In a world where plastic is omnipresent, a surprising source of microplastic pollution has been unearthed: plastic tea bags. Picture this: as you steep your tea, billions of tiny plastic particles are silently seeping into your cup. This startling revelation comes from a study that examined the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic teabags during the brewing process. The findings are as eye-opening as they are concerning.

When a single plastic teabag is steeped at the usual brewing temperature of 95 °C (203 °F), it releases a staggering 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into your tea. These are not just any plastics, but specific types like nylon and polyethylene terephthalate, identified through sophisticated techniques like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This release is not just a drop in the ocean – it's several magnitudes higher than plastic levels previously found in other foods.

But what does this mean for us and the tiny creatures we share our planet with? The researchers took a step further to understand this by conducting an initial toxicity assessment on invertebrates. The result? These tiny plastic particles from teabags can cause dose-dependent behavioral and developmental effects in these creatures.

This study is a wake-up call. It shows how everyday items, as innocuous as a teabag, can be a hidden source of environmental pollution, raising questions about the safety and impact of such products. It nudges us to rethink our choices and underscores the need for more research into the implications of microplastics on health and the environment​.

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What Should You Do if You’re An Avid Tea Drinker?

There are two great options for you if you love your tea and don’t want to give it up:

1. Several companies are aware of the microplastic situation and have created more natural (non-plastic) tea bags to mitigate this issue.
2. You can use reusable tea bags, usually made out of cotton or linen, and put in your own blend of loose leaf tea. In the same realm, you can also use a stainless steel strainer for loose leaf tea.

Can You Test For Microplastics in Your Body?

Lab testing for microplastics in the bloodstream is unfortunately not widely available or easily accessible. However, it is possible to test the body’s sensitivity to the chemical components of plastic, which can give good clinical information to healthcare providers that they can use to personalize treatment and detoxification protocols. 

The LRA Environmental Chemicals Block 61 by ELISA / ACT Biotechnologies can detect an immune system response to components of plastic such as Vinyl Chloride, Dibutyl Phthalate.

How Can You Get Rid of The Microplastics in Your Body?

Plastics are typically broken down in the body through a process called glucuronidation, part of the liver's Phase 2 detox pathway. A substance found in fruits and vegetables, Calcium D-Glucarate, can also be consumed as a supplement. This compound is known to play a role in the glucuronidation phase, suggesting that a diet rich in it might help process microplastics.

Eating a variety of whole foods, including cruciferous vegetables, berries, soy, garlic, and turmeric, is crucial for supporting these liver detox pathways.

Specifically, Phthalates are more effectively eliminated through sweating. Engaging in activities that induce sweating, such as exercising or using saunas, is beneficial for this detoxification process.

Microplastics in Tea Bags: Key Takeaways

The discovery of microplastic contamination from plastic teabags in our tea is a significant environmental and health concern. It highlights the need for more conscious choices in our daily lives, like opting for natural or reusable tea bags. While direct testing for microplastics in the body remains a challenge, we can address potential impacts through dietary and lifestyle changes. 

Foods rich in Calcium D-Glucarate and a diet emphasizing whole foods, particularly those aiding in liver detoxification, can help mitigate the effects of microplastics. Additionally, activities that promote sweating, such as exercise and sauna use, are beneficial in eliminating certain plastic compounds. This situation underscores the importance of continued research and public awareness about the pervasive issue of microplastics in our environment and food chain.