Fiber (both soluble and insoluble) is currently the best known method to excrete microplastics through feces by preventing absorption and aiding their passage.
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Sulforaphane, found in broccoli sprouts or supplements, activates enzymes that make plastic-associated chemicals like BPA and phthalates water-soluble, facilitating their excretion via urine.
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Beta-glucans from sources like oats and mushrooms can help excrete 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) through bile acids.
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Reducing exposure is crucial, including using reverse osmosis water filters, avoiding packaged foods, and not consuming hot beverages from plastic-lined cups.
Protocols
Concrete recipes — what, when, how much, and why
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Microplastic Excretion via Fiber
WhatConsume a combination of insoluble and soluble (fermentable) fiber to facilitate the excretion of microplastics through feces.
WhenRegularly, as part of daily diet.
DoseSufficient intake of both fiber types.
For whomAnyone exposed to microplastics (virtually everyone).
WhyInsoluble fiber speeds up gut transit, preventing microplastic absorption, while soluble fiber forms a viscous coating that traps smaller microplastics and nanoplastics, preventing them from crossing gut membranes.
The speaker emphasizes that while it's impossible to completely avoid microplastic exposure, the most effective strategy for their removal from the body is through fecal excretion. Microplastics are not excreted via urine or sweat. The key to this process is dietary fiber. Insoluble fiber, abundant in vegetables, works by increasing gut motility, effectively 'pushing' microplastics through the digestive system faster, thereby reducing the window for absorption. Soluble (or fermentable) fiber, found in fruits, artichokes, onions, mushrooms (beta-glucans), and oats, creates a viscous, gel-like coating in the gut. This coating physically binds to and encapsulates smaller microplastics and nanoplastics, preventing them from crossing the delicate gut membranes and entering the bloodstream. Therefore, a balanced intake of both types of fiber is crucial for maximizing microplastic elimination.
Mechanism
Insoluble fiber acts as a bulking agent, accelerating the movement of gut contents, including microplastics, through the digestive tract. This reduces the time microplastics have to interact with the gut lining and be absorbed. Soluble fiber, also known as fermentable fiber, dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. This viscous layer coats microplastics and nanoplastics, physically preventing them from directly contacting and crossing the epithelial cells of the gut lining. Both mechanisms ensure that microplastics are encapsulated or rapidly moved through the system, ultimately being expelled in feces rather than absorbed into the bloodstream.
So you want to get a combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber to basically poop out the plastic essentially. That's that's what you want to do. And right now that's your best bet.
Also said
“First and foremost, if you have insoluble fiber, right? That's the stuff that is moving food through you quicker. Vegetables are a great source of in insoluble fiber. That is going to move the microplastics. It's going to not allow them to have the time to be absorbed.”— Explains the role of insoluble fiber in microplastic excretion.
“The other thing that it does is it causes this is why it used to be called soluble fiber. It's kind of now called fermentable fiber. The reason it's called soluble fiber is because it makes this viscous coating in the gut. And that becomes very important in understanding nanoplastics because it coats the microplastics and nanoplastics and kind of prevents them from being able to get across the gut membrane.”— Details the mechanism of soluble fiber in preventing nanoplastic absorption.
Sulforaphane for Plastic Chemical Detox
WhatConsume sulforaphane, either from broccoli sprouts or a supplement, to activate enzymes that detoxify plastic-associated chemicals like BPA and phthalates.
WhenDaily.
DoseRegular intake.
For whomAnyone exposed to plastic-associated chemicals (virtually everyone).
WhySulforaphane activates the Nrf2 pathway, which upregulates enzymes responsible for converting fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble metabolites, allowing them to be excreted via urine.
The speaker highlights sulforaphane as a crucial compound for detoxifying plastic-associated chemicals such as BPA, BPS, and phthalates. These chemicals are typically fat-soluble, making their direct excretion challenging. Sulforaphane, abundantly found in broccoli sprouts, works by activating the Nrf2 pathway. This pathway is essential for upregulating the body's natural detoxification enzymes. These enzymes convert the fat-soluble plastic chemicals into water-soluble metabolites, which can then be effectively processed by the kidneys and excreted through urine. The speaker cites human studies demonstrating that sulforaphane consumption can significantly increase the excretion of other environmental toxins like benzene, suggesting a similar mechanism for plastic chemicals. He personally takes a sulforaphane supplement daily for this purpose.
Mechanism
Plastic-associated chemicals like BPA and phthalates are not water-soluble, making them difficult for the body to excrete directly. Sulforaphane activates the Nrf2 pathway, a master regulator of antioxidant and detoxification responses. This activation leads to the increased production of specific enzymes (e.g., glutathione S-transferases) that conjugate these fat-soluble toxins, converting them into water-soluble forms. Once water-soluble, these metabolites can be efficiently filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine, significantly reducing their half-life and accumulation in the body.
And the enzymes that do that are activated by my favorite compound found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts, sulfurophane. So the enzymes that activate um you know that basically make BPA water soluble are the same ones that make for example benzene w water soluble.
Also said
“There's me now at least three different human studies showing that people that consume sulfurophane in the form of its precursor glucaraphin and then you know are exposed to benzene they excrete 60% more benzene after 24 hours and that's because you're basically activating that pathway nrf2 pathway through the sulfurophane sulfurane is the the biggest natural product activator the biggest dietary activator of that system, the detox system is sulfurophane.”— Provides evidence for sulforaphane's detoxification capabilities and identifies the Nrf2 pathway.
“I take sulfurophane every day. I take a product called um Avacol, which is the reason I do Avacol is because it's been shown in 12 different clinical studies to be effective and um they have a really a really good product and I'm not associated with them or affiliated with them. I just happen to like stuff that's evidence-based.”— Shares personal practice and rationale for supplement choice.
Beta-Glucans for 'Forever Chemical' Excretion
WhatConsume beta-glucans, found in foods like oats and mushrooms, to aid in the excretion of 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) through bile acids.
WhenRegularly.
DoseConsistent dietary intake.
For whomAnyone exposed to 'forever chemicals' (virtually everyone).
WhyBeta-glucans can bind to bile acids, which are a primary excretion route for 'forever chemicals,' facilitating their removal from the body.
For 'forever chemicals' (PFAS), which can persist in the body for years, the excretion pathway differs from other plastic compounds. These chemicals are primarily eliminated through bile acids. The speaker notes that animal studies suggest beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber found in foods like oats and mushrooms, can enhance the clearance of these 'forever chemicals' by influencing bile acid excretion. This implies that incorporating beta-glucan-rich foods into the diet could be a strategy to help the body rid itself of these highly persistent and damaging compounds.
Mechanism
Forever chemicals (PFAS) have a very long half-life in the body, often years, and are primarily excreted via bile acids. Beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber, are known to bind to bile acids in the gut. By binding to bile acids that have already sequestered PFAS, beta-glucans prevent the reabsorption of these bile acids and the associated PFAS back into the enterohepatic circulation. This interruption of reabsorption promotes the increased fecal excretion of the bile acid-PFAS complex, thereby accelerating the elimination of these persistent chemicals from the body.
So that the way that those chemicals are excreted are through bile acids and and actually there's some some animal evidence out there showing that the beta glucans in like oats or mushrooms can excrete the forever chemical clearance through bile acids.
Enhancing Sulforaphane from Broccoli
WhatAdd mustard seed powder to mature broccoli to increase the conversion of glucoraphanin to sulforaphane.
WhenWhen consuming mature broccoli.
DoseA small amount of mustard seed powder.
For whomIndividuals seeking to maximize sulforaphane intake from dietary broccoli.
WhyMustard seed powder contains an enzyme (myrosinase) that is often degraded in cooked broccoli, which is necessary to convert glucoraphanin (the precursor) into active sulforaphane, significantly boosting bioavailability.
While broccoli sprouts are a potent source of sulforaphane, mature broccoli also contains its precursor, glucoraphanin. To maximize the conversion of glucoraphanin into active sulforaphane from mature broccoli, the speaker suggests a 'hack': adding mustard seed powder. This is because mustard seed powder contains the enzyme myrosinase, which is crucial for this conversion but can be diminished in cooked broccoli. A human study showed that adding mustard seed powder to broccoli increased sulforaphane bioavailability by four-fold. This simple addition can significantly boost the detoxifying potential of regular broccoli.
Mechanism
Broccoli contains glucoraphanin, the precursor to sulforaphane. For glucoraphanin to be converted into active sulforaphane, it requires the enzyme myrosinase. This enzyme is naturally present in broccoli but can be degraded by heat during cooking. Mustard seed powder is rich in myrosinase. By adding it to cooked or raw broccoli, it provides the necessary enzyme to facilitate the conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane, significantly increasing the bioavailability and thus the health benefits of sulforaphane.
But mature broccoli, if you want to get more of that, you know, glucaraphin out of it, you can and and conversion into sulforophane, what you do is you add mustard seed powder to it because mustard seed powder has an enzyme that converts the graphin into sulfurophane.
Also said
“There's a study, human study, showing that people that added mustard seed powder to their broccoli increased the bioavailability by four-fold.”— Provides evidence for the efficacy of adding mustard seed powder.
What's new
Personal practice updates, fresh positions, predictions
3 items
BPA-free marketing is misleading
Products labeled 'BPA-free' often contain BPS, which is equally or more harmful than BPA, making the label purely a marketing tactic.
Why this matters: Challenges a common consumer perception that 'BPA-free' products are safer, highlighting a deceptive marketing practice.
Background
Consumers are often led to believe that 'BPA-free' products are a healthier alternative to those containing Bisphenol A (BPA).
The speaker explains that the 'BPA-free' label is largely a marketing ploy. While it indicates the absence of Bisphenol A, these products typically substitute BPA with Bisphenol S (BPS). Research indicates that BPS is just as detrimental, if not more so, than BPA. This means that consumers opting for 'BPA-free' products are not necessarily avoiding harmful plastic-associated chemicals but merely swapping one for another, often without realizing the equivalent or greater health risks posed by BPS.
We now know BPS is just as bad as BPA, perhaps even worse. So, when you hear the word BPA free, it's 100% marketing, brilliant marketing. People think it's like safe. it's not. It has other chemicals.
Microplastics vs. Plastic-Associated Chemicals
Microplastics are physical fragments from larger plastic breakdown, while plastic-associated chemicals are additives like BPA or phthalates used to give plastics specific properties.
Why this matters: Clarifies the distinction between two major categories of plastic pollution, which are often conflated, and explains their different biological impacts and excretion pathways.
The speaker differentiates between microplastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Microplastics are physical particles resulting from the degradation of larger plastic items due to factors like oxidation and heat. They range significantly in size, from visible fragments to nanometer-scale particles, with smaller sizes posing greater danger due to their ability to cross biological membranes more easily. In contrast, plastic-associated chemicals are compounds intentionally added to plastics during manufacturing to impart properties like durability and flexibility. Examples include BPA, BPS, and phthalates. These chemicals are problematic because they can leach out and interfere with biological processes, such as hormone disruption and developmental issues. Understanding this distinction is crucial because the body processes and excretes these two types of contaminants differently, requiring different detoxification strategies.
So microlastics are the break they're the the product of the breakdown of larger plastic. And so this happens with two factors. One over time oxidation heat. Anything that increases oxidation breaks down the the plastic.
Also said
“the plastic associated chemicals are the chemicals that are put into the plastic to make them more durable, to make them more flexible, to give them all the properties that they need.”— Explains the nature and purpose of plastic-associated chemicals.
Phthalates and Developmental Disorders
Phthalates, common plastic additives, are linked to severe developmental issues in boys, including hypospadias and undescended testicles, impacting fertility and increasing cancer risk.
Why this matters: Highlights the specific and severe health consequences of phthalate exposure, particularly during pregnancy, which are often under-recognized.
Phthalates are identified as a significant problem, especially during critical developmental stages. The speaker notes that maternal exposure to high levels of phthalates during pregnancy is associated with an increased incidence of urogenital disorders in male offspring, such as hypospadias (where the urethral opening is not at the tip of the penis) and undescended testicles. These conditions are alarmingly common, affecting about 20% of boys today, and have serious long-term implications for fertility and increased risk of testicular and other cancers. This underscores the pervasive and damaging impact of these chemicals on human health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Women that are exposed to a lot of phalates during pregnancy have boys that have hypospadia. So their urethal slit is like further back. So a lot of times they'll have to sit on the toilet to pee because they don't have the right stream. Um undescended testicles is another big one for phalate exposure during pregnancy and these things are very common.
Also said
“I mean like like 20% of boys nowadays have undescended testicle and this is affecting fertility. It affects testicular cancer risk. It affects cancer risk in general. Phalates affect cancer risk in general.”— Provides statistics and broader health implications of phthalate exposure.
Recommendations
Products, supplements, and tools mentioned in the episode
2 items
Avacol
Supplement
A sulforaphane supplement taken daily by the speaker to help excrete plastic-associated chemicals like BPA and phthalates.
The speaker personally uses Avacol as his daily sulforaphane supplement. He emphasizes that his choice is based on the product's scientific backing, noting that it has been shown to be effective in 12 different clinical studies. He explicitly states he has no affiliation with the company, reinforcing that his recommendation stems from a preference for evidence-based products to support the detoxification of plastic-associated chemicals.
I take a product called um Avacol, which is the reason I do Avacol is because it's been shown in 12 different clinical studies to be effective and um they have a really a really good product and I'm not associated with them or affiliated with them. I just happen to like stuff that's evidence-based.
Minimize exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals as much as possible, even though complete avoidance is impossible.
While detoxification methods are important, the speaker stresses that reducing exposure to plastics is the first line of defense. This includes using a reverse osmosis water filter to remove plastics from drinking water, avoiding packaged foods (as plastics shed into food), and refraining from putting hot beverages into plastic-lined cups (like disposable coffee cups, which leach significantly more microplastics when hot). He acknowledges that complete avoidance is unrealistic given the ubiquity of plastics, even in things like meat packaging, but emphasizes doing what is feasible to mitigate exposure.
yes, you should try to, you know, reduce your exposure to them by getting a reverse osmosis water filter to filter because they're in our water, you know, by try not to eat packaged foods. They're all in our any anything with packaged foods, it they shed into our food. We're eating them.
Also said
“You're drinking plastic coffee is what you're doing when you go to Starbucks and get those like disposable cups because they're lined with plastic.”— Provides a specific example of high exposure from common practices.
“It's everywhere. So, you want to try to do what you can to mitigate your exposure to it, but you also want to try to detox from it.”— Acknowledges the difficulty of avoidance and the need for both reduction and detox.
An online grocery service offering a 30% discount and a free $60 gift for new users through a special link, delivering groceries to the doorstep.
DisclosureThrive Market has been a sponsor for over half a decade on this channel.
The speaker promotes Thrive Market as a long-standing sponsor, offering a significant discount (30% off the first order) and a free $60 gift for viewers who use a specific link. He highlights the convenience of having groceries, including snacks, meat, and other items, delivered directly to one's home. The endorsement also serves as a way for viewers to support the channel.
After today's video, I put a link down below for Thrive Market. That is a 30% off discount link. So, it gets you 30% off whatever you load up in your grocery cart and then it gets delivered to your doorstep.
Lines worth pulling out — contrarian, specific, or perfectly phrased
5 items
We now know BPS is just as bad as BPA, perhaps even worse. So, when you hear the word BPA free, it's 100% marketing, brilliant marketing. People think it's like safe. it's not. It has other chemicals.
Challenges a widely accepted consumer perception about 'BPA-free' products, revealing it as a marketing deception.
Women that are exposed to a lot of phalates during pregnancy have boys that have hypospadia. So their urethal slit is like further back. So a lot of times they'll have to sit on the toilet to pee because they don't have the right stream. Um undescended testicles is another big one for phalate exposure during pregnancy and these things are very common. I mean like like 20% of boys nowadays have undescended testicle and this is affecting fertility. It affects testicular cancer risk. It affects cancer risk in general. Phalates affect cancer risk in general.
Provides specific, alarming health consequences of phthalate exposure, including statistics and long-term risks, making the issue tangible.
You're drinking plastic coffee is what you're doing when you go to Starbucks and get those like disposable cups because they're lined with plastic.
Offers a stark and relatable example of hidden plastic exposure in everyday life.
So you want to get a combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber to basically poop out the plastic essentially. That's that's what you want to do. And right now that's your best bet. better than any other stuff you're going to hear online. That's that is the best way that you're going to quote unquote excrete microplastics. You're going to excrete them through your poop.
Emphasizes the primary and most effective method for microplastic excretion, directly countering potential misinformation.
I take sulfurophane every day. I take a product called um Avacol, which is the reason I do Avacol is because it's been shown in 12 different clinical studies to be effective and um they have a really a really good product and I'm not associated with them or affiliated with them. I just happen to like stuff that's evidence-based.
Demonstrates the speaker's personal commitment to the protocol and his rationale for choosing a specific, evidence-backed supplement.
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