Ingesting microplastic is a major risk factor for diabetes.
Studies say that we are consuming approximately 5 grams of plastic every week. Shockingly enough, our drinking water is the largest source of microplastic in our diet.
Recent research revealed that exposure to microplastic increases the risk of insulin resistance. Studies show that the ingested plastic accumulates in the liver, gut, kidney, and even placenta. This could lead to intestinal inflammation and liver metabolic disorder.
In cases of continual ingestion of microplastics or a high amount of ingestion, it can lead to severe diseases. One such potential danger of ingesting microplastics is insulin resistance and diabetes.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastics that are less than 5 mm in diameter. Microplastic pollution is one of the rising global environmental threats that’s causing potential harm to both animals and humans. These microplastics are ingested by birds, fishes, and animals that make food for humans. So, directly or indirectly we are consuming microplastics.
Studies also found that the daily consumption of microplastics in an infant diet is 14 times higher than in adults. Most of these microplastics, almost 80 % of them, are detected in the gastrointestinal tract.
Microplastic in our diet
Microplastics have penetrated all items in our diet. Common things that we consume every day are showing high contamination. With water being the largest supplier of microplastics, including groundwater, tap water, and bottled water, microplastics have become an inseparable part of our diet. A study found that ‘Bisleri’ had the second-highest number of microplastic fibers.
That’s not it. Microplastics are also found in our common fruits and vegetables. A study found that apples had the highest amounts of microplastics followed by broccoli and then carrots. The plastic-wrapped foods and packaged edibles too have high levels of microplastics.
The toxic effects of microplastics
Microplastic in the human body can cause a lot of damage. It can cause growth inhibition, oxidative damage, and immune stress. In some cases, researchers also found microplastics inducing intestinal barrier dysfunction, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and intestinal inflammation.
It can impair fasting glucose, and insulin resistance, and increase the risk of obesity. Research also found that microplastics can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.
Recent research revealed that persistent exposure to microplastics in the gut can lead to the overgrowth of bad bacteria in the gut. This disrupts the gut and can result in the development of conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Microplastics and Increased risk of insulin resistance
The ingestion of microplastics tends to increase the cortisol hormones. Cortisol is one of the steroid hormones secreted in the adrenal gland. Most cells in our body have cortisol receptors. This hormone is shown to inhibit glucose utilization, raise plasma insulin levels and increase hepatic gluconeogenesis.
Microplastics and impaired immune health
A 2020 study revealed that microplastics lead to increased inflammation and poor gut health, both of which contribute to weakened immunity. Several studies have proved that the gut plays an important role in strengthening immune health. As 70 to 80 % of our body’s immune cells are found in the gut.
How to reduce microplastic consumption?
Is living a plastic-free life really possible? Well, many people are actually doing it. It is in fact the future way of living. Here are a few simple steps that you can take toward a plastic-free life.
- Prefer using tap water over bottled water. Also, make sure to store the water in a copper jar or steel vessel.
- There are several studies examining the effects of eating microwaved food. But one thing is confirmed you should never put food in your microwave in a plastic vessel. Always opt for glass cookware.
- Avoid using plastic jars for storing foods. Opt for glass or steel containers.
- Try eating fresh, home-cooked meals instead of plastic-wrapped and packaged foods.
- Use your plastic packets very carefully and do not discard or dump them near the water bodies.
- Do not use plastic bottles to feed the kids. Also, breast milk and homemade foods like khichdi and soups are much better than packaged ones.
Your Takeaway!
Several studies have confirmed the high presence of microplastics in our environment, in the air, water, and our food. Thus, we are consuming these microplastics in varied ways and it is a leading concern for increasing health hazards. Heart diseases which are already the number one global killer are seeing a rise because of microplastics and so is diabetes. The diabetes burden in India is already high and if microplastic consumption continues then we are eyeing a big epidemic!
The good news is that it can be controlled and even reversed by controlling the use of plastics. One step at a time!
1 comment
[…] show that chronic inflammation is the leading cause of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and bowel diseases. Increased stress, low activity levels, and poor food […]