You will have seen the headlines: “We eat a bank card’s value of plastic each week!” The picture of chopsticks holding a bank card is stunning. “I had no concept that I used to be consuming that a lot plastic! Have I been consuming the wrappers, too?” However is that this actually true? Let’s take a detailed have a look at the place this declare comes from, what the actual science says in regards to the well being dangers of microplastics, and what you are able to do to guard your self and your loved ones. 

The place Did the “5 Grams of Plastic a Week” Declare Come From?

The concept that we eat 5 grams of plastic each week (in regards to the weight of a bank card) began with a 2019 report by the World Large Fund for Nature (WWF) and researchers on the College of Newcastle, Australia. They tried to estimate how a lot microplastic individuals could be consuming, consuming, and respiratory every week. Their highest estimate was 5 grams per week, however this was simply certainly one of a number of guesses based mostly on a mixture of research and assumptions. A LOT of assumptions.

Right here’s the necessary half: More moderen, extra cautious analysis reveals that this quantity is manner too excessive—by an element of 1,000,000! (That’s 6 orders of magnitude for you mathematicians on the market.)

OK. 6 orders of magnitude doesn’t make most of you cry in outrage. However how about this: What the analysis actually reveals is as an alternative of consuming a bank card per week, it’s really a bank card each 24,000 years. However that doesn’t actually get anybody too enthusiastic about the issue, now, does it.

Cautious critiques discovered that the actual quantity of microplastics individuals often eat is far, a lot decrease, nearer to 4 micrograms per week. That’s a tiny fraction of a bank card. The “5 grams” quantity bought well-liked as a result of it’s simple to image and makes a catchy headline, nevertheless it doesn’t match what scientists have discovered after they look extra carefully.

So, no—you aren’t consuming a bank card’s value of plastic each week. The actual quantity is far smaller, and the scary meme relies on a whopping overestimate.

What Are Microplastics, and The place Do They Come From?

Microplastics are tiny items of plastic, smaller than 5 millimeters throughout. They arrive from issues like broken-down plastic bottles, artificial clothes fibers, and even some private care merchandise. Microplastics are in every single place—in our water, meals, and even the air we breathe.

How Do Microplastics Have an effect on Our Well being?

Although we aren’t consuming a bank card’s value of plastic, scientists are nonetheless learning what occurs after we swallow or breathe in microplastics. Right here’s a few of what scientists have uncovered to date:

1. Endocrine Disruption

Some microplastics carry chemical substances like BPA and phthalates. These are referred to as “endocrine disruptors” as a result of they will mess with our hormones. A 2025 research discovered that even adults who ate what was thought-about a “secure” quantity of BPA developed extra insulin resistance in simply 4 days, which may increase the chance of diabetes. Quite a lot of different troubles may be traced again to disrupted hormones as effectively, affecting generations not even born but.

2. Irritation

Microplastics may cause irritation within the physique. Continual irritation is on the coronary heart of a lot of our power illness points. Animal research have proven that when mice had been fed comparatively excessive doses of microplastics, their our bodies reacted with irritation. In a separate research researchers discovered that diabetic mice responded with extra irritation and dyslipidemia and irritation than wholesome mice when uncovered to polystyrene microplastics.

3. Intestine Well being

Our intestine is dwelling to trillions of useful micro organism. If these micro organism get off-balance it causes loads of havoc in our entire physique. Intestine pathology is the foundation of many auto-immune ailments in addition to inflammatory intestine ailments, useful dyspepsia, SIBO, and irritable bowel syndrome.  These micro organism assist us digest meals and preserve us wholesome. A 2021 research discovered that microplastics can upset the steadiness of those intestine micro organism, inflicting “intestine dysbiosis.” When the intestine will get out of steadiness, it may well result in issues with digestion and even have an effect on our immune system and metabolism.

Ought to We Be Apprehensive?

The excellent news is that, based mostly on the very best science, we’re not consuming almost as a lot plastic because the headlines declare. However even small quantities of microplastics might affect our well being over time, particularly as a result of they will carry dangerous chemical substances and upset our intestine well being.

Since microplastic publicity is within the intestine, it is smart to eat a fiber-rich food regimen (just like the Hallelujah Food regimen) to bind up microplastics earlier than they get absorbed. Utilizing binders like activated charcoal and bentonite clay could also be useful. Ingesting numerous purified water to help your kidneys. And retaining your intestine well being in tip prime form with probiotics, prebiotic fiber (like onions, chicory root, and konjac mannan (glucomannan) wouldn’t harm both.

Sensible Steps to Scale back Plastic Publicity in Your Home

The kitchen is one place the place plastics get used lots together with the meals we eat and drinks we drink. So, it is smart to start out proper within the kitchen. Listed here are 9 sensible steps you possibly can take as we speak:

Keep away from Bottled Water

That is the only largest factor you are able to do. Research present that bottled water accommodates rather more microplastic than faucet water. So, if you wish to lower down on microplastics, cease shopping for bottled water.

Use a Water Filter

If you’re apprehensive about your faucet water, use a superb water filter at dwelling. Berkey water filters are glorious. Reverse osmosis water is okay should you remineralize it after purification after which change the filters on schedule. Distilled water can also be glorious, should you remineralize it earlier than consuming.

Swap Plastic Containers for Glass or Stainless Metal

Exchange plastic Rubbermaid andTupperware with glass jars (like Mason jars) or stainless-steel containers. They’re secure, sturdy, and don’t leach microplastics. Tip: Reuse glass jars from sauces to retailer leftovers or bulk grains.

Ditch Plastic Wrap and Luggage

Use beeswax wraps or reusable silicone baggage as an alternative of cling wrap or Ziploc baggage. Material produce baggage are excellent for buying. (By no means heard of beeswax wraps? Me neither, however right here is an article that compares a number of manufacturers.)

Select Non-Plastic Kitchen Instruments

Go for picket chopping boards and bamboo utensils (except you must fear about gluten contamination). Nylon or silicone utensils could be extra steady than different plastics. Tip: Seal picket boards with food-grade mineral oil for hygiene.

Eradicate Non-Stick Pans. Use Stainless Metal and Forged iron cookware. 

PFOA and PFOAS eternally chemical substances come from teflon surfaces. Ceramic non-stick is a wholesome possibility as effectively. Tip: Forged iron cookware can final generations. Oil and lecithin therapy makes forged iron nearly non-stick, at the least briefly.

Keep away from Microwaving Plastics (should you use a microwave)

Warmth meals in glass or ceramic dishes, lined with a plate or paper towel. Tip: Reheat on the stovetop in forged iron for higher taste and security.

Purchase Contemporary, Unpackaged Meals

Store at farmers’ markets or bulk shops for unpackaged produce and grains. Bulk grains and beans are available in paper baggage. Tip: Concentrate on uncooked, natural vegetables and fruit to nourish your physique with residing meals that feed your residing physique.

Eradicate Single-Use Plastics

Actually at dwelling you need to use reusable straws, utensils, and fabric napkins. Lots of you already try this. And while you exit for eating you possibly can carry your personal containers. Tip: Help eateries utilizing compostable packaging.

Get Rid of Your Carpet

Artificial fibers in carpet shed microplastics. Carpets additionally lure loads of mud and allergens, and probably mildew down inside. They could really feel tender, however there are various causes to go along with arduous floor ground coverings. Use a throw rug fabricated from pure fibers as an alternative.

Conclusion

The concept that you’re consuming a bank card’s value of plastic each week simply isn’t true. The actual quantity is far, a lot smaller, and there’s no must panic. Nonetheless, microplastics are in every single place, and scientists are studying extra about how they may have an effect on our well being—particularly with regards to hormones, irritation, and intestine well being.

The most effective factor you are able to do is straightforward: Drink purified water, not from a plastic bottle. This one change could make an enormous distinction in what number of microplastics you soak up. Together with just a few different simple swaps, you possibly can defend your self and your loved ones from pointless plastic publicity.

Our objective is to be accountable stewards of what God has given to us, to not worship the surroundings or “mom earth” or something like that. We simply don’t wish to pollute our earth, our neighbors, or ourselves. So, by making discerning selections about plastics that come into contact with our meals we honor God’s creation and defend our our bodies.