South Korean researchers found that a probiotic strain isolated from kimchi attached to nanoplastics in a lab gut model and increased fecal excretion in mice, though the findings have not yet been tested in humans.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A probiotic strain isolated from kimchi may help bind and remove nanoplastics from the digestive tract, according to early research from South Korea that examined the bacteria in a laboratory gut model and in mice.
The findings remain preliminary and have not been confirmed in humans. Researchers said it is also not yet known whether regular kimchi contains enough of the specific bacterial strain used in the study to produce the same effect.
The research was conducted at the World Institute of Kimchi in Gwangju, where scientists are studying whether bacteria found in the traditional Korean fermented cabbage dish could help the body eliminate microscopic plastic particles before they move from the gut into the bloodstream or tissues.
Kimchi has been eaten in Korea for more than 2,000 years and is now widely consumed around the world for its probiotic content and digestive health benefits. The fermented food contains lactic acid bacteria, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A and compounds that support the gut microbiome.
More than 130 studies have documented kimchi’s probiotic properties, according to the information provided. Those properties may help support balanced gut flora, digestion, immune function, vitamin synthesis and detoxification. Research cited in the report also associated kimchi with reduced risk of colon and bladder cancer.
The new study focused on a specific lactic acid bacteria strain derived from kimchi. In a lab-created model of the human gut, the bacteria attached to 57% of the nanoplastics present. In mice, animals given the probiotic strain excreted twice as many nanoplastics in their feces as mice that did not receive it.
Researchers described the mechanism as similar to Velcro. Chemical structures on the surface of the bacterial cells appear to weakly attract and hold nanoplastic particles, allowing them to pass through the digestive system and leave the body in stool rather than crossing into circulation.
Se Hee Lee, a study author and senior research scientist at the World Institute of Kimchi, said the findings do not yet prove that eating kimchi can clear nanoplastics from the human body. The research used one isolated bacterial strain, and scientists do not know whether commercially available kimchi contains that strain in sufficient amounts.
Human clinical trials will be needed to determine whether the probiotic works in people and whether ordinary dietary intake of kimchi could produce a measurable effect.
The study comes as researchers continue examining the possible health effects of microplastics and nanoplastics. These particles have been linked in emerging research to inflammation and potential effects on the digestive, respiratory and endocrine systems. However, methods for reducing exposure or improving elimination from the body remain unproven.
Even if the plastic-removal effect is not confirmed in people, kimchi remains a nutrient-rich fermented food with established benefits. It contains both probiotics and prebiotics. The fermentation process creates beneficial bacteria that can support the gut, while kimchi’s fiber helps feed those microbes once they reach the digestive tract.
A half-cup serving of kimchi provides about 2 grams of fiber, 20% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C and 15% of vitamin A. Fermented foods have also been associated with weight management and improvement in symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, according to the information provided.
Experts urged caution for consumers hoping store-bought kimchi can remove plastics from the gut. The specific strain used in the study may not be present in all commercial kimchi products, and no human evidence yet shows that kimchi consumption clears nanoplastics from the body.
For now, researchers and nutrition experts recommend focusing on broader habits that support health and reduce plastic exposure. Those include eating whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and minimally processed foods; supporting the gut microbiome; staying physically active; and avoiding unnecessary contact with plastics when practical.
Reducing exposure may include avoiding bottled water, using glass or stainless steel instead of plastic kitchenware, choosing bamboo or other nonplastic tools when possible and not microwaving food in plastic containers. Even containers labeled microwave-safe may release plastic particles into food when heated, according to the information provided.
BrightU.AI’s Enoch engine also suggests using cotton produce bags while shopping and rinsing foods that have touched plastic packaging to reduce surface-level microplastics.
The early kimchi research points to a possible new approach to nanoplastic elimination, but the authors and outside experts emphasized that it remains unproven in humans. Until further studies are completed, kimchi may be best viewed as a beneficial fermented food for gut health rather than a confirmed method for removing plastic particles from the body.
Source: Natural News
Watch this video to learn the best ways to get your probiotics and how to avoid the major pitfalls when choosing them.
This video is from the Healing the Body channel on Brighteon.com.
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