When we’re on a journey to heal, to love ourselves, and to elevate our well-being, we often pay close attention to what we eat and drink. For many of us, bottled water seems like the safe, clean option, especially when we choose glass bottles over plastic. But some groundbreaking research is shaking up what we thought we knew.
The hard truth? Whether your water comes in glass or plastic, microplastics are still finding their way into your body.
What’s Really in Your Bottled Water?
A groundbreaking global study led by Mason et al. (2018) tested 259 bottles across 11 top-selling brands worldwide—including household names like Aquafina, Dasani, Evian, and Nestlé Pure Life. The study revealed that 93% of bottled water samples were contaminated with microplastics.
Let that sink in.
That means most of us who’ve been reaching for bottled water thinking we’re making a safer choice are unknowingly sipping on plastic particles. And here’s the gag as Keke Palmer would say: even glass bottles aren’t giving us a pass.
Glass Bottles: Friend or Frenemy?
A recent series of studies from 2023 to 2025 has turned what we thought we knew about glass-bottled water upside down. I know many of us assumed glass was the cleaner, safer alternative. I thought so too. But data shows that glass bottles often contain as many—or sometimes more—microplastic particles than plastic bottles.
For example:
- A 2025 French study found ~4.5 particles per liter in glass bottles compared to ~1.6 in plastic bottles.
- A 2023 Italian study showed similar results: 8.65 particles/L in glass vs. 5.09 particles/L in plastic.
The culprit? It’s not the glass itself. The issue is the plastic caps and seals. Nearly 97% of the microplastics found in glass-bottled water matched the material of the caps. So even when we think we’ve opted out of plastic, it’s still sneaking in through the packaging.
So, What Are Microplastics, Anyway?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters long. You can’t see them, but they’re everywhere—from the deepest parts of the ocean to the bottled water on grocery store shelves.
They can come from:
- Plastic bottle caps
- Bottle linings
- Manufacturing equipment
- Even the friction when caps are twisted open
And these particles don’t just vanish. They enter our bodies and circulate.
Recent studies have found microplastics in:
- Human lungs
- Bloodstreams
- Livers
- Breast milk
- The placenta
This is real. It’s not just about the planet—it’s about us, right here, right now.
Do Microplastics Harm Your Health?
Here’s where the science is still evolving.
Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently say there’s no direct evidence that microplastics in drinking water pose an immediate health risk. But they also admit that there’s not enough long-term research to say they’re totally safe.
Some lab studies and animal research have linked microplastic exposure to:
- Chronic inflammation
- Hormonal disruptions
- Gut health imbalances
- Possible links to respiratory and reproductive issues
In fact, a 2024 systematic review highlighted possible associations between microplastic exposure and conditions like colon cancer, lung disease, and cardiovascular problems. But these studies are early, and we don’t yet have conclusive proof for humans.
So what does that mean for us? While there’s no need to panic, it’s wise to stay aware and reduce exposure when we can.
Why Should Women in Helping Professions Care?
Let’s get personal for a moment.
As women—especially those of us in helping professions like coaching, nursing, counseling, and social work—we often put others first. We pour so much of ourselves into our communities, our families, and our work. But what about us? What about the silent stressors that impact our bodies every day?
When you’re already navigating chronic low mood, stress, or life transitions like divorce or career burnout, the last thing you need is another invisible threat to your health. Microplastic exposure may seem small, but over time, these are the little things that add up.
Your health is precious. Your energy is sacred.
If we can take small, intentional steps to protect our bodies, those steps matter. They empower us to keep showing up as the powerful, nurturing women we are—without pouring from an empty cup.
Actionable Steps to Protect Yourself
Now, I’m not here to leave you feeling helpless. I’m all about practical, loving solutions. Let’s talk about what you can actually do.
1. Don’t Assume Glass Bottled Water is Safer
Just because it’s in a glass bottle doesn’t mean it’s microplastic-free. Studies show glass-bottled water often contains microplastics from the caps. So glass isn’t a guaranteed safe zone.
2. Reconsider Bottled Water Altogether
When possible, use filtered tap water. Investing in a quality home water filter that reduces microplastics is a power move. Look for filters specifically certified to reduce microplastics and other contaminants. Here are my recommendations: Big Berkey Water Filter, AquaTru Carafe (Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier), Purewell 3-Stage 0.01μm Ultra-Filtration Gravity Water Filter System, and the LifeStraw Home 7-Cup Glass.
3. Choose Reusable Stainless Steel or Glass Bottles
Switch to reusable bottles with stainless steel or bamboo caps. These materials don’t shed microplastics like plastic caps do.
4. Limit Processed Drinks in Bottles
Soft drinks, juices, and even beer in glass bottles have been found to contain microplastics—sometimes even more than water. Cutting back on these can reduce your exposure.
5. Prioritize Overall Detox Support
Help your body process the environmental toxins it does absorb:
- Hydrate well (filtered water is best)
- Eat high-fiber, plant-based foods
- Practice stress reduction regularly (prayer, journaling, meditation)
- Move your body consistently to support natural detoxification
6. Stay Informed Without Spiraling
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the hidden health hazards out there. But remember: knowledge is power, not punishment.
You don’t have to eliminate every risk overnight. Start with what’s manageable. Each small step is a loving investment in your own well-being.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Ourselves and Our Communities
This breaking news on microplastics isn’t about stoking fear—it’s about waking up, together, to the subtle ways our health can be impacted by the world around us. As women, we carry so much. Let’s not carry microplastics in our bodies if we can help it.
Let’s continue to share this knowledge, protect our families, and advocate for safer options. And most importantly, let’s keep showing up for ourselves—with love, compassion, and wisdom.
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