Study Warns of Microplastics in Tea Bags

by Sara Banta | Jan 3, 2025 | Detox & Cleanse, Microplastics, Supplements

Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic that measure less than 5 millimeters in size. They’re found in an alarming array of everyday items, from food packaging and cookware to household dust and the air we breathe. Once ingested or inhaled, microplastics can travel throughout the body, accumulating in vital organs, including the lungs, liver, and intestines. Recent studies have detected microplastics in human breast milk, blood, saliva, feces, and even sperm, highlighting their pervasive presence.

The release of microplastics from tea bags occurs when synthetic materials are exposed to hot water. A recent study from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona found that just one nylon or polypropylene tea bag can release billions of these particles into your cup. Researchers tested three common types of tea bags, including those purchased online and in supermarkets, by steeping them in water at 95°C. The results were staggering:

  • Polypropylene tea bags released approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometers.
  • Nylon tea bags released around 8.18 million particles per milliliter, averaging 138.4 nanometers.

These particles don’t just stay in your digestive system. Researchers stained the microplastics and exposed them to human intestinal cells, finding that many particles were absorbed by mucus-producing cells, while some penetrated the cell nucleus—the part of the cell that houses genetic material. This raises serious concerns about potential DNA damage and long-term health effects.

The Link Between Microplastics and Cancer

One of the most concerning findings is the potential link between microplastics and cancer. A comprehensive review by scientists at the University of California, San Francisco examined data from 3,000 studies and concluded that inhaled microplastics can enter the bloodstream through the lungs, accumulate in organs, and contribute to structural changes in the colon. These findings coincide with a rising incidence of colon cancer among young adults.

Further evidence comes from animal studies. In one 2022 Chinese study, lab mice chronically exposed to microplastics showed “remarkable colonic impairments,” including damage to the colon’s walls and reduced mucus production. The protective mucus layer in the colon is critical for preventing inflammation and disease, and its reduction could leave the colon more vulnerable to conditions like cancer.

Even more alarming, another study found that exposure to microplastics accelerated the spread of cancer cells in the gut. This suggests that microplastics may not only initiate disease but also exacerbate its progression. A review published in the journal Life Sciences in October summarized the growing concerns, stating that microplastics “trigger uncontrolled cell proliferation and tissue growth,” potentially leading to cancers in the lungs, blood, breasts, prostate, and ovaries.

Microplastics and Reproductive Health

Microplastics may also have far-reaching implications for reproductive health. In a study conducted in June, scientists discovered microplastic particles in human sperm. The plastic in question was a type commonly used in plumbing pipes. The study found that sperm exposed to these particles exhibited reduced mobility, making it less likely to fertilize eggs.

This finding aligns with a broader trend of declining global fertility rates and raises questions about how microplastics in our environment—and even our tea—might be contributing to this crisis. The microscopic plastic particles entering the body through food, drink, and air could have cumulative effects on reproductive health, warranting further investigation.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

While researchers and policymakers work to tackle the broader issue of microplastics, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure:

  1. Switch to Loose-Leaf Tea: Ditch synthetic tea bags and opt for loose-leaf tea, which eliminates the risk of microplastic contamination.
  2. Choose Biodegradable Tea Bags: If you prefer the convenience of tea bags, look for brands that use biodegradable materials.
  3. Limit Plastic Packaging: Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging, especially for food and beverages.
  4. Filter Your Water: Use a high-quality water filter to reduce microplastic particles in your drinking water.

The Bigger Picture

Microplastics in tea bags are just one piece of a much larger issue. From food packaging to the air we breathe, these tiny particles are infiltrating nearly every aspect of our lives. While the full extent of their impact on human health is still being studied, the evidence so far is deeply concerning.

Supplements to Detox Microplastics

In a world increasingly filled with invisible threats like microplastics, detoxification has never been more important. Fortunately, the right supplements can play a crucial role in eliminating these toxins and restoring cellular health.

Supplements like phosphatidylcholine (PC), Acceleradine® iodine, Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder, and Accelerated Ancient Salt® are powerful tools in the fight against microplastic toxicity. Together, they create a comprehensive approach to detoxification by binding and eliminating toxins, repairing cellular membranes, supporting energy production, and enhancing the body’s natural detox pathways.

Accelerated Microplastics Detox

The Accelerated Microplastics Detox offers a comprehensive approach to eliminating harmful microplastics from your body and restoring optimal health. This detox program combines advanced nutritional protocols, targeted supplements, and lifestyle changes designed to support your body’s natural detoxification pathways.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC): Unlocking Cellular Detoxification

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is more than just a building block for healthy cell membranes—it’s a powerhouse for cellular detoxification and overall health. If your body’s cells were like tiny factories, PC would be the manager ensuring everything runs smoothly, efficiently, and without toxic build-up. 

Here’s why PC is such a game-changer for detoxification and your well-being:

1. Supports Healthy Cell Membranes

PC is a major component of cell membranes, which act as protective barriers and gatekeepers for each cell. These membranes decide what nutrients enter the cell and what waste products are removed. By keeping cell membranes strong and flexible, PC ensures optimal nutrient absorption and the efficient elimination of toxins—a critical part of the detoxification process.

2. Enhances Liver Detoxification

The liver is your body’s main detox organ, responsible for breaking down and removing harmful substances including microplastics. PC plays a vital role here by supporting the liver’s ability to process and eliminate toxins. It helps maintain the integrity of liver cell membranes, promotes bile production for fat digestion and toxin removal, and even aids in repairing liver damage caused by environmental toxins, alcohol, or medications.

3. Boosts Cellular Energy

Healthy cells need energy to function properly, especially during detoxification processes. PC helps cells produce energy by supporting mitochondrial function—the powerhouse of the cell. This ensures cells have the fuel they need to manage the constant influx of toxins including microplastics while maintaining other essential functions.

4. Aids in Fat-Soluble Toxin Elimination

Many toxins are stored in fat, making them harder for the body to eliminate. PC is an emulsifier, meaning it helps break down fat, allowing these fat-soluble toxins to be mobilized and removed from the body. This is especially important for individuals exposed to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) or heavy metals.

5. Protects Against Oxidative Stress

Detoxification processes can generate free radicals, which can damage cells if not managed. PC supports antioxidant systems within the body, helping to neutralize these free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress. This creates a healthier environment for cells to function and repair themselves.

6. Improves Cellular Communication

PC facilitates better communication between cells by maintaining the fluidity and integrity of cell membranes. This improved communication ensures that signals for detoxification, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination are efficiently sent and received.

7. Repairs Damaged Cells

Over time, toxins like microplastics can damage cell membranes, compromising their ability to function. PC helps repair these membranes, restoring the cell’s ability to detoxify, absorb nutrients, and expel waste. This repair function is particularly important for organs under heavy detoxification stress, such as the liver, kidneys, and brain.

8. Supports Brain Detoxification

The brain is highly sensitive to toxins, which can lead to cognitive decline and neurological issues. PC contributes to brain health by supporting the blood-brain barrier—a protective layer that prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. It also aids in the removal of toxins from brain cells, promoting mental clarity and long-term neurological health.

9. Enhances Bile Production

PC is a key component of bile, the substance the liver produces to break down fats and eliminate toxins. Without sufficient PC, bile production and quality may decline, impairing the body’s ability to excrete fat-soluble toxins effectively. Supporting bile health with PC ensures a smooth detoxification process and optimal digestion.

Why BodyBio PC Stands Out

BodyBio PC is a truly liposomal formulation, meaning its phosphatidylcholine (PC) is encapsulated in a protective liposome that remains intact throughout digestion. This ensures that the PC is delivered directly to your cells without degradation, maximizing its effectiveness.

What sets BodyBio PC apart is its uncompromising quality and proven results. While other brands may claim to be liposomal, many fail to meet the mark. The difference lies in real-world outcomes—and for decades, BodyBio PC has consistently delivered remarkable results, supporting cellular health and detoxification in ways few other products can. If you’re looking for a PC supplement that truly works, BodyBio PC is the gold standard.

How Iodine and Phosphatidylcholine Work Together for Healthy Cell Membranes

Often overlooked but so important are cell membranes and the role of iodolipids. These unsung heroes play a huge role in keeping our cells—and ultimately our entire body—functioning optimally.

So, what are iodolipids? Simply put, they’re lipids (fats) that contain iodine, and they’re critical for enhancing the performance of our cell membranes. Think of your cell membranes as a protective barrier and a gatekeeper, deciding what gets in, and what stays out, and keeping the internal environment of the cell perfectly balanced.

Now, enter phosphatidylcholine (PC), a key building block of these membranes. PC provides the structure and flexibility that allows cell membranes to do their job effectively. But here’s where iodine steps in to take things to the next level.

When iodine is incorporated into the structure of these lipids, it forms iodolipids, which act as the ultimate fine-tuners for cell membranes. They help regulate the fluidity and stability of the membrane, ensuring it’s not too rigid or too loose—just the right balance. This balance is critical for your cells to communicate properly, absorb nutrients efficiently, and get rid of waste like microplastics effectively.

Why does this matter? Healthy cell membranes mean better brain function, smoother metabolic processes, and overall improved cellular health. It’s especially important for areas like the brain, where fast, efficient cell communication is vital for everything from memory to mood.

I like to think of it as adding premium oil to your car’s engine—it keeps everything running smoothly and prevents unnecessary wear and tear. By ensuring we get enough iodine and phosphatidylcholine in our diet (or through supplementation), we’re giving our cell membranes the tools they need to operate at their best.

Acceleradine® Iodine: Best Iodine Supplement

When it comes to iodine supplementation, Acceleradine® Iodine sets itself apart as the gold standard. Iodine is an essential nutrient for thyroid health, hormone balance, and overall wellness, yet many supplements fail to deliver the purity, bioavailability, and effectiveness that your body truly needs. 

Here’s why Acceleradine® stands out as the best iodine supplement:

1. Ultra-Pure, Atomic Formulation

Acceleradine® is formulated as 100% monoatomic iodine, ensuring maximum absorption and bioavailability. Unlike other iodine supplements, which may contain additives, stabilizers, or inferior forms of iodine, Acceleradine® is free of contaminants and delivers the purest iodine directly to your cells, where it’s most needed.

2. Unmatched Detoxification Support

One of the unique benefits of Acceleradine® is its ability to support deep detoxification. It helps your body safely eliminate toxins like microplastics and halogens including fluoride, bromine, and chlorine—harmful chemicals that often compete with iodine for receptor sites in your body. This detoxifying effect not only enhances iodine’s efficacy but also promotes overall cellular health.

3. Boosts Thyroid and Hormonal Health

Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism, energy levels, and mood. Acceleradine® provides the optimal form of iodine to nourish the thyroid, support hormonal balance, and combat symptoms of iodine deficiency such as fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog.

4. Enhanced Cellular Energy

Acceleradine® doesn’t just support your thyroid—it also boosts cellular energy production. Improving mitochondrial function helps increase your overall energy levels, leaving you feeling more vibrant and focused throughout the day.

5. Superior Absorption and Effectiveness

Many iodine supplements are difficult for the body to absorb, leaving much of the nutrient wasted. Acceleradine®’s atomic form ensures superior absorption, so your body can utilize every drop efficiently. This means faster, more noticeable results compared to other iodine products.

6. Free of Additives and Toxins

Unlike many iodine supplements that contain fillers or stabilizers, Acceleradine® is pure and clean. Its formulation is free of unnecessary additives, making it safe and effective for even the most sensitive individuals.

7. Long-Standing Trust and Results

Acceleradine® has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. Users consistently report improvements in energy, mental clarity, metabolism, and detoxification. Its reputation for quality and effectiveness makes it the go-to choice for those seeking a reliable iodine supplement.

Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder

Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder is uniquely designed to tackle toxins including microplastics.

Here is how:

1. Advanced Binding Technology

Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder contains a blend of natural, toxin-binding ingredients like zeolite, diatomaceous earth, and activated charcoal. These compounds act as molecular sponges, binding to microplastics and other harmful substances in the gut and bloodstream. By capturing these toxins, the powder prevents them from being reabsorbed, safely escorting them out of the body through natural elimination pathways.

2. Addresses Microplastics Specifically

Microplastics are particularly stubborn because of their small size and chemical composition, which allow them to evade natural detox mechanisms and accumulate in tissues. The specialized ingredients in Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder are effective at targeting these microscopic particles, binding to them at a molecular level, and helping the body safely remove them.

3. Supports Cellular Health

Microplastics can damage cell membranes, impairing cellular communication and nutrient absorption. Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder doesn’t just eliminate toxins—it also helps create a healthier environment for your cells by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation caused by these harmful particles.

4. Detoxes Beyond the Gut

While some detox supplements only work in the digestive tract, Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder supports the detoxification of the entire body. Once microplastics and other toxins are bound in the gut, the powder helps reduce the systemic load of these substances, alleviating the burden on organs like the liver and kidneys.

5. Gentle Yet Powerful

Unlike aggressive detox protocols, Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder is gentle on the system. It doesn’t disrupt your digestion or cause harsh side effects, making it suitable for daily use to combat the ongoing exposure to microplastics in modern life.

6. Complements Other Detox Pathways

Microplastic detoxification isn’t just about removal—it’s also about repairing the damage they leave behind. While Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder focuses on binding and eliminating toxins, it works synergistically with other detox-supporting nutrients like phosphatidylcholine (PC) and iodine to repair cellular membranes and enhance the body’s natural detox pathways.

Accelerated Ancient Salt®

Accelerated Ancient Salt® is not just a seasoning—it’s a powerful tool for cellular health and detoxification. In today’s world, where exposure to microplastics is nearly unavoidable, this unique blend of pure, mineral-rich salt plays a vital role in supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. By enhancing the function of the sodium-potassium pump, a critical cellular mechanism, Accelerated Ancient Salt® helps flush out microplastics and restore cellular balance.

1. The Sodium-Potassium Pump: Your Cellular Detox Workhorse

Every cell in your body relies on the sodium-potassium pump to maintain proper function. This pump works like a gatekeeper, moving sodium out of the cell and potassium in, creating the electrical gradient needed for nutrient transport, waste removal, and energy production.

Microplastics and other toxins can interfere with the efficiency of this pump, leading to cellular dysfunction and toxic buildup. Accelerated Ancient Salt® provides the essential sodium and minerals required to keep this pump working optimally, ensuring your cells can effectively flush out toxins, including microplastics.

2. Mineral Support for Cellular Cleansing

Unlike processed table salt, Accelerated Ancient Salt® is rich in naturally occurring trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals are crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance, supporting the sodium-potassium pump, and promoting proper hydration—all of which are key to efficient cellular detoxification.

  • Potassium: Helps balance sodium levels and supports intracellular detoxification.
  • Magnesium: Aids in relaxing the cell membrane and facilitating toxin release.
  • Sodium: Provides the energy required for the sodium-potassium pump to function, ensuring the removal of microplastics and other cellular waste.

3. Balances Cellular Hydration

Hydration is essential for cellular detoxification, and Accelerated Ancient Salt® improves the body’s ability to retain and utilize water. Proper hydration enhances the movement of toxins out of the cells while maintaining the electrolyte balance needed for cellular repair and rejuvenation. This is particularly important in combating the dehydrating effects of microplastics, which can disrupt cellular hydration and lead to inflammation.

4. Restores Cellular Energy

Microplastics and other environmental toxins can drain cellular energy by impairing the mitochondria and disrupting ionic balance. By supporting the sodium-potassium pump, Accelerated Ancient Salt® restores the electrical potential of cells, boosting energy production and improving overall cellular function. This creates an environment where cells can efficiently detoxify and repair themselves.

5. Helps Neutralize Toxic Load

The trace minerals in Accelerated Ancient Salt® also have a natural alkalizing effect on the body, helping to neutralize the acidic burden caused by microplastic toxicity. This reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are byproducts of toxin accumulation, further supporting the detoxification process.

Taking Action Against Microplastics

Microplastics have become an unavoidable part of our modern world, infiltrating our food, water, and air with harmful effects on our health. From disrupting cellular function and contributing to inflammation to increasing risks of cancer and fertility issues, the dangers of these tiny particles are clear. But the good news is that we’re not powerless.

By taking proactive steps, such as switching to loose-leaf tea, choosing biodegradable tea bags, and reducing our reliance on plastic packaging, we can minimize our exposure to microplastics. Moreover, incorporating effective detoxification supplements like phosphatidylcholine (PC), Acceleradine® iodine, Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder, and Accelerated Ancient Salt® can help our bodies combat the toxins we can’t completely avoid.

These supplements work synergistically to bind microplastics, repair damaged cells, restore cellular energy, and optimize detox pathways. Together, they provide a powerful defense, helping us reduce our toxic load and support overall health. In a world filled with invisible threats, making informed choices and embracing targeted detox solutions can make all the difference in protecting our well-being for the long term.

Sara Banta
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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.

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Hi, I’m Sara Banta!
I’m a certified natural supplement expert, podcaster, Health Coach, and natural wellness expert. Each week I publish articles on the latest in cutting-edge health supplements and natural health solutions. I also interview leading experts across a wide range of health topics to transform your body, mind & spirit. I’m also the Founder of Accelerated Health Products. Join my mailing list and receive 10% off your first order.

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