Autoimmune Disease, Inflammation, and Microplastics: Is there a Connection and Can We Fight It?
Autoimmune diseases and inflammation are increasingly being linked to environmental factors like microplastics, which are now found in our food, water, and even human tissues. Emerging research suggests that microplastics may disrupt immune function, trigger chronic inflammation, and contribute to the rising prevalence of autoimmune disorders worldwide.
Autoimmune diseases represent one of the most complex health challenges of our time. They occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and damage to organs. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and type 1 diabetes are among the more than 100 autoimmune disorders identified. Autoimmune disease has increased in the last 25 years. Evidence, such as a 50% increase in the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (a marker for autoimmunity) in the U.S. over the last 30 years, supports this trend. The rise is linked to environmental and lifestyle factors like processed food, chemicals, sedentary lifestyles, stress, but most importantly, there has been a big change in our environment over the last 25-30 years. What is it? The introduction of microplastics.
What are microplastics, you ask? Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size—have infiltrated nearly every ecosystem on Earth. They are present in water, food, air, and even human blood and organs. Recent studies suggest that these particles may act as environmental triggers for inflammation and immune dysfunction, raising concerns about their role in autoimmune disease.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks healthy tissue instead of pathogens. Over 24 million Americans are affected and counting, with 78% being women. Globally, autoimmune diseases are estimated to affect 1 in 15 people. Chronic inflammation manifests as pain, swelling, fatigue, and organ dysfunction. While genetics play a role, environmental triggers—including infections, chemicals, and pollutants—are increasingly implicated. Inflammation is the common thread across autoimmune conditions. It is both a defense mechanism and, when misdirected, a destructive force.
Humans ingest tens of thousands of microplastic particles annually through food and water. There is also a breakdown of larger plastics, synthetic fibers, and microbeads in personal care products. Microplastics have been found in lungs, liver, kidneys, placenta, and even brain tissue. *There also may be a connection there with dementia and other cognitive problems becoming more prevalent. Plastic production is projected to rise from 464 million tons in 2020 to 884 million tons in 2050, ensuring continued microplastic pollution.
Recent studies highlight several mechanisms by which microplastics may contribute to autoimmune disease:
• Immune Activation: Microplastics can be recognized as foreign bodies, triggering immune responses and chronic inflammation.
• Oxidative Stress: They generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), damaging cells and promoting inflammatory pathways.
• Chemical Leaching: Plastics contain additives like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, known endocrine disruptors that interfere with immune regulation.
• Barrier Disruption: Microplastics may compromise gut integrity, leading to “leaky gut,” a condition linked to autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease.
• Neuroinflammation: Microplastics detected in brain tissue have been associated with immune cell buildup and inflammation, raising concerns about neurological autoimmune conditions.
Currently, humans ingest 5 grams of microplastics per week—about the weight of a credit card. Microplastics are detected in 88% of tap water samples worldwide. It is also found in human blood (77% of tested individuals).
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Long term epidemiological studies are essential to establish the causality between microplastic exposure and autoimmune disease, but from what I see, there is strong evidential evidence merely by comparing the rise in inflammation and autoimmune disease, and the timetable that microplastics came on the scene. So, is there anything we can do to rid us of the microplastics we already have in our bodies? There are no herbs proven to literally “flush” microplastics from the body, but some natural compounds and herbs may support detoxification by binding toxins, reducing oxidative stress, and strengthening the body’s elimination pathways. Current research suggests that certain herbs and plant-based remedies can help mitigate the inflammatory and oxidative damage caused by microplastics.
Coriander (Cilantro)
• How it helps: Known for chelating heavy metals, coriander may also assist in binding synthetic particles.
• Use: Fresh leaves in salads, smoothies, or teas. Daily consumption supports gentle detox.
Chlorella & Spirulina (Algae)
• How they help: These microalgae are rich in chlorophyll and act as natural binders, trapping toxins and aiding elimination.
• Use: Powdered supplements or tablets, typically taken with water or juice.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
• How it helps: Curcumin, its active compound, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress triggered by microplastics.
• Use: Add to cooking, golden milk, or take standardized capsules for stronger effect.
Dandelion Root
• How it helps: Supports liver detoxification and bile flow, enhancing the body’s ability to process and expel toxins.
• Use: Brewed as tea or taken as tincture before meals.
Activated Charcoal (not an herb, but natural remedy)
• How it helps: Binds to toxins in the gut, potentially including microplastics, and carries them out via digestion.
• Use: Taken as capsules or powder mixed with water, but only occasionally to avoid nutrient depletion.
Practical Guidance
The first thing to do is to reduce plastic use, by supporting improving waste management. The filtering of drinking water could mitigate exposure and that is something everyone can do right away. Stop drinking from plastic bottles, invest in a good filter system and only use metal or glass drinking containers. Stop using plastic in food storage or in the microwave.
• Combine herbs with hydration, fiber-rich foods, and sweating (exercise or sauna) to maximize elimination.
• Rotate herbs rather than relying on one and use them consistently in diet or supplementation.
• Always consult a healthcare professional before starting detox regimens, especially if you have chronic conditions.
Microplastics are not just an environmental nuisance—they are a direct threat to human health, biodiversity, and the stability of ecosystems. These particles have been detected everywhere, meaning exposure is unavoidable. Once inside the body, microplastics can trigger inflammation, disrupt hormones, and potentially contribute to chronic diseases, including autoimmune disorders. In the environment, they accumulate in oceans, soil, and air, harming wildlife and entering the food chain. With plastic production projected to nearly double by 2050, the urgency to act is clear: every year of delay means billions more particles infiltrating our planet and our bodies. Fighting microplastics right now is essential to safeguard public health, protect ecosystems, and ensure a livable future for generations to come.
If you want to become more involved, here are some ideas to start with:
• Sign petitions for stronger plastic regulations.
• Donate or volunteer with cleanup organizations.
• Join coalitions to amplify your voice in policy discussions.
• Educate others by sharing resources and reducing personal plastic use.
As well, here are some online resources you can investigate to learn more:
Get Involved
• Beyond Plastics
o Focuses on ending single-use plastic pollution.
o Offers educational resources, events, and advocacy campaigns.
o You can sign up for updates, attend events, and support their initiatives.
• Plastic Pollution Coalition
o A global alliance working to reduce plastic pollution and its toxic impacts.
o Provides petitions, coalition membership, and advocacy tools.
o You can join their coalition directly online and participate in campaigns.
• Ocean Blue Project
o Focused on ocean cleanup and conservation.
o Offers volunteer opportunities and community projects to remove plastics from waterways.
• The Ocean Cleanup
o A well-known initiative targeting the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
o Provides ways to donate, support, and spread awareness.
• Surfrider Foundation
o Grassroots organizations advocating for plastic bans and conducting research on microplastics.
o You can join local chapters or support global campaigns
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