Health Coaches Guide to Avoiding Plastic in Food
Alright, picture this: You're sitting down to a delicious, healthy meal, only to realize you've just added a side of chemicals and toxins to your plate. Sounds like a nightmare, right?
But that's the reality we face when plastic sneaks its way into our food. While it’s hard to imagine a world without plastic, it's even harder to ignore the health risks it brings along. But don’t worry, we're not here to send you into a panic.
Instead, we're going to guide you through the ultimate health coach’s handbook on how to avoid plastic in food—while making it all fun, practical, and, most importantly, safe. Let’s dive into the world of plastics and food—because no one should ever have to choose between their health and convenience.
What Is the Problem with Plastic in Food?
As health coaches, we are in a position to assist clients in selecting the healthiest choices they can make. There is one threat to our health that is often overlooked: the plastic used in food packaging, storage, and even food utensils. It can be easy to forget about the potential dangers of that convenient plastic container we use every day. Plastic bottles and bags, cling wraps, and even plastic-lined cans are plastics that are found almost everywhere in the food supply chain.
But why does this matter? The reality is that many plastics contain harmful chemicals—like Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and other endocrine-disrupting compounds—that can leach into food and beverages, especially when exposed to heat. Over time, these chemicals accumulate in our bodies and contribute to a range of health issues, including hormone imbalances, reproductive problems, and even cancer.
As more studies are made, it is evident that the impact of plastic on food safety and health is not as simple as a minor problem. Now, let’s see how plastic impacts food and health and what health coaches can do to assist clients in avoiding their exposure.
The Rise of Microplastics in Our Diet
If you think plastics are only a problem when they touch your food, think again. Microplastics—tiny fragments of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters—are now being found in food, beverages, and even the air we breathe. According to multiple studies, the average person is estimated to consume tens of thousands of microplastic particles annually, with some research indicating a range between 39,000 and 121,000 particles depending on factors like diet and water source, including both ingestion through food and inhalation through air.
Increasing studies are highlighting the dangers of microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are associated with a number of health problems, including hormonal imbalances and metabolic disorders, inflammation, and neurotoxicity. For health coaches, this emerging concern means we have to stay ahead of the curve and tell our clients how to avoid exposing them to these plastic particles.
"According to a study by Smith and Love (2020), the average person may consume tens of thousands of microplastic particles annually, with some research indicating a range between 39,000 and 121,000 particles depending on factors like diet and water source. These microplastics enter the human body through food, water, and even air (Smith & Love, 2020)."
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7559051/
Key Risks of Microplastic Exposure
Hormonal Disruption: Certain plastics, like BPA, mimic the hormone estrogen in the body. This can lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting everything from menstrual cycles to fertility and even increasing the risk of breast cancer.
Carcinogenic Effects: Long-term exposure to certain plastic chemicals has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers. These toxic compounds can accumulate in the body and trigger harmful processes over time.
Digestive Problems and Gut Health: Microplastics have been shown to disrupt the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Disruption of this delicate balance can lead to digestive discomfort, bloating, and chronic inflammation.
Neurotoxicity: Some plastic additives are harmful to the nervous system. Children, in particular, are more vulnerable to these effects, which can impair cognitive function and development.
"Microplastics, especially those containing harmful chemicals like BPA, have been linked to hormonal disruptions and metabolic issues. Research by Rochman et al. (2019) highlights the growing concern about microplastics in our food and their potential to contribute to long-term health issues such as cancer and hormonal imbalances."
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33153780/
How to Protect Yourself and Your Clients from Plastic Exposure
As health coaches, we’re in the unique position to not only raise awareness about plastic’s harmful effects but also to guide our clients in making informed, plastic-free choices. Here are some practical and actionable tips to help clients minimize their exposure to harmful plastics:
Opt for Glass and Stainless Steel Over Plastic
The first rule in reducing plastic exposure is choosing glass or stainless steel over plastic. Glass containers are a great alternative for food storage, and stainless steel bottles can keep drinks free from harmful plastic chemicals. Encourage your clients to make this simple swap, especially when storing food or beverages in warm environments.
Tip: Glass is microwave-safe, while plastic containers can leach chemicals when heated. Invest in glass containers that are BPA-free to ensure a safe and eco-friendly option.
Avoid Heating Food in Plastic Containers
One of the easiest ways plastic enters your food is through heating. The heat accelerates the leaching of toxic chemicals, especially in plastic food containers. Encourage your clients to avoid microwaving food in plastic containers. Instead, recommend glass or ceramic dishes that are microwave-safe.
Tip: Invest in high-quality microwave-safe dishes, and always use lids made from glass or silicone.
Choose Fresh, Unpackaged Foods
While it may be convenient to grab pre-packaged meals or produce, these items often come in plastic packaging. The easiest way to avoid this is to prioritize fresh, unwrapped foods. Encourage clients to shop at local farmer's markets or bulk food stores where they can find fresh produce, grains, nuts, and seeds without the plastic packaging.
Switch to Beeswax or Silicone Food Wraps
Instead of relying on plastic wrap, health-conscious clients can opt for beeswax wraps or silicone food covers. These eco-friendly alternatives provide the same function without the harmful chemicals associated with plastic.
Tip: Beeswax wraps come in a variety of fun designs and can be reused for up to a year, making them both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Limit Consumption of Canned Foods
Many canned foods are packed with BPA, a potentially harmful chemical that can migrate into the food. Tell your clients it is better to go for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables if available. If they have to use canned products, suggest them to prefer BPA-free or cans with other material lining.
Avoid Disposable Plastic Utensils and Containers
Although takeout containers and plastic utensils are convenient, they are major contributors to plastic pollution. Encourage your clients to carry their own reusable utensils made of bamboo, stainless steel or silicone. For dining out, we should suggest selecting restaurants that use eco-friendly packaging.
Common Sources of Plastic Contamination in Food
In addition to packaging, plastic can be found in several other sources of contamination, including:
Processed and Packaged Foods: Many processed foods come in plastic packaging, which can leach harmful chemicals into the food.
Plastic Water Bottles: Chemicals from plastic water bottles, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight, can leach into the water.
Disposable Coffee Cups: Many disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic, which can release microplastics when hot beverages are poured inside.
"Microplastics are commonly found in seafood, with studies showing that over 70% of fish species have been found to contain plastic particles (Galloway et al., 2017). This contamination ultimately makes its way into our diets and poses serious health risks."
Facts About Plastic in Food and Its Impact
Plastic can affect gene expression: Studies have shown that BPA and other plasticizers can affect gene expression, leading to long-term genetic changes that could impact health.
Microplastics in honey: Microplastics have been found in honey, suggesting that bees are also ingesting these particles while pollinating plastic-contaminated plants.
Bisphenol S (BPS) is not safer than BPA: Although BPS is used as a replacement for BPA in many products, it has been shown to have similar endocrine-disrupting effects.
The "BPA-free" label is often misleading: Many BPA-free plastics still contain other harmful chemicals like bisphenol A analogs, which have similar effects.
Certain processed foods are more likely to contain microplastics: Fast food and packaged snacks are more likely to contain microplastics due to their packaging and storage methods.
Microplastics are found in human placenta: Recent studies have shown that microplastic particles have been detected in human placental tissue, suggesting that unborn children may be exposed to plastic before birth.
Exposure to plastic particles can increase stress: Chronic exposure to plastic chemicals like BPA has been linked to increased stress hormones in both animals and humans.
Bioaccumulation of plastic: Studies suggest that microplastics can bioaccumulate in various animal species, especially marine life, and transfer through the food chain, eventually ending up on our plates.
Plastic contamination in seafood: Over 70% of fish species tested globally have been found to contain plastic particles, and it’s estimated that humans eat around 11,000 pieces of plastic each year from seafood alone.
The plastic problem in bottled water: The average bottle of water contains an estimated 10,000 microplastic particles, with some brands showing even higher levels. This highlights how widespread plastic contamination is in everyday life.
The Role of Health Coaches in Promoting Plastic-Free Living
As a health coach, you are in a unique position to make a significant impact in your clients’ lives by helping them avoid plastic related health issues and instead, helping them move towards a healthier, toxin free life. These strategies can be incorporated into your coaching practice so you can assist clients in establishing long term habits that are not only good for their health, but the health of the planet as well.
If you're looking to expand your expertise and help more clients achieve plastic-free living, a health coach certification from a recognized organization, like the American National Health Coach Organization (ANHCO), can provide you with the knowledge and resources to support your clients' wellness journey. With the right tools and guidance, you can become the expert health coach your clients need to navigate a plastic-free future.
FAQs
-
Plastics like BPA and phthalates are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the hormonal systems in our body. These chemicals mimic natural hormones such as estrogen and can bind to hormone receptors, potentially leading to hormone imbalances. Research shows that exposure to these plastics, especially during key developmental periods, can have lasting effects on fertility, growth, and even behavior. A recent study found that BPA exposure in pregnant women was linked to changes in the brain development of their children.
-
Microplastics are not just a cosmetic concern; they pose serious health risks. One of the lesser-known dangers is their ability to disrupt the gut microbiome. Research from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health shows that microplastics can alter gut bacteria, potentially leading to digestive issues and systemic inflammation. Additionally, some studies suggest that microplastics can carry harmful pathogens and toxins from the environment into our bodies, compounding the risk.
-
While glass and stainless steel are common alternatives, biodegradable packaging made from plant-based materials like cornstarch, mushrooms, and seaweed is gaining traction. These packaging options decompose quickly, reducing long-term environmental impact and are often more sustainable than traditional plastic. Companies like Loliware are leading the charge with edible seaweed-based cups, which could be a game-changer for the food industry.
-
Yes, in many indirect ways. The production of plastic materials and their eventual degradation leads to the release of greenhouse gases. The plastic in food packaging doesn’t just pollute our bodies; it pollutes the planet as well. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that by 2050, plastic waste in the oceans could outweigh fish, contributing to long-term environmental degradation and harming marine biodiversity.
-
Studies have shown that the average person may consume up to 5 grams of plastic each week—equivalent to the weight of a credit card. When you add this up over the course of a year, it can total up to 250 grams of plastic entering your body. This data is based on findings from the Science Advances journal, which explored the ways plastic enters our diet through seafood, drinking water, and even airborne particles.
-
A surprising fact is that microplastics are found in 90% of bottled water brands globally, and even in tap water. To reduce exposure, using a high-quality water filter is essential. Not all filters are created equal, though—look for those that can remove particles as small as 1 micron, such as activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems. These filters have been shown to significantly reduce microplastic particles in drinking water.
-
You might think that organic foods, grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, are safe from plastic contamination, but that’s not the case. Organic foods are often still packaged in plastic containers, and microplastics have even been detected in soil used for organic farming. Therefore, it's important to source organic foods that prioritize sustainable, plastic-free packaging.
-
One less-known source of plastic contamination is from synthetic fabrics. Clothes made from polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed microplastics during washing, which can eventually make their way into food chains through water systems. A study in Nature Sustainability found that textiles are a significant contributor to environmental plastic pollution, and individuals who consume seafood or water from contaminated sources may be ingesting microplastics directly from these garments.