Micro- and nanoplastics can be a hot source of debate. They are in countless products that people use, yet it’s possible that they could be destructive to human health.
What happens when people unknowingly eat, drink, or inhale these nearly invisible plastics? There is much debate over whether or not they can make a difference to human health, and exactly how many one would have to consume to experience harm.
There is some data to suggest that they can harm metabolism. Although conclusive evidence in humans is lacking, there are animal studies to show that these plastics can harm health by causing inflammation, toxicity, and neurological changes.
A research team recently looked to see how these tiny particles may impact human lung and liver cells.
Micro-and nano-plastics are found in plastic plates, bottles, containers, and more. They are in countless products and they are brought into homes every day. Avoiding them completely is nearly impossible.
Researchers cultured human liver and lung cells in lab plates and treated then with different amounts of 80 nm-wide plastic particles. After two days, imaging showed that the plastic particles had entered both types of cells without killing them.
They did find, however, that the plastics had a negative influence on cell metabolism, and particularly the function of mitochondria, which are essentially the motors that run cells. Mitochondria generate ATP, which is the primary source of cellular energy.
This disturbance in metabolic processes and mitochondrial pathways created dysfunction, which may impact the functionality of both the liver and lungs.
Of course these results are from lab studies and isolated cells, so they do not necessarily reflect how these microplastics would impact living and breathing humans on a whole scale.
But if you are concerned about any potential harms of microplastics, you can limit the risk of eating or drinking them by using stainless steel or glass cups and plates, avoiding packaged food, and storing food in and beverages in glass containers.

If you’re unsure of what type of diet may be best for you, a new study may be of interest. Researchers have found that the health benefits of a low-carb vegan diet are the same as a vegetarian diet.
Prostate health can be top of mind for aging men, and many wonder what they can do to reduce their chances of frustration or serious illness.
If you have type 2 diabetes, adopting a healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of dementia. A recent study found that people with diabetes who ate a healthy diet, exercised regularly, and maintained a healthy weight had a 50% lower risk of developing dementia than those who didn’t follow these guidelines. So, if you want to protect your brain health, make sure to eat right and stay active!
You might be getting an unexpected benefit if you enjoy a few cups of tea every day. New research suggests it could make a significant impact on diabetes risk.
A new study has found that people who are ‘night owls’ are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease than those who are ‘early birds.’ So, if you tend to go to bed late and wake up later in the morning, make sure to be extra vigilant about your health. Start by making healthy lifestyle choices and seeing your doctor for regular check-ups. You may also want to consider talking to them about whether it’s safe for you to take a sleep medication prescribed by them. Getting good sleep is essential for overall health, so make it a priority!
Have you ever been lying or sitting, completely inactive, when the muscles in your calf start going berserk? They get tight, maybe twitch, and can bring on nearly unbearable pain?
High cholesterol can be pretty dangerous for health and cut deep into longevity. It can increase the risk for heart disease and heart attacks or lead to a lifetime of medication.
Ten thousand steps per day is a nice round number that’s taken on a legendary status. But is this legend myth or reality?
Women who maintain a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if they’re genetically susceptible to the disease. Recent research has shown that diet, physical activity, and weight control can all play a role in preventing diabetes, even among those with a family history of the condition. By taking simple steps to stay healthy, women can lower their risk of developing this serious health problem.
Carpets can be cozy: they can keep your feet warm and be nice to curl up on. But there’s a lot more going on with your carpet than comfort.
For adults over the age of 55, experiencing nightmares could be a sign of an increased risk for dementia down the road. A new study out of the United Kingdom has found that those who have frequent nightmares during mid-life are three times more likely to develop dementia later in life.
If you’re over 50 in America, there is a great chance you suffer from some joint pain.
If you have diabetes, you may be at an increased risk of contracting urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are caused by bacteria that travel up the urethra and into the bladder. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to more serious health problems. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing a UTI.