People are being urged to ‘reconsider’ their drinking habits, particularly if they’re fond of a cup of tea and rely on tea bags. The caution comes from health expert Dr Eric Berg DC, who outlined why people should opt for paper bags or loose tea leaves instead in a video entitled: “Critical: detoxify your brain from microplastics”.
In the clip, he addresses the dangers certain commonplace items can present regarding their plastic content. Among the items he highlights are tea bags, which can add microplastics and nanoplastics to your beverage, potentially creating health issues when ingested.
This worry is mostly directed at tea bags manufactured from plastic or containing plastic sealing agents. Long-term consumption of these minuscule plastic fragments could potentially result in poor gut health and a diminished immune system.
Thankfully, numerous brands now provide plastic-free options, including paper bags with compostable bioplastics or organic cotton. At the start of the video, Dr Berg said: “Today I’m going to discuss a very important topic: how to detoxify the plastic out of your brain microplastics.
“The brain accumulates the most microplastics of all of the organs. The brain accumulates seven to 30 times more microplastics than the liver and the kidneys.”
Dr Berg, a nutritionist, researcher and chiropractic doctor with expertise in diet and weight loss, is widely recognised as The Knowledge Doc. He is the author of The 7 Principles of Fat Burning and The Healthy Keto Plan. He frequently shares wellness insights online, including on his YouTube channel.
He discussed the risks of ‘forever’ chemicals found in certain plastic food and drink containers and how they can adversely affect your health. Dr Berg warned: “They can bind with proteins in your blood, creating problems as they bioaccumulate in the body over time.”
What does research show?
Citing research from the University of New Mexico, he pointed out that the average human brain contains about seven grams of microplastics, a staggering 50% increase from findings in 2016.
On the topic of tea bags, Dr Berg advises against using those made with plastic due to their potential toxicity. He suggests opting for “natural tea bags without plastic”, following revelations from the American Chemical Society that plastic teabags can shed billions of minuscule particles into your brew.
Further alarming findings by researchers at McGill University showed that a single plastic tea bag could release up to 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into a cup of tea. Although the full effects of these particles on our health remain unclear, it’s evident that ingesting plastic is far from a healthy practice.
The particles stem from polypropylene, which numerous manufacturers use to seal tea bags. While these microplastics are routinely discovered in various food and beverage products (including bottled water), the research revealed that tea bags release quantities thousands of times higher than other items.
Are loose tea leaves better than tea bags?
Loose-leaf tea generally has larger, intact tea leaves that can fully release their flavour and aroma during steeping, leading to a more complex and richer taste. It frequently has higher-quality tea leaves, which can result in a more flavorful cup.
Loose leaf tea preserves more of its essential oils and nutrients, potentially offering enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory advantages. It provides a broader spectrum of flavours and types to discover, including distinctive regional and herbal options.
Loose leaf tea is often more eco-friendly, as it eliminates the need for tea bag packaging, which may consist of plastic or non-biodegradable materials.
Tea bags offer a fast and simple way to enjoy tea without the need for special tools such as a teapot or infuser. Although premium tea bags can come with a higher price tag, they are typically a more economical choice for regular tea drinking.
How can you ‘detoxify’?
Dr Berg explained: “Scientists are working to develop microbes, fungi, and enzymes that can eat plastic, but until those are developed, there are only two things you can do to detoxify your body of microplastics. First, avoid plastic.” He continued: “High-quality deep sleep is vital to detox microplastics from the brain. Inducing autophagy can also detox microplastics.
“Fasting for at least 18 hours is one of the best ways to induce autophagy.” Fasting isn’t suitable for everyone. Speak to your doctor first to check if it is safe for you.
He went on: “Plastics and forever chemicals create oxidative stress in the body, which can be countered with strong antioxidant systems. Foods high in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables, can help strengthen your body’s antioxidant networks. NAC and milk thistle are great for detoxification.”
Tips to reduce microplastics in your body:
- Use a water filter
- Eliminate plastic cutting boards
- Avoid dishwasher pods
- Switch to biodegradable coffee filters
- Use sea salt from an ancient seabed
- Avoid plastic baby bottles
- Use a stainless steel water bottle
- Use plastic-free sponges
- Avoid canned food and liquids
- Use bamboo toothbrushes
- Use glass Tupperware
- Avoid plastic dental floss
- Use 100% organic cotton tampons
Opt for completely biodegradable tea bags that are plastic-free, organic, or made from plant-derived materials. Seek out tea bags marked as “free of epichlorohydrin,” a chemical that certain manufacturers employ to boost the bags’ strength.