New Study Finds a Promising (and Delicious) Way to Keep Your Body From Absorbing Nanoplastics

Key Points:

• A new study published in Bioresource Technology found that certain strains of lactobacillus bacteria from kimchi, particularly Leu. mesenteroides CBA3656, may help reduce nanoplastic absorption by binding nanoplastics and promoting their excretion in mice.
• The study’s findings are preliminary for humans, as the bacterial doses used were higher than typical dietary intake, and the presence and concentration of specific bacterial strains in kimchi can vary widely.
• Experts caution that more research is needed to determine if other probiotic foods like yogurt or sauerkraut have similar effects, as the benefits are strain-specific and depend on bacteria surviving to the gut in sufficient amounts.
• Nanoplastics pose health risks by potentially causing gut inflammation, disrupting microbiota, and carrying harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates that may disrupt hormones.
• To limit nanoplastic impact, nutritionists recommend a diet high in fiber (25-35 grams daily), abundant plant foods, and fermented foods to support gut health, improve gut barrier function, and reduce inflammation.