How to measure how much microplastics are in your body

In recent years, microplastics have become a growing concern for health-conscious individuals. Found in our food, water, and even the air we breathe, these tiny plastic particles are making their way into our bodies, and researchers are now developing ways to measure them. The question is, how can you find out how much microplastics are in your body, and more importantly, what can you do about it?

What's the problem with having microplastics in your body anyway?

The potential health impacts of microplastics are still under investigation, but emerging research has raised several red flags. Microplastics can absorb harmful chemicals and carry them into the human body. Here are some of the ways they could be affecting your health:

- Inflammation and Tissue Damage: When microplastics enter the body, they can trigger inflammatory responses as the immune system tries to expel them. Over time, chronic inflammation can damage tissues and organs, potentially leading to diseases such as atherosclerosis or cancer​Animal studies have shown that exposure to microplastics can cause inflammation in the gut, liver, and lungs.

- Hormonal Disruption: Many types of microplastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These substances can interfere with hormone regulation in the body, which has been linked to fertility issues, metabolic disorders, and developmental problems in children​.

- Potential Carcinogenic Effects: While more research is needed, there are concerns that prolonged exposure to microplastics, especially those containing toxic additives, could increase the risk of cancer. Microplastics’ ability to accumulate and interact with other harmful chemicals (like heavy metals) might exacerbate their carcinogenic potential​

How are these microplastics entering my body?

Microplastics enter our bodies through various means

‍Food and Water: Studies have shown that microplastics are present in seafood, bottled water, and even table salt.

‍Air: Microplastic particles from synthetic clothing, urban dust, and industrial emissions can be inhaled.

‍Personal Care Products: Microbeads in cosmetics can also be ingested or absorbed through the skin.

Can you test for microplastics in your body?

Short answer: you now can.

Just until recently, the only way you could test for microplastics in your body would be to take part in a clinical trial.

Now however, you can buy a simple at-home microplastics test kit - here's how Numenor's kit works:

1. Order the Test Kit: The test kit is delivered to your address free of charge within 3-5 business days for UK and USA addresses.

2. Take a Simple Blood Sample: The test involves a simple finger prick to collect a small blood sample.

3. Lab Analysis: The sample is sent back to a certified lab, where it is analyzed for microplastics.

4. Receive Your Results: Once analyzed, you receive a detailed report showing your microplastic levels and actionable steps to reduce your exposure.

What's the point of testing for microplastics in your body anyways?

Although it's nearly impossible to completely avoid microplastic consumption - you can take actions to greatly reduce the microplastics in your body. And what we can tell from the research so far is that the lower your levels, the lower your risk. Even a 10% reduction of microplastics in your blood could be the difference between developing a chronic condition or not.

At Numenor we think that there's no point in knowing your microplastic levels if you don't know what to do with that information - and that's why with every test result we provide personalised recommendations from our senior longevity doctor on how to reduce your microplastic exposure.