Clinical guide: How to talk to patients about a microplastic 'detox'
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I would be cautious with the language of a plastic detox because it can imply a level of certainty and control that the science simply does not support right now.
—Aimee Browne, MD
From lemon water to pills and potions marketed online, “detoxing” isn’t new. But how should you respond if a patient comes to you with questions about how to “detox” from microplastics?
“Our patients hear that microplastics are everywhere and that they have been detected in human tissues. It is very natural to want to ‘do something’ right away,” Aimee Browne, MD, a triple-board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and Lifestyle Medicine at Aspire Fertility in San Antonio, TX, tells MDLinx. “I would be cautious with the language of a plastic detox because it can imply a level of certainty and control that the science simply does not support right now."
"What I think is more helpful is to shift the conversation away from ‘detox’ and toward ’reasonable exposure reduction.’ That is a more accurate and more empowering message. We may not be able to avoid plastics completely, but we can make small, sustainable changes that lower exposure over time,” Dr. Browne says.
‘Detoxing’ from microplastics
Microplastics have been detected in numerous human organ systems. [] They are associated with health effects including inflammation, metabolic disorders, asthma exacerbation, liver dysfunction, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, among others. []
Related: We all have enough plastic in our brain to make a spoonBut there is currently no evidence-based way for patients to “detox” their bodies of microplastics they may already have been exposed to. Experts say that attempting such a detox may even be more harmful than helpful.
“Most commercial detoxes are marketed far more aggressively than they are studied. Juices, colonics, restrictive diets, and supplements lack evidence that they remove plastics or meaningfully ‘detox’ the body,” Lisa Patel, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University and Executive Director for the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, tells MDLinx.
“I wish more people understood that the body is already a highly effective detox system. The liver, kidneys, gut, and lungs are constantly doing this work. By supporting overall health—eating well, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly—we help the body carry out these functions,” Dr. Patel says.
How to speak with patients about detoxes
If a patient presents with ideas for detoxing from microplastics, Dr. Browne says, it can be helpful to acknowledge the patient’s concerns without amplifying their fear.
A few helpful talking points from Dr. Browne:
“I understand why this matters to you.”
“There is a difference between reducing exposure and proving detoxification.”
“We can absolutely take steps to lower exposure in a practical way.”
“We do not have evidence that detox products remove microplastics from the body.”
“Let’s focus on what we know supports your health overall.”
“You do not have to do this perfectly.”
“Physicians can be both open and clear. That combination helps patients feel heard while still guiding them toward evidence-based care,” Dr. Browne says.
She says it may be helpful to explain the body’s own in-built detox systems to patients—and how these systems differ from marketed detoxes that can be harmful.
“The body already has systems for processing and eliminating waste. Many detox programs take a real concern and turn it into a promise that is bigger than the evidence,” Dr. Browne adds.
Related: When 'fresh air' turns toxic: New data reveal we've been severely underestimating microplastic levels of indoor air