Anyone who drinks tea urged to 'reconsider' for grim reason
Health expert Dr Eric Berg DC has revealed why making a tea with plastic tea bags should be avoided
If you're concerned, consider using loose-leaf tea or switching to tea bags made from natural material
(Image: Getty )
Tea drinkers are being prompted to 'reconsider' their tea-drinking habits, especially those partial to a brew using tea bags. Health expert Dr Eric Berg, DC, issued this warning, suggesting opting for paper bags or loose tea leaves in his video "Critical: detoxify your brain from microplastics."
Dr Berg's video delves into the potential risks posed by everyday items due to their plastic content. He specifically calls out tea bags as culprits for introducing microplastics and nanoplastics into your cuppa, which could lead to health complications if consumed regularly.
The concern primarily targets tea bags made with plastic or those that use plastic sealants. The long-term ingestion of these tiny plastic particles may lead to compromised gut health and a weakened immune system.
Fortunately, there's a silver lining, reports the Express. Many brands now offer plastic-free alternatives, such as paper bags with compostable bioplastics or organic cotton. At the beginning of his video, Dr Berg said: "Today I'm going to discuss a very important topic: how to detoxify the plastic out of your brain microplastics."
He continues to highlight the severity of the issue by noting: "The brain accumulates the most microplastics of all of the organs. The brain accumulates seven to 30 times more microplastics than the liver and the kidneys."
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Dr Berg, a nutritionist, researcher and chiropractic doctor renowned for his expertise in diet and weight loss, is affectionately dubbed The Knowledge Doc. He's penned titles such as The 7 Principles of Fat Burning and The Healthy Keto Plan, and regularly imparts health wisdom online, including on his YouTube channel.
He has raised concerns about the dangers of 'forever' chemicals present in some plastic food and drink containers, highlighting their potential to harm our health. Dr Berg cautioned: "They can bind with proteins in your blood, creating problems as they bioaccumulate in the body over time."
While research on the health effects of ingesting microplastics is ongoing, some studies suggest potential risks, including cellular damage and disruption of the endocrine system. Citing research from the University of New Mexico, Dr Berg pointed out that the average human brain contains about seven grams of microplastics, a staggering 50% increase from findings in 2016.
What does the research indicate?
When it comes to tea bags, Dr Berg recommends steering clear of those containing plastic due to their possible toxic effects. He advocates for "natural tea bags without plastic," echoing findings from the American Chemical Society that revealed plastic teabags can leach billions of tiny particles into your cuppa.
Research by scholars at McGill University discovered that a single plastic tea bag might release up to 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into a mug of tea. While the complete impact of these particles on our health is yet to be fully understood, it's clear that consuming plastic is not conducive to good health.
A single plastic tea bag might release up to 11.6 billion microplastic
(Image: Willie B. Thomas via Getty Images )
The particles originate from polypropylene, a common material used by numerous manufacturers to seal tea bags. Recent research has found that these microplastics are often present in various food and beverage products, including bottled water, but tea bags have been shown to release quantities thousands of times higher than other sources.
Are loose tea leaves better than tea bags?
When it comes to the question of whether loose tea leaves are superior to tea bags, there are several factors to consider. Loose leaf tea tends to retain more of its essential oils and nutrients, which could lead to greater antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
It also offers a wider range of flavours and varieties for enthusiasts to explore, including unique regional and herbal blends. Loose leaf tea is generally more environmentally friendly as it bypasses the need for packaging associated with tea bags, which may contain plastic or non-biodegradable elements.
Tea bags, on the other hand, provide a quick and convenient method for brewing tea without requiring additional equipment like a teapot or infuser. While premium tea bags might be pricier, they usually represent a more cost-effective option for daily tea consumption.
Some brands offer plastic-free tea bags
(Image: Getty )
How can you 'detoxify'?
Regarding 'detoxification', one suggestion is that "Fasting for at least 18 hours is one of the best ways to induce autophagy." However, fasting isn't appropriate for everyone, and it's important to consult with a doctor before starting any fasting regimen to ensure it's safe for you.
He continued: "Plastics and forever chemicals create oxidative stress in the body, which can be countered with strong antioxidant systems. Foods high in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables, can help strengthen your body's antioxidant networks. NAC and milk thistle are great for detoxification."
Ways to minimise microplastics in your system:
Use a water filter
Eliminate plastic cutting boards
Avoid dishwasher pods
Switch to biodegradable coffee filters
Use sea salt from an ancient seabed
Avoid plastic baby bottles
Use a stainless steel water bottle
Use plastic-free sponges
Avoid canned food and liquids
Use bamboo toothbrushes
Use glass Tupperware
Avoid plastic dental floss
Use 100% organic cotton tampons
Opt for completely biodegradable tea bags that are plastic-free, organic, or made from plant-derived materials. Seek out tea bags marked as "free of epichlorohydrin," a chemical that certain manufacturers employ to boost the bags' strength.
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