
Microplastics (teeny tiny plastic particles) have been detected all around us in the environment, our food, even our organs (e.g., lungs, blood, brain, placentas). Wherever we look, they are found in our bodies, with a recent study finding them in our bones.
The big question is: are these microplastics having a harmful effect on us? The researchers, who reviewed 62 studies, found that yes, microplastics could be harming bone health a number of different ways. They may be weakening our bones, impairing the function of bone marrow stem cells, accelerate cell aging, and could be worsening metabolic bone diseases like osteoporosis.
Microplastics occur as plastic items degrade over time. We breathe microplastics in, eat them (in our food), and drink them in (in water and other liquids). We can't avoid them totally, but we can cut down the amount we are exposed to and ingest - for example, not drinking bottled water (a big source of microplastics), and reducing the amount of plastic furniture, synthetic fabric (e.g., polyester), and synthetic rugs and flooring (e.g., vinyl) in our homes. Also, avoid playing on synthetic turf in playing fields and parks.
From Science Daily: Scientists discover microplastics deep inside human bones
The production and use of over 400 million tons of plastic each year has polluted beaches, rivers, and even the deepest parts of the ocean, reaching depths of up to 11,000 meters. In addition to visible environmental impacts, plastic contributes to climate change. It is estimated that plastic production generates 1.8 billion tons of greenhouse gases per year. Scientific evidence also suggests that using plastic materials in everyday life has impacted human health.
A large number of plastic particles detach from curtains, furniture, clothing, and other plastic objects. These particles remain suspended in the air, dissolve in drinking water, adhere to food, and can be inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with people's skin. Consequently, scientists have found microplastics in blood, the brain, the placenta, breast milk, and human bones.
It's what many suspected. Once private equity firms take over a hospital, patient care suffers.
The evidence keeps piling up that certain foods are associated with health, while other foods (e.g., soda, ultra processed foods) are associated with chronic diseases. A recent article reported the results of
There is strong evidence certain plant compounds (flavan-3-ols, also known as flavanols or catechins) in these foods have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. These compounds can lower blood pressure and improve endothelial function (functioning of the blood vessels). Two to three cups of tea daily! One to two servings of dark chocolate daily! Instead of chips for a snack, have an apple.
Once again, a chemical banned in Europe (due to possible health harms) is allowed to be used in the US. The chemical TPO, which is used in nail polish gels, is viewed as "carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction". In other words, could cause cancer and impact fertility.
Millions of pounds of pesticides are used each year in the US: on farms, in buildings and homes, on lawns, in pet flea and tick products - basically everywhere. And so the pesticides eventually wind up in us - from the foods we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe (when pesticides drift during applications or when used indoors), and the treated lawns and ground we walk on.
Many of us absolutely desire and need a caffeine containing beverage such as coffee or tea in the morning, and find it difficult to function without it. So, findings from a recent
Weight loss drugs (e.g., Ozempic) are very, very popular these days. But what happens when you stop taking the prescription drugs? A recent
As people age, they frequently start wondering what they can do to prevent memory and thinking problems, and especially dementia. The good news is that several large studies found that there are a number of lifestyle changes that one can do to have a healthier (memory! thinking!) brain in later years. Even if you are already in your 60s and 70s.
Going forward, will we even know what is going on in the atmosphere regarding carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases? Will there be any data collected and scientific evidence regarding climate change? As you may have heard, all climate change research and knowledge is being eliminated and erased. The words climate change and greenhouse gases are not to be spoken or written according to the US government.