Did you know?
Scientists recently found microplastics in human heart tissue. They’ve also been detected in breast milk, placenta, and even our lungs. That means tiny plastic particles—linked to inflammation, hormone disruption, and chronic disease—are circulating in our bodies before we even take our first breath.
As health coaches and wellness practitioners, this isn’t just alarming—it’s a call to action. Your clients trust you to guide them toward better health. They come to you for answers, solutions, and leadership. This is our moment to step up, educate, and help people reduce their toxic load.
Plastics Are Everywhere—And Inside Us
Over 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced annually, and they don’t just disappear. They break down into microplastics (<5 mm) and nanoplastics (<1 µm)—tiny particles that infiltrate our food, water, personal care products, and even the air we breathe.
Many clients don’t realize that these microscopic plastics are hiding in:
- Face scrubs, body washes, and toothpaste (used for texture and exfoliation)
- Sunscreens, lotions, and cosmetics (for water resistance and smooth application)
- Plastic packaging and containers (which leach chemicals into food and drinks)
- Clothing made from synthetic fibers (shedding microplastics with every wash)
It’s time to educate and empower them to make informed choices.
The Hidden Health Dangers of Microplastics
While the full extent of the damage is still being studied, what we do know is concerning:
- Hormone Disruptors: Many plastics contain phthalates and bisphenols (like BPA), which mimic hormones and contribute to issues like infertility, early puberty, and thyroid disorders.
- Inflammation & Skin Issues: Microplastics can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, worsening conditions like acne, eczema, and dermatitis.
- Gut & Immune Dysfunction: Ingested microplastics can disrupt gut microbiota, leading to digestive issues, weakened immunity, and chronic inflammation.
- Prenatal & Infant Exposure: Microplastics have been found in breast milk and the placenta, meaning exposure starts before birth.
As coaches, we know that reducing toxic burden is key to long-term health. While we can’t eliminate plastics overnight, we can help clients make small, powerful changes that add up.
Why Isn’t This Being Stopped?
You might wonder—if microplastics are this harmful, why aren’t they banned?
- Plastic production is expected to triple by 2060 due to weak regulations and industry lobbying.
- Only 19 countries have banned microbeads—yet thousands of plastic-derived chemicals remain unregulated.
- There’s no universal definition for microplastics, making regulation difficult.
- The public is largely unaware of the dangers—but that’s where we come in.
Microplastics are commonly found in many everyday products, including:
Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Face scrubs – contain microbeads for exfoliation
- Toothpaste – some brands use microplastics for texture
- Body washes & soaps – added for thickening and exfoliation
- Makeup (foundation, lipstick, eyeshadow, etc.) – microplastics improve texture and durability
- Nail polish – enhances gloss and adhesion
- Sunscreens & lotions – used for water resistance and smooth application
- Hair sprays & gels – create a film for hold and styling
Household Products
- Laundry detergents – contain synthetic polymers for stain removal and softening
- Cleaning products – microplastics help with scrubbing action
- Paints & coatings – microplastics improve durability and finish
- Dishwashing liquids – sometimes contain plastic-derived ingredients for consistency
Food & Packaging
- Tea bags (nylon or plastic-based) – release microplastics when steeped in hot water
- Bottled water & soft drinks – plastic leaches into liquids from packaging
- Plastic food containers – degrade over time, shedding microplastics
- Chewing gum – often made with plastic-based polymers
Clothing & Textiles
- Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex, etc.) – shed microfibers when washed
- Disposable wipes – many contain plastic fibers
- Glitter – commonly made of microplastic particles
Because microplastics are so pervasive, minimizing exposure requires conscious choices, such as opting for natural alternatives and reducing plastic use.
How Practitioners and Health Coaches Can Be the Solution
Your voice matters. Your platform matters. You have the power to educate and lead change. Here’s how:
1. Help Clients Identify & Eliminate Microplastic Exposure
Teach them to read labels and avoid ingredients like:
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Nylon
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
Encourage them to swap out plastic-heavy personal care products for cleaner, safer alternatives. (The Plastic Soup Foundation offers a great certification for microplastic-free brands!)
2. Reduce Plastic Waste in Your Own Business & Practice
As a wellness professional, lead by example!
- Use reusable glass or stainless steel bottles instead of plastic.
- Minimize single-use plastic in packaging, sample sachets, and materials.
- Partner with eco-conscious brands and share their products with clients.
3. Advocate for Stronger Regulations
Educate your community on the need for stricter regulations on plastic-derived chemicals. The more we raise awareness, the more pressure we put on lawmakers to act.
4. Take a Holistic Approach to Detoxing from Plastic Exposure
Help clients support their bodies in eliminating plastic toxins:
- Hydration: Encourage filtered water in glass or stainless steel.
- Liver Support: Foods like cruciferous vegetables, turmeric, and dandelion root help detoxify.
- Gut Health: Probiotics and fiber-rich foods help remove toxins.
- Sweating: Infrared saunas and exercise aid in elimination.
A Next Step for Your Clients: “Toxicity in Everyday Life”
Plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a health crisis. And as health coaches, we are uniquely positioned to educate, inspire, and create real change.
But knowing where to start can feel overwhelming—for both you and your clients. That’s why I created “Toxicity in Everyday Life”—a program designed for your clients to help them reduce their toxic load and create a healthier environment.
This program is perfect for clients who:
- Are struggling with hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, or gut issues
- Want to detox their home and personal care routine but don’t know where to start
- Feel frustrated by all the conflicting information on toxins and need a clear, science-backed approach
- Are looking for real, sustainable solutions rather than quick fixes
In “Toxicity in Everyday Life,” they’ll learn:
- How to identify and eliminate hidden toxins (beyond just plastics!)
- The science behind detoxification and what really works
- How to create a low-tox home and lifestyle
- Practical steps they can take immediately to reduce exposure
If your clients are ready to take control of their health and reduce their toxic burden, this program is the perfect starting point.
Want to offer this program to your clients? Learn how you can integrate it into your practice and empower them with the tools they need for lifelong wellness.
Together, we can be the change our clients—and the world—need.
Learn More
Listen to some of the podcasts
Toxicity in Everyday Life – The DFY COURSE
Scientific Studies & Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Microplastics in Drinking Water (2019)
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241516198
Examines the presence of microplastics in water and their potential health risks.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Plastic Pollution and Human Health (2021)
https://www.unep.org/resources/report/plastic-pollution-and-human-health
Highlights the environmental and health risks of plastic-derived chemicals.
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – Microplastics Restriction Proposal (2020)
https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/microplastics
Details regulatory actions in the EU to limit microplastic use in consumer products.
Plastic Soup Foundation – Beat the Microbead Campaign
https://www.beatthemicrobead.org
Provides a list of microplastic-free cosmetic brands and educates consumers on plastic ingredients.
Articles & News
National Geographic – Microplastics Are in Our Bodies. How Much Do They Harm Us? (2023)
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/microplastics-in-our-bodies
Explores the latest research on microplastics in human tissues and potential health effects.
The Guardian – Microplastics Found in Human Blood for First Time (2022)
Reports on groundbreaking research detecting plastic particles in human blood.
Scientific American – How Harmful Are Microplastics? Scientists Say We Need to Know More (2023)
Discusses the current gaps in research regarding microplastics and human health.