Zach Turner, Ph.D., on how microwave foods and microplastics affect health

question: Hello Dr. Zack, my new girlfriend is vegan.

After the third date, she raids my fridge and talks about how living in take-out food reheated in plastic containers in the microwave affects my health and fertility. , started stirring up all this nonsense. She told me to drink water from a recycled water bottle.

Should I believe her or is it a red flag? Chris, 35, Sydney

answer: Hello Chris, It is recommended that you get tested for color blindness. This is a green flag, not red.

Many vegans have a more comprehensive knowledge of nutrition than others because they have to think more about the food they eat. increase. You’ll probably learn a thing or two.

i believe your girlfriend is referring to micro plastic.

These are tiny plastics (too small to see) derived from petrochemicals extracted from oil and gas products. Many of these little plastics are toxic and contain carcinogenic chemicals that can cause cancer. Some are mutagenic and can damage DNA.

Laboratory tests show micro plastic It can cause damage to human cells, including both allergic reactions and cell death. There are some indications of a relationship with infertility, but they are not specific.

Tiny plastics are derived from plastic as it weathers and ages. About 400 million tons of plastic are produced each year. Considering how many things in our world are packed in plastic, Including food and drinkyou’ll realize just how much of a ticking bomb this is.

Microplastics enter the body through ingestion or inhalation and end up in various organs. Heating food in takeaway plastic containers can leach microplastics into your diet. Not only is the food you’re eating likely to be nutritionally inferior, but you’re also likely eating nasty plastic.

Drinking from single-use plastic bottles can also lead to chemical leaching and toxicity over time. increase. We recommend replacing single-use plastic bottles with metal bottles, or more durable plastic or unbreakable glass bottles.

Microplastics are not a conspiracy. Microplastics are ubiquitous in our lives and almost impossible to avoid. One study even found that 90% of his table salt was contaminated with microplastics.

A study examining levels of microplastics in Australian households found that 42% of the dust collected was microplastics. An easy way to minimize plastic in your home is to use hard surfaces such as polished wooden floors instead of carpet. is needed.

It must be said here that the research is inconclusive and has not been proven to harm humans, but the research shows that it will soon become the case.

We encourage you to follow in your partner’s footsteps and eat fresh, authentic food! Plant-based alternatives are generally always better for you and the environment.

Heat food in non-plastic containers and buy produce with as little plastic packaging as possible. Farmers markets and local fruit and vegetable stores are always a safer bet.

I have a question:askdrzac@conciergedoctors.com.au

Dr Zac Turner holds a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney. He is a medical practitioner and co-owner of a telemedicine service. concierge doctorHe is also a Registered Nurse and PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering as well as a qualified and experienced Biomedical Scientist.