How to Detox from Plastic Toxicity

If you want to challenge yourself this week, pick a day where you avoid plastic as in contains may harmful toxins. No buying plastic, no storing items in plastic, no eating plastic. Sounds crazy, right? Plastic is everywhere, but that’s exactly what A.J. Jacobs did for his article in the New York Times. In “Trying to Live a Day Without Plastic,” he recorded his attempt to avoid the ubiquitous petroleum product. 

From toothpaste to iPhone, clothing to potato chips, A.J. realized that plastic is utterly unavoidable.

But what does this have to do with functional medicine and health? As it turns out, plastic can be a major toxin leading to serious health effects. Every one of us should take steps to avoid plastic whenever possible. How do we do that, and what are the benefits? That’s what we’re going to cover in this post.

How Toxins in Plastic Impacts Your Health

The effects of plastics on health can vary depending on the type of plastic and the chemicals it contains. Many plastics contain chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can lead to a range of health problems. Some of the potential health risks associated with plastic include:

Hormonal disruption

Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates can mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones. This can lead to a range of health problems, including cancer, infertility, and developmental disorders.

Microplastic exposure

Many plastics contain microplastics, which are small particles that can easily enter the body through ingestion or inhalation. These particles can accumulate in organs and tissues and may cause damage or inflammation.

Cancer

Some plastics are known to release carcinogens which can lead to cancer. Also, some plastic products are known to release low levels of dioxins and other chemicals that can cause cancer.

Exposure to plastic additives

Plastic products may contain a variety of additives, such as colorants, stabilizers, and flame retardants. These additives can migrate out of the plastic and into food or drink and may be harmful to human health.

Reproductive and developmental effects

Some plastics can mimic or interfere with hormones, which can lead to reduced fertility and developmental disorders.

Allergic reaction

Some people may develop an allergic reaction to plastic.

It is important to note that the effects of plastic on health can vary depending on a person’s age, gender, and overall health, as well as the amount and duration of exposure. Additionally, not all plastics have the same properties, and the effects of plastic on health can also depend on the specific chemicals present in the plastic and the way it is used.

How to Reduce Plastic Exposure

There are a few, simple steps you can take to keep your family and yourself safe from plastic overload. Many of these choices come down to the products we buy and the packaging we accept. For example, we can choose to buy products that are packaged in glass, metal, or paper, rather than plastic. We can also opt for products that are packaged in biodegradable or compostable materials.

Another step we can take is to bring our own reusable bags, containers, and utensils when we shop or eat out. This not only helps to reduce the amount of plastic we use, but it can also save us money in the long run. We can also try to reduce our use of single-use plastics such as straws, water bottles, and plastic cutlery.

How to Detox from Plastics from Your Body

Dr. Trubow has spent her life figuring out how to eliminate nasty toxins from the body and rediscover the vitality she felt in her twenties. In fact, she wrote a book on toxins and health. It’s called Dirty Girl: Ditch the Toxins, Look Great and Feel FREAKING AMAZING! 

In this book, she teaches you how to cleanse plastic from your body and other harmful toxins. She’ll lay out a roadmap to healing that includes

• Gut health
• Supplements
• Mindfulness
• Stress relief

Along with stories from Wendie’s own detoxification journey, you’ll learn what other patients have done to identify the toxins causing chaos and illness and eliminate them from their lives. This how-to book shows you what to focus on, why a personal evaluation is a must, and how to take the first step—and the next—toward the healthiest, happiest you.

Finally, the book lays a foundation for functional medicine, an approach to healthcare that looks to the root cause of disease in its quest for answers. If you’re feeling sluggish because of plastic toxicity, you can drink all the coffee you want, but it won’t fix the underlying problem – your body is full of toxic microplastics! 

If you’re in the Boston area and are concerned about plastic toxicity, then you should absolutely visit Five Journeys for a consultation. Our comprehensive labs and attentive doctors will be sure to uncover what’s going on with your health. Health doesn’t have to be complicated. Functional medicine can give you the answers you need.

Let’s not let plastics take away our health and happiness. Get a copy of Dirty Girl today!