Two major health reports released this month are raising new questions about the products and environmental exposures many people encounter every single day.
The Environmental Working Group’s 2026 Sunscreen Report reviewed nearly 2,800 sunscreen products and found that only about 20% met their standards for both safety and effective UV protection.
The report raised concerns about sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate, because evidence shows they can be absorbed into the bloodstream after repeated use. On a positive note, more people are choosing mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are usually safer and offer better broad-spectrum protection.
It’s also important to remember that sunlight is essential for our health. Natural light helps control our body clock, hormone signals, energy production in cells, mood, and vitamin D levels. Getting sun during the early morning, when UV rays are weaker, is one of the safest and most helpful times.
I typically recommend aiming for about 15 minutes of morning sunlight exposure daily without sunglasses when possible. Light entering through the eyes plays a major role in signaling the body’s natural protective and repair mechanisms. Constant sunglass use may interfere with some of these normal biological light signals and the body’s natural adaptation to sunlight.
The second major report came from ScienceDaily, highlighting new research showing that a probiotic strain derived from kimchi may help bind to and eliminate nanoplastics from the body before they accumulate in tissues and organs.
Researchers found that the probiotic maintained strong binding to nanoplastics in gut-like environments, and animal studies showed significantly greater elimination of nanoplastics after supplementation.
While this is good news, it’s important to know that microplastic exposure affects more than just the gut. Studies show these particles can build up throughout the body, including in the brain, blood vessels, lungs, liver, reproductive organs, and even the placenta. The main concern is the total amount in the body over time, not just in one area.
The real goal should be reducing overall exposure whenever possible while also supporting the body’s detoxification pathways.
Best Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure
• Avoid drinking from plastic water bottles, especially when heated or left in hot vehicles
• Reduce bottled water consumption whenever possible
• Use stainless steel or glass food and water containers
• Store hot food in glass rather than plastic
• Avoid microwaving food in plastic
• Reduce canned foods lined with plastic coatings
• Avoid many tea bags, which can release large amounts of microplastic particles when exposed to hot water
• Avoid black plastic cooking utensils when possible
• Limit polyester and synthetic clothing, which shed microplastics while wearing, washing, and drying
• Choose clothing made from natural materials like cotton, wool, or linen whenever possible
• Use wool dryer balls instead of synthetic dryer sheets
• Consider microfiber laundry filters if washing synthetic clothing frequently
• Filter drinking water with high-quality carbon or reverse osmosis systems
• Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne microplastic dust
• Limit heavily processed and packaged foods
• Reduce synthetic fragrances and household chemicals
• Increase fresh whole foods and fermented foods to support detoxification pathways
For patients looking to further support detoxification pathways, I often recommend the Detox Support Kit to help support liver function, drainage pathways, antioxidant systems, and overall toxin-elimination capacity.
Sauna therapy can also be extremely helpful, particularly infrared saunas, which may support circulation, sweating, detoxification, and recovery. One important strategy during sauna use is wiping sweat off the skin while inside the sauna to help reduce reabsorption of toxins released through perspiration. Because sauna therapy increases fluid and mineral loss, replacing electrolytes afterward is essential for proper hydration and recovery.
Modern exposure is difficult to avoid completely, but lowering the total toxic burden while supporting the body’s detoxification pathways may have a major impact on long-term health.
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Here’s to your health, God bless Dr. Jack
