A recent study highlights a worrying link between microplastics and increased risks of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems, especially for those already suffering from heart disease. These tiny plastic particles have been found to double the risk of stroke or heart attack in these individuals.
Scientists Confirm – Microplastics Are Found Almost Everywhere in the Body!
Scientists now detect microplastics almost everywhere in the body, including the lungs and stomach, raising serious concerns about their potential harm.
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study found that heart disease patients with microplastics in the blood vessels on either side of their neck, which carry blood from the heart to the brain and head, were twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, these patients had a higher likelihood of dying within the next three years compared to those without microplastics in their carotid arteries.
A separate study found microplastics in men’s testicles. This shows that the microplastics can get past the blood-testis barrier, a tight blood-tissue barrier in the male reproductive system.
As highlighted in Pharmacological Reviews, “The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers in the mammalian body.”
The fact that microplastics have infiltrated the testes suggests they can bypass or penetrate the BTB. This raises serious concerns about their potential to invade other protected and sensitive tissues in the body, as well as their possible impact on reproductive health.
A 2023 review for the California State Legislature found that exposure to microplastics is suspected to adversely affect sperm quality and testicular health in humans based on a high-quality body of evidence.
Research has found that when women are exposed to phthalates during pregnancy, it can impact their male babies’ anogenital distance (AGD)—the distance from the anus to the base of the penis. Higher exposure to these chemicals is associated with a shorter AGD. Later in life, a shorter AGD is linked to a smaller penis and poorer semen quality, suggesting that AGD at birth may predict adult reproductive function.
Microplastics likely impact fertility through various mechanisms, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and direct disruption of reproductive functions if they accumulate in the testes and other sensitive areas.
What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics have been discovered all over the world—from Antarctica to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, and even in clouds!
Depending on where the plastic comes from, microplastics can be tainted with toxic chemicals during manufacturing. If these chemicals hitch a ride on a microplastic particle and enter your body, they can reach out and disrupt hormone and reproductive systems. Pollutants or microorganisms can also latch onto microplastic particles, posing additional health risks.
Animal studies have shown that microplastics can disrupt the gut biome, reduce sperm quality and testosterone, and impair learning and memory in mice.
Research on the impact of microplastics continues, but for now, it’s crucial to understand them and consider how you might reduce your exposure to these tiny particles to minimize health risks.
FACT – Plastic Doesn’t Decompose!
Unlike food and paper, plastic doesn’t decompose. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. When these pieces become less than five millimeters in size—about the width of a small paperclip—they’re called microplastics. When they shrink below a micrometer, they are known as nanoplastics, small enough to breach cell barriers.
Microplastics often contain other harmful chemicals, which is one way they might affect overall health. Phthalates are just one class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in microplastics. Others include bisphenol-A (BPA), flame retardants, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Since plastic is one of the most widely used materials in the world, microplastics have made their way into nearly everything, including animal products, water, and even the air we breathe!
They are found in most salts, astroturf, makeup, cosmetics, processed foods, kitchenware, the ocean, agriculture soils – everywhere.
Microplastics and Estrogenic Effects

Plastics are xenoestrogens, meaning they can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Much of their danger comes from their ability to stimulate estrogen receptors. For example, phthalates have estrogenic properties, and some endocrine-disrupting chemicals are considered estrogenic carcinogens.
Abnormal stimulation of estrogen receptors can promote cell proliferation, potentially contributing to the development and progression of estrogen-sensitive cancers, such as breast and endometrial cancer.
Exposure to plastics can contribute to estrogen dominance, which may affect men’s reproductive health. Certain endocrine disruptors are associated with reduced semen quality and impaired fertility in men. Xenoestrogens, in particular, are considered factors in the global decrease of sperm counts and other male reproductive tract issues.
What are the Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance Caused by Microplastics?
- Endometriosis and Fibroids. These are common issues that can be caused by high estrogen levels.
- Pelvic Pain and Breast Tenderness. Hormonal imbalances can lead to discomfort and pain in these areas.
- Weight Gain. Women tend to gain weight around the butt and thighs, while men usually gain around the belly. Fat cells can increase estrogen levels by converting androgens into estrogens, a process called aromatization. This creates a vicious cycle, as estrogenic toxins are stored in fat cells, and extra fat can increase circulating androgens.
- Man Boobs and Enlarged Prostates in Men. High estrogen levels can lead to breast tissue growth and prostate enlargement in men.
- Leptin Resistance. Estrogen dominance can interfere with leptin, a hormone that regulates hunger and energy balance.
- Hypothyroidism. Too much estrogen can slow the conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone (T4) into the active thyroid hormone (T3) in the liver. Additionally, excess toxins can hide in thyroid receptor sites, slowing down thyroid function.
- Decreased Libido. Both men and women may experience a decrease in sexual desire.
- Menstrual Irregularity, Heavy Menstrual Flow, Cramps in Women. Estrogen dominance can cause irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and painful cramps.
- Mood Changes. High estrogen levels can lead to mood swings and emotional instability.
- Migraines with the Menstrual Cycle. Hormonal fluctuations can trigger severe headaches.
- Infertility in Men and Women. Estrogen dominance can affect fertility in both sexes.
- Bloat and Water Retention. High estrogen levels can cause bloating and water retention in the hands and feet.
- Fatigue. Hormonal imbalances can lead to persistent tiredness.
- Constipation. Digestive issues can arise from high estrogen levels.
- Slow Metabolism. Estrogen blocks thyroid hormone receptors and inhibits proper thyroid function, leading to a sluggish metabolism.
- Cancer. The leading cause of mitochondrial failure is iodine deficiency, which can lead to cancer. Estrogen dominance contributes to this risk by impairing thyroid function and promoting cellular growth.
Factors that Increase the Physical Burden of Microplastics on Your Body

Due to their tiny size, avoiding microplastics entirely is almost impossible. However, there are ways to reduce your exposure and the number of microplastics entering your body. First, you want to mitigate and avoid the following factors that also contribute to estrogen dominance and increase the burden on the body on top of the microplastics.
Dirty Liver: Your liver is responsible for producing the estrogen-binding protein and detoxifying estrogen in phases 1, 2, and 3. A “dirty” liver struggles with these tasks.
Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is crucial for regulating estrogen production in both women and men. Without enough iodine, estrogen dominance can occur. A study found that 96% of Americans are extremely iodine deficient. Iodine also cleans the blood, aiding the liver in producing estrogen-binding proteins and breaking down a fatty liver.
Tap Water: Tap water often contains estrogen from birth control and hormone replacement therapy. These hormones aren’t filtered out at water treatment plants, leading to increased estrogen levels in tap water.
Sugar: Refined sugar depletes essential minerals and increases estrogen production. It disrupts mineral ratios in the body, exacerbating estrogen dominance.
Conventional Meat, Poultry, and Dairy: Many livestock in the U.S. are given estrogen implants to fatten them up quickly. Consuming these products increases estrogen levels in your body.
Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fungicides: Non-organic produce is sprayed with chemicals that contain xeno-estrogens, which mimic estrogen and disrupt hormonal balance.
Improperly Combined Foods: Poor food combinations hinder digestion and lead to metabolic acidosis, increasing estrogen levels. Proper food combinations include:
- Fruit alone
- Proteins with vegetables
- Starches with vegetables
- Avoid combining proteins with starches
Overeating: Overeating prevents proper secretion of digestive acids, leading to metabolic acidosis and increased estrogen levels.
Plastic: Plastics contain xeno-estrogens like phthalates and BPA, which can leach into food and drinks. Even BPA-free plastics may contain similar harmful chemicals.
Parabens: Found in many personal care products, parabens are xeno-estrogens that contribute to estrogen dominance.
Lack of Progesterone: Low progesterone levels can lead to excess estrogen since both hormones compete for the same receptor sites. Progesterone helps induce apoptosis and regenerate healthy cells.
Birth Control Pills and Hormone Replacement Therapy Medication: These medications can increase estrogen levels and contribute to hormonal imbalances.
Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: These conditions slow down phase 3 estrogen detox, exacerbating estrogen dominance.
Consumption of Soy: Soy is estrogenic and often GMO, mimicking estrogen in the body and leading to hormonal imbalances.
Consumption of GMO Foods and Grains: These foods cause inflammation, microbiome imbalances, and leaky gut, inhibiting phase 2 estrogen detox.
Aromatase: This enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen. Excess belly fat increases aromatase activity, worsening estrogen dominance.
Stress: Stress causes oxidation, inflammation, and disruptions in estrogen detox pathways, contributing to leaky gut and microbiome imbalances.
Phase 3 Compromised Transporters: Aging and various factors can make cell walls rigid, slowing down the transport of toxins, including estrogen, out of cells.
Leaky Gut and Compromised Estrobolome: The estrobolome, a collection of gut bacteria genes that metabolize estrogen, can be compromised by antibiotics, drugs, and diet. When this happens, estrogen meant for excretion gets reabsorbed into the body. Beta-glucuronidase allows this estrogen to escape, contributing to estrogen dominance.
How to Detox from Microplastics
As I mention above, it is near impossible to completely avoid microplastics, however there are steps you can take to reduce the impact microplastics have on your health. Let’s first look at supplements.
Sara Banta’s Accelerated Liver Flush Detox Cleanse
As I mention above, your liver is responsible for producing the estrogen-binding protein and detoxifying estrogen in phases 1, 2, and 3. A “dirty” liver struggles with these tasks. So, we need to start by detoxing our liver so it can once again filter all of the blood in the body and break down the toxins from the microplastics.
The Accelerated Liver Flush Detox Cleanse supplements work together to provide a comprehensive detox for your liver and gallbladder. Here’s how they can support better liver health:
- Flush Out Gallstones: Pain, cramps, and inflammation decrease as gallstones are naturally flushed from your body.
- Lower Liver Enzymes: Helps bring down AST and ALT liver enzyme counts, indicating better liver health.
- Repair Liver Cells: Replaces damaged liver cells with healthy ones, reversing fatty liver disease and restoring liver function.
- Detoxify: Eliminates thousands of toxins and pollutants, reversing damage caused by drugs and alcohol.
- Reduce Cholesterol: Flushes out unhealthy cholesterol deposits, improving overall cardiovascular health.
- Clear Obstructions: Opens up blockages in the liver and gallbladder, ensuring smooth bile flow.
- Boost Immunity: Strengthens your immune system, helping your body fight off illnesses more effectively.
- Regenerate Liver and Gallbladder: Supports the regeneration of these vital organs, promoting long-term health and vitality.
Acceleradine® Iodine
Iodine helps regulate estrogen production and cleanses the blood, allowing the liver to detoxify estrogen more effectively. Iodine decreases estrogen in receptor cells, which helps reverse estrogen dominance. It also addresses fibroids, PCOS, and other hormonal imbalances. Additionally, iodine is anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing the inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to estrogen dominance. It promotes healthy apoptosis (the natural death of damaged cells).
Acceleradine® Iodine stands out as the only pure, natural singlet active iodine (I-) suspended in alcohol and enhanced with scalar frequencies. This unique form ensures 100 percent bioavailability and absorbability because it consists of a single iodine atom, free from any attachments to other atoms. This means even those with weaker bodies can efficiently absorb the iodine into every cell.
Accelerated Ancient Salt®
Unrefined salt increases the fluid volume inside and outside cells, which helps clean the liver, supports apoptosis, induces DNA repair, and removes excess estrogen. It also aids in bile production, breaking down fats in the liver, and improving digestive health.
Accelerated Ancient Salt® comprises 62 minerals and is enhanced with Scalar frequencies to help with detoxification and improved cellular hydration.
Accelerated Fast™
The top-selling fasting supplement in the US, the ingredients in Accelerated Fast™ help put your body into ketosis and fat-burning mode within 30 minutes and help you intermittent fast easily. The synergy of the ingredients helps control appetite, increase physical and mental energy, and teach your body to use its own fat stores for energy.
As your energy increases and sugar cravings decrease, you can intermittent fast, reduce insulin resistance, cleanse the liver of toxins like microplastics, eliminate excess estrogen, reduce inflammation, and lower oxidative stress. Unlike other fasting supplements, Accelerated Fast™ includes multiple herbal cofactors to increase ATP production in cells, “de-fat” the liver, and detoxify xenoestrogens that lead to estrogen dominance.
Accelerated Leaky Gut Bundle
Gut infections can slow down and inhibit the detoxification of excess estrogen. The Leaky Gut Bundle, which includes MegaSporeBiotic™, MegaPre™, and MegaMucosa™, helps heal the gut, improve nutrient absorption, and optimize Phase 3 estrogen detoxification by repairing the Estrobolome (the estrogen microbiome).
Thorne Berberine
Berberine reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxicity while lowering glucose levels and increasing nutrient absorption, all of which help reverse estrogen dominance.
Foods to Help Detox from Microplastics

Many foods support detoxification from all toxins including microplastics and can be easily incorporated into your diet:
Organic Produce: Eating organic is crucial because it minimizes microplastics, toxins, GMOs, and glyphosate, which burden the liver, and lead to insulin resistance, fatty liver, and heart disease. Inorganic foods compromise the liver’s ability to metabolize even healthy proteins, fats, and produce.
Whole Foods: Ultra-processed foods are full of excess sugar, artificial ingredients, inflammatory seed oils, and even microplastics. These ingredients back up the liver, increase insulin resistance and clog detox pathways. Whole foods, on the other hand, help cleanse the liver and keep it functioning properly.
Artichoke: Artichoke leaf extract increases bile production, supports liver health, protects the liver from damage, and promotes regeneration.
Wild Animal Protein: Bison, lamb, deer, elk, and wild fish provide nutrients to support tissues, muscles, and organs without containing amyloid proteins. Amyloids, found in chicken, pork, turkey, and conventionally raised beef, can burden the liver, promote gut pathogens, and lead to cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Vegetables without Oxalates, Sulfur, and Mold: Some vegetables contain plant toxins that can clog the liver’s detox pathways and lead to hypothyroidism, inflammation, brain fog, joint pain, and more. For a list of these vegetables, visit the Accelerated Food Guide.
Organic Coffee: Surprisingly, coffee is good for liver health when consumed in moderation. Regular coffee consumption can lower the risk of liver diseases, including fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis. It also reduces the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver cancer, and helps detoxify the liver while providing antioxidants.
Incorporating these foods into your diet can help support your liver and overall health.
Sara Banta
Sara Banta is a Stanford University Graduate with a Degree in Economics and Psychology, and a certified Natural Supplement Expert & Graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Sara is the Founder of Accelerated Health Products and host of the health & wellness podcast, Accelerated Health Radio.
- Sara Bantahttps://sarabantahealth.com/author/sarabanta/
- Sara Bantahttps://sarabantahealth.com/author/sarabanta/
- Sara Bantahttps://sarabantahealth.com/author/sarabanta/
- Sara Bantahttps://sarabantahealth.com/author/sarabanta/