WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS NOW
Microplastics have been found in human brains, blood, lungs, and even the placenta. Once inside your body, they can trigger inflammation, disrupt hormones, and contribute to long-term health issues, even cancer. The evidence is mounting, and this is on the verge of becoming a public health crisis.
The good news: some foods can help your body bind, move, and excrete certain ingested microplastics before they accumulate. Read on to see what those foods are.
Adding these foods to your diet may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that microplastics can cause inside your body.
Today’s Opponent:
Microplastics*
*Note: Read on for foods that can be your ally (:
1. Kimchi
Rich in L. plantarum, a probiotic strain shown to bind microplastics and boost their excretion in animal studies.
Choose raw, refrigerated kimchi with live cultures.
2. Sauerkraut
Another fermented cabbage rich in L. plantarum and other lactobacilli.
Only fresh, cold-stored versions have active probiotics.
3. Kefir
Fermented dairy with diverse probiotic strains that strengthen the gut barrier.
Look for unsweetened, “live and active cultures” on the label.
4. Yogurt (live culture)
Contains lactobacilli, sometimes L. plantarum, that support gut integrity.
Go for plain or Greek yogurt without added sugars.
5. Miso
Fermented soybean paste with probiotics and antioxidant compounds.
Stir into warm (not boiling) dishes to preserve probiotics.
6. Lentils
High in fiber to trap and move microplastics through the gut.
Also rich in polyphenols to help counteract oxidative stress.
7. Seaweed (Nori, Wakame, Kelp)
Contains alginates that can bind to particles and heavy metals in the gut.
Eat in soups, salads, or as snacks.
8. Blueberries
Packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation caused by microplastics.
Fresh or frozen both work, their nutrient content is preserved.
A 2025 Frontiers in Microbiology study tested 784 probiotic strains for their ability to bind to microplastics. Two: L. plantarum and L. paracasei, excelled, increasing microplastic excretion by 34%, reducing intestinal retention by 67%, and lowering inflammation in mice.
Fiber-rich foods help by speeding transit and binding particles, while antioxidants and polyphenols from plants help offset inflammation and oxidative stress. Seaweed adds a binding effect via natural polysaccharides.
Pairing fermented foods with foods high in fiber and antioxidants is a great way to maximize the microplastics-expelling action of these probiotic strains.
“We are striving to better understand how microplastics enter our body, what health issues they cause, and how to best mitigate these. For now, careful food (and beverage) choices are one of the best options we have.”
“You can’t avoid microplastics completely. They’re in water, air, even fresh produce. But you can make your gut less welcoming to them.”
What To Tell Your Doctor
"How concerned are you about microplastics?”
(Psst: As board-certified gastroenterologists, we hope they respond with “very”. Write to us and let us know what they say.)
TikTok Trend We’d (Not Quite) Ban
Okra Water for Blood Sugar Control and.. Vaginal Lubrication?!
TikTok is telling you to slice up fresh okra, let it soak in water overnight, and drink the slightly slimy liquid in the morning. The boldest claims we’re seeing: it can naturally improve vaginal lubrication and help keep your blood sugar steady.
Maybe she’s onto something..
The idea might not be as wild as it sounds. Okra is loaded with mucilage (that gel-like texture) plus antioxidants and plant compounds that support hydration in your body’s mucous membranes.
In theory, that could help with vaginal moisture, though there’s no clinical trial proving it.
As for blood sugar, okra’s fiber and polyphenols are known to slow glucose absorption when eaten whole.
Early lab and animal studies hint at possible benefits for insulin sensitivity, but no one has put okra water itself through a rigorous human study yet.
That said, it’s cheap, easy, and generally safe for most people. And if you don’t mind the texture, it might be worth experimenting for a week or two.
Just keep your expectations realistic. It’s a healthful plant-based addition, not a silver bullet.
Verdict: NOT BANNED.
What’s On Your Mind?
Respond to this email and let us know!
As gastroenterologists, we definitely have a lot to talk about when it comes to your gut health and well-being. But we can’t always get to everything (you know… like coffee enemas)! So reply directly to this email or DM us on TikTok below and maybe YOUR topic will be featured soon!
