion of plastic and recycling and its private doubts about the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of large-scale recycling initiatives.18
It’s Not Too Late to Address the Plastic Crisis
Toward the end of the documentary, the featured experts and environmental activists shared a similar sentiment — there is still hope for reducing plastic pollution and safeguarding the health of future generations.
According to Halden, it’s not the first time humanity has endangered our future with what we thought were innovative industrial advances, yet we’ve come up with solutions to mitigate the dangers before they completely destroy our planet. “Plastics is the next big challenge for us,” he declares positively.
Hocevar notes that the plastic problem has a very simple solution: We should just stop producing so much of it. One way to achieve this is by voting with your pocketbook. As Dr. Ragusa pointed out in the film, the major producers of plastics right now are big food and beverage manufacturers.
Refusing to buy their products can urge these companies to take accountability and change their plastic use. It will also go a long way toward reducing your own plastic waste. Leavitt highlighted the importance of getting the state and local government involved as well, “so that they’re actually requiring companies to change the way that single-use plastics are produced and used.”
What You Can Do to Lower Your Plastic Load
Plastic has become a huge part of our everyday life, but it doesn’t have to be that way. While it may seem hard to avoid, there are many ways you can reduce your plastic use to help protect the environment and your health. Here are some strategies to get you started:
| Avoid water in plastic bottles — In the documentary, Halden referred to water bottles as a time bomb, as they expose you to microplastics with every sip. If you do need to buy bottled water, choose products in glass bottles, which can be reused as well. |
| Filter and boil tap water — With microplastics contaminating our waterways, it’s important to avoid drinking water straight from the tap. Make sure your home has a good water filtration system to filter out these particles. If you have hard tap water in your area, boil it before using it for drinking or cooking, as research shows boiling for five minutes helps remove up to 90% of microplastics in the water.19 |
| Always opt for reusable alternatives — Avoid single-use plastic items like disposable straws, plastic bags and disposable plastic food and beverage packaging. Instead, choose reusable alternatives that are made from safer materials, such as glass, metal or paper. |
| Never microwave food in plastic containers — Heat causes the chemicals in plastic to leach into the food, so use glass or ceramic containers for microwaving. |
| Choose clothes made from natural fibers — Choose organic clothing and other textile products, such as those made from cotton, hemp, silk, wool or bamboo. Synthetic fabrics like polyester shed microfibers and xenoestrogens. If you do buy clothes made from synthetic fiber, wash them less frequently and use a microfiber filter in your washing machine to trap synthetic fiber and prevent them from entering the waterways. |
| Look for all-natural personal care products — Some makeup, skincare and body care products contain microbeads and plastic particles. Opt for all-natural, food-grade products to avoid risking your health. |
| Reduce, reuse and recycle whenever possible — Even though it’s revealed in the documentary that recycling alone may not be enough to tackle our waste problem, you should still do your part in repurposing products whenever you can. This, along with urging companies and politicians to take action, can help mitigate the plastic crisis. Remember that every effort counts. |
- 1 Applied Energy, 2023 September;1(345): 121307
- 2 Rory Fielding Films, “We’re All Plastic People Now”
- 3 Part Fibre Toxicol., 2020; 17: 24
- 4 Heliyon, 2024 Jan 30; 10(2): e24355
- 5 ACS Omega, 2022 Sep 27; 7(38): 34136–34153
- 6 Biomedicines, 2023 Feb; 11(2): 264
- 7 Environ Int., 2022 May:163:107199
- 8 Toxics., 2022 Aug; 10(8): 414
- 9 Anim Reprod., 2023; 20(2): e20230037, Abstract
- 10 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
- 11 Cancers 2022, 14(19): 4637
- 12 Environ Sci Pollut Res Int., 2018 Aug; 25(24):23624-23630
- 13 Environ Health Perspect., 2020 Dec;128(12):127005
- 14 Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Dec; 18(23): 12550
- 15 University Network for Human Rights, July 2019, Executive Summary
- 16 Cells, 2021 Sep 9;10(9):2367
- 17 Beyond Plastics, May 22, 2023
- 18 NPR, September 11, 2020
- 19 Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett., 2024, 11(3): 273–279
Migraines Strongly Associated With High Estrogen and Low Thyroid
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/05/20/migraines-high-estrogen-low-thyroid.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola May 20, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Migraines impact 12% of Americans and are the second leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting 1 billion people globally and ranking as the third most prevalent illness
- Excess estrogen and inadequate progesterone, along with high linoleic acid (LA) intake, are key factors in migraines. Lowering LA and estrogen can eliminate most migraines
- Estrogen enhances pain signals by sensitizing cells around the trigeminal nerve and blood vessels in the head. Research has also found that progesterone — a natural estrogen blocker — is protective against migraines
- Balancing your estrogen-progesterone levels involves choosing natural products, limiting pesticide exposure, avoiding plastic, supporting liver health, maintaining a healthy weight, and considering trans mucosal progesterone for its estrogen-blocking effects
- High LA intake and estrogen dominance are also key culprits in hypothyroidism, as PUFAs inhibit T3, and those with a history of migraines are also at increased risk for hypothyroidism. Migraine sufferers who manage their hypothyroidism effectively often report improvements in migraine frequency and severity, which is another indication that thyroid hormone balance plays a role in migraine
Migraines affect an estimated 12% of the American population and is the second leading cause of disability worldwide.1 Worldwide, as many as 1 billion people are affected,2 making migraine the third most prevalent illness in the world.
They can strike both young and old, but most sufferers are women. According to research,3 migraine prevalence begins to rise around puberty and continues to rise until 39 years of age, after which it decreases again. Menopause frequently offers migraine relief for women, which hints at the role of estrogen.
Unfortunately, despite their prevalence, researchers still struggle to understand exactly how and why migraines occur.
Few understand that excess estrogen and inadequate progesterone is a key factor, or that high linoleic acid (LA) intake exacerbates the situation. If you lower LA and estrogen, most migraines vanish without further intervention. Thyroid function also plays an important role, which makes sense considering high LA intake is a primary causative factor of hypothyroidism as well.
Estrogen Is a Major Player in Migraines
Migraines are thought to be a disorder of your central nervous system, most likely originating in your brain stem.4 While most brain regions do not register or transmit pain signals, the trigeminal nerve network does.
Pain is relayed through the trigeminal network to an area in your brain stem called the trigeminal nucleus. From there, it is conveyed to the sensory cortex in your brain that is involved in awareness of pain and other senses. As it turns out, estrogen is a major factor in this chain of events.
The late Ray Peat, a pioneer in bioenergetic medicine, argued that estrogen is a major cause of migraines, and in 2018, research5,6,7 was published that offered fresh support for that view. Researchers found that estrogen sensitizes cells around the trigeminal nerve and connected blood vessels in the head, thereby augmenting pain signals.
Estrogen, of course, is at its highest during women’s reproductive years, which also helps explain not only the gender difference in prevalence but also the age range at which migraines are most common.
Additionally, the study in question not only implicated estrogen as a causative factor in migraines, but also stated that progesterone is protective. This makes sense if estrogen is causative, as progesterone is an estrogen blocker.
How to Improve Your Estrogen-Progesterone Balance
If you struggle with migraines, avoiding estrogen replacement therapy (including bioidentical estrogen), birth control pills and xenoestrogens from plastics will be paramount. As I’ve noted in previous articles, estrogen dominance is nearly as dangerous as excessive LA intake when it comes to destroying your mitochondrial function.
Nearly 1,000 everyday items contain estrogenic compounds, so avoiding xenoestrogens may be easier said than done. However, making a concerted effort can go a long way. Here are some common-sense strategies that can help you limit your exposure and lower your estrogen load:
| Avoid synthetic estrogens — Minimize exposure to synthetic estrogens, such as those found in hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives. Consult with a qualified health care professional about alternative treatments and/or contraceptive methods with lower estrogen content. |
| Choose natural products — Opt for natural and organic personal care products, including makeup, skin care, and hair care items, to reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals like parabens and phthalates, which have estrogenic properties. |
| Limit pesticide exposure — Choose organic produce whenever possible to reduce exposure to pesticides, many of which have estrogenic effects. Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly can also help remove pesticide residues. |
| Rethink your household products — Many household cleaning products, laundry detergents and air fresheners contain chemicals with estrogenic properties. Swap them out for natural, nontoxic alternatives or make your own cleaning solutions using vinegar, baking soda and essential oils instead. |
| Avoid plastic containers and cutting boards — Minimize the use of plastic containers and food packaging, which can leach estrogenic compounds (xenoestrogens) into food and beverages. Instead, opt for glass or stainless-steel containers for food storage and water bottles. Also, never microwave plastics, as heat leaches the chemicals into your food. Use glass or ceramic containers for microwaving. |
| Filter your tap water and avoid water bottled in plastic — If you need to buy bottled water, opt for glass bottles. Also make sure the filter you use to purify your tap water can filter out microplastics, which have estrogenic properties.
If you have hard tap water, consider boiling it before using it for cooking or drinking, as hard water traps more microplastics. Recent research shows boiling hard tap water for five minutes removes up to 90% of the microplastics in the water.8 |
| Maintain a healthy weight — Aim for a healthy weight and body composition through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Excess body fat, particularly around the thighs, hips, and buttocks, can contribute to higher estrogen levels. |
| Support liver health — Support liver function, as the liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing and eliminating excess estrogen from the body. Eat a nutrient-rich diet, limit alcohol consumption, and consider incorporating liver-supporting herbs and supplements, such as milk thistle or dandelion root. |
| Promote hormonal balance — Explore natural approaches to promote hormonal balance, such as consuming foods rich in cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale) and flaxseeds, which contain compounds that help support estrogen metabolism and detoxification. |
| Reduce stress — Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga or spending time in nature. Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, including estrogen levels, so prioritizing stress reduction is essential. |
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Progesterone Counteracts Estrogen Dominance
Another effective strategy that can help counteract estrogen excess is to take trans mucosal progesterone (not oral or transdermal), which is a natural estrogen antagonist. Progesterone is one of only four hormones I believe many adults can benefit from. (The other three are thyroid hormone T3, DHEA and pregnenolone.)
As a general recommendation, I recommend taking 25 to 50 mg of bioidentical progesterone per a day, taken in the evening one hour before bed, as it can also promote sleep. For optimal bioavailability, progesterone needs to be mixed into natural vitamin E. The difference in bioavailability between taking progesterone orally without vitamin E and taking it with vitamin E is 45 minutes versus 48 hours.
Simply Progesterone by Health Natura is premixed with vitamin E and MCT oil. You can also make your own by dissolving pure USP progesterone powder into one capsule of a high-quality vitamin E, and then rub the mixture on your gums. Fifty milligrams of powdered progesterone is about 1/32 teaspoon.
Do not use synthetic vitamin E (alpha tocopherol acetate — the acetate indicates that it’s synthetic). Natural vitamin E will be labeled “d alpha tocopherol.” This is the pure D isomer, which is what your body can use. There are also other vitamin E isomers, and you want the complete spectrum of tocopherols and tocotrienols, specifically the beta, gamma, and delta types, in the effective D isomer.
I do not recommend transdermal progesterone, as your skin expresses high levels of 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which causes a significant portion of the progesterone you’re taking to be irreversibly converted primarily into allopregnanolone and cannot be converted back into progesterone.
Migraines Are a Clear Sign of Mitochondrial Dysfunction
An even more foundational cause of migraines is mitochondrial dysfunction. As such, any strategy that helps improve your mitochondrial function is likely to be helpful.
The most important of these strategies is to limit your intake of LA, an omega-6 polyunsaturated fat (PUFA), as it acts as a mitochondrial toxin when consumed in excess. I published a paper together with Christopher D’Adamo on the detrimental health effects of LA in July 2023, which you can read for free.9
In summary, the main reason why excess LA causes so many health problems — including migraines — is that it prevents your mitochondria from working properly. Mitochondria are subcellular organelles responsible for producing most of your cellular energy in the form of ATP, and without ATP, your cells cannot function and repair themselves normally.
PUFAs such as LA are easily damaged by oxygen in a process called oxidation,10 which triggers the creation damaging free radicals.11 These, in turn, give rise to advanced lipoxidation end-products (ALEs)12 and oxidized linoleic acid metabolites (OXLAMs).13,14 These ALEs and OXLAMs are what cause mitochondrial dysfunction, which is a hallmark of most all chronic disease, including migraines.
Migraines and Low Thyroid Function
As detailed in “Your Thyroid Is the Regulator of Your Entire Existence,” high LA intake and estrogen dominance are also key culprits in hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), as PUFAs interfere with your cell’s ability to use active thyroid hormone (T3).
To maintain or increase energy production, your cells must be able to access T3. Studies have demonstrated that PUFAs function as competitive inhibitors of T3 action,15 and LA is the most potent inhibitor of T3.16
Not surprisingly, research has indicated a potential link between migraines and hypothyroidism.17 For example, a 2013 study18 highlighted that 3% of migraine sufferers also had hypothyroidism, with a significant majority finding out about their thyroid condition after the onset of migraines.
More strikingly, a 2016 study19 reported a 41% increased risk of hypothyroidism in individuals with a history of migraines. Further research20 conducted in India in 2021 with 100 participants found that those suffering from migraines were more likely to have a thyroid disorder, especially hypothyroidism.
Migraine sufferers who manage their hypothyroidism effectively often report improvements in migraine frequency and severity, which is another indication that thyroid hormone balance plays a role in migraine.21
Radically Reduce Your LA Intake to Avoid Migraine Attacks
Ideally, you’d want to keep your LA intake below 2% of your daily calories, but even 5% would be a significant improvement since most people consume far more than that.
If you’re not sure how much you’re eating, enter your food intake into Cronometer — a free online nutrition tracker — and it will provide you with your total LA intake. Cronometer will tell you how much omega-6 you’re getting from your food down to the 10th of a gram, and you can assume 90% of that is LA. The primary sources of LA that need to be radically limited are:
| Seed oils for cooking. Healthy fat replacements include tallow, butter or ghee | Most processed foods, including condiments |
| Any restaurant food cooked in seed oil rather than butter | Most nuts and seeds |
| Most olive oil and avocado oil, due to the high prevalence of adulteration with cheaper seed oils | Conventionally raised chicken and pork, due to being fed LA-rich grains |
LA Content of Common Cooking Oils
The table below provides a relatively comprehensive list of the most commonly consumed oils and their approximate LA content.22,23,24
In general, the lowest LA-containing fats — butter and beef tallow — would be the fats of choice. These excellent cooking fats also provide the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, and K2. Coconut oil is also very low in LA but doesn’t provide the important fat-soluble vitamins that tallow and butter contain.
Aspirin for the Prevention and Treatment of Migraines
In addition to lowering your estrogen burden and LA intake, several nutritional supplements, medications and alternative remedies can be employed. Aspirin is one inexpensive and readily available option.
As reported in a 2019 paper in The American Journal of Medicine, properly dosed aspirin can safely and effectively abort a migraine attack when taken early enough, and may also be used preventatively in lower doses:25,26
“The totality of evidence, which includes data from randomized trials, suggests that high-dose aspirin, in doses from 900 to 1300 mg, taken at the onset of symptoms, is an effective and safe treatment option for acute migraine headaches.
In addition, the totality of evidence, including some, but not all, randomized trials, suggests the possibility that daily aspirin, in doses from 81 to 325 mg, may be an effective and safe treatment option for the prevention of recurrent migraine headaches.
The relatively favorable side effect profile of aspirin and extremely low costs compared with other prescription drug therapies may provide additional options for primary healthcare providers in the treatment of both acute and recurrent migraine headaches.”
Helpful Supplements
Other supplements that can help reduce migraine frequency and/or severity include:
| Magnesium — Which can affect both serotonin receptor function and the production and use of neurotransmitters — has also been shown to play an important role in the prevention and treatment of migraines, and migraine sufferers are more likely to suffer from magnesium deficiency than non-migraineurs.27
Since magnesium administration is both easy and safe, researchers have noted that empiric treatment with a magnesium supplement is justified for all migraine sufferers.28 As a prophylactic, be prepared to boost your magnesium intake for at least three months to experience results. In many cases, receiving a high dose of magnesium can also abort an attack in progress. The most effective way to administer magnesium for migraine would be to get an intravenous (IV) infusion. I used to regularly administer magnesium IVs for those with acute migraines and it seemed to work for most patients to abort the headache. Barring that option, magnesium threonate may be your best option for an oral supplement, as its superior ability to cross the blood-brain barrier makes it more likely to have a beneficial effect on your brain. |
| B vitamins — Other vitamin deficiencies linked to migraines include riboflavin (B2), B6, B12 and folic acid. One 2009 study29 evaluated the effect of 2 mg of folic acid, 25 mg vitamin B6 and 400 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 in 52 patients diagnosed with migraine with aura. Compared to the placebo group, those receiving these supplements experienced a 50% reduction in migraine disability over a six-month period.
Previous studies30 have also reported that high doses of riboflavin can help prevent migraine attacks. In one study, patients who took 400 mg of riboflavin per day experienced a 50% reduction in migraine frequency after three months. |
| CoQ10 — Ubiquinol — the reduced form of CoQ10 — plays a vital role in ATP production, which is the basic fuel for your mitochondria. Your body does produce ubiquinol naturally; in fact, it is the predominant form in most healthy cells, tissues and organs. However, with rampant pollution and poor diet, mitochondrial dysfunction has become increasingly common, warranting supplementation with either ubiquinol or CoQ10.
One study published in the journal Neurology31 found that CoQ10 was superior to a placebo in preventing migraines and reducing severity. Of the patients who received 100 mg of CoQ10 three times a day, 50% reported significantly reduced frequency of headaches compared to only 14% of those who took the placebo. |
| GABA — Migraine is one of several common symptoms of GABA deficiency. |
Carbon dioxide — Migraines can also be addressed with CO2. In some cases, migraines can be triggered by overbreathing, causing a lack of CO2 that constricts the blood vessels in your brain. Exogenous CO2 delivery methods include:
|
- 1, 3 Stat Pearls, Migraine Headache
- 2 Migraine Research Foundation, Migraine Facts
- 4 Scientific American July 21, 2013
- 5 Ray Peat Forum August 29, 2018
- 6 Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences August 14, 2018
- 7 EurekAlert! August 14, 2018
- 8 ZeroHedge March 8, 2024
- 9 Nutrients July 2023; 15(14): 3129
- 10 Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014: 360438. DOI: 10.1155/2014/360438
- 11 Pharmacognosy Review. 2010;4(8):118-126
- 12 Biochemical Journal. 1982;208(1):129-140
- 13 Nephrol Dialysis Transplant. 2001;16(8):1598-1606
- 14 Free Radical Biol Med. 1992;13:341-390
- 15 Journal of Nutrition June 1990; 120(6):625-30
- 16 Metabolism July 1992; 41(7): 788-792
- 17 Healthier U September 25, 2023
- 18 Journal of Headache and Pain 2013; 14, Article number P138
- 19 Headache September 27, 2016
- 20 Mymensingh Med J 2021 Jan;30(1):43-47
- 21 Paloma Health February 17, 2022
- 22 Renewable Energy. 2018; 126: 403-419
- 23 Int J Mol Sci. 2015;16(6):12871-12890
- 24 The Plan Journal. 2008;54:640-655
- 25 The American Journal of Medicine November 8, 2019; 133(4): 412-416
- 26 Haidut.me December 4, 2019 (Archived)
- 27, 28 J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2012 May;119(5):575-9
- 29 Pharmacogenetics and Genomics 2009 Jun;19(6):422-8
- 30 European Journal of Neurology 2004 Jul;11(7):475-7
- 31 Neurology 2005 Feb 22;64(4):713-5
Toxins Cause Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/05/15/toxins-cause-cardiomyopathy.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola May 15, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Patients with severe heart failure have 12,000-fold more antimony in their heart muscle cells than healthy controls and 22,000-fold more mercury
- Heavy metals like mercury, cadmium and copper directly impair mitochondrial function, which is crucial for cellular energy production
- Antimony exposure is linked to cardiovascular issues and has estrogenic activity, which may contribute to chronic diseases including cancer
- The heart often serves as a collection site for heavy metals, significantly contributing to heart failure
- Chelation therapy may reverse heart damage caused by heavy metal toxicity. Routine phlebotomy is recommended for managing high iron levels and can also lower your microplastic burden
According to research1 published in 1999, people with severe heart failure have 12,000-fold more antimony in their myocytes (the heart muscle cells responsible for contraction) than healthy controls. They also have 22,000-fold more mercury.
Mercury is a highly toxic metal that causes oxidative stress, weakening of the antioxidant defense system, enzyme inactivation and increased oxidative damage, all of which contribute to the deterioration of heart function.2 Long-term exposure to antimony has also been linked to cardiovascular problems. Antimony also has estrogenic activity, which drives many chronic diseases, including cancer.
The oxidative stress caused by heavy metals is one of the primary ways in which they destroy your mitochondrial function. Some heavy metals, including mercury, cadmium and copper, also interfere directly with the mitochondrial electron transport chain,3 leading to reduced ATP production, which is crucial for cellular energy.
Mercury’s interaction with mitochondrial enzymes and membranes further amplifies oxidative damage, impairs cellular respiration, and can trigger cell death.
High Concentrations of Heavy Metals Are Nearly Always Present in Failing Hearts
In a November 2023 article,4 Dr. Thomas Levy, contributing editor for the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, pointed out that the heart is “the preferred collection site” for most heavy metals, and as such, heavy metal toxicity is a common contributor to, and sometimes direct cause of, heart failure.
Various toxins, especially heavy metals like lead, copper, iron, mercury, aluminum, cadmium and others, can accumulate in heart tissue, contributing significantly to heart failure by directly damaging heart muscle cells and affecting their function. As reported by Levy:5
“Many different toxins, including many heavy metals, have been either linked to heart failure or clearly shown to be the direct cause. Furthermore, one or more of these toxins is nearly always present in high concentrations in the affected heart muscle. A partial list of such agents includes the following:
- Lead
- Copper
- Iron
- Mercury
- Aluminum
- Cobalt/Chromium
- Cadmium
- Gold/Silver
- Chemotherapy
- COVID spike protein”
Levy cites studies showing how each of these toxic agents damage your heart and deteriorate cardiac function. Lead, for example, is linked to acute heart failure and myocarditis; copper toxicity to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; iron to congestive heart failure; and mercury to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM).
Recognizing and treating heavy metal toxicity can dramatically improve heart function, Levy notes, adding that chelation therapy has shown promise in reversing toxicity-related heart damage.
The Safest Way to Lower Your Iron
While Levy reviews the use of an iron chelator (deferoxamine) for severe iron overload, routine phlebotomy (blood donation) is another, likely safer, option. Side effects of deferoxamine include but are not limited to allergic reactions, respiratory issues, vision disturbances, hearing loss, muscle spasms and bone pain.6
For those with elevated iron levels, I recommend donating blood two to four times a year. If losing 10% of your blood in one sitting is too problematic, you can remove blood in smaller amounts once a month on the schedule listed below. If you have congestive heart failure or severe COPD, you should discuss this with your doctor, but otherwise this is a fairly appropriate recommendation for most.
| Men | Postmenopausal Women | Premenopausal Women |
|---|---|---|
| 150 ml | 100 ml | 50 ml |
As reported by Levy:7
“[A] case report described a 27-year-old woman with ‘severe heart failure’ completely normalizing on an iron removal regimen. Patients with severe iron overload cardiomyopathy have an average survival of only one year when therapeutic phlebotomy (blood donation) and iron chelation are not utilized.
This form of cardiomyopathy begins with restricted filling of the heart (diastolic dysfunction), and then evolving into a congestive cardiomyopathy. Iron overload cardiomyopathy occurs most commonly in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis or secondary hemochromatosis (as with β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia).
However, excess iron short of that seen in full-blown hemochromatosis can still be expected to inflict its own dose-dependent toxicity. Most adults already have excess levels of iron in their bodies, as reflected by elevated ferritin levels that erroneously remain regarded as normal in laboratory reference ranges.
Excess iron in the heart is also a predisposing factor to developing atrial fibrillation, an arrhythmia that contributes its own increased morbidity and mortality.
In animal studies, excess cellular iron in heart cells has been shown to increase oxidative stress and impair the ability of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) to produce ATP. As ATP is the primary energy-providing molecule in the body, any decrease in its production always results in compromised cellular function and disease.
Of note, resveratrol supplementation has been shown to dramatically improve heart function in animal models of iron overload cardiomyopathy. In another animal study,8 either deferiprone or N-acetylcysteine was effective in decreasing cardiac iron concentration.”
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Where Does the Antimony Come From?
In personal correspondence with me, Levy pointed out that one of the primary sources of antimony is PET-containing plastics, with plastic water bottles being the top source.
“By comparison, antimony is more toxic than arsenic,” he told me. “After presenting this info recently, a Veteran in the audience told me that they dropped huge pallets of bottled water to the troops in the Middle East, and he would get sick every time he drank the water, but there was no other source of water. Of course, heat accelerated the antimony release into the water.”
Chapter 3 in Defend Our Health’s 2022 report, “Problem Plastic: How Polyester and PET Plastic Can be Unsafe, Unjust and Unsustainable Materials,” detail how antimony in plastic threaten our health, especially that of our children. Here’s a small excerpt:9
“Antimony (in the form of antimony trioxide) is the preferred catalyst for speeding the final chemical reaction that produces PET plastic. Small amounts of antimony can continually escape from PET during use and disposal of plastic bottles, food packaging, and from polyester clothing, children’s products, and other textiles.
Antimony has been known to adversely affect health for decades based on health studies of exposed people and laboratory animals … Children are exposed to multiple sources of antimony from its use as a plastic additive, including its common use with flame retardant chemicals, including in PET and polyester.
In addition to exposure from food and beverages, antimony may be ingested from house dust and from the mouthing of polyester-based toys and clothing. This aggregate exposure to antimony by children appears to exceed the maximum daily dose established by the State of California to protect against chronic organ toxicity.”
Importantly, antimony also has estrogenic activity and estrogen is not something you want too much of. The “Problem Plastic” report cites research that found estrogenic activity in 7 of 9 PET bottles tested.
Aside from being a known carcinogen and a driver of obesity, estrogen is also a metabolic inhibitor that slows down energy production in the cell. And, as stressed by Levy in the quote above, any decrease in energy production “always results in compromised cellular function and disease.”
Beware of Beverages in Plastic Bottles
In February 2022, Defend Our Health tested 20 popular beverages for the presence of antimony. All of the beverages were bottled in PET plastic, and all had detectable levels of antimony. Eight of the 20 samples (40%) had antimony concentrations that exceeded California’s Public Health Goal for drinking water of 1 part per billion (ppb), and 18 of the samples (90%) exceeded the 0.25 ppb limit recommended by Defend Our Health. According to the “Problem Plastic” report:10
“The highest concentration was found in the Campbell’s V8 vegetable juice sample, which had 3.45 parts per billion (ppb) of antimony, more than three times California’s public health goal for antimony in drinking water.
The soda sample with the highest antimony concentration was Coca Cola (packaged in 100% recycled PET) at 2.2 ppb. Nestle’s Perrier water had the highest concentration of antimony among the sampled bottled waters, at 1.58 ppb.
The plastic from 11 bottles had concentrations of antimony in the range of 216 to 321 parts per million (ppm). These concentrations fall within or slightly above the previously documented range of 172 to 261 ppm in PET bottles known to use an antimony catalyst.
Three bottles tested had undetectable concentrations of antimony. These PET samples were Simply Lemonade, Mountain Dew, and 7up bottles. Titanium concentrations for these PET samples were found to be six to seven times higher than in the other tested bottle samples …
Aluminum levels were also elevated in the plastic from two of these samples (Simply Lemonade and 7-up), suggesting that these bottles may have been produced using a titanium- and/or aluminum-based catalyst.”
Nanoplastics Linked to Heart Attacks and Stroke
In related news, recent research11 has also linked nanoplastics to an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, analyzed tissue from 257 individuals undergoing carotid endarterectomy.
Arterial plaques were found to contain several kinds of nanoplastics, including polyethylene, which was detected in 58.4% of patients, and polyvinyl chloride, found in 12.1%.
Disturbingly, individuals with microplastics or nanoplastics in their carotid artery tissues were found to have fourfold higher risk of suffering a cardiovascular event such as heart attack or stroke over the next three years compared to those without such plastics. They were also more likely to die from any cause.
Increasing Cellular Energy Is an Important Part of Heart Failure Treatment
The heart and the brain between them consume nearly one-third of your body’s energy. The brain is 2% of your body weight and consumes 20% of your body energy, while your heart is only 0.5% of your body weight (or 75% less than your brain) yet still consumes 7% to 8% of your body’s energy. Gram per gram, this is 50% more than your brain consumption.
If you are unable to produce adequate cellular energy, you simply won’t have enough power to allow your heart to pump efficiently. This is why it is so vital to implement the strategies we have discussed previously in other articles to improve cellular energy production.
The following are key concepts that need to be integrated to improve all cellular energy, and certainly energy produced for the heart. They all revolve around improving mitochondrial function:
• Lower LA as much as possible — This is the single most important mitochondrial poison. Watch my comprehensive video on why this is so and how to do it.
• Lower estrogen excess — Estrogen, yes even bioidentical, is nearly as dangerous as LA in destroying mitochondrial function. Aside from avoiding all estrogen supplements and plastics, as they are potent sources of xenoestrogens, you can take trans mucosal progesterone, not oral or transdermal, as it is a potent estrogen blocker. See section below for more details.
• Make sure your thyroid is working well — Thyroid function is absolutely essential to make sure you have a high metabolic rate and produce plenty of ATP. If you are going to do a thyroid test, it is important your TSH be well-suppressed and below 0.5. You can also confirm by taking your temperature first thing in the morning and two hours after meals. Low temperatures indicate low thyroid activity.
• Optimize your microbiome — This is key, as not only are 95% of people metabolically inflexible, but because of mitochondrial poisons their microbiome is out of balance with a preponderance of pathogenic endotoxin-producing bacteria, which is another potent mitochondrial poison. We will be reviewing essential strategies to reverse this pervasive condition in the near future.
Lower Your Toxic Burden With Blood Donation and Sauna
In addition to lowering iron, blood donation can also lower the levels of certain plastic chemicals in your blood. Another effective way to excrete heavy metals and plastic chemicals from your tissues is through sweating. I recommend using a near-infrared sauna with low EMFs for this purpose, as the near-infrared rays can penetrate far deeper into your body than far-infrared.
Other benefits of sauna use include improved cardiovascular fitness and reduced all-cause mortality, lower blood pressure, reduced dementia risk, improved mental health, strengthened immune function, improved athletic endurance, reduced inflammation, stem cell activation, improved insulin sensitivity and a reduction in stress hormones.
As a general recommendation, stay in the sauna for 20 to 30 minutes, or until you reach subjective fatigue, which is a sign that you’ve maxed out the benefits you’re going to get. It’s not about reaching a point of suffering — just that point where you’re feeling mildly anxious and tired and want to get out.
As for the frequency, research has consistently shown that it’s dose-dependent, so the more often you do it, the greater the benefits. The sweet spot seems to be right around four times a week, because you’ll also be losing minerals along with toxins. So, you need to rehydrate and replenish those minerals to avoid mineral deficiencies. For more details, including how to build your own near-infrared sauna, see “Near-Infrared Sauna Therapy — A Key Biohack for Health.”
Progesterone Counteracts Xenoestrogen Exposure From Plastics
To counteract the hazards of estrogenic exposure from plastics you can use progesterone, which is a natural estrogen antagonist. Progesterone is one of only four hormones I believe many adults can benefit from. (The other three are thyroid hormone T3, DHEA and pregnenolone.)
As a general recommendation, I recommend taking 25 to 50 mg of bioidentical progesterone per a day, taken in the evening one hour before bed, as it can also promote sleep. For optimal bioavailability, progesterone needs to be mixed into natural vitamin E. The difference in bioavailability between taking progesterone orally without vitamin E and taking it with vitamin E is 45 minutes versus 48 hours.
Another good reason for taking progesterone with vitamin E is because it binds to red blood cells, which allows the progesterone to be carried throughout your body and be distributed to where it’s needed the most.
Simply Progesterone by Health Natura is premixed with vitamin E and MCT oil. You can also make your own by dissolving pure USP progesterone powder into one capsule of a high-quality vitamin E, and then rub the mixture on your gums. Fifty milligrams of powdered progesterone is about 1/32 teaspoon.
Do not use synthetic vitamin E (alpha tocopherol acetate — the acetate indicates that it’s synthetic). Natural vitamin E will be labeled “d alpha tocopherol.” This is the pure D isomer, which is what your body can use. There are also other vitamin E isomers, and you want the complete spectrum of tocopherols and tocotrienols, specifically the beta, gamma, and delta types, in the effective D isomer.
I do not recommend transdermal progesterone, as your skin expresses high levels of 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which causes a significant portion of the progesterone you’re taking to be irreversibly converted primarily into allopregnanolone and cannot be converted back into progesterone.
Preventing Toxic Exposures Is Key
Of course, prevention — minimizing your exposure to heavy metals and estrogenic compounds such as microplastics — really needs to be your first line of defense.
While that sounds easy enough, it can be tricky business, for the simple reason that these toxins are all around us, in our food, water, household dust, clothing, household and personal care items and even the air we breathe. That said, making a concerted effort to rid your household of plastic can go a long way toward minimizing your and your children’s exposure. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
| Filter your tap water and avoid water bottled in plastic — If you need to buy bottled water, opt for glass bottles. Also make sure the filter you use to purify your tap water can filter out microplastics. |
| Choose organic foods whenever possible. |
| Opt for low-mercury fish such as anchovy, catfish, wild-caught Alaskan salmon, sardines and tilapia — These fish are categorized as “Best Choices” for consumption due to their lower mercury levels, making them safer options for everyone, including pregnant women and children.12
Steer clear of all farmed fish, however, as farmed fish tend to be heavily contaminated. Also avoid large carnivorous fish such as marlin, sea bass and tuna, including canned tuna, as these tend to contain some of the highest concentrations of mercury. |
| Maintain proper ventilation to reduce indoor pollutants. |
| Boil hard tap water — If you have hard tap water, consider boiling it before using it for cooking or drinking, as hard water traps more microplastics. Recent research shows boiling hard tap water for five minutes removes up to 90% of the microplastics in the water.13 |
| Choose alternatives to plastic packaging — Opt for products packaged in glass, metal, or paper instead of plastic. This can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that potentially breaks down into microplastics. At home, use wax paper, parchment paper or paper bags to store foods rather than plastic wrap. |
| Use reusable containers — Replace single-use plastic bottles, cups, and containers with reusable alternatives made from safer materials like stainless steel or glass. |
| Never microwave plastics — Heat can cause plastics to leach chemicals into food. Use glass or ceramic containers for microwaving. |
| Avoid plastic cutting boards — Opt for wood or glass cutting boards instead. |
| Opt for natural fibers — Whenever possible, choose clothing and other textile products made from natural fibers like cotton, wool and linen, as synthetic fabrics such as polyester shed microfibers and leach xenoestrogens. |
| Wash synthetic clothes less frequently — When washing synthetic textiles, use a microfiber filter in your washing machine to trap synthetic fibers and prevent them from entering the water system. |
| Opt for food grade cosmetics and personal care products — Some cosmetics, toothpastes, and personal care products contain microbeads or other plastic particles. Look for products free of these materials. Ideally, opt for all-natural, food grade products. |
| Ensure proper disposal or recycling of electronics and batteries. |
- 1 J Am Coll Cardiol 1999 May;33(6):1578-83
- 2 Front Pharmacol April 12, 2021; 12
- 3 Scientific World Journal April 24, 2012; 136063
- 4, 5, 7 Orthomolecular Medicine News Service November 3, 2023 (Archived)
- 6 Drugs.com Deferoxamine
- 8 Toxicology 427:152289
- 9, 10 Defend Our Health, Problem Plastics July 2022
- 11 New England Journal of Medicine March 6, 2024
- 12 FDA Advice about Eating Fish
- 13 ZeroHedge March 8, 2024
Kids Intentionally Poisoned by Artificial School Lunches
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2023/09/06/kids-poisoned-by-artificial-school-lunches.aspx
The original Mercola article may not remain on the original site, but I will endeavor to keep it on this site as long as I deem it to be appropriate.
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola Fact Checked September 06, 2023
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Two Kraft Heinz ready-to-eat prepackaged Lunchables are being added to K-12 school lunch programs across the U.S. this fall
- Kraft Heinz — which is primarily owned by institutional shareholders, the top four being Berkshire Hathaway, BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street — is a partner of the School Nutrition Association, and has been pushing to get their wares into the lunch program for some time
- According to Katie Wilson, executive director of the Urban School Food Alliance, the fact that a processed, packaged food meets school lunch standards points to problems with the federal nutritional guidelines
- Topping my list of concerns for the Lunchables extra cheese pizza product is the presence of soybean oil, which is loaded with harmful omega-6 linoleic acid (LA). Evidence suggests LA is a key contributor to chronic diseases, as it impairs mitochondrial function and energy production
- “Vital wheat gluten” is another concern. This is pure gluten, which can contribute to or cause leaky gut. Other questionable ingredients include artificial flavors, preservatives, food coloring and “cellulose powder,” which is a fancy name for refined wood pulp. In addition to being an anticaking agent, wood pulp also provides bulk (cutting down on the amount of “real” ingredients required) and can have a laxative effect in sufficient quantity
The quality of school lunches has been deteriorating for decades, and it just got another downgrade. As reported by CNN,1 two Kraft Heinz ready-to-eat prepackaged Lunchables are being added to K-12 school lunch programs across the U.S. as of this fall semester.
Improved Nutrition?
The school Lunchables have reportedly been reformulated to meet the National School Lunch Program’s (NSLP) nutritional requirements, which include higher grain content and lower sodium, compared to the Lunchables sold in stores.
But if you have even the slightest knowledge about diet and nutrition, you’ll realize that NSLP nutritional requirements really don’t amount to much. They certainly do not guarantee that your children are being well-fed.
Schools are required to offer students five meal components: fruit, vegetable, protein, grain and milk, and students must take at least three, including a fruit or vegetable option, as part of their lunch.
While that seems sound, once you start looking at what qualifies as fruit, vegetable, protein, grain and milk, you quickly realize that what the kids are actually getting is ultraprocessed junk food loaded with artificial ingredients.
Pizza, for example, has been a staple in schools for a long time, with tomato sauce qualifying as “vegetable.” The Lunchables “extra cheesy pizza” isn’t even regular pizza. It’s basically an ultraprocessed imitation of an ultraprocessed junk food.
Not surprisingly, Kraft Heinz is a partner of the School Nutrition Association, and has reportedly been pushing to get their wares into the lunch program for some time.2
Meanwhile, the Kraft Heinz Company is primarily owned by institutional shareholders.3 As of this writing, the top four owners are Berkshire Hathaway, BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street4 — the same entities that have a monopoly on the world’s resources in general.
Balanced Nutrition?
Kraft Heinz has also partnered with Del Monte to provide a Lunchables with Fresh Fruit option, where the processed lunch meat and cheese is served with pieces of fruit (apples, pineapple, grapes or clementines) rather than crackers.
According to foodsided.com,5 the fruit-based Lunchables is an effort to create a more “balanced eating school lunch option.”
These products are not being rolled out as part of the school lunch program, however. They’ll be available in grocery stores across the South-Central region of the U.S. this fall, and are being marketed to children who bring their own lunches.
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Lunchables Raise Concern Among Child Nutritionists
According to The Washington Post,6 the new Lunchables offerings “could appeal to schools that are struggling with labor shortages in cafeterias and supply chain kinks that have limited their menu options.” However, “many nutrition experts greeted the news with a heaping side of skepticism” — as they well should. The Washington Post writes:7
“Katie Wilson, the executive director of the Urban School Food Alliance, said the approval of Lunchables points to bigger problems with federal guidelines. ‘The fact that a processed, packaged food meets school lunch standards is part of what needs to change in the national school lunch program,’ she said …
Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and professor at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition, said he wouldn’t have a problem with Lunchables — if they didn’t include processed meat or high sodium levels.
The World Health Organization considers products such as sandwich meats, hot dogs and bacon to be ‘Group 1’ carcinogens, the same category as cigarettes and asbestos, he noted …
‘These are products that could be used in an emergency situation, but I certainly hope they don’t become the norm in school meals,’ Wilson said. ‘What message are we sending our children about healthy eating?’ And then there’s the packaging — plastic trays and wrappers — which some critics say is wasteful.”
Plastic Contamination — Another Pressing Concern
Indeed, each Lunchables product comes in a plastic tray with plastic wrap cover, so just how much plastic trash will be added by serving Lunchables to 30 million students, every day of the school year?
Without getting bogged down in actual math, we can conclude it’s going to be quite a lot, so where’s the environmental concern? Aren’t we eliminating livestock and cutting agriculture to save the planet? Shouldn’t we leave the cows and rice paddies alone and eliminate processed foods wrapped in plastic instead?
Both food and water are becoming increasingly contaminated with these toxic bits. Microplastic particles, which are less than 5 millimeters long, are literally clouding the oceans in spots.
Carried along with the ocean’s currents, swirling gyres of “plastic smog”8 now cover about 40% of the world’s ocean surfaces.9 Plastic bits are eaten by fish and other marine life, which are then eaten by us.10
Remarkably, the annual release of plastics to land is estimated to be four to 23 times greater than that released to oceans.11 Eighty-three percent of tap water samples tested worldwide, and 94% of samples in the U.S., are also contaminated with plastic.12
Pure Garbage
While media report the content of these Lunchables in terms of the amounts of grains, meat/meat alternatives, saturated fat and sodium in them, most nutritionally-aware people know that there’s more to nutrition than that. Just what is in these products?
Here’s the Nutrition Facts label and list of ingredients for the Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza (4.2-ounce package) sold in U.S. grocery stores:13
|
 |
The school lunch program version comes in a 5.05-ounce container and is formulated to contain 2 ounces of meat/meat alternative, 2 ounces of grains, one-eighth cup of red vegetable (tomato sauce), 7 grams of saturated fat and 700 milligrams of sodium.
Aside from those details, I’ve not been able to locate a full list of ingredients for the school version, but I believe it’s reasonable to assume that most of the individual ingredients will be the same as the grocery store version.
Soybean oil is loaded with harmful omega-6 linoleic acid — a key contributor to chronic diseases, as it impairs mitochondrial function and energy production.
Topping my list of concerns for the “pizza” version is the presence of soybean oil, which is loaded with harmful omega-6 linoleic acid (LA). Evidence suggests LA is a key contributor to chronic diseases, as it impairs mitochondrial function and energy production.
“Vital wheat gluten” is another concern. This has been described as “normal wheat flour on steroids.”14 It’s basically pure gluten, which can contribute to or cause leaky gut. Other questionable ingredients include artificial flavors of unknown constitution, sodium benzoate preservative and food coloring.
It’s worth noting that they’re not using real mozzarella cheese but rather two kinds of “cheese product.” The food coloring (apocarotenal) is a yellow-red compound used to give it a familiar yellowish cheese color.
They also add “cellulose powder” as an anticaking agent, which is a fancy name for refined wood pulp.15 Bon Appetit! Wood pulp also provides bulk (cutting down on the amount of “real” ingredients required) and can have a laxative effect in sufficient quantity.
Even Worse Garbage
Taking a look at Lunchables Uploaded, which are sold in stores but not part of the school lunch program, provides an even more revolting read. These 15.12 ounce trays come with an artificially-flavored, artificially- and naturally-sweetened drink, a bag of Cheez It and Trolli gummy candy. And Kraft Heinz wants you to think they’re concerned with “balanced nutrition.”
Here’s the complete ingredients list for Lunchables Uploaded Ultimate Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza with Cheez It & Trolli Candy:16
“Purified Drinking Water; Pizza Sauce (Water, Tomato Paste, Sugar, Contains Less than 2% of Modified Food Starch, Garlic Powder, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice, Citric Acid, Dried Basil, Sea Salt, Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate [Added as Preservatives], Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavor)
Pizza Crust: (Enriched Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Water, Whole Wheat Flour, Soybean Oil, Yeast, Sugar, Contains 2% or Less of: Reduced Sodium Salt Blend [Salt, Potassium Chloride, Natural Flavor], Dough Conditioner [Whey (Milk), L-Cysteine], Vital Wheat Gluten, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Mono-Diglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Rice Bran Extract, Calcium Propionate, Dough Conditioner [Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate), Enzymes], Dehydrated Garlic, Cellulose Powder)
Baked Snack Crackers (Enriched Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Folic Acid], Vegetable Oil [Soybean and Palm Oil], Cheese Made with Skim Milk [Skim Milk, Whey Protein, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto Extract for Color], Contains Two Percent or Less of Salt, Paprika, Yeast, Paprika Oleoresin for Color, Soy Lecithin)
Gummy Worms: (Corn Syrup, Sugar, Gelatin, Modified Corn Starch, Fumaric Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Calcium Lactate, Sodium Lactate, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Titanium Dioxide [Color], Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1)
Cheese Blend (Mozzarella Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product [Part-Skim Milk, Water, Milk Protein Concentrate, Milkfat, Contains Less than 2% of Salt, Cheese Culture, Sodium Citrate, Sorbic Acid as Preservative, Enzymes, Vitamin A Palmitate, Cellulose Powdered Added to Prevent Caking]
Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product [Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Water, Milk Protein Concentrate, Milkfat, Contains Less than 2% of Salt, Cheese Culture, Sodium Citrate, Sorbic Acid as Preservative, Enzymes, Apocarotenal (Color), Vitamin A Palmitate, Cellulose Powder Added to Prevent Caking])
Pepperoni Made with Pork and Chicken (Pork, Mechanically Separated Chicken, Salt, Contains 2% or Less of Pork Stock, Spices [Including Mustard], Dextrose, Lactic Acid Starter Culture, Oleoresin of Paprika, Flavoring, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Nitrite, BHA, BHT, Citric Acid)
Tropical Punch Artificial Flavored Soft Drink Mix (Sugar, Fructose, Citric Acid, Contains Less than 2% of Ascorbic Acid [Vitamin C], Natural and Artificial Flavor, Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose [Sweeteners], Calcium Phosphate, Artificial Color, Red 40, Blue 1, BHA [Preserves Freshness]).”
Vegetable oils, pure gluten, refined wood pulp, soy, corn syrup, sugar, artificial flavors, artificial colors, nitrites, preservatives and artificial sweeteners — this is what passes for “food” for growing children whose development and IQ depend on proper nutrition. It’s beyond sad. And it certainly helps to explain the explosion of chronic diseases in childhood.
Processed Food Diets Are Deadlier Than Smoking
Research has shown refined high-carb diets are as risky as smoking, increasing your risk for lung cancer by as much as 49%,17 while other estimates suggest processed foods kill more people prematurely than cigarette smoking.18
Many studies have also demonstrated that the more processed a food is, the worse it is for your health, and more than $1 trillion is spent on treating junk food-related diseases in the U.S. each year.19
Processed foods promote a wide variety of chronic health problems, including obesity,20 cardiovascular diseases, Type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, depression and cancer.
A 2018 study published in BMJ,21 which included 104,980 participants who were followed for an average of five years, found that each 10% increase in ultraprocessed food intake raised the cancer rate by 12%. This works out to nine additional cancer cases per 10,000 people per year. The risk of breast cancer, specifically, went up by 11% for every 10% increase in ultraprocessed food.
Processed foods also raise your risk of premature death,22,23,24,25,26 which makes sense, considering how health issues like heart disease and cancer can shave years, if not decades, off your life span.
French research27 published in 2019 found that for each 10% increase in the amount of ultraprocessed food consumed, the risk of premature death rose by 14%. This then also means you have a significant degree of control over your expected life span. Cut your processed food consumption by half and you’re already 70% less likely to die early than you were before.
Ultraprocessed Defined
Food processing occurs on a spectrum, with traditionally canned or fermented foods being “processed” but minimally so, whereas ultraprocessed foods have not only been cooked or altered, but also contain unnatural ingredients — such as those found in Lunchables.
Generally, ultraprocessed foods can be defined as food products containing one or more of the following:
- Ingredients that are not traditionally used in cooking
- Unnaturally high amounts of sugar, salt, processed industrial oils and unhealthy fats
- Artificial flavors, colors, chemical sweeteners and other additives that imitate sensorial qualities of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (examples include additives that create textures and pleasing mouth-feel)
- Preservatives and chemicals that impart an unnaturally long shelf-life
- Genetically engineered (GE) ingredients, which in addition to carrying potential health risks also tend to be heavily contaminated with toxic herbicides
As described in the NOVA classification of food processing,28 “A multitude of sequences of processes is used to combine the usually many ingredients and to create the final product (hence ‘ultraprocessed’).” Examples include hydrogenation, hydrolysation, extrusion, molding and preprocessing for frying.
Ultraprocessed foods also tend to be far more addictive than other foods, thanks to high amounts of sugar (which has been shown to be more addictive than cocaine29), salt and fat. The processed food industry has also developed “craveabilty” into an art form. Nothing is left to chance, and by making their foods addictive, manufacturers ensure repeat sales.
Processed Food and the Obesity Epidemic
For a clear illustration of what processed food has done to public health, just look at photos of beachgoers in the 1960s and ‘70s and compare it to a beach scene of today. Even as recently as my childhood in the 1970s, obesity was uncommon and even older people were relatively trim.
The obesity rate among adults through the 1960s and ‘70s was only 13%.30 In 2020, the U.S. obesity rate hit 42%,31,32 and another 30% of adults were overweight.33 Combined, that means more than 7 out of 10 people are carrying excess weight, placing them at increased risk for preventable health problems, mental health issues, chronic disease and early death.34
A main culprit behind this obesity epidemic is the omega-6 fat, linoleic acid (LA), which is found most abundantly in seed (commonly referred to as vegetable) oils that processed foods are loaded with.
As the takeover and transformation of our food system ramps up, the problems associated with processed foods will only get more severe, as the globalists’ goal is to replace most natural and whole foods with unhealthy patented ultraprocessed products.
Animal farming will be regulated into oblivion in order to be replaced by insect farms (so-called micro livestock), gene-edited food, lab grown meat and synthetic animal-free dairy products — all in the name of safeguarding public health and protecting the environment.
Back in 2016, the World Economic Forum (WEF) published an article titled “What Will We Eat in 2030?”35 The article proposed to improve the food system by increasing food processing and the engineering foods in “ways that are better for our health.”
“’Ultraprocessed’ foods need not be unhealthy,” the WEF claimed. But this is as big a lie as “Roundup is safe enough to drink,” “Smoking is safe for pregnant women,” “DDT is good for me” and “COVID vaccines are safe and effective.” There is no way to make ultraprocessed food healthy. Period. And the sooner people realize this, the sooner we can turn the obesity and childhood disease trends around.
Healthy Eating Habits Start at Home
In my view, eating a diet consisting of 90% whole (ideally organic) food and only 10% or less processed foods is an achievable goal for most that could make a significant difference in your weight and overall health, and that of your children. You simply need to make the commitment and place a high priority on it.
Remember, your children’s eating habits are formed at an early age, at home. If they’re used to eating healthy whole food at home, they may be less inclined to opt for Lunchables at school, especially if they’ve been told why one is better than the other.
And, if you’re tucking Lunchables into your child’s lunch bag out of sheer convenience, please consider the long-term ramifications to your child’s health. Review the disease and mortality statistics for processed food diets again. The fact is, eating healthy isn’t all that complicated.
Simply focus on whole foods. Your child’s lunch could consist of some white rice with a piece of cooked chicken from last night’s dinner, for example, along with some fresh fruit and/or vegetable.
- 1, 2 CNN March 14, 2023
- 3 Nasdaq August 3, 2021
- 4 Nasdaq KHC Institutional Holdings
- 5 Foodsided.com July 30, 2023
- 6, 7 Washington Post March 16, 2023
- 8 Huffington Post May 24, 2017
- 9 The Center for Biological Diversity, Plastics Pollution
- 10 Daily Mail August 28, 2016
- 11 Science of the Total Environment May 15, 2017; 586: 127-141
- 12 Orb, Invisibles: The Plastic Inside Us
- 13 Stop & Shop Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza
- 14 Happy Herbivore Vital Wheat Gluten
- 15 Drugs.com Cellulose Powder
- 16 Amazon Lunchables Uploaded
- 17 Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention March 2016, DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-15-0765
- 18, 34 American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine September-October 2018; 12(5): 375-381
- 19 Valuing the Impact of Food May 2020, p.2
- 20 Cell Metabolism, 2019; doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2019.05.008
- 21 BMJ 2018; 360:k322
- 22, 27 JAMA Internal Medicine February 11, 2019;179(4):490-498
- 23 BMJ February 14, 2018; 360
- 24 JAMA 2017;317(9):912-924
- 25 BMJ, 2019;365:I1451
- 26 BMJ, 2019;365:l1949
- 28 World.openfoodfacts.org
- 29 Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2013 Jul;16(4):434-9
- 30 American Psychological Association July 2012
- 31 Trust for America’s Health, State of Obesity 2022
- 32, 33 Single Care Obesity Statistics 2022
- 35 WEforum November 10, 2016