Microplastics Are Now a National Health Priority

As national research expands, gastroenterologists are paying closer attention to possible colon health risks.

Microplastics are in the water we drink, the food we eat, and the products we use every day. Now, they’re also at the center of a major national health effort.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced a $144 million initiative to study how microplastics build up in the human body and what they may be doing to our health. For physicians on the front lines, that shift matters.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles — often smaller than a grain of sand — that form when larger plastic materials break down over time. They are commonly found in water, food, and everyday household items.

Because of their microscopic size, these particles can enter the body through ingestion or inhalation and accumulate in different tissues over time.

“This is a big deal,” says Dr. Tina Storage, functional gastroenterologist at Adventist Health Glendale. “It’s no longer just something being talked about. It’s something that’s being seriously studied.”

Researchers have already detected microplastics in multiple parts of the body, including the lungs, bloodstream, and brain. For gastroenterologists, the concern is what this could mean for colon health.

“We’ve seen colon cancer rates double in people under the age of 50,” says Dr. Storage. “That tells us something in our environment may be contributing.”

While microplastics have not been proven to cause colon cancer, they are one of several environmental factors now being studied more closely.

“We can’t say microplastics cause colon cancer,” she explains. “But there is a correlation, and it’s concerning enough that it’s being studied at a national level.”

Microplastics also carry chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. These chemicals have been linked to hormonal imbalance, fertility issues, thyroid disorders, and metabolic problems.

“These materials aren’t just passing through without impact,” Dr. Storage says. “They can have biologic effects in the body, which is why there’s growing concern.”

Where microplastics are hiding

One of the biggest challenges with microplastics is how common they are in everyday life.

According to Dr. Storage, plastic exposure predominantly comes from:

• Plastic water bottles

• Food storage containers

• Plastic cooking utensils

• Takeout containers

• Drinking water

• Food packaging

“A lot of people are getting their plastic exposure from drinking water and cooking utensils — things they use every day,” says Dr. Storage.

She also notes that even products labeled BPA-free may still contain other plastic-related chemicals, so simply switching labels does not always eliminate the problem.

What you can do to reduce exposure

The goal is not perfection. It’s reducing your overall exposure where you can.

Dr. Storage recommends simple, realistic changes:

• Switch from plastic water bottles to stainless steel or glass

• Replace plastic cooking utensils with silicone or stainless steel

• Be more mindful of how food is stored and reheated

• Use filtered water whenever possible

She notes that reverse osmosis filters can help reduce exposure to some of the chemicals associated with plastics. While those systems are not always financially realistic for every household, using filtered water is still preferable to no filtration, especially when paired with reducing plastic exposure in other areas.

“It’s really about looking at your everyday life and asking, what am I using every day that’s made of plastic?” she says.

How to protect yourself from everyday exposure  

Dr. Storage also emphasizes the role of fiber in helping the body eliminate toxins.

“Fiber helps bind toxins so they can be removed instead of absorbed into the bloodstream,” she explains.

She recommends:

• 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day for women

• 35 to 45 grams per day for men

Fiber-rich foods, fiber supplements like psyllium husk, and even certain probiotics may help support the body’s natural ability to process and remove harmful substances.

“There are studies showing that certain probiotic strains can help eliminate some of these toxins from the body,” she says.

Some of these strains — including Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Lactobacillus plantarum — act like magnets and bind to microplastic particles through surface proteins, helping carry them out of the body through normal digestive processes rather than allowing them to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

While this area of research is still developing, it offers a promising look at how supporting gut health may help reduce overall exposure to microplastics. Paired with reducing everyday plastic use, these small, practical steps can help lower overall exposure — reinforcing how daily habits play a meaningful role in long-term health.