A health expert has shared a warning to tea drinkers after a study found the average human brain contains about seven grams of microplastics
Health expert Dr Eric Berg DC is urging people to reconsider their tea-drinking habits, particularly if they use tea bags. In a video titled ” Critical: detoxify your brain from microplastics”, he explains why opting for paper bags or loose tea leaves could be a healthier choice.
Dr Berg highlights the potential risks associated with everyday items that contain plastic, including tea bags. These bags can release microplastics and nanoplastics into your brew, which could pose health issues if ingested over time.
The warning primarily targets tea bags made from plastic or those sealed with plastic. Regular consumption of these tiny plastic particles could potentially harm gut health, damage DNA and weaken the immune system. Thankfully, many tea brands now provide plastic-free alternatives, such as paper bags filled with compostable bioplastics or organic cotton, reports Surrey Live.
In his video, Dr Berg starts by informing viewers: “Today I’m going to discuss a very important topic: how to detoxify the plastic out of your brain microplastics. The brain accumulates the most microplastics of all of the organs the brain accumulates seven to 30 times more microplastics than the liver in the kidneys.”
Dr Berg, known as The Knowledge Doc and author of popular titles such as “The 7 Principles of Fat Burning” and “The Healthy Keto Plan”, brings his wealth of expertise in nutrition and research to the masses. Once a chiropractor, now a renowned health expert, he’s taken to the digital world to educate on diet, boasting a YouTube channel with 13 million subscribers.
He recently highlighted the dangers of ‘forever’ chemicals found in some plastic food and drink containers. “They can bind with proteins in your blood, creating problems as they bioaccumulate in the body over time,” Dr Berg explained.
Referencing work by University of New Mexico researchers, he pointed out that the average human brain is now believed to contain about seven grams of microplastics. This is an alarming 50% increase from findings in 2016.
In terms of tea-drinking habits, Dr Berg advises opting for “natural tea bags without plastic” rather than ones that may contain ‘toxic’ elements. This recommendation comes on the heels of a study by the American Chemical Society, which revealed how a single plastic tea bag sheds billions of minuscule particles into your brew.
Further compounding concerns, McGill University researchers scrutinised four major tea brands and found a single plastic tea bag can leach up to 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into your cup. Despite ongoing research into the exact repercussions these particles have on our wellbeing, it seems clear that ingesting plastics is far from beneficial for our health.
Tiny particles from the polypropylene used to seal many tea bags are shedding microplastics, and recent research shows that these tea bags might be releasing thousands of times more microplastics compared to other common food and drink sources, like bottled water.
Dr Berg has suggested ways to ‘detoxify’ from microplastics, saying: “Scientists are working to develop microbes, fungi, and enzymes that can eat plastic, but until those are developed, there are only two things you can do to detoxify your body of microplastics. First, avoid plastic!”
Additionally, he emphasised the importance of rest, stating: “High-quality deep sleep is vital to detox microplastics from the brain. Inducing autophagy can also detox microplastics. Fasting for at least 18 hours is one of the best ways to induce autophagy.” However, fasting isn’t suitable for everyone and it is recommended to consult a doctor before attempting it.
Dr Berg further advised: “Plastics and forever chemicals create oxidative stress in the body, which can be countered with strong antioxidant systems. Foods high in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables, can help strengthen your body’s antioxidant networks. NAC and milk thistle are great for detoxification.”
For a healthier alternative, opt for fully biodegradable tea bags, which are either organic or made from plant-based materials. You should also select tea bags that clearly state they are “free of epichlorohydrin,” a substance added by some manufacturers to make the bags stronger.
Dr Berg’s other tips to reduce microplastics in your body
- Use a water filter
- Eliminate plastic cutting boards
- Avoid dishwasher pods
- Switch to biodegradable coffee filters
- Use sea salt from an ancient seabed
- Avoid plastic baby bottles
- Use a stainless steel water bottle
- Use plastic-free sponges
- Avoid canned food and liquids
- Use bamboo toothbrushes
- Use glass Tupperware
- Avoid plastic dental floss
- Use 100% organic cotton tampons
Besides posing risks for humans, microplastics can also harm wildlife and accumulate in the food chain, potentially causing health problems and disrupting ecosystems. They also carry pollutants, release chemicals, and persist in the environment, making them difficult to remove.
According to Harvard Health, studies in cell cultures, marine wildlife, and animal models “indicate that microplastics can cause oxidative damage, DNA damage, and changes in gene activity, known risks for cancer development”.