Microplastics Are Everywhere: Here Is What Science Says About Supporting Your Body’s Natural Detox Pathways

By Dr. Erika Ost | VP of Science and Innovation, Rho Nutrition

 

Recent media coverage has brought renewed attention to microplastics and environmental chemical exposure. Many people are left asking the same question:

If these compounds are already in our environment and bodies, what can we do to support how the body processes them? That question is where the science becomes particularly interesting.

Two nutrients, DIM (diindolylmethane) and glutathione, play roles in key physiological pathways involved in how the body processes environmental compounds. They are not quick fixes, and they do not “detox” the body in a simplistic sense. But they do support well-characterized biological systems that help the body manage ongoing exposure.

Let’s walk through what the research actually shows.

What Microplastics Do Inside the Body

Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments (less than 5 millimeters), with even smaller particles referred to as nanoplastics. Exposure occurs through food, water, air, and everyday materials.

Studies have detected microplastic particles in human blood and tissues. But from a physiological standpoint, the particles themselves are only part of the story.

The more significant concern is the chemical compounds associated with plastics.

These include:

• BPA (bisphenol A)

• Phthalates

• PFAS (“forever chemicals”)

• Other plastic additives
  
  

Many of these compounds fall into a broader category known as endocrine disruptors, sometimes referred to as xenoestrogens, meaning they can interact with hormone signaling pathways. That’s because they work similar to a lock in a key, the xenoestrogens can fit the same “lock” even though they aren’t the perfect key. 

And while the research is still growing, we know that microplastics can act as carriers for these compounds, likely increasing overall exposure.

Microplastics, Hormones, and Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine-disrupting compounds are not limited to plastics. They are part of a broader environmental exposure landscape that includes:

• Microplastics and nanoplastics

• BPA and phthalates

• PFAS

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Air pollutants

From a physiology perspective, these compounds may:

• Interact with hormone receptors (similar to a lock and key)

• Influence how hormones are metabolized

• Affect signaling pathways involved in hormone balance

This is why the conversation around microplastics and hormones is also a conversation about our environment and our total endocrine (hormone system) disruptor exposure.

How the Liver Detoxifies Toxins 

Thankfully, our liver plays a central role in processing both endogenous compounds (which are compounds your body makes, like hormones) and exogenous compounds (like environmental chemicals).

This occurs through two primary phases:

Phase I
Transforms compounds via cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes 

Phase II
Transforms those compounds again to make them easier to eliminate, typically via our urinary and digestive tract.  

These pathways are highly regulated and very nutrient-dependent. They need a lot of antioxidants and vitamin support to work optimally. Some environmental compounds may influence how these pathways function, including how estrogen is metabolized and how oxidative stress is handled.

DIM: Supporting Healthy Estrogen Metabolism

What it is:
DIM is a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.

What it does (mechanistically):
DIM has been shown to:

• Support activity of enzymes involved in estrogen metabolism (e.g., CYP1A1, CYP1A2)

• Influence the balance of estrogen metabolites

• Activate pathways such as Nrf2, which help our bodies regulate antioxidant and detoxification-related genes

Clinical research has demonstrated that DIM supplementation can influence the ratio of estrogen metabolites (such as 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1), a commonly studied marker of estrogen metabolism.

How this relates to environmental exposure
Because some environmental compounds interact with hormone pathways, supporting our body’s normal estrogen metabolism is one great option to support the body’s broader physiological balance.

Importantly, DIM does not remove microplastics or chemicals from the body.
It supports how the body processes hormone-related signals and metabolites.

Glutathione: Central to Antioxidant and Detox Pathways

Glutathione is the body’s primary intracellular antioxidant and a key component of Phase II detoxification.

It plays two major roles:

1. Neutralizing oxidative stress

2. Supporting the conjugation (transformation) pathways in our liver via glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes

Certain environmental compounds are processed through pathways that utilize glutathione, meaning adequate levels are important for normal detoxification function.

Why this matters for microplastics and environmental exposure

Research shows that compounds associated with plastics:

• Can increase oxidative stress

• May utilize glutathione during processing

• Can influence pathways involved in glutathione recycling

This is why glutathione is often discussed in the context of glutathione and microplastics or environmental chemical exposure more broadly.

Why Delivery Format Matters

Standard oral glutathione can be broken down in the digestive tract.

Liposomal delivery systems are designed to:

• Help protect glutathione during digestion

• Support absorption

• Increase circulating levels in some studies

This is why liposomal glutathione is commonly used in clinical research and practice when targeting systemic support.

How to Support Your Body’s Natural Detox Pathways

If you are thinking about a “microplastic detox,” it is more accurate to think in terms of supporting the body’s existing and powerful detoxification systems. 

Here are evidence-informed strategies:

1. Reduce Exposure Where Possible

• Avoid heating food in plastic

• Choose unprocessed foods when possible

• Use glass or stainless steel when possible

• Filter drinking water

• Choose products with fewer plastic additives

2. Eat Cruciferous Vegetables

Natural sources of DIM precursors include:

• Broccoli

• Kale

• Brussels sprouts

• Cauliflower

3. Support Glutathione Production

Key nutrients and foods:

• Cysteine (e.g., NAC)

• Sulforaphane Glucosinolate (broccoli seed extract)

• Glycine (collagen, bone broth)

• Sulfur-rich foods (garlic, eggs)

4. Consider Targeted Supplement Support

• DIM for estrogen metabolism support

• Liposomal glutathione for antioxidant and conjugation support
  
  

Rho’s Liposomal DIM+ also includes sulforaphane glucosinolate (from broccoli seed extract), which supports the body’s natural glutathione (GSH) system. Paired with Rho’s Liposomal Glutathione, this creates a complementary approach to supporting detoxification pathways and hormone metabolism.*

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.*

Takeaway

Microplastics are part of a broader landscape of environmental exposures that includes a wide range of endocrine-disrupting compounds.

The body has sophisticated systems designed to process these exposures. The goal is not to “remove microplastics overnight,” but to support the pathways that help the body manage ongoing exposure.

Because we cannot completely eliminate exposure, consistent, daily support of these pathways becomes increasingly important for overall metabolic and hormonal health.

DIM and glutathione are two nutrients with well-studied roles in:

• Estrogen metabolism

• Antioxidant defense

• Phase I and II detoxification
  
  

They are not shortcuts or cures. They are tools that support the body’s underlying physiology. And that is where a science-backed, sustainable approach begins.

 

About the Author

Dr. Erika Ost, NMD, is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and VP of Science and Innovation at Rho Nutrition. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.