Welcome to "Aging in America," the podcast that dives deep into the issues affecting seniors and their families across the nation. I'm your host, [Your Name]. Today, we're tackling a topic that sounds like science fiction, but is increasingly becoming a stark reality: the presence of microplastics in our bodies, and potentially, in our brains. What does this mean for cognitive health, dementia, and the well-being of our aging population?
Host: We all know plastic is everywhere – in our packaging, our clothes, our homes. But what happens when these plastics break down into tiny, almost invisible particles? These are microplastics. And new research is sounding an alarm about where they might be ending up.
Presented by the Better Aging Bureau
https://www.betteragingbureau.org
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🚫 Foods That May Contain Microplastics
These particles are typically microscopic and come from plastic debris breaking down in the environment or leaching from packaging.
1. Seafood (especially shellfish)
How: Marine animals often ingest microplastics in polluted waters.
Risk: If you eat the whole animal (like mussels, oysters), you may also consume the microplastics in their digestive system.
2. Salt (especially sea salt)
How: Sea salt is harvested from oceans that may contain microplastic pollutants.
Fact: Studies have found up to hundreds of plastic particles per kilogram of sea salt.
3. Bottled Water
How: Plastic particles can leach from bottles or enter during the bottling process.
Note: Bottled water often contains more microplastics than tap water.
4. Beer (especially those made with water from contaminated sources)
How: Brewing water may already contain microplastics.
5. Honey and Sugar
How: Contamination from plastic containers, processing equipment, or airborne plastic fibers.
6. Fruits and Vegetables
How: Microplastics can be absorbed through roots or deposited on produce via polluted water or air.
More likely: Foods wrapped or stored in plastic for long periods.
⚠️ Other Sources of Plastic Exposure in Food
Even if plastic isn't in the food itself, it can leach into it through:
- Plastic Food Packaging
Especially when heated (like microwaving in plastic containers).
Chemicals of concern: BPA, phthalates, styrene.
- Plastic Utensils and Cookware
Stirring hot food with plastic utensils can release particles.
Non-stick pans with damaged coatings may also leach synthetic compounds.
- Tea Bags (made from nylon or PET)
Some “silky” tea bags release billions of microplastic particles when steeped in hot water.
✅ How to Minimize Ingestion
Drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water.
Store and reheat food in glass or stainless steel containers.
Use cloth or paper food wraps instead of plastic.
Choose loose-leaf tea or tea bags made from paper.
Avoid microwaving plastic containers, even if they’re labeled microwave-safe.
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