Microplastics and Kidney Disease: The Evidence So Far

Microplastics (MPs) are tiny particles of plastic, typically less than 5 millimetres in size, that have become a pervasive environmental concern. They are present in our air, water, food, and increasingly, within our bodies. While the health implications of these particles are still being researched, recent evidence suggests a worrying link between MP exposure and kidney damage. The kidneys, essential for filtering toxins and waste from our bodies, may be particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of these particles.

Evidence Linking Microplastics to Kidney Disease

Research over the last few years has shed light on the potential damage MPs may cause to kidney tissues. Studies on mice and in human kidney cells have shown that exposure to MPs can lead to several harmful effects, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis—conditions known to contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

In one study, mice exposed to MPs for eight weeks displayed significant signs of kidney damage, such as tubulointerstitial fibrosis, glomerular collapse, and inflammation. These findings were confirmed by molecular evidence showing increased oxidative stress markers and higher levels of inflammatory proteins. Researchers also found that MPs, particularly polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), accumulated in kidney tissues, leading to impaired kidney function.

In addition to their direct toxic effects, MPs can act as carriers for other harmful environmental pollutants like cadmium and phthalates. This “trojan horse” effect allows MPs to introduce additional toxins into the body, further exacerbating kidney damage through oxidative stress and inflammation. While most studies have been conducted on animals, they provide a strong indication of how chronic MP exposure may affect human kidneys over time.

How to Minimise Microplastic Exposure

As microplastics are so widespread, avoiding them entirely is nearly impossible. However, there are strategies you can adopt to reduce your exposure:

1. Filter Your Water: Tap water often contains microplastics. Invest in a high-quality water filter that can remove particles as small as MPs, especially if you consume large amounts of water daily.

2. Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable materials like glass, stainless steel, or natural fibres when shopping for bottles, bags, and food containers.

3. Choose Natural Fibres: Synthetic clothing sheds microfibres during washing, which can contribute to MP pollution. Try wearing clothes made from natural materials like cotton, wool, or hemp.

4. Minimise Processed Foods: Packaged and processed foods often contain more microplastics, as they may leach from the plastic packaging into the food. Opt for fresh, whole foods whenever possible.

5. Ventilate Your Home: Microplastics are present in household dust, so ensure your home is well-ventilated and vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter to trap fine particles.

6. Reduce Use of Cosmetics with Microbeads: Avoid skincare and personal care products that contain microbeads, which can enter your body through skin absorption or accidental ingestion.

Natural Medicine Strategies for Kidney Protection and Detox

While reducing exposure is essential, natural medicine can offer further support to help protect your kidneys from potential microplastic damage and assist with detoxification. Here are some general strategies, but for individualised treatment, it’s best to seek professional guidance:

• Herbs for Kidney Protection: Several herbs are known for their kidney-protective properties and can support kidney health by promoting detoxification, reducing inflammation, and boosting the kidneys’ natural filtration function.

• Antioxidants: Oxidative stress plays a key role in MP-related kidney damage. Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, leafy greens, and turmeric into your diet can help combat this. Supplements like vitamin C, vitamin E, and CoQ10 may also be useful to support kidney health.

• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is critical for helping the kidneys flush out toxins. Drinking filtered water ensures that you’re not adding more MPs into your system while staying hydrated.

• Detoxification Support: Supporting the body’s detoxification pathways, particularly the liver and kidneys, can help reduce the toxic load from MP exposure. Detoxification protocols might involve herbal supplements such as milk thistle, glutathione support, and lifestyle practices like sauna therapy or dry brushing to encourage lymphatic drainage.

• Fibre-Rich Diet: A diet high in fibre can help bind and eliminate toxins from the body. Soluble fibre from sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and psyllium husk may be particularly helpful for supporting digestive health and the body’s detoxification process.

• Probiotics: There is emerging evidence that a healthy gut microbiome plays a role in filtering and processing environmental toxins, including MPs. Probiotic-rich foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and yoghurt, or a high-quality probiotic supplement, may offer additional support for reducing toxic burden.

Seeking Individualised Care

The potential harm posed by microplastics is a growing concern, particularly for those with pre-existing kidney conditions or those wanting to safeguard their kidney health. While these general strategies offer a good starting point, everyone’s health needs are unique, and a personalised approach is often more effective, particularly where a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is already present. By booking an appointment, you can receive tailored advice on how to protect your kidneys and enhance your body’s natural ability to detoxify microplastics. Your treatment plan will consider your specific health conditions, lifestyle, and goals, ensuring the best possible support for your long-term well-being. Microplastics are an unavoidable reality of modern life, but with the right strategies, you can minimise their impact on your health.

Reference

La Porta E, Exacoustos O, Lugani F, Angeletti A, Chiarenza DS, Bigatti C, Spinelli S, Kajana X, Garbarino A, Bruschi M, Candiano G, Caridi G, Mancianti N, Calatroni M, Verzola D, Esposito P, Viazzi F, Verrina E, Ghiggeri GM. Microplastics and Kidneys: An Update on the Evidence for Deposition of Plastic Microparticles in Human Organs, Tissues and Fluids and Renal Toxicity Concern. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Sep 21;24(18):14391. doi: 10.3390/ijms241814391. PMID: 37762695; PMCID: PMC10531672.