Study from Krems: drinking water instead of plastic bottles for better blood pressure

Study from Krems: drinking water instead of plastic bottles for better blood pressure

In today's world, the use of plastic bottles is an ubiquitous part of our life, but research results show that this may cause health risks. Recently, scientists from Danube Private University in Krems on the Danube found that drinking from plastic bottles could be connected with an increase in blood pressure. This discovery could be alarming for many of us because they illustrate us what effects our everyday habits can have on our health.

The study that deals with this topic refers to microplastic particles that are released when plastic bottles are decayed. These tiny particles get into the bloodstream and could therefore load our cardiovascular system. In a pilot study, the researchers observed eight healthy adults over a period of four weeks, which during this time did without plastic bottles and consumed tap water instead. During these four weeks, their blood pressure values ​​were regularly measured, which provided interesting results.

microplastics and its potential consequences for health

A particularly worrying result of this investigation shows that after avoiding plastic bottles, women were able to determine a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, while men showed no significant changes in this short study. The reason for this could be gender -specific differences in the cardiovascular system, since studies show that women have a different regulation of blood pressure.

The exact functionality that influences the blood pressure through the microplastics has not yet been fully clarified. However, initial laboratory tests indicate that such plastic particles could damage the cell membranes of blood cells. This could possibly lead to an increased formation of blood clots, which in turn could increase the risk of vascular degrees and a resulting blood pressure.

protective measures against microplastics

The results of this study have re -lived in interest in recording microplastics and its health effects. According to previous research, a person takes up up to 5 grams of microplastics through packaged drinks every week - a lot that stimulates thinking.

In order to reduce the risk of microplastics load, the thirsty scientists advise to eat tap water, which contains significantly less microplastic in many regions such as Germany and Austria than water made of plastic bottles. In various studies, no significant microplastic traces in tap water could be demonstrated. It is also recommended to cook or filter tap water because these methods can reduce microplastics by up to 90 percent. Such simple steps could help to reduce the burden of plastic particles and thus possibly also the blood pressure.