Microplastics: how to reduce your exposure by 93%
Microplastics represent the material crisis of our generation. While our grandparents dealt with lead and our parents with asbestos, we face a world literally bathed in plastic. These microscopic particles, ranging from nanometers to microns in size, have invaded every corner of our planet and our bodies.
Brian Johnson, the entrepreneur known for his longevity experiments, has demonstrated that it is possible to dramatically reduce exposure to microplastics. His blood levels dropped by 93%, placing him in the bottom 1.6% of nearly 3,000 tests analyzed. His experience reveals both the magnitude of the problem and the practical solutions available.
The surprising truth about bottled water
A recent French study shook beliefs about the safety of bottled water. Contrary to popular intuition, drinks in glass bottles contained between 5 and 50 times more microplastics than their equivalents in plastic containers or aluminum cans.
The source of the problem is not the glass itself, but the paint flakes from metal caps. Untreated crowns release up to 287 particles per liter, while a simple wash with compressed air and alcohol reduces this figure to 87 particles. This discovery illustrates how precise measurement can identify unexpected sources of contamination.
This revelation left many wondering: if glass bottles aren't safe, plastic ones aren't either, and aluminum cans are also compromised, what options remain? The answer points toward home filtration systems and stainless steel bottles as the only truly reliable alternatives.
The problem extends beyond drinking water. IV bags, commonly used in NAD and vitamin therapies, contain on average 40,000 microplastics per bag. To put this in perspective, drinking two liters daily of water from glass bottles would expose you to 3,300 microplastics annually, while a single IV session equals more than a decade of exposure.
Where microplastics accumulate in your body
Microplastics don't just pass through your digestive system. Research has documented their presence in virtually all human tissues: ovaries, testicles, arterial plaques, brain, kidneys, and bloodstream. These particles can remain in your body indefinitely, accumulating slowly.
While definitive studies on human harm are still in development, animal evidence suggests possible negative effects. Microplastics can cause mechanical disruption of tissues, in addition to releasing endocrine-disrupting chemicals when heated or degraded.
Exposure occurs mainly through ingestion and inhalation. Every time you drink from a plastic bottle, eat packaged foods, or even wash synthetic clothing, you introduce these particles into your system. A surprising source is plastic tea bags, which release thousands of particles when submerged in hot water.
Brian johnson's protocol for reducing exposure
Johnson implemented a systematic approach to minimize his daily exposure. His protocol includes using exclusively stainless steel containers for storing food and beverages, completely avoiding plastic containers for any substance he consumes.
He installed a $1,300 reverse osmosis system that not only filters microplastics but also remineralizes the water. More economical systems of $270-350 offer similar benefits. Conventional filters like Brita do not remove microplastics, making reverse osmosis technology essential.
In his kitchen, he eliminated all plastic cutting boards, replacing them with wood. He avoids reheating plastic containers and discarded all non-stick cookware that contains problematic chemicals. These simple changes significantly reduce exposure during food preparation.
His wardrobe also changed dramatically. He replaced synthetic clothing with natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, hemp, and wool. Most athletic wear is made of polyester, a significant source of microplastics that are released during washing. He installed HEPA filters in his ventilation system to capture airborne particles.
Elimination methods: sauna and blood donation
Beyond reducing exposure, Johnson explored methods to eliminate microplastics already present in his body. Dry sauna at 93°C (200°F) for 20 minutes daily showed the most dramatic results in reducing industrial toxins of all types.
The sauna detoxification results were impressive: reductions of 65% to 100% in various industrial chemicals. While not specifically confirmed for microplastics, the logic suggests that profuse sweating could help eliminate these particles along with other toxins.
Regular blood donation emerges as another promising strategy. Each donation removes approximately 300-500 ml of blood, taking with it circulating plastic particles. It's a free intervention that benefits both the donor and society, creating a positive cycle of community health.
The total plasma exchange (TPE) that Johnson experienced presents an interesting dilemma. While it removes contaminated plasma, the process uses plastic equipment that could reintroduce contaminants. The replacement albumin, although it comes in glass bottles, may also be compromised by metal caps.
How to measure your microplastic levels
Blueprint, Johnson's company, offers one of the few commercial tests available for measuring microplastics in blood. The at-home test requires a puncture with a metal lancet (not plastic to avoid contamination) and analyzes three different particle sizes.
Measurement is crucial because it provides a personal baseline and allows monitoring of intervention progress. Without objective data, it's impossible to know if lifestyle changes are working effectively.
Johnson's results show that significant reduction is possible. From 15 particles in his initial sample, he dropped to just one particle, placing him in the lowest percentile of the analyzed population. This achievement demonstrates that systematic interventions can produce measurable results.
A balanced approach to the problem
Microplastics represent a commons problem that no individual can completely solve. Like air or water pollution, it requires collective solutions and systemic changes in manufacturing and regulation.
However, this doesn't mean resigning yourself to exposure. An 80/20 approach is more sustainable than obsessive perfection. Implement the most impactful changes in your home while accepting that occasional exposure is inevitable when traveling or eating out.
The key lies in measurement and continuous improvement. As more people demand microplastic-free products and contamination testing, industry will respond with safer innovations. Change begins with informed individuals making conscious decisions about their daily exposure.