Environmental toxins are everywhere. They’re in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even in the soil that grows our food. When we talk about reducing our toxic load, much of it seems well beyond our control. After all, we live in a society that prioritizes convenience over all else, and plastic is very very convenient. However, there are ways that we can take back the reins. In today’s episode, we touch on microplastics and how they impact egg and sperm health. These tiny fragments are unfortunately on the rise. I'll give you the download on where they are creeping in, so that you can avoid them. 

Microplastics (MPs), small pieces of plastic (∼5 mm), are released into the environment not only as a result of the decomposition of large-sized plastics but also from day-to-day use of plastic products. But not just from plastic bottles and cups.  Think food, cosmetics, disposable coffee cups, teabags and more.  

Many environmental pollutants can act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), mimicking the activity of endogenous steroid hormones and interfering in endocrine functions with different mechanisms, such as your reproductive system. 

An overconsumption of MP’s negatively affects female and male fertility due to inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have shown that extensive exposure to MPs aggravates various toxicities such as decreased diameter and number of eggs, decreased or empty follicles, inflamed ovaries, and reduced ovarian reserve. On the male side, exposure has been linked to decreased sperm quality and motility. 

Tune into today’s session to get the scoop on all things microplastics and how you can lessen your toxic load. 

You’ll learn: 

• The prevalence of microplastics worldwide
• Research linking consumption of microplastics to infertility 
• How you can avoid overconsumption

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