New Study Finds a Way to Remove Forever Chemicals Naturally (PFAS)
Cambridge researchers discover that gut bacteria can flush PFAS from your body without drugs, neither bloodletting
I used to think PFAS were just another scary chemical acronym.
Now I realize they’re literally inside all of us, and incredibly hard to get out.
But this week, scientists at Cambridge just found something wild:
Certain gut bacteria can actually absorb and flush out PFAS through your poop.
What Are PFAS and Why Should You Care?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are known as forever chemicals
Because... well, they don’t break down. Not in the environment. Not in your body.
They’re in:
Non-stick pans 🍳
Waterproof clothes 🧥
Takeout containers 🍔
Drinking water 💧
And they’re linked to:
Cancer
Birth defects
High cholesterol
Weakened immunity
Scary part? These chemicals can stick around in your blood for decades.
Until Now, Detoxing PFAS Was Brutal
Doctors had two options to reduce PFAS levels in the body:
Bloodletting 🩸 (yes, seriously)
A cholesterol drug that often causes nasty side effects
Both are intense. Neither are practical.
But Now? Your Gut Might Be the Solution
A new study from the University of Cambridge just changed everything.
🔬 Researchers found that specific gut microbes can absorb PFAS in the digestive tract and flush them out via feces.
In mice, some bacterial strains removed:
58% of PFOA
Up to 74% of PFNA
And these aren’t fringe chemicals — those are some of the most dangerous long-chain PFAS in our environment.
How Does It Work?
The researchers introduced human gut bacteria into mice and fed them PFAS.
The bacteria quickly multiplied and began absorbing the chemicals.
Then?
They used a natural "pump" system to expel the toxins from their cell, and out through the gut.
It’s a first-of-its-kind discovery.
And it’s already leading to a real product.
The Future: PFAS-Clearing Probiotics?
Yep.
The researchers launched a company called Cambiotics to turn this into a probiotic supplement.
The idea?
Take specific strains of gut bacteria as a probiotic to help your body naturally remove PFAS over time — no drugs, no invasive treatments.
Human trials are next.
But This Isn’t a Free Pass
Even lead scientist Anna Lindell is clear:
This doesn’t solve the global PFAS crisis.
It’s not an excuse to ignore better water filtration, safer manufacturing, or policy change.
It’s a helpful tool, not a total fix.
But still…
If something as simple as a daily probiotic could reduce a lifetime’s worth of toxic exposure?
That’s huge.
What You Can Do Now
This probiotic isn’t available yet, but here’s how you can support your detox system today:
🥬 Feed your gut:
Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and miso help support microbial diversity.
🚰 Filter your water:
Use a filter certified to remove PFAS (like activated carbon + reverse osmosis).
🍳 Avoid non-stick toxins:
Steer clear of products with PTFE, PFOA, or “non-stick” coatings, cookware, waterproof gear, fast food packaging.
🌾 Eat more fiber:
Fiber helps bind and eliminate toxins and feeds your gut bugs.
🧫 Stay tuned for the probiotic launch:
(We’ll be watching this like hawks.)
Bottom Line
🌱 Your gut could become your most powerful detox tool.
Science is finally catching up to what biohackers suspected for years.
More proof that the microbiome isn’t just about digestion: It’s about defense.