There is no clinically proven way to remove microplastics from your body. Researchers have found plastic particles in human blood, stool, urine and organs, and the body appears to pass out at least some of what it swallows, but nobody yet knows how much is retained, how long it stays or whether it matters for health. The best-supported strategy is to reduce new exposure, support normal digestion with a fiber-rich diet and be skeptical of any cleanse, detox or product that promises to flush particles out.
This guide explains what is known about how the body handles microplastics, what the evidence says about popular removal ideas (fiber, chitosan, sweating and cleanses), and a realistic seven-day plan to lower exposure.
Quick answers
- No proven medical or wellness method removes microplastics already in the body.
- Microplastics have been found in human blood, stool, urine and organs, but health effects are not well understood.
- Stool studies suggest some particles are excreted, but retention in the body is unknown.
- Reducing new exposure is the main strategy experts recommend.
- A 2025 rat study found chitosan increased excretion of polyethylene particles, but this has not been shown in humans.
- Detox claims for saunas, juice cleanses and similar protocols are not supported by evidence.
In this article
- Where microplastics have been found in the body
- Does the body get rid of microplastics naturally
- What the evidence says about removal ideas
- Fiber and a healthy diet
- Chitosan: what the research does and does not show
- Sweat, sauna and cleanses
- Supplement safety
- A realistic seven-day reduction plan
- Where Microplastic Protect fits
- When to talk to a doctor
- Frequently asked questions
Where Have Microplastics Been Found in the Human Body?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that microplastics have been found in human urine, stool, blood and organs, but that the health effects are not well understood (FDA overview of microplastics and nanoplastics in foods).
Two early studies show how the research began:
- Blood. Researchers at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam tested blood from 22 anonymous donors and found plastic particles in about three-quarters of them. The most common types were PET, polyethylene and styrene-based polymers. The sample was small, and the researchers said it is still unclear whether the exposure threatens public health (VU Amsterdam news release on the study in Environment International).
- Stool. A small study of eight people in Europe and Asia found microplastics in every stool sample, with particles from about 50 micrometers to 5 millimeters (Scientific American coverage).
Detection is not the same as harm. Finding a particle shows exposure, not disease. For more, read what we actually know about microplastics and human health, where microplastics actually go and microplastics found in the living human brain.
Does Your Body Get Rid of Microplastics Naturally?
Partly, and the honest answer is that no one knows how much. The stool findings suggest the body excretes at least some of the microplastics people swallow, particularly larger particles. That is encouraging, but experts caution that without knowing how much plastic stays in the body, it is hard to judge how much is retained. The studies were tiny, the sources of particles could not be pinned down, and smaller particles that can cross the gut lining have not been studied well in this context (Scientific American).
Clinicians quoted on “plastic detox” trends say researchers do not yet know how long particles stay, how well different tissues clear them or whether some types persist longer. They also point out that exposure is so widespread that any particles removed could be replaced within weeks or months, which is why they focus on limiting continued exposure (MDLinx report on plastic detox claims).
How to Remove Microplastics From Your Body: What the Evidence Says
1. Cut new exposure first (strongest support)
This is the approach clinicians recommend, because food and drink are the largest sources. Practical steps include using glass or metal instead of single-use plastic, drinking filtered tap water in place of bottled water where your tap is safe, and limiting heavily packaged and ultra-processed foods. See our guides to microplastics in food and water, microplastics in bottled water vs tap water, heating food in plastic and how to reduce microplastic exposure during meals.
2. Fiber and a whole-food diet (reasonable, but unproven for microplastics)
Fiber is good for digestion, heart health and the gut microbiome for many reasons. The idea that fiber binds microplastics and carries them out of the body is a hypothesis. A review of the evidence found no direct human trials showing that fiber increases microplastic excretion, and described claims that soluble fiber coats particles and blocks absorption as largely theoretical (Food Facts on fiber and microplastics). Eat fiber for the proven benefits, and do not expect it to clear microplastics.
3. Chitosan (early animal research only)
Chitosan is a fiber made from deacetylated chitin, and its free amino groups can carry a positive charge in acidic conditions, which is why researchers are interested in how it interacts with negatively charged particles. Our guide to the positive charge of chitosan explains the chemistry.
The main direct evidence is a 2025 study in Scientific Reports from Tokai University. Thirty rats in five groups were fed a diet containing blue polyethylene particles of about 200 micrometers, and the team tracked particles in feces and in the digestive tract over a week. The chitosan group excreted more particles than the control group, and about 6.1% of particles remained in the chitosan group’s digestive tract at dissection compared with 12.1% in controls. Three other fibers tested did not differ significantly from controls (study in Scientific Reports).
Limits matter here:
- The study lasted one week with six rats per group
- It tested only one plastic, in one size and shape
- The authors proposed a mechanism but did not directly observe binding
- It did not measure particles in body tissues, human transit, human doses or health outcomes
- It did not test mushroom-derived chitosan products, including Microplastic Protect
So the accurate summary is that chitosan increased excretion of polyethylene particles through the gut in a short rat experiment, and that no one has shown it removes microplastics from human tissue. Read the detail in our review of chitosan and microplastic excretion research and the explainer on whether chitosan can bind microplastics in the digestive tract.
4. Sweat, sauna and cleanses (not supported)
Experts say no proven medical or wellness method exists to remove microplastics already in the body, and sauna sessions, juice cleanses and ionic foot baths have not been shown to do so. Be cautious about any product or service that promises a “plastic detox,” and note that cleanses can carry their own risks.
5. Hydration and normal digestion
Clinicians frame this as supporting the body’s existing elimination systems, not as a special cleanse. Staying well hydrated and eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes is good advice for other reasons too.
Supplement Safety: Questions to Ask Before You Take Anything
If you are considering any chitosan or fiber supplement, know the general safety points. Oral chitosan commonly causes constipation, gas, bloating, nausea and abdominal cramping (MedicineNet). It may increase bleeding risk with warfarin, and clinical research reports it can reduce absorption of the antiviral acyclovir (Natural Medicines database). It may also reduce absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and reliable safety information for pregnancy and breastfeeding is lacking. Shellfish-derived chitosan raises allergy questions, which is one reason some buyers choose a fungal source. See mushroom chitosan vs shellfish chitosan supplements.
Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a medical condition.
A Realistic Seven-Day Plan to Reduce Microplastic Exposure
This is a plan to lower new exposure, not to remove what is already in the body. Pick what fits your routine.
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check your local water quality report, and decide whether a certified filter or a reusable bottle suits you |
| 2 | Stop heating food in disposable plastic, and move it to glass or ceramic |
| 3 | Replace scratched, warped or cloudy plastic containers and worn plastic cutting boards |
| 4 | Add fiber-rich foods you enjoy, such as beans, oats, vegetables and fruit |
| 5 | Swap plastic tea bags for loose leaf or plain paper bags, and use a steel or glass travel cup |
| 6 | Audit the kitchen: storage, bottles, takeaway habits and leftovers |
| 7 | Keep the two or three habits that fit your life, and drop the rest |
Where Does Microplastic Protect Fit?
Exposure-reduction habits come first. Chitosan Global’s Microplastic Protect supplement contains 99% pure chitosan derived from button mushrooms, a shellfish-free source. Review what is inside the Microplastic Protect formula and how to take it with meals.
It is important to be clear about what this product is and is not. Microplastic Protect has not been tested in humans for microplastic removal, and the rat study above did not test it. It is not a detox, it does not remove microplastics from organs or tissues, and it is not a replacement for exposure-reduction habits. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition, speak with a healthcare professional before use.
When to Talk to a Doctor
See a healthcare professional if you have symptoms you are worried about, a medical condition, regular medication or plans to start a supplement. Do not use microplastic concerns as a reason to delay care or to try an unproven treatment. Microplastic testing offered directly to consumers is not a validated way to diagnose a health problem.
Where This Leaves You
You cannot yet remove microplastics from your body on demand, and anyone who says otherwise is going beyond the evidence. You can lower new exposure, eat well and stay informed as research develops. For deeper reading, visit the Chitosan Global document library.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you remove microplastics from your body?
There is no clinically proven way to remove microplastics from the human body. The body appears to excrete some particles, but how much is retained and how long it stays are unknown. Reducing new exposure is the main strategy experts recommend.
How long do microplastics stay in your body?
Nobody knows yet. Researchers have not determined how long particles remain, how well different tissues clear them or whether some plastic types persist longer. Studies so far are small and early.
Does your body naturally get rid of microplastics?
Partly. Stool studies show the body passes out at least some of the particles people swallow, especially larger ones. How much smaller particles are absorbed and retained is not yet clear.
How do you detox microplastics from your body?
No detox has been shown to remove microplastics, and experts say there is no proven medical or wellness method. Focus on lowering new exposure, hydration and a fiber-rich diet, and be skeptical of cleanses that promise to flush particles out.
Does chitosan remove microplastics from the body?
Not shown. A 2025 rat study found chitosan increased excretion of polyethylene particles through the gut, but it lasted one week, used six rats per group and measured no human outcomes or body tissue levels.
Does fiber help remove microplastics?
Fiber supports digestion and health, but no human trial has shown it increases microplastic excretion. The idea that fiber binds particles is a hypothesis that has yet to be tested in people.
Can you sweat out microplastics in a sauna?
There is no good evidence that sweating removes microplastics, and experts say no proven wellness method exists. Saunas may have other effects, but they should not be used as a microplastic cleanse.
Do juice cleanses or foot baths remove microplastics?
No evidence supports this. Juice cleanses and ionic foot baths have not been shown to remove microplastics, and cleanses can carry their own risks, so speak with a doctor first.
What is the best way to reduce microplastics in the body?
Reduce new exposure. Use glass or metal for food and drink, avoid heating food in plastic, filter tap water if suitable and limit heavily packaged foods. Because exposure is widespread, ongoing habits matter more than one-time cleanses.
Do water filters help reduce microplastic exposure?
Some filters can reduce larger particles, but performance varies by design, pore size and maintenance. Look for independent certification, and see our guide to microplastics in bottled water vs tap water.
Are microplastic detox supplements safe?
Safety depends on the ingredient. Chitosan can cause constipation, gas and bloating, may interact with warfarin and some medicines, and may reduce mineral absorption. No supplement has been proven to remove microplastics, so speak with a healthcare professional first.
Where are microplastics found in the body?
Researchers have reported them in blood, stool, urine and organs, and studies continue. Detection shows exposure, but FDA says the health effects are not well understood.
Are microplastics harmful to humans?
Not established. FDA says current evidence does not show that levels found in foods pose a health risk, and WHO says more research is needed. Scientists are still studying absorption, clearance and long-term effects.
Can a blood test show how many microplastics I have?
Research studies can detect particles in blood samples, but there is no validated consumer test that diagnoses a health problem or guides treatment. Be cautious about direct-to-consumer microplastic tests.
Should I take a supplement to remove microplastics?
No supplement has been proven to remove microplastics from the human body. Research on chitosan is early and mostly in animals, so a supplement should not replace exposure-reduction habits. Speak with a healthcare professional before starting one.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Foods: https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/microplastics-and-nanoplastics-foods
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Microplastics found in human bloodstream (Environment International, 2022): https://vu.nl/en/news/2022/microplastics-found-in-human-bloodstream
- Scientific American. Microplastics have been found in people’s poop: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/microplastics-have-been-found-in-peoples-poop-mdash-what-does-it-mean
- MDLinx. Plastic detoxes are going viral: https://www.mdlinx.com/article/-plastic-detoxes-are-going-viral-is-there-anything-evidence-based-docs-can-actually-recommend-to/5UGGcbjzyWR4FGehUMJPpd
- Food Facts. Can fibre help your body excrete microplastics: https://www.foodfacts.org/articles/can-fibre-help-your-body-excrete-microplastics
- Liu D, Shimizu M. Chitosan and microplastic excretion in rats, Scientific Reports, 2025: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-96393-w
- MedicineNet. Chitosan: https://www.medicinenet.com/chitosan/article.htm
- Natural Medicines. Chitosan 95% deacetylated: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/commercial-products/commercial-product.aspx?cpid=17624
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
Questions About Microplastics Research or Chitosan? Talk to Our Team
Whether you are researching microplastic exposure, comparing chitosan sources, or looking for documentation, samples or bulk supply, the Chitosan Global team can help.
- Review the Microplastic Protect
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- See wholesale pricing
- Call our team at +1 (423) 202-6145
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