Microplastics are small plastics less than 5mm in size, found in food, air, various plastic products, and throughout daily life. 

 

Research findings have consistently shown that when it enters the body, it causes cell damage, reproductive issues, cancer, and heart disease, revealing its harmfulness. Recently, an analysis has also indicated that microplastics can lead to weight gain.

 

Dr. Christopher Thomson of Harvard Medical School announced that microplastics affect stress hormone levels, including cortisol, leading to weight gain. His explanation is that microplastics mimic various hormones such as cortisol and estrogen, disrupting endocrine hormone levels. When cortisol accumulates in the body beyond necessary levels, it promotes appetite, inhibits fat breakdown, causes obesity, and raises blood pressure.

 

Dr. Thomson said, "An increase in cortisol can cause weight gain not only from general weight gain but also from disease-related weight gain." When cortisol levels become excessive, it can lead to Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome is a condition caused by excessive cortisol secretion, resulting in rapid weight gain, with the face becoming round and chubby, and fat accumulating mainly in the neck, shoulders, and waist.

Research results have been published indicating that microplastics can cause weight gain even within the country. According to the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology's Rare and Intractable Disease Research Center, among microplastics, ultra-fine microplastics measuring 1 micrometer (micron, one millionth of a meter) in size were transferred to the next generation through breast milk, leading to increased body weight and body fat in offspring.

 

To prevent the accumulation of microplastics in the body, it is advisable to reduce the use of plastic products as much as possible. If you must use plastic products, avoid applying heat, such as using a microwave. According to research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, heating plastic containers in the microwave or storing food in plastic containers for a long period results in the release of large amounts of microplastics.

 

Between 471,000 and 873,000 microplastics were detected from a single plastic container heated in a microwave.

Be careful when drinking bottled water in PET bottles.

Recently, the National Institute of Environmental Research investigated 30 bottled water products sold in the market, and microplastics were detected in 28 of them.

 

Avoid avoiding products that are close to their expiration date and refrain from freezing water to drink.

 

Research from Virginia Tech in the United States and Zhejiang University in China found that plastic containers subjected to repeated freezing and thawing released more microplastic particles than those that were not. Reducing the consumption of food and beverages packaged in disposable containers and focusing on natural foods is also one way to address this issue.

 

Meanwhile, there are still no clear standards regarding the harmfulness and permissible levels of microplastics in the country. The government needs to establish specific standards and policies to reduce plastic production, while citizens should minimize plastic use and make efforts to prevent the influx of microplastics.

 

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Microplastics, as I saw last time

It is said to cause high blood pressure.

Is it true that this is why your face is swollen and puffy??