POSTSCRIPT-Issue 1

Issue 1: The Microplastics in You

Microplastics may be microscopic, but they represent the largest intrusion of synthetic materials into our biology in history. Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in blood, placentae, breast milk, and even brain tissue. They can disrupt hormones, inflame immune cells, and may accelerate cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease.

Here’s the “Loh-down” on Microplastics

Key Takeaways

Water: Reverse osmosis helps, boiling hard water removes up to ~90% of nanoplastics, and bottled water is often worse than tap. Distilled water avoids plastics — until it’s stored in plastic jugs.
Kitchen: Cutting boards, cling film, utensils, and nonstick pans are major household sources. Heat (>70 °C for polypropylene lids, >260 °C for PTFE pans) and acidity (coffee, tomato sauces) accelerate leaching. Silicone (stable to ~250 °C) and stainless steel are safer swaps.
Food Chain: Shellfish and sea salt are high-risk sources. Produce can internalize microplastics from irrigation. Honey and sugar show contamination from processing. Sourcing matters as much as cooking.
Milk & children: Formula prepared in plastic bottles can contain millions of microplastic particles per liter. Safer strategy: prepare in glass bottles or stainless-steel flasks, then transfer once cooled. For toddlers and children, use stainless or glass cups instead of polycarbonate plastics.
Brain & Behavior: Plastics cross the blood–brain barrier, activate microglia, and worsen amyloid aggregation. Strongest human signals: links to depression, anxiety, and cognitive deficits. Autism findings are emerging but inconclusive.
Cardiovascular Risks: Plastics have been detected embedded in arterial plaques. Patients with plastic-positive plaques had a 4.5× higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.

What to Do

Filter or boil water, but mind recontamination in storage.
Replace high-heat kitchen plastics with glass, stainless steel, or silicone.
Choose mined/rock salt over sea salt; rotate seafood choices; store honey/sugar in glass.
Be mindful of packaging: transfer takeout food and drinks out of plastic as soon as possible.
Support innovators: companies scaling enzyme-based recycling and algae bioplastics are early bets in reversing the tide.

The Big Picture

Plastics are not just littering the oceans — they’re infiltrating our biology. The science is still unfolding, but the direction is clear: they are not inert passengers. Each swap you make — a wooden cutting board, a stainless-steel thermos with silicone contact, a choice for rock salt — is both personal protection and a collective nudge toward change.

This Month’s Challenge: Micromanage You Microplastics

Over the next 3 weeks, Wellth-e will include a weekly practical checklist — step-by-step, science-backed actions you can take to cut plastic exposure in water, food, and daily life. Think of these as your Wellthe Workbook in motion. Each supplement will include:

–Pro-tips for making changes sustainable (without cluttering your home or overbuying).

–Checklist of swaps to make that week.

–Shopping links for recommended alternatives.

Week 1 — The Kitchen/Home Reset

Action: Replace your highest-risk plastic items.
Why: These are the daily-use plastics that shed most under heat, acid, and cutting.

Week 2 — Takeout & On-the-Road

Action: Build your “plastic-light” travel kit and dispose/recycle plastics responsibly
Why: Most people get their heaviest acute exposures when eating hot or acidic food/drinks from disposable packaging.

Week 3 — Food Chain Choices