PFAS are also referred to at times as "forever chemicals," lasting in the environment and in the human body for decades straight. One of these studies was directed towards two of the most harmful types of PFAS, PFOS and PFOA. Both chemicals have been associated with serious medical conditions such as cancer, high cholesterol, birth defects, kidney disease, and weakened immune systems. A federal study corroborated that nearly everyone in the US has PFAS in their blood, and it could take decades before the body will be able to get rid of them.

But it was shown that individuals who consumed more fibers had reduced blood concentrations of PFOS and PFOA. There is one hypothesis proposed for how dietary fiber forms a gel in the stomach that blocks these chemicals from being absorbed by the gut. Such a gel can also block absorption by the gut of bile acids, which would be eliminated through feces along with PFAS.

Dr. Deng, who studied on this topic, explained how fiber reduces the levels of PFOS and is otherwise healthy for the body. "We discovered that fiber can affect lipid metabolism and immune function and protect the gut microbiome," Deng said. The impact can stop the development of diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Though PFOS has been banned in the US since the early 2000s, it is traceable through drinking water, soil, and air. As PFAS have an extremely long half life in the body, the body is not as readily able to eliminate them. This research indicates one action that can be taken to preserve our health from the enduring effect of PFAS.

Works Cited

“A High-Fiber Diet May Counteract the Harmful Health Effects of Pollutants.” UK Research, https://research.uky.edu/news/high-fiber-diet-may-counteract-harmful-health-effects-pollutants.

Perkins, Tom. “Eating more fiber could reduce ‘forever chemicals’ in bodies, study suggests.” The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/11/pfas-dietary-fiber-forever-chemicals.