This week, we’re diving into a startling new study that links everyday plastics to hundreds of thousands of heart-related deaths every year, a story that hasn’t made enough headlines. But don’t worry, we’re not leaving you in doom and gloom. We’re also ending with something uplifting and how dancing might be the ultimate mind-body workout.
Plastic Chemicals and Heart Disease: What You Need To Know
A major study just published in eBioMedicine has revealed something deeply troubling. A common plastic chemical called DEHP may be responsible for around 356,000 cardiovascular deaths each year worldwide.
DEHP (di-2-ethylhexylphthalate) is a plasticiser used to make plastics flexible. It’s found in food packaging, PVC flooring, shower curtains, IV bags, raincoats, and many other everyday items. Most people have no idea they’re being exposed to it, but the consequences could be serious.
The study, led by Dr. Leonardo Trasande at NYU, found that DEHP exposure may contribute to 13.5% of heart-related deaths among adults aged 55 to 64. The mechanism? DEHP and related phthalates are endocrine disruptors. They interfere with hormones, promote oxidative stress, and disrupt metabolism, all factors that damage cardiovascular health.
Even more disturbing is the finding that most of these deaths occur in middle-income regions, such as India, China, and Southeast Asia, where DEHP exposure is high and regulations are weaker. But no country is immune, and plastic packaging, in particular, remains a global issue.
What Can You Do?
You can’t avoid all plastic exposure, but you can reduce your toxic load:
- Don’t microwave food in plastic containers, as heat increases chemical leaching.
- Switch to glass or stainless steel for food storage, especially for hot or acidic items.
- Avoid plastics marked #3, which often contain phthalates.
- Minimise packaged and ultra-processed foods, which increase exposure through both packaging and additives.
Can supplements help?
While avoiding excess exposure is key, supporting detox pathways with targeted nutrition provides another layer of protection:
- NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) is a precursor to glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant and a vital part of liver detox.
- Chlorella and spirulina are algae rich in nutrients and chlorophyll, which have been shown in studies to support the removal of toxins and combat oxidative stress.
Move Your Way to a Healthier Heart
While reducing chemical exposure is one part of protecting your heart, movement is another powerful tool. And it doesn’t have to mean long sessions at the gym.
Free-form dance – simply moving your body to music however you like – has been shown to match or exceed the cardiovascular benefits of structured aerobic exercise. It improves blood flow, strengthens the heart, lifts mood, and reduces stress, which are all key for cardiovascular health.
A recent study found that this joyful, expressive form of movement delivers both physical and psychological benefits, making it a brilliant addition to your wellbeing routine.
So whether you’re flushing out toxins or strengthening your heart, moving your body through dance is a simple, accessible way to support long-term health.
Final Thoughts
Our modern world presents challenges that our bodies were never designed to handle, from invisible plastic pollutants to increasingly sedentary lifestyles. But by reducing everyday exposures, supporting natural detox pathways, and embracing joyful movement, we can take meaningful steps to protect our hearts and overall health. Whether it’s swapping out plastic containers, adding more greens to your plate, or dancing around the living room, small actions add up.
Reference:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(25)00174-4/fulltext
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0313144
