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Microplastics went from an environmental story to a personal health story almost overnight. Researchers have now found tiny plastic particles in human blood, arterial plaque, placentas, and brain tissue, and patients across San Diego are asking a very reasonable question: what do I do about it?

Microplastics are plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters (nanoplastics are smaller still) that enter the body through food, water, and air. There is no proven way to pull them out of the body directly, but a functional medicine detox program can reduce ongoing exposure, test for related toxins like heavy metals and plastic chemicals, and support the liver, kidneys, gut, and lymphatic system that clear toxins every day. At Quantum Functional Medicine in Carlsbad, that is exactly how we approach it: honestly, and with testing first.

Why microplastics are suddenly everywhere in the news

A few high-profile studies changed the conversation. In 2024, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that people with microplastics detected in their carotid artery plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death over the following years than people without them. In 2025, researchers reported measurable microplastics in human brain samples, with higher levels in more recent samples than in older ones.

These studies show association, not proof that microplastics cause disease. But they are a strong signal that plastic exposure deserves the same attention we already give to heavy metals, mold, and other environmental toxins.

Where exposure actually comes from

• Drinking water: bottled water in particular can carry large numbers of plastic particles
• Heated plastics: microwaving food in plastic containers or drinking hot liquids from plastic-lined cups
• Household dust: synthetic carpets, upholstery, and clothing shed fibers you breathe in
• Food packaging: especially fatty or acidic foods stored in plastic
• Personal care products: some cosmetics and cleansers contain plastic ingredients

Plastics also carry chemical passengers like phthalates and bisphenols (BPA and its substitutes), which can act as hormone disruptors. For many patients, those chemicals are just as important as the particles themselves.

What a functional medicine detox focuses on

1. Test, don't guess

There is not yet a validated clinical test for microplastics in the body. What we can measure are related exposures and the systems that handle them: heavy metals, plastic-associated chemicals, liver and kidney function, inflammation, and nutrient status. Those results shape your plan.

2. Turn down the exposure

Detox is not a one-time cleanse. The most powerful step is lowering the daily load: water filtration, glass and stainless steel food storage, fewer heated plastics, and cleaner indoor air. Small changes add up quickly.

3. Support the body's own detox pathways

Your liver, kidneys, gut, skin, and lymphatic system clear toxins every day. Targeted nutrition, fiber, hydration, sweating, and nutrients such as glutathione precursors support those pathways. For some patients, in-clinic therapies like IV nutrient therapy are added to the plan.

4. In-clinic therapies, used honestly

Our clinic offers EBOO (ozone) therapy and other supportive treatments as part of broader detox programs. We want to be clear: no IV or blood-filtering therapy has yet been proven to remove microplastics. These therapies are used to support circulation, oxygenation, and overall detoxification capacity, not as a plastic "flush."

Red flags to watch for

As microplastics trend, so do questionable products. Be cautious of any supplement, foot bath, or protocol that promises to "remove all microplastics," especially if it does not start with a medical evaluation or lab work.

Detox care at Quantum Functional Medicine in Carlsbad

Our Carlsbad clinic serves patients from across North County San Diego who want a medically grounded approach to environmental toxins, whether the concern is microplastics, mold, or heavy metals. We start with a conversation and targeted testing, then build a plan around your results and goals. Request a consultation to get started.

Frequently asked questions

Can you test for microplastics in the body?

Research labs can measure microplastics in blood and tissue, but there is no widely validated clinical test yet. Functional medicine providers more commonly test for related exposures such as heavy metals, plastic-associated chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols, and markers of liver function and inflammation.

Can EBOO or ozone therapy remove microplastics?

There is not yet good evidence that any IV therapy removes microplastics from the body. EBOO and ozone therapy are used at our clinic to support circulation and the body's own detoxification processes, and we are upfront that microplastic removal specifically has not been proven.

What is the fastest way to reduce microplastic exposure?

The biggest wins are usually simple: filter your drinking water, avoid heating food in plastic, choose glass or stainless steel containers, cut back on bottled water, and ventilate and vacuum your home regularly since household dust is a major source.

How long does a medical detox program take?

It depends on your labs, symptoms, and exposure history. Many programs run for several weeks to a few months and combine exposure reduction, nutritional support, and in-clinic therapies, with follow-up testing to track progress.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider to determine whether a detox program is appropriate for you.