So here’s a headline that caught my attention (and probably yours too if you’ve ever cooked with Teflon or microwaved leftovers in plastic containers):
A new study suggests eating more fiber, especially the kind found in mushrooms and oats, might help flush out toxic “forever chemicals” from your body.
Yes, seriously. That stuff we’ve been told is basically permanent? There’s a glimmer of hope.
Let’s break this down in plain English, with some science-backed context.
First of All: What Are Forever Chemicals?
Forever chemicals, formally called PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic compounds that don’t break down naturally. They’re found in:
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Nonstick cookware
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Water-resistant fabrics
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Food packaging
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Firefighting foam
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Even your fast food wrapper
And here’s the unsettling part: they build up in our bodies, hang out in our organs, and over time increase the risk of things like cancer, infertility, immune disruption, and hormonal issues.
They’ve been dubbed “forever” for a reason, because they stick around in our blood for years, even decades.
Enter: Oat Fiber to the Rescue?
Researchers at Boston University decided to test if there’s a practical, food-based way to help clear PFAS from the body. Spoiler: they might be onto something.
In a month-long study with 72 men (ages 18 to 65), they split the group into two:
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Group A took beta-glucan fiber supplements, found in oats, mushrooms, and seeds, before each meal.
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Group B got a rice-based placebo.
After just four weeks, blood tests showed that those in the fiber group had 8% lower levels of two of the most dangerous PFAS chemicals:
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PFOA (a known carcinogen)
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PFOS (suspected to cause cancer and hormone disruption)
That might not sound huge, but considering how persistent these chemicals are, any reduction is significant, especially over a short period.
How Does Fiber Help?
The mechanism is actually pretty cool (and kind of gross, in the best way).
The researchers believe beta-glucan fiber forms a gel in your gut. That gel:
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Traps bile acids, which your body normally reabsorbs.
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PFAS hitch a ride on bile to get absorbed.
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So… no bile = no PFAS absorption.
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Instead, PFAS gets flushed out with waste.
It’s like giving your digestive system a broom and telling it to sweep up chemical freeloaders.
But Before You Go Chug Oat Shakes…
A few things to keep in mind:
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Not all fiber is created equal. The study focused specifically on beta-glucan, not the fiber in, say, celery or lettuce.
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The study only lasted four weeks. PFAS can stay in your body for 2 to 7 years, so we don’t know the long-term effect yet.
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Most of us aren’t even getting enough basic fiber, let alone the type that helps detox PFAS.
In fact, 90% of Americans don’t hit the recommended 22–34 grams of fiber per day, which means we’re missing out on:
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Improved gut health
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Better bowel regularity
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Reduced colon cancer risk
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(And now, potentially) PFAS flushing!
Practical Takeaways
If you want to start fighting back against PFAS through food (which, let’s be honest, is a pretty empowering move), here’s what you can do:
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Add more oats and mushrooms to your daily meals
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Look for foods labeled “high in beta-glucan” (like barley and whole grains)
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Try psyllium or oat-based fiber supplements before meals
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Check your cookware, swap nonstick pans for ceramic or stainless steel
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Use glass or stainless containers instead of plastic when possible
Also: don't expect miracles overnight. This is about playing the long game, reducing the toxins your body absorbs bit by bit.
Final Thought
Forever chemicals may sound unstoppable, but this study proves one thing: our diet can be part of the solution.
It’s a refreshing bit of science in a world where most chemical news is all doom and no strategy. Small habits like eating more fiber might not only help your digestion, but also literally help cleanse your body of decades-old toxins.
And that’s the kind of wellness win I can get behind.