127. Microplastics & Nanoplastics - How They Impact the Gut Microbiome, Liver Cells, & Mitochondria (Plus Several Keys for Reducing Microplastic Exposure)

In this episode, we explore the science behind microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), focusing on their effects on the liver and gut microbiome. We'll examine how these particles can disrupt cellular functions in hepatocytes, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation, and we will also discuss recent research findings related to MP exposure and gut dysbiosis. We will finish by addressing several strategies to reduce exposure. Topics: 1. Introduction - Introduction to microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) - Overview of their impact on the body, focusing on the liver and gut microbiome 2. Understanding Microplastics and Nanoplastics - Definition and differentiation of MPs and NPs - MPs: Plastic particles less than 5 millimeters (mm) in length - NPs: Subset of MPs, less than 1 micrometer (µm) in size - Sources of MPs and NPs - Primary MPs: Intentionally manufactured small particles (e.g., microbeads, nurdles, microfibers) - Secondary MPs: Degradation of larger plastic objects (e.g., cutting boards) 3. Chemical Composition of Microplastics - Overview of common polymers found in MPs - Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), Polyurethane (PU), Nylon, Acrylic - Examples of products containing these polymers (e.g., bottled water, cutting boards, clothing) 4. Health Implications: Impact on Liver Cells - Cellular impact of MPs and NPs - Intracellular and extracellular presence - Specific polymers studied: PET, PE, PP - Mechanisms of cellular disruption - Disruption of mitochondrial membranes - Loss of membrane potential - Decreased ATP production and energy deprivation - Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress - Activation of Kupffer cells and chronic inflammation - Concern for fatty liver disease and insulin resistance 5. Health Implications: Impact on Gut Microbiome - Overview of gut dysbiosis caused by MPs - Physical interaction with gut microorganisms - Chemical effects and associated additives - MPs as carriers for other pollutants or pathogens - Consequences of dysbiosis beyond the gut 6. Practical Tips to Reduce Exposure to MPs and NPs - Use reusable shopping bags - Use a water filter - Avoid single-use plastic products - Choose glass or stainless steel containers - Buy products with minimal plastic packaging - Opt for natural fiber clothing - Use biodegradable or eco-friendly cleaning products - Avoid personal care products with microbeads - Replace plastic kitchen utensils with wooden or metal alternatives - Choose bar soap instead of liquid soap - Avoid plastic cutting boards; opt for wood - Use alternatives to plastic wrap (e.g., beeswax wraps) Thank you to our episode sponsors: ⁠Hardy Nutritionals⁠ ⁠Hardy Nutritionals' Daily Essential Nutrients ⁠Liver Medic⁠⁠ Use code Chloe20 to save 20% on ⁠⁠⁠"Leaky Gut Repair"⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Brendan's YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/livermedic⁠⁠⁠ Thanks for tuning in! Get Chloe's Book Today! "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠75 Gut-Healing Strategies & Biohacks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" Follow Chloe on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@synthesisofwellness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Chloe on TikTok @chloe_c_porter Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠synthesisofwellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase products, subscribe to our mailing list, and more!