Scientists have discovered alarming amounts of microplastics in various parts of the human body, including brains. A new review study published in Brain Medicine suggests that microplastics may be linked to neurological disorders such as depression and dementia.
The study found that ultra-processed foods, which comprise over 50% of energy intake in many countries, contain significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than whole foods. Microplastics can bypass the blood-brain barrier and induce oxidative stress, damaging cells and increasing the risk of neurological disorders.
Researchers believe that microplastics may have a particular impact on neurotransmitters that play a role in neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and dementia. This link is strikingly similar to the effects triggered by ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and poor sleep.
However, a complementary study published in Brain Medicine also suggests that microplastics could be removed from the body using a medical technique called extracorporeal apheresis. This procedure involves extracting blood plasma and separating it from unwanted substances, including microplastics.
The study found that at least two rounds of extracorporeal apheresis with double-filtration successfully removed microplastics from the blood of 21 patients. While further research is needed, this finding offers hope for potential treatment options to mitigate the effects of microplastic exposure on human health.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/junk-food-is-filling-our-brains-with-microplastics-raising-mental-health-risks-scientists-warn-2000604732