Can I be really honest with you?

I used to think “microplastics” were just one of those environmental buzzwords—like something that mattered more for turtles and oceans than for me. I never thought it had much to do with my gut, or how I felt every day.

But then I came across a study that completely changed the way I look at this topic.

It turns out, microplastics are showing up everywhere—in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat… and yes, even inside our bodies. 🫣

And here's the scary part: new research is showing that they may be messing with our gut microbiome in a big way.

🧬 What the science says:

• Microplastics can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, triggering inflammation and damaging the protective barrier of your gut lining.
• They may disrupt your gut microbial balance, reducing the number of beneficial bacteria and encouraging the growth of harmful ones.
• Some plastics act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone signaling and even affecting metabolism, immune function, and mood.
• In animal studies, microplastic exposure led to reduced gut microbial diversity, something we know is linked to many chronic health issues.

Honestly, when I first read that, I was stunned.

I thought, “Okay, but… surely the body just flushes it out, right?”

Not always. Some microplastics are so tiny they can pass through the gut lining into the bloodstream, potentially reaching other organs. We’re just beginning to understand the long-term effects.

🧘♀️ So what can we actually do about it?

I don't like fear-mongering. I’m a practical person. So I decided to focus on the things we can control. And here's what I now personally do, and recommend to others:

• Minimize exposure:
  • I use a water filter certified to remove microplastics.
  • I cut back on plastic-packaged foods—especially when hot.
  • I switched to glass or stainless steel for storage and cooking.
• Support detox & gut repair:
  • I use ingredients like chlorella, zeolite, shilajit, milk thistle, and curcumin.
  • I regularly do a gut reset protocol with fiber, fermented foods, and binders.
  • I focus on diverse, colorful whole foods to nourish the microbiota.
• Stay calm but aware: Stress weakens the gut too, so I prioritize rest, nature, and breathing work.

Since making these changes, I feel less bloated, more clear-headed, and even my skin has improved—which makes sense, because so many skin issues are rooted in gut inflammation.

So if you've ever had a little voice in your head wondering “Is all this plastic exposure doing something to me?”—you're not crazy. You're just early to the conversation.

📚 References:

1. Ibrahim, Y. S. et al. (2021) – Microplastics impact gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function in mice. Environmental Pollution.
2. Jin, Y. et al. (2019) – Microplastics exposure disrupts the gut microbiota–immune axis in zebrafish. Environmental Pollution.
3. Wright, S. L. & Kelly, F. J. (2017) – Plastic and human health: A micro issue? Environmental Science & Technology.
4. Senathirajah, K. et al. (2021) – Estimating human ingestion of microplastics. Environmental Science & Technology.
5. Campanale, C. et al. (2020) – Potential effects of microplastics and additives of concern on human health. IJERPH.

I don’t say this to scare you—I say this because I wish someone had told me sooner. We all deserve to know what’s affecting our health, even when it’s invisible.

Start with awareness. Take one small action. And give your gut some love along the way. 💚

Love,
Blanka
Nutritionist at iGutBetter