Vitality Unleashed: The Functional Medicine Podcast

Every time you chew gum, you're swallowing thousands of plastic particles.

• Dr. Kumar from LifeWellMD.com • Season 1 • Episode 89

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Chew on this: that innocent stick of gum in your pocket might be hiding something concerning. Fresh research has uncovered the presence of over 250,000 microplastic particles released in just one hour of gum chewing. More alarming still, these particles originate from the gum base itself and enter your body through direct oral exposure.

Our deep dive explores this groundbreaking March 2025 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. We break down how researchers employed ingenious detection methods—combining common household items like aluminum foil with gold nanoparticles—to identify both microplastics and the even smaller nanoplastics present in saliva after chewing gum. These innovative techniques allowed scientists to see what has been invisible to us for years: the steady stream of plastic particles we've been unknowingly ingesting.

The health implications demand attention. With researchers themselves describing these particles as a "burgeoning health hazard," we discuss practical steps you can take today to mitigate this exposure. From examining gum ingredients more carefully to seeking out natural alternatives or simply reducing consumption, there are actionable ways to address this newly identified risk. We also explore the broader question that emerges from this discovery: what other seemingly harmless daily habits might be introducing unseen threats to our long-term wellness? For personalized guidance on navigating these health considerations and optimizing your longevity, connect with the LifeWellMD team at 561-210-9999 or visit LifeWellMD.com to take control of your health journey today.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your supplement regimen or health routine. Individual needs and reactions vary, so it’s important to make informed decisions with the guidance of your physician.

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Stay Informed, Stay Healthy:
Remember, informed choices lead to better health. Until next time, be well and take care of yourself.

Speaker 1:

You know those little habits, we have the things we do almost without thinking, like chewing gum. Have you ever stopped and wondered what exactly is in that stuff and where it goes?

Speaker 2:

That's a really good point. We tend to just, you know, use these everyday things without a second thought, but sometimes what's hidden can be quite revealing, especially when it comes to our health.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely, and today we're actually going to dive into some fascinating new research. It's uncovered something pretty surprising about that seemingly harmless stick of gum. It seems chewing gum releases microplastics and even nanoplastics right there in your mouth.

Speaker 2:

That's right. It's from a study a really interesting one, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. That was March 2025, so quite recent. And what's really notable is the well, the clever methods they use really inventive ways, to actually find these incredibly tiny particles.

Speaker 1:

Right, and this isn't just, you know, some abstract science thing. This ties directly into what we focus on at LifeWellMDcom your health, your wellness, your longevity. We're always looking at the latest science to understand potential health risks, even ones that aren't obvious.

Speaker 2:

Exactly Our team here at LifeWellMD in Florida. We're dedicated to bringing you the most current information and giving you personalized strategies for better health and a longer life. So, understanding potential exposures like this, it fits right into our mission.

Speaker 1:

So our plan for this deep dive is pretty simple we want to break down this research, make it easy to grasp and give you some practical insights for your own well-being.

Speaker 2:

That's good.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so let's get started. First off, what exactly are these microplastics and nanoplastics we're talking about?

Speaker 2:

Okay, so microplastics are basically tiny plastic fragments Think maybe the width of a hair, down to sizes. You definitely need a microscope for Nanoplastics. They're even smaller, orders of magnitude smaller. Wow yeah, so tiny. You just can't see them, which is why they often go completely unnoticed.

Speaker 1:

Right, practically invisible, and this study found these in saliva after chewing gum.

Speaker 2:

Precisely. That was a big finding. After just one hour of chewing they could actually count over 250,000 microplastic particles in the saliva samples.

Speaker 1:

A quarter of a million in an hour. Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And on top of that they also confirmed that the even smaller nanoplastics were present too. They couldn't easily count those, but they detected their presence.

Speaker 1:

Wow, okay, that sounds like a lot. Where are all these tiny bits of plastic actually coming from?

Speaker 2:

Well, the study points directly to the gum base.

Speaker 1:

The gum base.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, that's the, you know the chewy part that doesn't dissolve when you chew. It seems that's where these particles are starting from.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so it's inherent to the gum itself. Now, how on earth did the scientists manage to find particles that small? You said nanoplastics are incredibly tiny.

Speaker 2:

It was really quite ingenious. Actually, For the microplastics, the slightly larger ones, they use something called automated Riemann spectroscopy.

Speaker 1:

Riemann spectroscopy.

Speaker 2:

Think of it like shining a special light on the particles. Each material like plastic reflects that light back in a unique way, like a fingerprint, so they could identify them as plastic.

Speaker 1:

Okay, that makes sense for identifying them. But the nano-sized ones, how did they tackle those?

Speaker 2:

Ah, for the nanoplastics. They needed something more sensitive. They used a technique called SERS, that's surface-enhanced Riemann spectroscopy. And the really clever part maybe the most surprising part was how they made the surfaces for this SERS technique. They used household metallic foils like aluminum foil and copper foil stuff you might have in your kitchen drawer.

Speaker 1:

Wait, really Like regular Reynolds wrap.

Speaker 2:

Sort of. They developed a way to use these really common cost-effective materials to create a special surface. This surface dramatically boosts the Raman signal from the nanoplastics, making these invisible particles suddenly detectable.

Speaker 1:

That's incredible Using kitchen foil for cutting-edge science.

Speaker 2:

It gets better. They refined it further using tiny gold nanoparticles sprinkled over a copper film and that specific combination, the AUMP at a Q they called it, let them detect really small polystyrene nanoplastics, just 100 nanometers, even at very low concentrations like one microgram per milliliter.

Speaker 1:

So everyday materials plus a bit of gold, and suddenly you can see these minuscule plastic bits. That is genuinely innovative.

Speaker 2:

It really is. And they didn't just wing it. They used computer modeling, fem simulations, to actually confirm why it worked so well. Basically, these surfaces create tiny hotspots that amplify the signal intensely. They checked different types of these hotspots to make sure their method was super sensitive.

Speaker 1:

Okay, I won't pretend to get all the physics, but the takeaway is they found clever, surprisingly accessible ways to find and measure these micro and nanoplastics.

Speaker 2:

Exactly Robust methods confirming their presence.

Speaker 1:

So we know they're there. Which brings us to the big question for everyone listening why does this matter? What's the potential impact?

Speaker 2:

Right the. So what question? Well, the study authors themselves called microplastics and nanoplastics a burgeoning health hazard. Now, the full long term effects are still being studied, definitely, but the key thing here is the route of exposure.

Speaker 1:

You mean because it's right in your mouth.

Speaker 2:

Precisely. These particles aren't just somewhere out in the environment. They're being released directly into your oral cavity while you chew.

Speaker 1:

Which means you're very likely swallowing them.

Speaker 2:

Exactly that direct ingestion pathway is what raises the concern.

Speaker 1:

So for people listening, especially those trying to be proactive about health, like our listeners interested in LifeWellMD's approach, this is definitely something to note.

Speaker 2:

Yes, if you're trying to stay informed about potential risks, even subtle ones, from daily habits, this study puts chewing gum on the radar.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so given this new information, what can people actually do? What are some practical takeaways for our wellness?

Speaker 2:

Well, the most direct action based on this research is maybe to be more mindful about chewing gum. Start by looking at the ingredients. See if you can find out what the gum base is made of. Perhaps look for alternatives, if they exist, that use non-plastic bases.

Speaker 1:

That's a good point. Maybe explore gums made with natural trickle or other bases, or, I suppose, just chew less gum, or maybe none at all.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Simply reducing how often you chew gum, or maybe deciding to avoid it altogether, could be a sensible, proactive step based on these findings. And you know, this is really where understanding the science and making informed choices comes together, which is core to what we do at LifeWellMDcom.

Speaker 1:

Right. We focus on helping you take control, make those informed choices for your long-term health and longevity. Understanding these kinds of potential hidden risks, like microplastics from gum, is really part of that bigger picture, that comprehensive approach we take.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. At LifeWellMD, our team is here to provide that personalized guidance. We help you optimize your health based on the latest science, making lifestyle choices that truly support your goals. It's about empowering you with the knowledge you need.

Speaker 1:

So if you're serious about your health, about living vibrantly for longer and about navigating potential risks like this one, we really encourage you to connect with us. You can call LifeWellIndeed today. The number is 561-210-9999. Start that conversation about your personal wellness journey.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, we're here to help you create a tailored plan. So just to quickly recap the main points, Good idea. This recent study, using some really innovative and cost-effective science, showed pretty clearly that chewing gum can release a large number of microplastics Over a quarter million in an hour were counted and nanoplastics are present too.

Speaker 1:

And these particles are released right into your mouth, increasing the likelihood of ingestion. The researchers themselves flagged this as a potential health concern, a burgeoning health hazard.

Speaker 2:

Right, which leads us to maybe a final thought for you, the listener, to consider Knowing that something as common as everyday as chewing gum could be introducing these tiny particles into your body, what other seemingly harmless habits might have unseen consequences for your long-term health and well-being?

Speaker 1:

That's definitely something worth pondering. It makes you think, doesn't it? And if you want to explore proactive health strategies further, learn how to make those informed choices for a healthier future, please visit our website at LifeWellMDcom or just give us a call directly at 561-210-9999.

Speaker 2:

We look forward to helping you on your path to optimal wellness.