What’s Really in Your Water? The Truth About Microplastics

Most people know drinking water is something that we should be prioritizing. But what many don't consider is where they're drinking it from.

You could be doing everything right (staying hydrated and hitting your daily goals) but if you're consuming it from the wrong container, you might be undoing some of those benefits.

The reason? Microplastics.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles released when larger plastics degrade over time. Once in your bottle or cup, exposure to heat, UV light, or repeated use can cause the particles to leach into your water.

Studies have found microplastics all across the human body, including in our blood, lungs, digestive systems, and even brain tissue.

How Microplastics Affect Your Body:

• Hormone disruption: Interferes with your endocrine system, affecting thyroid and reproductive health
• Chronic inflammation: Triggers immune responses leading to persistent inflammation
• Cellular damage: Can penetrate cell walls, potentially damaging DNA and cell function
• Gut health issues: Disrupts your microbiome and intestinal barrier
• Toxin carriers: Absorbs and delivers other harmful chemicals into your system

You might think you've solved this by switching to a metal water bottle. But here's the catch: that plastic lid or plastic straw you're drinking through... It's still leaching microplastics.

Common Ways You're Getting Microplastics when Drinking:

• Metal bottles with plastic lids contact your water every time you drink.
• Leaving any bottle in a hot car dramatically increases microplastic leaching. Heat accelerates the breakdown process.
• Reusing disposable bottles makes them break down more with each refill, releasing more particles.
• "BPA-free" labels can be misleading. BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical used in plastics that's been linked to health issues. Many companies replaced it with similar chemicals like BPS (Bisphenol S), which research suggests may be just as harmful.
• Plastic cups at home are often overlooked. Those cheap plastic cups or tumblers you use daily... They're leaching microplastics with every sip, especially if they're old or scratched.
• Even large "filtered" water coolers often use plastic containers that can leach over time.

Choose Better Containers:

• Glass bottles (watch for plastic lids)
• Stainless steel bottles with stainless steel lids
• Ceramic or glass cups at home

Storage Habits:

• Never leave bottles in hot cars or direct sunlight
• Don't store water in plastic long term
• Replace bottles when they show wear or cloudiness
• Remember: bottled water often sits in hot shipping containers and warehouses before you buy it, so refrigerating it immediately doesn't undo the damage already done

The Fix is Simple: Pay attention to what your water touches.

Want to Learn More? Check Out:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10151227/

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