Microplastics and Your Health: What You Need to Know

At Islip Chiropractic, we often talk about wellness as a whole-body journey—what you eat, how you move, how you manage stress, and how you care for your spine all matter. But there’s a hidden factor affecting health that’s been gaining more attention in recent years: microplastics.

You’ve probably heard the term, but what are microplastics, and why should we care?

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters long. They come from the breakdown of larger plastics (like bottles or bags) and are also found in many everyday items—cosmetics, clothing fibers, packaging, and even some household products.

Because they are so small, microplastics are easily carried into our water, food, and even the air we breathe. Recent studies show they’ve been found inside human tissues, including lungs and blood.

Why Microplastics Matter for Wellness

The concern with microplastics isn’t just their environmental impact—it’s how they may affect the body. While research is ongoing, early studies suggest that microplastics may:

• Increase inflammation in the body, which can worsen pain or slow down healing.

• Disrupt hormones, which may affect energy, metabolism, and overall balance.

• Impact gut health, potentially leading to digestive or immune system challenges.

• Add toxic burden, since plastics often carry chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals.

At a chiropractic wellness office, we see firsthand how inflammation, stress, and lifestyle choices affect pain, mobility, and overall quality of life. Minimizing hidden stressors—like microplastics—supports your body’s natural ability to heal and thrive.

Reducing Your Exposure to Microplastics

The good news? While we can’t avoid microplastics completely, we can make small, intentional choices to reduce exposure:

• Drink filtered water instead of bottled water.

• Choose glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers over plastic.

• Avoid heating food in plastic—microwaving or leaving plastic in hot cars releases particles.

• Opt for natural fabrics (like cotton or wool) instead of synthetic ones that shed microfibers.

• Eat more whole foods—many processed foods come in plastic packaging.

Supporting Your Body’s Detox and Resilience

Even with precautions, microplastics are part of our modern world. That’s why it’s important to keep the body resilient:

• Stay hydrated to help flush toxins.

• Support your nervous system with regular chiropractic care—reducing stress on the spine helps your body manage other environmental stressors more effectively.

• Focus on nutrition with fiber-rich foods that support gut health and detox pathways.

• Move daily to encourage circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Whole-Body Wellness Starts Here

Wellness isn’t just about one adjustment or one healthy meal—it’s about making small, consistent choices that support your body inside and out.

At Islip Chiropractic, we’re here to help you navigate not only your spinal health but also the bigger picture of wellness in today’s world. Reducing your exposure to microplastics is one step toward lowering inflammation and giving your body the best chance to heal, function, and thrive.

Want to learn more about whole-body wellness strategies? Call us at 631-647-8324 or visit islipchiro.com to schedule your next appointment.