How drinking water from plastic bottles can increase your BP, a study reveals

A recent study conducted by the Department of Medicine at Danube Private University in Austria has found that drinking water from plastic bottles can increase blood pressure. This effect occurs due to microplastics entering the bloodstream. The study discovered that participants who drank fluids not contained in plastic bottles experienced a significant reduction in their blood pressure, a report published in New York Post stated.

How Plastic Bottle Water Increases BP

The researchers found that microplastics, small particles prevalent in most of our food and water, are a cause for concern due to their potential impact on human health. These particles are already linked to issues such as heart health problems, hormone imbalances, and even cancer. The study, published in the journal Microplastics, specifically noted the relationship between microplastics from plastic bottles and elevated blood pressure levels, the study said.

"Remarkable trends were observed. The results of the study suggest, for the first time, that a reduction in plastic use could potentially lower blood pressure, probably due to the reduced volume of plastic particles in the bloodstream," the team wrote in the study, as per the New York Post report.


"Based on the findings, indicating a reduction in blood pressure with decreased plastic consumption, we hypothesize that plastic particles present in the bloodstream might contribute to elevated blood pressure," they further said.

Packaged Bottle Water Should be Avoided: Study

The researchers concluded that to potentially lower blood pressure, beverages packed in plastic bottles should be avoided. This study follows previous findings that show humans ingest about 5 grams of microplastics through fluids packaged in bottles every week.

Among the recommended methods to prevent microplastics from entering the body, boiling and filtering tap water were identified as effective. These measures can reduce the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics by nearly 90 per cent.

The study emphasizes the importance of reducing plastic consumption to improve health outcomes. By avoiding beverages packed in plastic bottles and taking steps to filter and purify tap water, individuals can potentially decrease their intake of harmful microplastics.