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Are you microwaving your way to dementia?
Researchers have uncovered that people diagnosed with dementia had up to five times more microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in their brains than those without the condition.
Doctors are sounding the alarm: reheating food the wrong way could be putting your brain at serious risk.
A new study has found that using plastic containers in the microwave may be exposing people to microplastics, which have now been detected in worrying amounts in the brains of dementia patients.
Microplastics in Your Brain? Yes, Really!
Researchers have uncovered that people diagnosed with dementia had up to five times more microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in their brains than those without the condition. To put it into perspective, that’s about a tablespoon of plastic lurking in the brain!
Micro and nanoplastics—tiny fragments smaller than five millimetres—have long been linked to DNA damage, cancer risk, and organ toxicity. This latest study found that the brain harbours seven to 30 times more of these plastic particles than other organs like the liver and kidneys.
But that’s not all. MNPs have also been associated with blood clots, heart attacks, and even changes in gut health—raising serious concerns about their long-term impact on overall wellbeing.
The Heat Factor: Why Microwaving Plastic Is a Bad Idea
Dr Nicholas Fabiano, a leading researcher from the University of Ottawa, called the rise in microplastic levels “particularly alarming,” highlighting an exponential increase between 2016 and 2024.
Dr Brandon Luu, an Internal Medicine Resident at the University of Toronto, explained why: “Heating food in plastic containers—especially in the microwave—can release substantial amounts of microplastics and nanoplastics into your food, which then make their way into your body.”
This happens because heating plastic releases toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which can then seep into your meal. These chemicals are widely used to make plastics more durable, but they’ve also been linked to hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, and even tumour growth.
Small Changes, Big Impact
So, what can you do to reduce your exposure? Here are some expert-approved swaps:
✅ Ditch plastic containers—use glass or stainless steel instead.
✅ Say no to bottled water—switching to filtered tap water can cut microplastic intake by nearly 90%!
✅ Avoid reheating food in plastic—even if it’s labelled “microwave-safe”, it’s still risky.
Dr Luu points out that bottled water alone could expose you to as many microplastics as all other ingested and inhaled sources combined. If you only make one change, swapping bottled water for filtered tap water is an easy and effective first step.
The Fertility Factor
And if brain health wasn’t enough of a concern, experts are now warning that heating food in plastic could also affect fertility.
Dr Shanna Swan, a world-renowned fertility scientist, cautioned that chemicals like BPA and phthalates can mimic hormones in the body, potentially disrupting fertility in both men and women. Research suggests that phthalates interfere with testosterone, while BPA has been shown to mimic oestrogen, potentially fuelling hormone-related health issues.
The Bottom Line
We live in a world full of plastic, but that doesn’t mean we have to eat it. Simple swaps—like using glass containers and avoiding bottled water—could make a significant difference in protecting both your brain and overall health.
