How to Protect Yourself from the Risk of Microplastic Particles - Jordan News
A recent alarming study revealed that our brains contain around a teaspoon of microplastic particles, raising significant health concerns.
While previous research indicated that humans consume the equivalent of a credit card's worth of plastic every week on average, these tiny particles (less than 5 mm) have been discovered in oceans, clouds, and even various parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, placenta, blood, and breast milk. However, the levels found in the brain are much higher than in other organs or fluids. اضافة اعلان Although the full health impact of microplastic particles remains uncertain, studies suggest that they can damage cells, cause inflammation, disrupt organ functions, and alter immune responses. Exposure to these particles has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and some types of cancer. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to these harmful particles: 1. **Avoid Drinking Water from Plastic Bottles** Experts recommend switching from plastic bottles to filtered tap water. A recent study showed that using filtered water instead of bottled water can reduce microplastic consumption by up to 90%. Experts suggest using reusable water bottles made from stainless steel. 2. **Choose the Right Tea Bags** A 2019 Canadian study revealed that steeping a single plastic tea bag in hot water releases about 11.6 billion microplastic particles and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles per cup. To avoid this issue, experts recommend purchasing tea in paper bags instead of plastic ones or steeping loose leaf tea directly in water using a strainer or a special tea pot. 3. **Boil and Filter Water** Research indicates that boiling water can effectively reduce the presence of microplastic particles. A 2024 study found that boiling and filtering water could reduce microplastics by up to 90%. A simple home filter, such as a coffee filter, can also help remove suspended particles. 4. **Avoid Plastic Cutting Boards** Studies have shown that plastic cutting boards can be a significant source of microplastic particles in food. Experts advise using cutting boards made from wood or metal, as they are more durable and easier to clean. 5. **Don't Microwave Plastic Containers** Studies have shown that heating plastic containers in the microwave can release billions of microplastic particles. Experts recommend avoiding storing food in plastic containers and switching to glass or stainless steel containers.
While it may be impossible to completely avoid microplastic particles, following these steps can significantly reduce your exposure and protect your long-term health. *(New York Post)*
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan News
4 days ago
- Jordan News
Two Nighttime Signs That May Be Linked to Cancer - Jordan News
The body can sometimes send subtle signals in the early stages of cancer — and while most people notice symptoms during waking hours, certain signs that appear during sleep may serve as early warnings. اضافة اعلان Recent studies suggest that some nighttime disturbances may be more than just minor annoyances, potentially signaling an increased risk of cancer. Experts have identified two key symptoms that may indicate the development of certain cancers if they occur repeatedly during sleep: 1. Excessive night sweats 2. Sleep apnea (breathing interruptions during sleep) 1. Night Sweats and Their Link to Cancer Heavy night sweats — intense enough to require changing clothes — are associated with various conditions, including lymphoma and leukemia. According to the Cleveland Clinic, when this sweating is not caused by external factors such as room temperature or medication, it may be the body's immune response to abnormal cell growth. Dr. Jennifer Cullen Bein, a hematology specialist, emphasizes that persistent, intense night sweats, especially if accompanied by unexplained weight loss or fever, should prompt a thorough medical evaluation. A report by Cancer Research UK supports this, identifying night sweats as an early symptom of certain cancers, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia. These symptoms may be caused by immune activation due to growing cancer cells disrupting normal bodily functions. 2. Sleep Apnea and Cancer Risk Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the upper airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and restart. While it's known to affect sleep quality, recent research also connects it to higher cancer risks. A 2019 Canadian study involving over 30,000 participants found that individuals with severe sleep apnea had higher cancer rates, particularly kidney, pancreatic, and lung cancer. Lead researcher Dr. Tetyana Kendzerska explained that chronic oxygen deprivation during sleep may trigger biological processes that promote cancer cell growth and spread. Why These Nighttime Signs Are Concerning Both night sweats and sleep apnea may reflect chronic inflammation and immune system activation — conditions often linked to cancer. Night sweats may result from the immune system fighting abnormal (possibly cancerous) cells. Meanwhile, the intermittent lack of oxygen in sleep apnea can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and possibly genetic mutations. Doctors urge people not to ignore these signs, especially if they occur frequently, and are accompanied by other symptoms like chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or visible lumps in the neck or underarms. When to See a Doctor You should consult a physician if you experience: Severe and frequent night sweats without a clear cause Repeated breathing pauses during sleep, or if a bed partner notices loud snoring followed by silence Additional symptoms like weight loss, nighttime fever, or persistent fatigue Family history of cancer Final Note While these two signs are not definitive indicators of cancer, they should not be ignored. Their persistence may warrant medical attention to rule out serious causes. Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
Jordan News
30-04-2025
- Jordan News
Warning: Popular Spice May Interfere with Medications and Harm Your Health - Jordan News
In a surprising twist for lovers of Eastern flavors, a new scientific study from the University of Mississippi has revealed that cinnamon, widely praised for its health benefits, may negatively affect the effectiveness of certain prescribed medications. اضافة اعلان According to researchers, cinnamaldehyde—the main compound in cinnamon—can activate receptors in the body that speed up the breakdown of medications, reducing their therapeutic impact. A Little Is Fine—But Caution Is Key While small amounts of cinnamon—like a sprinkle on your coffee—aren't considered dangerous, the study warns against high doses, especially when taken as dietary supplements without medical supervision, as reported by the New York Post. 'Overuse of cinnamon supplements can push the body to metabolize medications too quickly, reducing their therapeutic benefit significantly,' said Dr. Shabana Khan, lead researcher of the study. Cassia vs. True Cinnamon Not all cinnamon is the same. Cinnamon oil, used in flavorings and personal care, poses little risk. Cassia cinnamon—the common, cheaper type sold in stores—contains coumarin, a compound known to thin the blood and potentially dangerous in large quantities. 'True cinnamon from Sri Lanka is safer, as it contains much lower levels of coumarin,' said Dr. Amir Chitepalli, Deputy Director of the National Center for Natural Products Research. 'It's a better option for people taking blood thinners.' Special Warning for People with Chronic Conditions The study recommends extra caution for individuals with chronic illnesses such as: Diabetes Hypertension Obesity Cancer Asthma Depression 'The best advice is to consult your doctor before combining any supplement with medications,' Dr. Khan emphasized. 'Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe.' Final Takeaway While cinnamon still holds valuable health benefits when consumed in moderation, this study highlights the importance of medical awareness and caution even with the most common natural ingredients.
Jordan News
29-04-2025
- Jordan News
Eye Problems Indicate Dementia Risk Before Symptoms Appear - Jordan News
Researchers have found that subtle changes in the blood vessels of the eye may serve as a window through which we can predict the likelihood of dementia years before traditional symptoms manifest. اضافة اعلان These groundbreaking results, published in the journal Alzheimer's Disease, could drastically change early detection methods for this devastating disease. This discovery is led by a research team from the University of Otago, which analyzed data from thousands of eye exams as part of a long-term New Zealand study. The researchers identified three specific changes in the eye that are closely linked to an increased risk of dementia: narrowing of the small arteries (arterioles), widening of the small veins (venules), and thinning of the nerve fiber layer in the retina. These subtle changes could appear even before any other signs of cognitive decline. Dr. Ashley Barrett-Young, the lead researcher in the study, explains: "The retina is a direct extension of the central nervous system, and what we see in it actually reflects what is happening in the brain." She adds, "The tiny blood vessels in the eye give us a precise image of the health of the blood vessels in the brain, making them a unique biological marker." This discovery comes at a time when our understanding of dementia is undergoing a revolution. Previous studies have shown that vision sensitivity tests can predict dementia up to 12 years before diagnosis. What's new here is the potential for early detection through a simple, non-invasive eye exam, which could become routine in eye doctors' clinics. Despite these promising results, researchers caution that we are still in the early stages of this scientific path. Barrett-Young says, "We can't currently predict an individual's risk just by looking at an eye scan, but we are working on developing artificial intelligence algorithms that may make this possible in the near future." (New York Post)
