Microplastics, Forever Chemicals & Endocrine Disruptors: What You Need to Know—and How to Detox Safely

In today’s modern world, exposure to synthetic chemicals is unavoidable—but understanding their impact can empower you to make informed choices. From the water we drink to the air we breathe, harmful toxins like microplastics, forever chemicals, and endocrine disruptors are silently affecting our health. At Integrative Health & Wellness, we’re proud to offer new, groundbreaking testing that can uncover these hidden threats and help you reclaim your health naturally.

What Are Microplastics, Forever Chemicals, and Endocrine Disruptors?

• Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (less than 5mm) found in drinking water, seafood, table salt, cosmetics, and even the air. They're either created intentionally (like microbeads in toothpaste) or break down from larger plastic waste.

• Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are synthetic compounds used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, take-out containers, and more. They’re called “forever” because they don’t break down in the environment—or our bodies.

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) mimic or block natural hormones. They’re found in plastics, pesticides, receipts, flame retardants, and personal care products. EDCs can interfere with estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, and insulin—leading to a wide range of health problems.

  
  

Why Are These Still in Use?

Despite decades of research linking these chemicals to disease, they remain legal due to outdated federal regulations. Many are grandfathered in under the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act. The FDA and EPA often cite a lack of “conclusive evidence” for harm at individual exposure levels—while ignoring the cumulative, lifelong impact.

Lobbying from powerful industries further delays bans, even as scientific consensus grows about their dangers.

Microplastics in the Ocean—and in Our Bodies

• Researchers have found over 100 marine species with microplastics in their stomachs.

• A 2022 study found that 94% of U.S. tap water contains microplastics.

• We now know that humans consume the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic every week—through water, food, and air.

• Microplastics have been detected in human blood, lung tissue, breast milk, and placentas.

This means we are being exposed even before birth, and the accumulation increases throughout life.

Health Effects of Chronic Exposure

Studies link long-term exposure to these chemicals with:

• Hormonal imbalances and infertility

• Early puberty

• Autoimmune diseases

• Obesity and metabolic syndrome

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Cognitive and behavioral changes in children

• Increased cancer risk—especially breast, prostate, thyroid, and testicular cancer

Because these chemicals can cause epigenetic changes—they may also alter the health of future generations.

New, Cutting-Edge Testing Now Available

At Integrative Health & Wellness, we now offer innovative testing to detect microplastics, PFAS, and endocrine disruptors—the first of its kind in the region.

This testing allows us to:

• Identify your body’s toxic burden

• Understand how environmental chemicals may be disrupting your hormones

• Begin the process of personalized detoxification and healing

Because symptoms of chemical exposure can be vague—like fatigue, mood changes, weight gain, or hormonal issues—this kind of testing can be a vital missing piece in the wellness puzzle.

What Comes Next?

Treatment and detoxification options vary depending on your test results, symptoms, and health goals. At Integrative Health & Wellness, we create customized care plans rooted in plant-based, whole food medicine—not synthetic binders or one-size-fits-all supplements.

To learn more about how detoxing from microplastics and forever chemicals can improve your energy, hormone balance, and long-term disease risk, we invite you to schedule a consultation.

The Benefits of Detoxing from Environmental Chemicals

While everyone’s healing journey is different, detoxification from synthetic chemicals has been associated with:

• Reduced risk of breast, prostate, thyroid, and colon cancer

• Improved hormone balance

• Increased fertility

• Reduced autoimmune symptoms

• Better cognitive function and focus

• Decreased inflammation and chronic fatigue

Your Health. Your Legacy.

The chemicals we’re exposed to today may impact our children tomorrow. But there is hope. Through awareness, testing, and holistic intervention, you can take back control of your body—and your future.

Let us help you uncover what’s really going on inside and build a path forward with nature-based solutions you can trust.

📍 Integrative Health & Wellness | 1656 W. Main Street | Suite 5 | Ephrata, PA 17522

📞 (717) 988-0078 | 🌐 www.integrativewellpath.com

References

Galloway, T. S. (2015). Micro- and nano-plastics and human health. Marine Anthropogenic Litter, 343–366. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16510-3_13

Demeneix, B., & Slama, R. (2019). Endocrine disruptors: From scientific evidence to human health protection. WHO/UNEP.

Cox, K. D., et al. (2019). Human consumption of microplastics. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(12), 7068–7074. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517

Trasande, L. (2020). Sicker, Fatter, Poorer: The Urgent Threat of Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals to Our Health and Future. Mariner Books.

ATSDR. (2022). Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.