A Way Found to Cleanse the Body of Microplastics

Can an ordinary Korean snack help the body избавиться of microplastics? South Korean scientists believe it can. A new study has shown that certain bacteria found in kimchi are capable of binding the tiniest plastic particles in the intestines and helping to remove them from the body. However, experts warn that it is still too early to speak of a “miracle cleanse”.

Today, microplastics are found almost everywhere — in seawater, air, food and even human blood. Plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters enter the body through food, water and inhaled air. Scientists link their accumulation to chronic inflammatory processes, hormonal disorders, problems with the cardiovascular system and reproductive health. Although many mechanisms of action are still being studied, concern among researchers continues to grow.

Specialists from South Korea’s World Institute of Kimchi offered a new reason for optimism. They found that the strain of lactic acid bacteria Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656, isolated from traditional kimchi, is capable of effectively binding to nanoplastics — even smaller particles than microplastics.

In laboratory experiments, the bacteria retained about 57% of the nanoplastic particles even under conditions that mimic the human intestine. Researchers compare this process to the action of Velcro: the bacteria literally “stick” to the plastic, preventing it from passing through the intestinal wall.

Even more impressive results were shown in tests on mice. In animals that received these bacteria, the amount of nanoplastic excreted in bodily waste was more than twice as high as in the control group. This became the first serious evidence that probiotics from kimchi may help the body избавиться of plastic pollutants.

Nevertheless, the scientists stress an important detail: so far, the research has been conducted only in laboratory conditions and on animals. There have not yet been any clinical trials on humans, so it is premature to claim that regular consumption of kimchi will definitely cleanse the body of microplastics.

Despite this, kimchi has long been considered one of the healthiest fermented foods. It is rich in probiotics, fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, helps maintain a healthy gut microbiota and strengthens the immune system. The new study has only added one more possible benefit to the list of its advantages.

Scientists believe that in the future such probiotic bacteria could become the basis for special dietary supplements to reduce the accumulation of microplastics in the body. For now, the best strategy remains reducing contact with plastic: using reusable tableware, avoiding disposable packaging and eating fresh foods instead of heavily processed ones.