They’re small, sneaky and swimming in your veins.
Microplastics have been found throughout the human body — and early research suggests they might pose some serious health risks.
Now, scientists say a blood-filtration technique already utilized in hospitals world wide might give you the option help flush them out.
The procedure, referred to as therapeutic apheresis, filters blood through a specialized machine. It removes abnormal proteins, unhealthy cells and other harmful substances, then pumps the cleaned blood back into the body.
Therapeutic apheresis is already used to treat all the pieces from autoimmune diseases and blood disorders to neurological issues, long covid and a few cancers.
It could actually filter out particles as small as 200 nanometers — about 5,000 times smaller than a millimeter.
That’s well inside the range of microplastics, that are defined as plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters.
In a recent study out of Germany, scientists treated 21 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome using two rounds of therapeutic apheresis — essentially, a double filter.
Afterward, they analyzed the waste fluid that had been separated from the patients’ blood.
The researchers found substances with the chemical signatures of polyamide and polyurethane, two plastics commonly utilized in industrial manufacturing.
The findings suggest the plastic particles can have been successfully removed during treatment — though more research is required to confirm the outcomes.
The study didn’t measure how much plastic was removed or compare before-and-after levels. Further testing can also be needed to verify the precise identity of the materials detected within the waste.
Still, researchers say the early results are encouraging and are calling for larger studies to see how effective the technique really is in scrubbing microplastics from the bloodstream.
But some high-end private practices aren’t waiting to seek out out.
In London, Make clear Clinic is already offering blood-cleansing treatments aimed toward removing microplastics, ceaselessly chemicals and other toxins with treatments starting at $12,636.
“Once it’s running, you’re feeling nothing. It’s very comfortable,” CEO Yael Cohen told Wired. “Patients take calls, do Zooms, watch movies, sleep.”
Cohen said people search out the treatment for all types of reasons, including some who’re apprehensive in regards to the long-term effects of microplastics of their bodies.
“I believe it’s a badge of honor to be doing all of your future self a favor,” she said.
What are microplastics — and why are they in your body?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments that break off from on a regular basis items, like packaging, bottles, synthetic fabrics and industrial waste.
They’ve been detected within the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe.
Researchers have also found the pesky particles throughout the human body, including within the lungs, livers, kidneys, hearts, brains, placentas and testicles, in addition to in breast milk and semen.
While scientists are still studying the total impact of microplastics on human health, early findings have raised some red flags.
A major scientific review published in January found that microplastic exposure may harm the digestive, reproductive and respiratory systems.
Other studies suggest possible links to heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular problems.
Microplastics have also been shown to trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which may result in cell damage and will contribute to a wide selection of health problems, including metabolic disorders, immune dysfunction and even cancer.
Moreover, there’s growing evidence the particles may cause neurological symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. Higher concentrations have also been observed in individuals with dementia.
To make matters worse, microplastics might also affect your skin.
Over time, exposure is assumed to potentially cause dryness, redness, irritation and even signs of premature aging like superb lines and wrinkles.
They’re small, sneaky and swimming in your veins.
Microplastics have been found throughout the human body — and early research suggests they might pose some serious health risks.
Now, scientists say a blood-filtration technique already utilized in hospitals world wide might give you the option help flush them out.
The procedure, referred to as therapeutic apheresis, filters blood through a specialized machine. It removes abnormal proteins, unhealthy cells and other harmful substances, then pumps the cleaned blood back into the body.
Therapeutic apheresis is already used to treat all the pieces from autoimmune diseases and blood disorders to neurological issues, long covid and a few cancers.
It could actually filter out particles as small as 200 nanometers — about 5,000 times smaller than a millimeter.
That’s well inside the range of microplastics, that are defined as plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters.
In a recent study out of Germany, scientists treated 21 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome using two rounds of therapeutic apheresis — essentially, a double filter.
Afterward, they analyzed the waste fluid that had been separated from the patients’ blood.
The researchers found substances with the chemical signatures of polyamide and polyurethane, two plastics commonly utilized in industrial manufacturing.
The findings suggest the plastic particles can have been successfully removed during treatment — though more research is required to confirm the outcomes.
The study didn’t measure how much plastic was removed or compare before-and-after levels. Further testing can also be needed to verify the precise identity of the materials detected within the waste.
Still, researchers say the early results are encouraging and are calling for larger studies to see how effective the technique really is in scrubbing microplastics from the bloodstream.
But some high-end private practices aren’t waiting to seek out out.
In London, Make clear Clinic is already offering blood-cleansing treatments aimed toward removing microplastics, ceaselessly chemicals and other toxins with treatments starting at $12,636.
“Once it’s running, you’re feeling nothing. It’s very comfortable,” CEO Yael Cohen told Wired. “Patients take calls, do Zooms, watch movies, sleep.”
Cohen said people search out the treatment for all types of reasons, including some who’re apprehensive in regards to the long-term effects of microplastics of their bodies.
“I believe it’s a badge of honor to be doing all of your future self a favor,” she said.
What are microplastics — and why are they in your body?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments that break off from on a regular basis items, like packaging, bottles, synthetic fabrics and industrial waste.
They’ve been detected within the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe.
Researchers have also found the pesky particles throughout the human body, including within the lungs, livers, kidneys, hearts, brains, placentas and testicles, in addition to in breast milk and semen.
While scientists are still studying the total impact of microplastics on human health, early findings have raised some red flags.
A major scientific review published in January found that microplastic exposure may harm the digestive, reproductive and respiratory systems.
Other studies suggest possible links to heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular problems.
Microplastics have also been shown to trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which may result in cell damage and will contribute to a wide selection of health problems, including metabolic disorders, immune dysfunction and even cancer.
Moreover, there’s growing evidence the particles may cause neurological symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. Higher concentrations have also been observed in individuals with dementia.
To make matters worse, microplastics might also affect your skin.
Over time, exposure is assumed to potentially cause dryness, redness, irritation and even signs of premature aging like superb lines and wrinkles.
