Podcasts about Environmental Working Group

In this episode of The Matt Feret Show I interview Therese Forton-Barnes, a green-living expert, advocate, and business owner. Therese and I discuss her mission of detoxifying American households, and she identifies the top products mindful consumers may want to avoid. Therese shares insight into her process of downsizing toxins in her home and provides helpful resources listeners can explore to learn more about the ingredients in their cleaning supplies, drinking water, and health and beauty products. Watch this podcast on YouTube.Introduction to Therese Forton-Barnes [1:09]Health Starts in the Home with Therese Forton-Barnes [5:46]Products to Minimize in the Home with Therese Forton-Barnes [9:45]Monitoring the Air Quality in Your Home with Therese Forton-Barnes [28:06]Common Air Pollutants in the Home with Therese Forton-Barnes [30:58]Chemical Content of Personal Products with Therese Forton-Barnes [42:17]How to Minimize Chemicals in Water with Therese Forton-Barnes [57:38]Connect with me via the podcast website, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.Check out Therese's Green Living Guru's website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Amazon storefront.Explore green-living resources Environmental Working Group Tap Water Database, Environmental Working Group, Made-Safe.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Day in Legal History: Standard Oil Breaks UpOn May 15, 1911, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey v. United States, finding that Standard Oil had violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by engaging in monopolistic practices. The Court unanimously ruled that Standard Oil's dominance over the oil industry—achieved through aggressive acquisitions, predatory pricing, and exclusive agreements—constituted an illegal restraint of trade. As a remedy, the Court ordered the breakup of Standard Oil into 34 separate and independent companies, a dramatic reshaping of the American oil landscape. Among the entities created were companies that would later become industry giants in their own right, including Exxon, Mobil, Chevron, and Amoco.The decision was a defining moment in U.S. antitrust enforcement, signaling the federal government's willingness to confront corporate consolidation. It aimed to restore competition and prevent the recurrence of monopolistic control in vital sectors of the economy. However, over the next century, many of the separated entities gradually reconsolidated. Notably, Exxon and Mobil merged in 1999 to form ExxonMobil, while Chevron absorbed both Gulf Oil and Texaco, and BP later acquired Amoco.Today, a majority of the original 34 companies—or their direct successors—are now part of just a few massive corporations. This reconsolidation serves as a cautionary tale: without vigilant antitrust enforcement post-breakup, market dominance can re-emerge in new forms. The Standard Oil saga demonstrates not only the power of antitrust law but also its limitations if not actively maintained. It underscores that breaking up monopolies is only one step—the preservation of competition requires ongoing oversight.The EPA announced it will weaken several Biden-era regulations on PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in drinking water. Specifically, the agency plans to rescind enforceable limits on three types of PFAS—PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (also known as GenX)—as well as on combinations of those and PFBS. At the same time, the EPA is giving water systems two extra years, until 2031, to comply with limits on PFOA and PFOS, the two most well-known and studied PFAS chemicals, citing the challenges especially for smaller and rural systems.The original Biden administration rule had set an enforceable limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS and a non-enforceable goal of zero exposure due to their cancer and health risks. The EPA says it will revisit its regulatory decisions on the other PFAS types it is now rolling back. Administrator Lee Zeldin framed the delay as necessary flexibility while maintaining protections against the most harmful chemicals, but environmental groups like the Environmental Working Group blasted the move as a concession to industry that puts public health at risk. Some state-level regulators expressed caution and said more time is needed to evaluate the impact of rescinding the additional PFAS limits.EPA Moves to Weaken Biden-era PFAS Limits for Drinking WaterU.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before Congress for the first time in his new role, facing bipartisan scrutiny over his department's proposed 2026 budget, mass layoffs, and his response to a growing measles outbreak. Since taking office in February, Kennedy has overseen the dismissal of roughly 10,000 workers across major health agencies, aligning with broader Trump administration efforts to downsize the federal government. His budget plan calls for deep cuts, including $18 billion from the National Institutes of Health and $3.6 billion from the CDC.Lawmakers questioned Kennedy's controversial stance on vaccines—particularly during an outbreak that has resulted in over 1,000 infections and three deaths, largely among unvaccinated populations. Representative Rosa DeLauro accused Kennedy of promoting misinformation and endangering public health. Senator Bill Cassidy, who supported Kennedy's confirmation based on promises to uphold vaccine access and collaborate with Congress, emphasized the need for transparency and reassurance amid sweeping departmental changes.Kennedy defended the workforce reductions as a return to pre-COVID staffing levels and projected $1.8 billion in annual savings. Still, critics view the cuts as harmful to the country's public health infrastructure. His personal conduct also drew scrutiny after posting photos of himself swimming in Rock Creek, a site banned for public use due to unsafe water conditions.US health chief Kennedy faces lawmakers' questions on mass firings, measles | ReutersA growing number of major U.S. companies are proposing to leave Delaware as their state of incorporation—a trend being called “Dexit”—following Elon Musk's public fallout with Delaware courts. At least nine publicly traded companies, each valued over $1 billion, are preparing shareholder votes to move their legal homes, while five, including Tesla and Trump Media, have already relocated to states like Texas, Florida, and Nevada. The exodus is driven by concerns over Delaware's increasingly strict scrutiny of deals involving controlling shareholders, highlighted by a 2024 court ruling voiding Musk's $56 billion Tesla pay package.Companies say Delaware's legal environment has become unpredictable, especially for founder-led or insider-controlled firms. By contrast, states like Nevada and Texas offer looser standards and greater protection from shareholder litigation. For example, Nevada's laws shield corporate boards under the business judgment rule unless there is fraud, while Delaware courts still require fairness and transparency in insider transactions.In response, Delaware recently passed laws to limit judicial review of certain deals and curb shareholders' access to corporate records, hoping to stem the corporate departures. Still, critics like legal scholars and corporate counsel argue that Delaware's courts are now perceived as activist and uncertain, prompting companies to seek jurisdictions they believe offer more legal stability and control.In Tesla's wake, more big companies propose voting “Dexit" to depart Delaware | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025Today, the government failed to file its privilege log on time in the Abrego Garcia case prompting Judge Xinis to order them to file it; a trump appointed judge in Pennsylvania becomes the first to call Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act lawful; the USDA reverses course and commits to restore purged climate webpages in response to a lawsuit brought by farmers; more than a dozen states slapped the Trump administration with two new lawsuits on Tuesday accusing it of withholding funding in retaliation for immigration policies; Chuck Schumer says he is placing a hold on Trump DOJ nominees amid questions on Qatar's luxury jet gift; the FBI has been ordered to prioritize immigration as DOJ scales back white collar cases; and a magistrate judge cautioned Trump's DoJ on making public statements about the mayor of Newark; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Thank You, Helix27% Off Sitewide plus Free Bedding Bundle with any Luxe or Elite Mattress Order, when you go to HelixSleep.com/dailybeansThank You, Fast Growing TreesGet 15% off your first purchase.  FastGrowingTrees.com/dailybeansThank you to our thousands and thousands of sustaining members, and please join us and support independent media at patreon.com/muellershewrote for as little as $3 a month.MSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fund | ActBlueGuest: Claudia BrachoUrban Peace InstituteDonate - Urban Peace InstituteUrban Peace Institute - YouTube; @urbanpeaceinst - Bluesky; @UrbanPeaceInst - twitter; @urbanpeaceinstitute - InstagramStories:A New Jersey mayor's arrest at ICE facility fires up Democrats from New York to Chicago | POLITICOFBI ordered to prioritize immigration, as DOJ scales back white collar cases | ReutersStates accuse Trump administration of holding emergency relief hostage over immigration policy | Courthouse News ServiceChuck Schumer says he is placing a hold on Trump DOJ nominees amid questions on Qatar's luxury jet gift | NBC NewsUSDA Reverses Course, Commits to Restore Purged Climate Webpages in Response to Farmers' Lawsuit | EarthjusticeGood Trouble:RFK Jr just tweeted the following message: “If you know a regulation that's making our health system worse, not better-tell us. Submit your ideas at regulations.gov/deregulation. We're listening. In order to Make America Healthy Again, providers and caretakers must have the critical opportunity to focus on preventing and treating chronic diseases. Their time and talent should not be spent doing unnecessary or burdensome paperwork”Find Upcoming Demonstrations And Actions:50501 MovementJune 14th Nationwide Demonstrations - NoKings.orgIndivisible.orgShare your Good News or Good Trouble:dailybeanspod.com/goodFrom The Good NewsDepeche Mode.comDepeche Mode - YouTubeDepeche Mode - Where's the Revolution (Official Video)House of Black Cat MagicReminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/ Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewrote , Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote,Dana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

The Side Effects of Artificial Food Coloring and Dyes: Cancer and ADHD Excluding artificial food colors from children's diets can improve ADHD symptoms. The FDA has announced an “understanding with industry” to phase out synthetic food dyes. Listen to today's episode written by Dr. Michael Greger at @NutritionFacts.org, and a statement in response to the “understanding with industry” from the Environmental Working Group. #vegan #plantbased #plantbasedbriefing #maha #processedfoods #fooddye #foodcoloring #reddye #yellowdye #adhd #cancer ============================ Original post: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/the-side-effects-of-artificial-food-coloring-and-dyes-cancer-and-adhd/  EWG Statement: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/statement/2025/04/ewg-statement-fda-announcement-intent-phase-out-synthetic-food-dyes  ============================ Dr. Michael Greger is a physician, New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Greger is licensed as a general practitioner specializing in clinical nutrition. He is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine. He founded NUTRITIONFACTS.ORG is a non-profit, non-commercial, science-based public service provided by Dr. Michael Greger, providing free updates on the latest in nutrition research via bite-sized videos. There are more than a thousand videos on nearly every aspect of healthy eating, with new videos and articles uploaded every day.   His latest books —How Not to Age, How Not to Die, the How Not to Die Cookbook, and How Not to Diet — became instant New York Times Best Sellers. His two latest books, How to Survive a Pandemic and the How Not to Diet Cookbook were released in 2020.  100% of all proceeds he has ever received from his books, DVDs, and speaking engagements have always and will always be donated to charity. ============================== FOLLOW THE SHOW ON: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@plantbasedbriefing     Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GONW0q2EDJMzqhuwuxdCF?si=2a20c247461d4ad7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-based-briefing/id1562925866 Your podcast app of choice: https://pod.link/1562925866 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlantBasedBriefing   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plant-based-briefing/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantbasedbriefing/     

What if the products you use every day—like your plastic containers, laundry detergent, or air fresheners—were quietly affecting your family's health? In this episode, I sit down with Tanya Harris, childhood cancer survivor and environmental toxin expert, to explore how to reduce hidden toxins in your home without feeling overwhelmed. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Tanya shares practical tips that any busy parent can start using right away. You'll learn how simple swaps and small adjustments can help protect your family's health—without needing to go completely toxin-free or “all natural” overnight.

Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified physician practicing in rheumatology and integrative medicine, as well as an environmental health expert in Princeton, New Jersey. Her new book, DETOXIFY: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them, available now for pre-order, connects the dots between everyday chemicals and the epidemic rise in immune disorders and autoimmune disease...and what we CAN all do about it!Now for more background: Athe University of Pennsylvania, she focused her studies on medical anthropology and human evolution - topics that have greatly influenced her work. She is on faculty of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine  (AIHM), Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), and the Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship of the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute (SSIHI) at the University of California, Irvine, where she created and manages the environmental medicine and integrative rheumatology curriculum for medical colleagues. Dr. Cohen has collaborated with the Environmental Working Group, Cancer Schmancer, and other disease- prevention or­ganizations, and is coeditor of the textbook, Integrative Environmental Medicine, part of the Oxford University Press/Weil Integrative Medicine, Academic Series. She is the co-author of the bestselling, consumer guidebook, Non-Toxic: Guide to Living Healthy in a Chemical World. In 2015, she created TheSmartHuman.com to share environ­mental health, disease prevention, and wellness information with the public. She has been the recipient of countless awards. AGENDA:   1.     What is environmental medicine? a.     learn more about environmental health topics?  TheSmartHuman.com.     Other educational projects? (curriculum for physicians, nurses, PT, Nurse practitioners AND creating online courses for parents/athletes/women and fertility & pregnancy...coming soon at AlyCohenMD.com) 2.     Break down for us the ‘classes' of toxins- like persistent organic chemicals vs endocrine disruptors, EMFs, etc- how can we start to discern the different chemicals & what how they affect? What are they doing inside our bodies? 3.     Once they come into our bodies- through our lungs, skin & GI tract, what do they do to us? How & where do they get stored? What are the various compartments? a.     Role of the immune system & even more broadly, the neuroimmune axis? As a rheum, what about our autoimmune epidemic? b.     What about the MIND? c.     Role of adipose? d.     Role of bones- how women will have more toxins come out post-menopause when the bone tissue starts to degrade with osteoporosis? e.     With infection/ concussion/ inflammation, the greater porosity of the blood brain barrier? Is this our Alzheimer's epidemic? 4.     How can we test for them in our bodies? a.     Standard testing with LabCorp/ Quest? b.     Specialty functional med lab testing? 5.     How do we detox? The million-dollar question! a.     We naturally detox daily- peeing, pooping, sweating & crying. How to amplify? b.     What is your 21-day program? c.     Ayurvedic panchakarma6.     Obviously, the first step is to avoid toxic chemicals coming into our bodies in the first place: a.     What are the most important things to know about making the right daily choices?                                                i.     Water filters                                              ii.     Detergents & cleaning products b.     Talk to us about regulations- do we dare? c.     How can we test our water, soil, etc? d.     What advice do you have for folks wanting to make their communities safer?CLOSING: Dr. Cohen is working to educate and empower the next generation to make safer, smarter lifestyle choices through the creation of en­vironmental health and prevention curricula for schools nationally. Her TEDx talk, “How to Protect Your Kids from Toxic Chemicals" can be found on YouTube

YouTuber Tom Webster just published several key exhibits shown at the trial of Richard Allen. Namely, two police interviews and several calls between Allen and his wife and mother. We will talk about a few things that stood out to us. He was convicted of murdering Liberty German and Abigail Williams.The October 13, 2022 police interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGZiyAfe2XIThe October 26, 2022 police interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpskkR380PYThe prison calls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkujWThNJKQ&t=10sSubscribe to Tom Webster on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TomWebsterChannelJoin our Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/c/murdersheetSupport The Murder Sheet by buying a t-shirt here: https://www.murdersheetshop.com/Send tips to murdersheet@gmail.com.The Murder Sheet is a production of Mystery Sheet LLC.Keep hydrated. It's good for your body and your overall well being.But doing so isn't always as easy as it sounds. I always prefer bottled water because I doesn't like the taste of tap. That was always annoying, though because it costs more money. But my picky instinct was right.Research by the Environmental Working Group finds that many homes in America can have harmful contaminants in its tap water.Microplastics and contaminants are in our drinking water. Buying bottled water is obviously more expensive than just using tap water, plus it comes with its own issues. So what're we to do?AquaTru has us covered. This 4-stage reverse osmosis water purification system changed our lives and has us saving money and drinking way more water. We love our Wifi-connected purifier. It saves us save a lot of money and makes our water taste crisp. AquaTru comes with a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee and even makes a great gift…Today my listeners receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Just go to AquaTru.com — and enter code “MSHEET” “ at checkout. That's 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code MSHEET.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if you could slow down aging and stay energized for decades longer? Kayla Barnes-Lentz—Top Biohacker, Longevity Expert, and Founder of LYV The Wellness Space—has done exactly that. Her biological age is 10 years younger than her real age, and she's here to share how you can do it too. Kayla gets into simple but powerful biohacks—how sleep, food, and even your hormones play a huge role in how you age. Plus, Kayla shares her own routine, from lab tests to cutting-edge treatments that might just help you live to 150. If you've ever wondered how to stay sharp, strong, and full of life for years to come, you won't want to miss this. Tune in and get the inside scoop! Key Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:02:48] The truth about biological age testing. [00:03:48] Is longevity escape velocity a myth? [00:08:25] Hyperbaric therapy—does it work? [00:11:11] What grip strength reveals about your lifespan. [00:13:16] Hidden toxins affecting your health daily. [00:17:24] Morning habits for a longer life. [00:19:50] Why VO2 max matters for women. [00:26:00] Redefining joy: How health impacts true happiness. [00:29:02] Sleep needs most women ignore. [00:30:33] How to align your nutrition with your cycle. [00:34:25] Healthy habits women can start focusing on. [00:35:03] Fasting for women – is this good or bad? [00:37:51] How fun changes as you age. [00:41:45] The real secret to a longer, better life. [00:44:05] EMFs—should you be worried? [00:48:02] Can your bed improve your health? [00:51:03] Ovarian longevity—what to know. [00:55:00] The role of relationships in long-term health. [01:00:05] The ultimate health blueprint for women. Memorable Quotes "We have our chronological age, which is the number on the calendar. But your biological age, like the age of your internal speed, doesn't have to match that. It can be older, or it can actually be younger." — Kayla Barnes-Lentz "I don't want to just live to 150 to live to 150. I want to live to 150 and be vibrant and have energy. So, no, I certainly don't want to live longer just for the sake of living longer. I want to live longer in good health." — Kayla Barnes-Lentz Where to Find Our Guest Website: https://www.kaylabarnes.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylabarnes/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KaylaBarnesLentz Other links mentioned in the episode: Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org/ To stay connected and to learn more about Vishen and Mindvalley, click on the links below:  Website: https://www.mindvalley.com/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindvalley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindvalley Become the best version of yourself with the world's most effective transformation platform. Join Mindvalley Membership Today: https://start.mindvalley.com/membership Produced by Evolved Podcasting: https://www.evolvedpodcasting.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Of the estimated 10,000 chemicals used in beauty products, the US federal government has banned or otherwise restricted only 11. Photo by Jaime Street. The average adult in the United States uses somewhere around 12 personal care products a day, with women typically using more than men. Those products can expose us to more than a hundred chemicals on a daily basis, some of which come with serious health risks. These risks are not borne equally. Black women in particular bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to chemical exposure through cosmetics and other personal care products, a burden that has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, among other things. Yet the industry remains woefully unregulated. Of the estimated 10,000 chemicals used in beauty products, the federal government here in the US has banned or otherwise restricted only 11. Dedicated advocates are trying to change this. And in the meantime, they are offering guidance for those looking to reduce their exposure on their own. Terra Verde host and Earth Island Journal Managing Editor Zoe Loftus-Farren talks with Arnedra Jordan, a project manager with Black Women For Wellness who leads their Beauty Justice Campaign, and Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group who recently co-authored a report digging into the disparate impact of hazardous cosmetics chemicals, about their work for beauty justice. The post Beauty, Wellness, and Environmental Injustice appeared first on KPFA.

In Episode 146 of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi and Tina Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Just Thrive, delve into the world of gut health, probiotics, and the journey of Just Thrive. Tina shares her transition from a career in pharmaceuticals to creating a science-backed probiotic company after witnessing the overuse of medications and the industry's failure to address root causes. They discuss the unique benefits of spore-based probiotics, the importance of quality in probiotic products, and the evolving understanding of gut health's impact on overall well-being. The conversation also touches on the effects of diet, antibiotics, and the signs of a healthy gut.Tina and Dr. Anthony delve into the critical role of gut health, discussing the prevalence of gut dysbiosis, the impact of diet on gut integrity, and the importance of digestive bitters and probiotics. They explore how common foods can affect gut health, the significance of diverse diets, and the future of gut health products. The discussion emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive measures in maintaining gut health for overall well-being.If you're looking to improve your gut health, optimize digestion, and take control of your well-being, this episode is packed with practical insights and research-backed solutions. Plus, listeners can explore Just Thrive products and get 20% off with the code FitFamily at justthrivehealth.com.Key TakeawaysThe pharmaceutical industry often prioritizes profit over patient health.Spore-based probiotics survive the gastric system better than others.Quality control in probiotics is crucial for efficacy.The gut directly influences mood, immunity, and nutrient absorption.Glyphosate (found in pesticides) is more damaging than antibiotics.Organic food is crucial.Antibiotics can disrupt gut microbiome balance.Diet plays a significant role in gut health. Gut dysbiosis can manifest as indigestion, heartburn, and autoimmune issues.A significant portion of the population may have undiagnosed leaky gut.Dietary choices, particularly gluten, can exacerbate gut issues.Bloating is a sign of inflammation and gut distress.Diverse diets are essential for a healthy microbiome.Digestive bitters can enhance digestion and gut health.Probiotics are crucial for maintaining gut health and balance.Immediate relief from digestive issues can be experienced with bitters.The future of gut health may involve multiple probiotic strains for optimal health.More About Tina Anderson and Just ThriveWebsite: https://justthrivehealth.com/Use code FITFAMILY and save 20% off sitewide for a limited timeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/justthrivehealth/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justthrivehealth/X: https://x.com/JustThriveHlthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/justthriveEWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen ListsCheck out Environmental Working Group's website https://www.ewg.org/ to get your FREE digital copy of their Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen Lists.Biographical Information on Tina AndersonTina Anderson's journey into the world of health had a unique start and some...

In Episode 234 of the Fit Father Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi and Tina Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Just Thrive, delve into the world of gut health, probiotics, and the journey of Just Thrive. Tina shares her transition from a career in pharmaceuticals to creating a science-backed probiotic company after witnessing the overuse of medications and the industry's failure to address root causes. They discuss the unique benefits of spore-based probiotics, the importance of quality in probiotic products, and the evolving understanding of gut health's impact on overall well-being. The conversation also touches on the effects of diet, antibiotics, and the signs of a healthy gut.Tina and Dr. Anthony delve into the critical role of gut health, discussing the prevalence of gut dysbiosis, the impact of diet on gut integrity, and the importance of digestive bitters and probiotics. They explore how common foods can affect gut health, the significance of diverse diets, and the future of gut health products. The discussion emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive measures in maintaining gut health for overall well-being.If you're looking to improve your gut health, optimize digestion, and take control of your well-being, this episode is packed with practical insights and research-backed solutions. Plus, listeners can explore Just Thrive products and get 20% off with the code FitFamily at justthrivehealth.com.Key TakeawaysThe pharmaceutical industry often prioritizes profit over patient health.Spore-based probiotics survive the gastric system better than others.Quality control in probiotics is crucial for efficacy.The gut directly influences mood, immunity, and nutrient absorption.Glyphosate (found in pesticides) is more damaging than antibiotics.Organic food is crucial.Antibiotics can disrupt gut microbiome balance.Diet plays a significant role in gut health. Gut dysbiosis can manifest as indigestion, heartburn, and autoimmune issues.A significant portion of the population may have undiagnosed leaky gut.Dietary choices, particularly gluten, can exacerbate gut issues.Bloating is a sign of inflammation and gut distress.Diverse diets are essential for a healthy microbiome.Digestive bitters can enhance digestion and gut health.Probiotics are crucial for maintaining gut health and balance.Immediate relief from digestive issues can be experienced with bitters.The future of gut health may involve multiple probiotic strains for optimal health.More About Tina Anderson and Just ThriveWebsite: https://justthrivehealth.com/Use code FITFAMILY and save 20% off sitewide for a limited timeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/justthrivehealth/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justthrivehealth/X: https://x.com/JustThriveHlthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/justthriveEWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen ListsCheck out Environmental Working Group's website https://www.ewg.org/ to get your FREE digital copy of their Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen Lists.Biographical Information on Tina AndersonTina Anderson's journey into the world of health had a unique start

Today, I'm thrilled to repost the conversation with Ken Cook, President and Co-Founder of the Environmental Working Group, a powerhouse built to  protect human health and the planet. For over 30 years, he's been a leading voice challenging industrial agriculture, flawed U.S. food policies, and the toxic threats facing families—especially women and kids. From pushing the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act to shield children from pesticides to creating tools like the Skin Deep Database and Dirty Dozen list, Ken's work empowers moms with science to make safer choices. His latest venture is a podcast entitled Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode where he digs into endocrine disruptors and environmental health, issues hitting close to home for every parent. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Ken Cook! Dr. M

About the Guest(s): Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is a distinguished chiropractor and host of Functional Health Radio. Known for her expertise in functional health and university-level teaching, Dr. Kristin is an advocate for natural wellness practices and reducing dependency on ultra-processed foods. She aims to enlighten listeners worldwide about holistic approaches to health, combining knowledge from chiropractic care, functional medicine, and neurology. As a leader in wellness, she is also at the forefront of creating an online educational platform, Functional Health Mastery, to guide providers interested in functional medicine. Episode Summary: Join Dr. Kristin Hieshetter in this enlightening episode of Functional Health Radio, recorded in January 2025. Embarking on a New Year journey, Dr. Kristin emphasizes awareness and action against ultra-processed foods, highlighting their negative impact on health. As a global leader in wellness, she uses her expertise to advocate for a proactive approach to health, focusing on simple, cost-effective lifestyle changes that can enhance the quality of life. Dr. Kristin unpacks the alarming reality of ultra-processed foods, using comprehensive studies and statistics that link these foods to increased cancer risks, including breast cancer. She paints a vivid picture of how pervasive chemicals in processed foods and environmental toxins create what she terms a "biochemical bruise," triggering unseen inflammation and health crises. Dr. Kristin calls for urgent dietary shifts, urging listeners to adopt perimeter shopping and focus on organic, whole foods to stave off these preventable diseases. Her advice extends to practical solutions, like assessing water quality through the Environmental Working Group and avoiding known carcinogens like titanium dioxide. Key Takeaways: Ultra-processed foods significantly increase the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer, due to their high content of sugars, chemicals, and additives. Avoiding ultra-processed food and adopting organic, whole foods can drastically improve health and reduce chronic disease risk. Environmental toxins in air and water can contribute to a "biochemical bruise" that may lead to unexplained pain or inflammation. Awareness and proactive management of personal diet choices and environmental exposure can significantly impact health outcomes. The educational initiative Functional Health Mastery is launching to support providers interested in functional medicine education. Notable Quotes: "The point that we all hold dear across the health provider board is that we have more say over our health than we are led to believe." "The top 25% of ultra-processed food consumers have a 23% increased risk of cancer, with breast cancer risking rising sharply." "Avoid titanium dioxide; it's known internationally to give you colon cancer." "You'll be dead faster if you eat that garbage in the middle of the grocery store." "Everything you put in your mouth either immediately helps you or immediately harms you." Resources: Functional Health Mastery Group  Environmental Working Group (EWG) for water quality testing British Medical Journal Article: "Consumption of Ultra Processed Food and Cancer Risk Results from Nutri Net Sante Perspective Cohort" Upcoming Functional Health University courses (Stay tuned for more details on enrollment) Get ready to transform your approach to health by listening to the full episode. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions from Dr. Kristin Hieshetter on Functional Health Radio, as she continues to unveil practical strategies for thriving in an increasingly challenging food landscape.

After spending some weeks on the best way to eat—according to my “food rules” as a health coach and someone who eats early, often, and a lot—we're now taking a look at what to do once you are eating whole foods, cooked from scratch, in moderate portions, and with mindfulness and gratitude. What's “next level” in terms of food choices?It's SOLE food. Last week we dug into seasonal eating, and this week, our post is brought to us by the letter O for organic.related episodes S is for seasonalresources UCLA study on benefits of fermented milk products Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma Oran Hesterman, Fair Food Nina Planck, Real Food Eric Schlosser, Fast Food Nation Samuel Fromartz, Organic, Inc. Environmental Working Group, Dirty Dozen

Are the products you use every day poisoning you? In this episode of Super Life, Darin Olien dives into phthalates, a class of toxic chemicals found in food packaging, personal care products, medical devices, and even children's toys. Despite mounting evidence linking phthalates to hormone disruption, infertility, obesity, and chronic illness, these chemicals remain largely unregulated in the United States. Darin breaks down why phthalates are everywhere, how they impact your body, and what you can do to protect yourself. He also highlights Minnesota's groundbreaking SF 188 bill, which aims to force food manufacturers to test and disclose phthalate contamination for the first time in U.S. history. If you care about your health, your family, and the toxic load in your daily life, this is a must-listen episode that will make you rethink what you're consuming. Government Responsibility in the Spread of Phthalates Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable. Since the mid-20th century, they've been incorporated into countless consumer goods, from food packaging to personal care products. This widespread use is largely due to regulatory inaction and the prioritization of industrial interests over public health. In the United States, agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been slow to regulate phthalates, despite mounting evidence linking them to serious health issues. These include endocrine disruption, reproductive harm, and chronic illnesses such as obesity and diabetes. Unlike Europe, which has banned certain phthalates in food packaging and children's products, the U.S. has often allowed industry self-regulation, leading to widespread contamination in consumer goods. The Industrial Agricultural Revolution and Processed Foods The post-World War II industrialization of food production significantly increased the use of phthalates. As food manufacturing scaled up, plastics became integral in packaging and processing equipment, leading to phthalate leaching into our food supply. Highly processed foods are particularly susceptible due to multiple points of plastic contact during production and storage. Studies have shown that individuals consuming more processed and fast foods have higher levels of phthalates in their bodies. Minnesota's Legislative Action: A Step Forward In January 2025, Minnesota State Senator Heather Gustafson introduced Senate File 188 (SF 188), a bill requiring food manufacturers to test their products for phthalates and publicly disclose the results. If passed, this legislation would be the first of its kind in the U.S., aiming to increase transparency and encourage manufacturers to reduce phthalate levels in their products. According to Senator Gustafson, "Minnesotans have the right to know whether the food they are eating and serving their families is contaminated with toxic phthalates. My bill will help consumers make healthier buying decisions and create a strong incentive for food manufacturers to get plastic chemicals out of our food."  advocacy.consumerreports.org Why This Matters This bill is crucial because it: Increases Transparency: For the first time, food companies would be required to test for and disclose phthalate levels, creating public awareness of the contamination problem. Encourages Stricter Regulations: Public disclosure could lead to consumer pressure for stronger nationwide bans and restrictions. Prioritizes Public Health: It challenges the longstanding prioritization of industry preferences over public health, acknowledging that chemical exposure is a public health crisis. Addresses Chronic Illness: With rising rates of metabolic disorders and hormone-related diseases linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, holding manufacturers accountable is a step toward reversing this trend. Products Commonly Containing Phthalates and Associated Health Risks Phthalates are pervasive in many consumer products. Here's a breakdown of common sources and the potential health implications: Personal Care Products: Items such as nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, cleansers, and shampoos often contain phthalates.  fda.gov Food Packaging and Processed Foods: Phthalates can leach into food from packaging materials and during processing. Diets high in dairy and meat have been associated with higher levels of phthalate exposure.  webmd.com Medical Devices: Some medical devices, including intravenous bags and tubing, contain phthalates to increase flexibility.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Household Items: Products like vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and certain furniture may contain phthalates.  toxicfreefuture.org Children's Toys: Some toys, especially those made from flexible plastics, can contain phthalates.  toxicfreefuture.org   Health Risks Associated with Phthalate Exposure Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormonal systems. Potential health effects include: Reproductive Issues: Exposure has been linked to reproductive problems, including reduced fertility.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Developmental Problems: Prenatal exposure may lead to developmental issues in children.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Respiratory Issues: There is evidence suggesting a link between phthalate exposure and respiratory problems, such as asthma.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Metabolic Effects: Some studies have associated phthalate exposure with metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and obesity.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov   Steps to Reduce Phthalate Exposure To minimize exposure to phthalates: Choose Phthalate-Free Products: Opt for personal care items labeled as phthalate-free. Limit Processed Food Intake: Reducing consumption of processed foods can decrease phthalate exposure. Use Alternatives to Plastic: Whenever possible, choose glass, stainless steel, or other non-plastic materials for food storage and household items. Stay Informed: Regularly check resources like the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database to find products free from harmful chemicals. How You Can Take Action While Minnesota is leading the way, collective action is essential to drive nationwide change. Here are steps you can take: Support the Bill: If you're in Minnesota, contact your state legislators to express support for SF 188. You can find more information and track the bill's progress here. Sign Petitions: Look for petitions advocating for the reduction of phthalates in consumer products and add your voice. Stay Informed: Follow organizations like Consumer Reports and Clean Water Action, which are actively involved in this issue. Reduce Personal Exposure: Limit consumption of highly processed foods, use glass or stainless steel for food storage, and avoid products with "fragrance" listed as an ingredient, as it can be a source of phthalates. Active Petition to Support Minnesota's SF 188 As of now, there isn't a specific petition available for Minnesota's SF 188 bill. However, you can take proactive steps to support this legislation: Contact Legislators: Reach out to Minnesota state legislators to express your support for SF 188. Personalized messages can be impactful. Stay Informed: Monitor the bill's progress through the Minnesota Revisor's Office website. Conclusion Minnesota's initiative is a significant step toward addressing the pervasive issue of phthalate contamination. However, true accountability requires federal-level bans, a shift toward non-toxic alternatives, and a rethinking of industrial food production. By staying informed and taking action, we can collectively push for a healthier future.   Bibliography Consumer Reports. "Minnesota Senator Gustafson introduces bill to protect consumers from toxic plastic chemicals in food." January 21, 2025.  advocacy.consumerreports.org Food Safety Magazine. "Bill Introduced in Minnesota to Require Phthalate Testing for Packaged Foods." January 21, 2025.  food-safety.com Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. "SF 188 as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025)."  revisor.mn.gov Food & Wine. "Minnesota Just Became the First State to Target Plastic Chemicals in Food." January 22, 2025.  foodandwine.com Thank you for joining us on "SuperLife with Darin Olien." Let's continue to strive for a healthier, more informed world.   Research Summaries: "Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health" Authors: Ying Wang, Hongjun Zhu, and Yanan Kannan Summary: This study discusses the widespread use of phthalates as endocrine disruptors and their detrimental effects on human health. It highlights that phthalates are present in numerous products that come into contact with plastics during production, packaging, or delivery.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov "Critical Review on the Presence of Phthalates in Food and Evidence of Their Impact on Human Health" Authors: Giuseppe Latini, Valentina Del Vecchio, and Andrea Massaro Summary: This review examines the presence of phthalates in various foods and their potential health impacts, including their role in increasing the risk of developing allergies and asthma.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov "Why Phthalates Should Be Restricted or Banned from Consumer Products" Authors: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Summary: This article discusses how phthalates can leach into food from vinyl plastic equipment and materials, emphasizing the need for restrictions or bans due to associated health risks.  hsph.harvard.edu "Phthalates and Diet: A Review of the Food Monitoring and Epidemiology Data" Authors: Rolf U. Halden Summary: This review highlights epidemiological studies showing positive associations between the consumption of meats, discretionary fats, and dairy products with increased phthalate exposure.  ehjournal.biomedcentral.com "Personal Care Product Use Patterns in Association with Phthalate and Bisphenol A Exposure" Authors: Jessica T. Barson, John D. Meeker, and Kelly K. Ferguson Summary: This study investigates the relationship between personal care product usage and exposure to phthalates and BPA, finding significant associations that suggest these products are notable sources of exposure.  nature.com "What Are Phthalates and How Do They Affect Your Health?" Authors: National Center for Health Research Summary: This article provides an overview of phthalates as synthetic chemicals used to make plastics flexible and to add fragrance to products, discussing their role as endocrine disruptors and potential health effects, especially in young children.  center4research.org   Bibliography: Wang, Y., Zhu, H., & Kannan, Y. (2021). Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, 1-8.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Latini, G., Del Vecchio, V., & Massaro, A. (2020). Critical Review on the Presence of Phthalates in Food and Evidence of Their Impact on Human Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(16), 5655.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2019). Why Phthalates Should Be Restricted or Banned from Consumer Products.  hsph.harvard.edu Halden, R. U. (2014). Phthalates and Diet: A Review of the Food Monitoring and Epidemiology Data. Environmental Health, 13(1), 43.  ehjournal.biomedcentral.com Barson, J. T., Meeker, J. D., & Ferguson, K. K. (2023). Personal Care Product Use Patterns in Association with Phthalate and Bisphenol A Exposure. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 33(1), 45-54.  nature.com National Center for Health Research. (2021). What Are Phthalates and How Do They Affect Your Health?.  center4research.org       What You'll Learn in This Episode: (00:00:00) Introduction – The toxic truth hiding in your everyday products. (00:03:19) What Are Phthalates? – The chemicals making plastics flexible (and your health fragile). (00:04:24) How Phthalates Get into Your Body – Food, air, water, and even medical devices. (00:05:50) The Devastating Health Effects of Phthalates – Endocrine disruption, infertility, and metabolic disease. (00:07:45) Why the U.S. Fails to Regulate Phthalates – The FDA, EPA, and corporate influence. (00:10:14) Why Europe Banned Phthalates (and the U.S. Didn't) – A look at the regulatory failures. (00:12:38) The Connection Between Phthalates & Infertility – How they are lowering sperm counts and harming pregnancy. (00:15:10) Processed Foods & Fast Foods—A Phthalate Hotspot – Why eating out could be dosing you with toxins. (00:18:49) The Hidden Dangers in Medical Devices – Why even hospitals aren't safe. (00:21:20) Minnesota's Groundbreaking SF 188 Bill – Why this legislation could change everything. (00:24:30) How Phthalates Are Even in Your Children's Toys – The shocking reality parents need to know. (00:27:15) The Impact of Phthalates on Weight Gain & Diabetes – How they disrupt metabolism. (00:30:07) The Fight for Transparency in the Food Industry – What's being done to expose these chemicals. (00:33:12) How to Reduce Your Phthalate Exposure – Simple swaps to detox your home and body. (00:36:40) What You Can Do Today – Advocacy, petitions, and making informed choices. (00:40:12) The Call to Action – Why raising awareness is the key to change.     Thank You to Our Sponsors: Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com. Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off     Find More From Darin: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway: "Phthalates are everywhere—but they don't have to be inside you. Awareness is power, and it's time to fight back against the toxic chemicals hiding in plain sight."

Lori Fish Bard is a licensed clinical nutritionist and board certified integrative health coach, and long-time client of Oasis. After finally becoming comfortable with her curls, Lori found her hair thinning after childbirth, and discovered she had an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. She began a journey of learning about the integrated effects on the body of hormones, diet, gut health, and more. Now, as a nutritional counselor, Lori takes a holistic functional approach, looking at digestive and gut health, metabolic syndrome, thyroid health, autoimmunity, celiac disease/gluten sensitivity, and food allergies or sensitivities to help people develop sustainable habits and live a healthy, nourished, balanced life. She played a significant role in helping Wafaya and the team at Oasis learn how to better their own health, including some tricks that benefit hair and scalp health as well. Learn all about those and some other simple things to help improve your health from head to toe!In this episode:Postpartum hair loss is a fairly common, but temporary, phenomenon resulting from hormonal changes during and after pregnancy.A study on black seed oil's effect on thyroid in rats. Essential oil aromatherapy reducing fatigue in women with hypothyroidism. More on the microbiome and immune system.GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) testing is a relatively new technology, and while manufacturer Diagnostic Solutions defends the results, independent testing has shown low reliability and high false positives. If you are experiencing gastrointestinal issues you should consult your physician about options.  Studies have linked sugar to inflammation and metabolic disorders, and shown addictive qualities which may indeed trigger a higher reward response than cocaine in test animals.Studies have linked pesticides to gut microbiome changes and secondary effects on hosts.The Environmental Working Group provides the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists based on up-to-date USDA data. While the link of specific foods to inflammation is often debated, certain diets have been linked to anti-inflammatory results. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Show notes: (01:19) How she got into the work she does now (04:11) Monsanto's history and GMO crops (08:54) The billion-dollar Roundup cancer lawsuits (13:02) Monsanto's efforts to suppress scientific evidence  (16:41) Social media disinformation campaigns and online attacks  (19:10) The broken incentives in farming and government subsidies  (25:01) Bill Gates' role in pushing GMO crops globally  (29:40) U.S. policies on pesticides and additives (35:41) Paraquat: The deadly pesticide banned in China but sold in the U.S.  (41:30) The push for GMO expansion in Africa and corporate influence (44:40) How can people take action for healthier food policies (45:47) Where to find Carey (47:54) Outro Who is Carey Gillam? Carey Gillam is an American investigative journalist and author with more than 30 years of experience covering food and agricultural policies and practices, including 17 years as a senior correspondent for Reuters international news service (1998-2015). She has specialty knowledge about the health and environmental impacts of pervasive pesticide use and industrial agriculture, and has won several industry awards for her work. Her first book, “Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer and the Corruption of Science,” was released in October 2017 and won the coveted Rachel Carson Book Award from the Society of Environmental Journalists as well as two other awards. Carey's second book, a legal thriller titled "The Monsanto Papers - Deadly Secrets, Corporate Corruption, and One Man's Search for Justice," was released March 2, 2021. Gillam has been asked to speak all over the world about food and agricultural matters, including before the European Parliament in Brussels, the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, and to public officials, organizations and conferences in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Argentina, France and The Netherlands. She has also been an invited lecturer to several universities, including Emory University, Berkeley Law School, Washington University, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the University of Iowa, the Cambridge Forum in Harvard Square, and others. She has served as a consultant on, and participant in, several documentary T.V. and film pieces, including the award-winning Poisoning Paradise documentary released in June 2019 by actor Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely Brosnan. She also served as story consultant and contributor to the 2022 documentary Into the Weeds by filmmaker Jennifer Baichwal, and appears in the documentary Common Ground.  Gillam can speak to issues of food safety and security, environmental health, agricultural issues, corporate corruption of regulatory policies, as well matters about journalism, fake news, corporate pressure on media and more. After leaving Reuters, Carey spent six years (2016-2021) working as a reporter and data researcher for the public health investigative research group U.S. Right to Know. She currently writes as a contributor for The Guardian, and is managing editor of The New Lede, a journalism initiative of the Environmental Working Group.   Connect with Carey: Website: https://careygillam.com/ Check out Carey's articles: https://www.thenewlede.org/author/careygillam/ Grab a copy of Carey's books: https://careygillam.com/books   Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram  

For many years in talks that I gave, I showed a slide with an ingredient list from a food most people know. Just to see if the audience could guess what the food was. based on what it was made of. It was very hard for people to guess. A few people might come close, but very few people would guess. And it was pretty hard because the food contained 56 ingredients. This is in one food. And the ingredient list had chemical names, flavorings, stabilizers, and heaven knows what else. But 56 things in one, just one food in the food supply. Pretty amazing to think what kind of things we're bombarded with in foods we eat in our everyday lives. So, one key question is do we know what all this stuff does to us, either individually or in combination? So, how does ingredient 42 interact with ingredient 17? Even if we happen to know what they do individually, which we may not. And, who's looking out for the health of the population, and who has regulatory control over these things? Today we're joined by the author of a new article on this topic published in the American Journal of Public Health. Jennifer Pomeranz is an attorney and is Associate Professor of Public Health Policy and Management in the School of Global Public Health at New York University. The food, by the way, was a chocolate fudge Pop Tart. Interview Summary So, who has regulatory oversight with these things that are added to foods? The FDA has the authority over all of those packaged foods. So, Pop Tarts, all of that type of packaged foods and the ingredients in there. Can you explain the nature of their authority and the concept of GRAS and what that stands for? Yes. So, there are two main ingredients in our food, but there is also color additives and other things that we didn't get to in our study. But the two main ingredients are called 'food additives' and then 'generally recognized as safe' or GRAS substances. And these are the two ingredients that are in all the processed foods. They're both complex substances, but they're regulated differently. GRAS is assumed to be safe. And food with GRAS substances is presumed to be safe as long as there's a generally agreement among scientists that it's safe, or if it's been in use in food since 1958. Food additives, on the other hand, are presumed to be unsafe. And so, foods that have food additives must have the food additive be approved for the condition of use. So actually, the FDA issues regulations on the food additives. Is it true that the FDA authority covers lots of these chemical type things that get put in foods that we discussed? But also, things that occur naturally in some things like caffeine? Yes. And so, caffeine is considered GRAS or generally recognized as safe. The FDA has a tolerance level for cola-type beverages for caffeine. It actually doesn't enforce that as you see, because we have energy drinks that far exceed that type of level. So, there's different types of GRAS substances. But they can be very complex substances that are actually not so different than food additives. Who decides at the end of the day whether something's safe or not? You imagine this battalion of scientific experts that the FDA has on hand, or consults with, to decide whether something's safe or not. But how does it work? Unfortunately, that's not exactly the case. When it comes to food additives, the industry must petition the FDA and provide evidence showing that it's safe. And the FDA promulgates a regulation saying that it agrees it's safe and it can be used for the things that it set forth in the regulation. For GRAS, there are two mechanisms. One is the industry can notify the FDA that it thinks something's safe. And then it actually goes through a similar transparent process where the FDA will evaluate the evidence submitted. Or, shockingly, the industry can actually decide that it's safe for themselves. And they don't have to notify the FDA. And they can add it to their food without the FDA or the public actually knowing. Now they might disclose this on a website or something, but it's actually not even required to be based on peer reviewed literature, which is actually one of the concerning aspects about this. Concerning is polite language for what one might call shocking. So, in the case of some of these things that go into the food, the industry itself decides whether these things are safe. And in some cases, they have to at least tell the FDA that something they declare as safe is going into the food. But in some cases, they don't even have to do this. Right. So, they only have to if they've determined that it's a food additive. But actually, the industry itself is deciding that it's a food additive versus GRAS. Once it made the decision, it's GRAS, it doesn't even have to notify the FDA that it considers it safe. If they do, they are supposed to rely on their own research saying that it's safe. But actually, there's some alarming parts about that as well. The other outside research that's not my own found that the panels of experts that they employ, 100 percent of the people on those panels have financial conflicts of interest. So, that's already worrisome. They're receiving money from the food industry in some way. Yes. To say that the ingredient is safe. Another scary part is that if they do notify the FDA and they're not happy with how the FDA is reacting to their GRAS notification, they can actually request a cease and desist. The FDA will issue a cease and desist letter, and then they can actually go to market with that ingredient. Pretty amazing. Like loopholes that not only a truck can go through, but a train and everything else. That's really pretty remarkable. So one could say that the risk built into this system is hypothetical, and it works pretty well. But is that true? I mean, are there cases where things have gotten through that probably shouldn't have? Or is it just that we don't know? I think there's a lot of unknowns. The Environmental Working Group does that research and they have identified things that they find to be concerning. A lot of it is that we actually don't know what we don't know, right? So even the FDA doesn't know what it doesn't know. And that is, is part of the concern, that you can't just identify this by looking at the nutrition facts label where they list ingredients. Sometimes they just use terms like spices, flavorings, colorings, chemical preservatives. But that could be masking an ingredient that has never been examined and for which It's unclear that it's actually safe. I know there have been some policy efforts in places such as California to prohibit use of some of these things that have otherwise been considered safe by the FDA, or perhaps just by industry. Is that true that's happening more and more? Yes, actually there has been. Because of the gap in the FDA's oversight, we are seeing states, and it's actually a pretty shocking situation, that California banned four ingredients that the FDA did not. And it's saying that those ingredients are not safe to be in food in California. And given what a huge market California is, the thinking is that the industry will have to change their ingredients across the nation. And frankly, they've already taken those ingredients out of the same foods in Europe, where those ingredients are not allowed. So how much do you trust this self-policing by the industry? To be honest, I'm quite concerned about it. The FDA has the authority to review substances post market, so after they're already in the ingredients. But we see that it can take years or even decades. In the case of, remember, partially hydrogenated oils, which were artificially produced trans-fat. It took decades for them to get that removed from the food supply, despite significant research showing that it had caused health harm. So, even when there is evidence of harm, it takes quite a long time for the FDA to remove it. And in the case of another ingredient recently where California banned it, then the FDA decided to ban it. So, it does worry me that even their post market authority is not being utilized to the extent that it should. Let's think about what a good set of defaults might be and how this might actually play out in practice. If you'd assume these things that go into foods are not safe by default, then the question is what would it take to make sure they're safe before they're allowed in the food supply? And it would take toxicology studies, studies with lab animals perhaps, studies with humans. I don't know exactly how these things are tested, but one can imagine it's not an easy or a quick process. Nor probably an inexpensive one. But somebody would have to do it, and if government can't do it, you can't rely on industry to do it. I wonder if the default might be fewer things in the food supply and whether that might not be a pretty good thing? I love that you said that because that's the conclusion I came to as well. Why do we need all these new ingredients? We already have ultra processed foods, which are by definition contain all these ingredients that we don't really know what they are. And why do we even need new ingredients? I think they could even put a moratorium on new ingredients and say, let's take a, take an analysis of what we've got in the food supply at this point. And to be honest, it would take Congress to act to change FDA's authority to give them more authority to do what you just suggested. And of course, resources, which would be personnel like you described. So maybe that chocolate Pop Tart that has 56 ingredients could get by with 41 or 32 or 17. And you know, maybe we'd be just fine having it with fewer ingredients. One interesting thing that I've heard about, but I'm not an expert in because my background isn't law, is I know it's possible for outside parties to bring lawsuits against government for failing to execute its duties. Has there been any talk about possible lawsuits taking on the FDA for failing to protect the public's health with regard to these things? Well, actually, there was a lawsuit already. These consumer protection organizations sued the FDA, arguing that they weren't protecting the public. And that they were actually ceding authority to the industry, which, they by definition are. But according to the law, because Congress didn't require them to review these ingredients pre market, the court found that the FDA did not violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. And so, they were operating according to the law. But also, to your point, I could see other lawsuits would be possible about them not actually exercising their post market authority to protect the public. Those could be from private lawsuits or a state attorney's general. There are different ideas there. So, what do you suggest going forward? You know what? Don't eat the Pop Tart. I think you got to avoid the many truly ultra processed foods and go for the lower processing levels. It's kind of that original advice. If you can't understand the ingredient list, maybe pick something different. And there are options within the same categories, right? There are potato chips that have three ingredients and there's potato crisps that have something like 12. So there are different options in that way. Bio Professor Jennifer Pomeranz is a public health lawyer who researches policy and legal options to address the food environment, obesity, products that cause public harm, and social injustice that lead to health disparities. Prior to joining the NYU faculty, Professor Pomeranz was an Assistant Professor at the School of Public Health at Temple University and in the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple. She was previously the Director of Legal Initiatives at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University. She has also authored numerous peer-reviewed and law review journal articles and a book, Food Law for Public Health, published by Oxford University Press in 2016. Professor Pomeranz leads the Public Health Policy Research Lab and regularly teaches Public Health Law and Food Policy for Public Health.

Aly Cohen, MD, FACR, joins Integrative Practitioner Content Specialist Avery St. Onge to discuss simple, realistic ways to reduce exposure to environmental toxins and improve mental health. This episode is brought to you by the Integrative Healthcare Symposium. Register for the Symposium and receive 15% off with promo code IP2025PODCAST: https://xpressreg.net/register/ihsy0225/landing.php?sc=IP2025PODCAST Learn more about the event by visiting the Symposium website: www.ihsymposium.com Contact the Integrative Healthcare Symposium team: info@ihsymposium.com Find us at integrativepractitioner.com or e-mail us at IPEditor@divcom.com. Theme music: "Upbeat Party" by Scott Holmes via freemusicarchive.org, "Carefree" by Kevin Mcleod via incompetech.com, and “Relaxing Light Background” by AudioCoffee. About the Expert Aly Cohen, MD, FACR, is the co-author of the, bestselling, consumer guidebook, Non-Toxic: Guide to Living Healthy in a Chemical World, published by Oxford University Press, and part of the Dr. Weil Healthy Living Guides. Her new book to be, DETOXIFY: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them, published by Simon & Schuster, connects the dots between everyday chemicals and the epidemic rise in immune disorders and autoimmune disease...and what we CAN all do about it! DETOXIFY is available now on Amazon for preorder. Dr. Aly Cohen is triple board-certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and integrative medicine, as well as an environmental health expert in Princeton, New Jersey. She studied at the University of Pennsylvania, where she focused her studies on medical anthropology and human evolution - topics that have greatly influenced her work. She is on faculty of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM), Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), and the Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship of the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute (SSIHI) at the University of California, Irvine, where she created and manages the environmental medicine and integrative rheumatology curriculum for medical colleagues. Dr. Cohen has collaborated with the Environmental Working Group, Cancer Schmancer, and other disease- prevention organizations, and is coeditor of the textbook, Integrative Environmental Medicine, part of the Oxford University Press/Weil Integrative Medicine, Academic Series. In 2015, she created TheSmartHuman.com to share environ­mental health, disease prevention, and wellness information with the public. She lectures nationally on environmental health topics for el­ementary/ high schools, colleges/ universities, medical schools, and physician- training programs, and she is a regular expert guest for tele­vision, print, and podcasts. She is a legal medical expert for toxic tort environmental exposure cases.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Dana Cohen, Integrative Medical Doctor and co-author of “Fuel Up: Harness the Power of Your Blender and ‘Cheat' Your Way to Good Health.” 

In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine Podcast, Dr. Ronald Hoffman discusses the importance of hydration with Dr. Dana Cohen Integrative Medical Doctor and co-author of “Fuel Up: Harness the Power of Your Blender and ‘Cheat' Your Way to Good Health.” They explore the often-overlooked role hydration plays in maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. Dr. Cohen emphasizes practical strategies to improve hydration through diet and lifestyle changes. They highlight the risks of both dehydration and overhydration, discuss the impact of processed foods, and offer realistic solutions to help listeners incorporate better hydration practices into their lives. Too often doctors are dismissive of pop culture exhortations to pay attention to hydration. Except for those with specific medical conditions, the conventional mantra remains “In ordinary healthy individuals, thirst is a good guide to how much fluid you should consume.” In medicine, we routinely query patients about their diets, their exercise, their sleep, their stress levels, drug, alcohol and tobacco use, their social interactions, their spirituality, even their sexuality. But so seldom do we ask “How's your hydration?” A recent review found that “Hypohydration is known to reduce mental and physical performance, and more recent evidence suggests hypohydration also impairs vascular function and cardiovascular regulation.” But adequate fluid intake is not merely a matter of optimization; a recent medical study sampling 1200 adults aged 51-70  suggests that it may literally be a matter of life and death: “. . . underhydration was significantly associated with increased prevalence of obesity, high waist circumference, insulin resistance, diabetes, low HDL, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Over 3–6 years of follow-up, 33 chronic disease deaths occurred in the sample, representing an estimated 1,084,144 deaths in the U.S. Alongside chronic health conditions, underhydration was a risk factor for an estimated 863,305 deaths. Independent of the chronic health conditions evaluated, underhydration was a risk factor for 128,107 deaths.” How prevalent is underhydration in a sample of American adults? According to the study: “Nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicate that over 65% of adults aged 51–70 years in the U.S. do not meet hydration criteria.” The episode also touches upon broader health issues, contrasting dietary extremes, and the importance of accessible, enjoyable healthy eating habits.

Want to add a healthy habit to your daily routine that is absolutely free and incredibly effective? Looking to reduce insulin resistance and lose visceral fat? Want to boost mental health and improve cognitive function? Look no further than walking! Tune in to hear us unpack the myriad of research-supported benefits.   In this episode, we discuss the incredible benefits of walking, from lowering blood pressure to improving heart rate variability to reducing stress and so much more. Learn about the magic number when it comes to step count, our thoughts on walking in nature vs. on a treadmill, and get practical tips for getting those steps!    Also in this episode:  Naturally Nourished Teas are buy 3 get 1 FREE, use code FREETEA Gift cards at Naturally Nourished Detox Masterclass 1/8 Keto Masterclass 1/15 Walking Pad C2 use code ALIMILLERRD for savings Health Benefits of Walking Lowers Blood Pressure Hypertension: Brisk walking for 30 minutes, five days a week reduces blood pressure (Hypertension, 2020). Improves Cholesterol Levels Cholesterol: Effects on LDL and HDL cholesterol (Journal of the American Heart Association, 2021). Lipid Profiles: Walking improves triglycerides and HDL (Atherosclerosis, 2021). Reduces the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease Coronary Artery Disease Risk: 150 minutes of walking weekly (Circulation, 2022). Enhances Cardiorespiratory Fitness Reduces Systemic Inflammation Systemic Inflammation: Walking lowers CRP and IL-6 (Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2020). Systemic Inflammation: Walking reduces inflammatory cytokines (The Journal of Endocrinology, 2022). Helps Maintain Healthy Weight and Prevent Obesity Improves Heart Rate Variability Heart Rate Variability: HRV improvement with regular walking (Heart, 2022). Prevents Peripheral Artery Disease Peripheral Artery Disease: Walking improves circulation and function in PAD patients (Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2021). Reduces Resting Heart Rate Enhances Endothelial Function Supports Recovery After Cardiac Events Improves Insulin Sensitivity Insulin Sensitivity: Improvements with post-meal walks (Diabetes Care, 2021). Enhances Glucose Regulation Boosts Fat Oxidation Fat Oxidation: Brisk walking boosts fat metabolism (Journal of Applied Physiology, 2022). Reduces Visceral Fat Reduction of visceral fat after 10,000 steps/day (Obesity, 2021). Promotes Energy Balance Energy Balance: 12,000 steps/day for maintaining weight (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2020). Regulates Hormones Related to Metabolism Increases Mitochondrial Efficiency Improves Metabolic Flexibility Prevents Metabolic Syndrome Helps Manage Type 2 Diabetes Mental health Stress Reduction: Nature walks lower cortisol more than treadmill (Environmental Research, 2022). Stimulates Neurogenesis and Brain Plasticity Brain Connectivity: Walking improves default mode network activity (Journal of Aging Research, 2021). Enhances Neurotransmitter Balance Supports Autonomic Nervous System Regulation Improves Sensory Integration Vestibular Function: Enhancing balance and stability with walking (Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2021). Strengthens Cognitive Function Neurogenesis and Cognitive Function: Exercise-induced brain growth (Nature Neuroscience, 2021). Promotes Myelination and Nerve Health Enhances Emotional Regulation via the Vagus Nerve Reduces Neurological Disease Risk Synchronizes the Nervous System Through Rhythmic Movement Improves Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Bone and Joint Health Immune System Support Longevity and Reduced Mortality Gut Health Gut Health: Positive effects on microbiota diversity (Gut Microbes, 2020). The Science of Step Counts Thoughts on Nature vs. Treadmill Walking Cognitive Benefits: Nature walking improves attention restoration (Nature Neuroscience, 2021). Proprioception: Benefits of uneven terrain in natural settings (Journal of Sports Medicine, 2023). Motivation: Outdoor walkers maintain habits better than treadmill users (Behavioral Medicine, 2022). Immune Boosting: Increased NK cell activity in forest walkers (International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 2021).   Sponsors for this episode:  According to extensive research by the Environmental Working Group, virtually every home in America has harmful contaminants in its tap water. That's why you've got to check out AquaTru. AquaTru purifiers use a 4-stage reverse osmosis purification process, and their countertop purifiers work with NO installation or plumbing. It removes 15x more contaminants than ordinary pitcher filters and are specifically designed to combat chemicals like PFAS in your water supply. Naturally Nourished Podcast listeners can use code ALIMILLERRD at AquaTru.com to save 20% off. 

What is the difference between Germ Theory and Terrain Theory? Where did each way of thinking come from, how do they differ in terms of key principles, and how do they impact treatment of disease? Tune in to hear us compare and contrast and give our two cents on what each one has gotten right or wrong.    In this episode, we unpack the historical origins of both Germ Theory and Terrain Theory. We discuss how each one has impacted medicine, from hygiene and sanitation to pharmaceutical intervention and beyond. Plus we discuss key aspects of how you can best support your body's individual terrain and immune system and share our Strep Throat Protocol.    Also in this episode:  Free Detox Class 1/8/25 Sign Up Here Free Keto Masterclass 1/15/25 Sign Up Here Save the Date, next LIVE Keto Reset starts 1/29 Buy 3 Get 1 Free Tea with code FREETEA What is Germ Theory? Historical Origins Shortcomings What is Terrain Theory? Nutrient Deficiency Vitamin D Balanced Blend Bio-C Plus Cellular Antiox Sugar Consumption Naturally Nourished Episode 262 The Keto-Immune Connection Gut Microbiome Beat the Bloat Cleanse Rebuild Spectrum Probiotic GI Immune Builder Stress Stress Manager Bundle Relax and Regulate Sleep Support Detox 10 Day Detox Branch Basics use code ALIMILLERRD on a starter kit Air Quality Air Doctor use code ALIMILLERRD Strep Throat Protocol References Wang, T., et al. (2014). The role of vitamin D in immunity and inflammation. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 25(5), 499–505. Martineau, A. R., et al. (2017). Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: Systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 17(8), 810–818. Johnson, R. J., et al. (2014). Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and reduced immune function: An examination of leukocyte function and inflammation. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 100(4), 1141-1146. Cranford, R. R., et al. (2002). The effects of dietary sugar on neutrophil function. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 75(4), 781-785. Adkins, Y., et al. (2006). Acute intake of sugar-sweetened beverages decreases immune function. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 91(2), 615–618. Shin, N. R., et al. (2015). The gut microbiota and its implications for health and disease. Frontiers in Immunology, 6, 121. Belkaid, Y., & Hand, T. (2014). Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Nature Reviews Immunology, 16(6), 390–400. Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: A meta-analytic study of 30 years of research. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 30(10), 1023–1039. Black, P. H., & Garbutt, L. D. (2002). Stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 16(3), 331–338. Bryant, P. A., et al. (2004). Sleep and immune function. Journal of Immunology, 173(4), 2149–2156. Prather, A. A., et al. (2015). Sleep and C-reactive protein: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep, 38(6), 827–835. Source: Saito, H., et al. (2014). Liver detoxification and its importance for health. Hepatology International, 8(1), 15–20. Brook, R. D., et al. (2010). Particulate matter air pollution and cardiovascular disease: An update to the scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Environmental Health Perspectives, 118(8), 1150–1156. Nieman, D. C. (2013). Exercise immunology: An introduction. Exercise Immunology Review, 19, 8–20. Sponsors for this episode:  According to extensive research by the Environmental Working Group, virtually every home in America has harmful contaminants in its tap water. That's why you've got to check out AquaTru. AquaTru purifiers use a 4-stage reverse osmosis purification process, and their countertop purifiers work with NO installation or plumbing. It removes 15x more contaminants than ordinary pitcher filters and are specifically designed to combat chemicals like PFAS in your water supply. Naturally Nourished Podcast listeners can use code ALIMILLERRD at AquaTru.com to save 20% off. 

Ken Cook is the president and co-founder of the Environmental Working Group. He is known as one of the environmental community's most prominent and influential critics of industrial agriculture, U.S. food and farm policy, and the nation's broken approach to protecting families and children from toxic substances. You can listen to his full-length episode HERE on Spotify and HERE on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are dangers lurking in our food that affect your health and the health of our entire society, and you should know about them. In this episode, get the highlights from two recent Congressional events featuring expert testimony about the regulation of our food supply, as well as testimony from the man who is soon likely to be the most powerful person in our national health care system. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank's online bill pay function to mail contributions to: Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Background Sources Joe Rogan Episodes The Joe Rogan Experience. The Joe Rogan Experience. The Joe Rogan Experience. The Joe Rogan Experience. Ron Johnson Scott Bauer. January 3, 2023. AP News. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Daniel Cusick. October 28, 2024. Politico. Rachel Treisman. August 5, 2024. NPR. Susanne Craig. May 8, 2024. The New York Times. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. FDA “Generally Recognized as Safe” Approach Paulette M. Gaynor et al. April 2006. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Paulette Gaynor and Sebastian Cianci. December 2005/January 2006. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Glyphosate September 20, 2023. Phys.org. Lobbying and Conflicts of Interest OpenSecrets. OpenSecrets. OpenSecrets. LinkedIn. Shift from Democrats to Republicans Will Stone and Allison Aubrey. November 15, 2024. NPR. Helena Bottemiller Evich and Darren Samuelsohn. March 17, 2016. Politico. Audio Sources September 25, 2024 Roundtable discussion held by Senator Ron Johnson Participants: , Author, Good Energy; Tech entrepreneur, Levels , Co-founder, Truemed; Advocate, End Chronic Disease , aka the Food Babe, food activist Jillian Michaels, fitness expert, nutritionist, businesswoman, media personality, and author Dr. Chris Palmer, Founder and Director, Metabolic and Mental Health Program and Director, Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education, McLean Hospital; Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School Brigham Buhler, Founder & CEO, Ways2Well Courtney Swan, nutritionist, real food activist, and founder of the popular platform "Realfoodology" , Founder and CEO, HumanCo; co-founder, Hu Kitchen Dr. Marty Makary, Chief of Islet Transplant Surgery, Professor of Surgery, and Public Policy Researcher, Johns Hopkins University Clips Robert F. Kennedy, Jr: When discussing improvements to US healthcare policy, politicians from both parties often say we have the best healthcare system in the world. That is a lie. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr: Every major pillar of the US healthcare system, as a statement of economic fact, makes money when Americans get sick. By far the most valuable asset in this country today is a sick child. The pharma industry, hospital industry, and medical school industry make more money when there are more interventions to perform on Americans, and by requiring insurance companies to take no more than 15% of premiums, Obamacare actually incentivized insurance companies to raise premiums to get 15% of a larger pie. This is why premiums have increased 100% since the passage of Obamacare, making health care the largest driver of inflation, while American life expectancy plummets. We spend four times per capita on health care than the Italians, but Italians live 7.5 years longer than us on average. And incidentally, Americans had the highest life expectancies in the world when I was growing up. Today, we've fallen an average of six years behind our European neighbors. Are we lazier and more suicidal than Italians? Or is there a problem with our system? Are there problems with our incentives? Are there problems with our food? 46:15 Robert F. Kennedy, Jr: So what's causing all of this suffering? I'll name two culprits, first and worst is ultra processed foods. 47:20 Robert F. Kennedy, Jr: The second culprit is toxic chemicals in our food, our medicine and our environment. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr: The good news is that we can change all this, and we can change it very, very, very quickly, and it starts with taking a sledgehammer to corruption, the conflicts in our regulatory agencies and in this building. These conflicts have transformed our regulatory agencies into predators against the American people and particularly our children. 80% of NIH grants go to people who have conflicts of interest, and these scientists are allowed to collect royalties of $150,000 a year on the products that they develop at NIH and then farm out to the pharmaceutical industry. The FDA, the USDA and CDC are all controlled by giant for-profit corporations. Their function is no longer to improve and protect the health of Americans. Their function is to advance the mercantile and commercial interests of the pharmaceutical industry that has transformed them and the food industry that has transformed them into sock puppets for the industry they're supposed to regulate. 75% of FDA funding does not come from taxpayers. It comes from pharma. And pharma executives and consultants and lobbyists cycle in and out of these agencies. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr: Money from the healthcare industry has compromised our regulatory agencies and this body as well. The reality is that many congressional healthcare staffers are worried about impressing their future bosses at pharmaceutical companies rather than doing the right thing for American children. Today, over 100 members of Congress support a bill to fund Ozempic with Medicare at $1,500 a month. Most of these members have taken money from the manufacturer of that product, a European company called Novo Nordisk. As everyone knows, once a drug is approved for Medicare, it goes to Medicaid, and there is a push to recommend Ozempic for Americans as young as six, over a condition, obesity, that is completely preventable and barely even existed 100 years ago. Since 74% of Americans are obese, the cost of all of them, if they take their Ozempic prescriptions, will be $3 trillion a year. This is a drug that has made Novo Nordisk the biggest company in Europe. It's a Danish company, but the Danish government does not recommend it. It recommends a change in diet to treat obesity and exercise. Virtually Novo Nordisk's entire value is based upon its projections of what Ozempic is going to sell to Americans. For half the price of Ozempic, we could purchase regeneratively raised organic agriculture, organic food for every American, three meals a day and a gym membership for every obese American. Why are members of Congress doing the bidding of this Danish company instead of standing up for American farmers and children? Robert F. Kennedy, Jr: For 19 years, solving the childhood chronic disease crisis has been the central goal of my life, and for 19 years, I have prayed to God every morning to put me in a position to end this calamity. I believe we have the opportunity for transformational, bipartisan change to transform American health, to hyper-charge our human capital, to improve our budget, and I believe, to save our spirits and our country. 1:23:10 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): Our next presenter, Dr. Marty Makary also bears a few scars from telling the truth during COVID. Dr. Makary is a surgeon and public policy researcher at Johns Hopkins University. He writes for The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, and is the author of two New York Times best selling books, Unaccountable and The Price We Pay. He's been an outspoken opponent of broad vaccine mandates and some COVID restrictions at schools. Dr. Makary holds degrees from Bucknell University, Thomas Jefferson University and Harvard University. Dr. Marty Makary: I'm trained in gastrointestinal surgery. My group at Johns Hopkins does more pancreatic cancer surgery than any hospital in the United States. But at no point in the last 20 years has anyone stopped to ask, why has pancreatic cancer doubled over those 20 years? Who's working on that? Who's looking into it? We are so busy in our health care system, billing and coding and paying each other, and every stakeholder has their gigantic lobby in Washington, DC, and everybody's making a lot of money, except for one stakeholder, the American citizen. They are financing this giant, expensive health care system through their paycheck deduction for health insurance and the Medicare excise tax as we go down this path, billing and coding and medicating. And can we be real for a second? We have poisoned our food supply, engineered highly addictive chemicals that we put into our food, we spray it with pesticides that kill pests. What do you think they do to our gut lining and our microbiome? And then they come in sick. The GI tract is reacting. It's not an acute inflammatory storm, it's a low grade chronic inflammation, and it makes people feel sick, and that inflammation permeates and drives so many of our chronic diseases that we didn't see half a century ago. Who's working on who's looking into this, who's talking about it? Our health care system is playing whack a mole on the back end, and we are not talking about the root causes of our chronic disease epidemic. We can't see the forest from the trees. Sometimes we're so busy in these short visits, billing and coding. We've done a terrible thing to doctors. We've told them, put your head down. Focus on billing and coding. We're going to measure you by your throughput and good job. You did a nice job. We have all these numbers to show for it. Well, the country is getting sicker. We cannot keep going down this path. We have the most over-medicated, sickest population in the world, and no one is talking about the root causes. Dr. Marty Makary: Somebody has got to speak up. Maybe we need to talk about school lunch programs, not just putting every kid on obesity drugs like Ozempic. Maybe we need to talk about treating diabetes with cooking classes, not just throwing insulin at everybody. Maybe we need to talk about environmental exposures that cause cancer, not just the chemo to treat it. We've got to talk about food as medicine. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): So, Dr Makary, I've got a couple questions. First of all, how many years have you been practicing medicine? Dr. Marty Makary: 22 years. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): So we've noticed a shift from decades ago when 80% of doctors are independent to now 80% are working for some hospital association. First of all, what has that meant in terms of doctors' independence and who they are really accountable too? Dr. Marty Makary: The move towards corporate medicine and mass consolidation that we've witnessed in our lifetime has meant more and more doctors are told to put their heads down, do your job: billing and coding short visits. We've not given doctors the time, research, or resources to deal with these chronic diseases. 1:32:45 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): Dr. Casey Means is a medical doctor, New York Times Best Selling Author, tech entrepreneur at Levels, an aspiring regenerative gardener and an outdoor enthusiast. While training as a surgeon, she saw how broken and exploitative the health care system is, and led to focus on how to keep people out of the operating room. And again, I would highly recommend everybody read Good Energy. It's a personal story, and you'll be glad you did. Dr. Casey Means: Over the last 50 years in the United States, we have seen rapidly rising rates of chronic illnesses throughout the entire body. The body and the brain, infertility, obesity, type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, Alzheimer's, dementia, cancer, heart disease, stroke, autoimmune disease, migraines, mental illness, chronic pain, fatigue, congenital abnormalities, chronic liver disease, autism, and infant and maternal mortality all going up. Americans live eight fewer years compared to people in Japan or Switzerland, and life expectancy is going down. I took an oath to do no harm, but listen to these stats. We're not only doing harm, we're flagrantly allowing harm. While it sounds grim, there is very good news. We know why all of these diseases are going up, and we know how to fix it. Every disease I mentioned is caused by or worsened by metabolic dysfunction, a word that it is thrilling to hear being used around this table. Metabolic dysfunction is a fundamental distortion of our cellular biology. It stops our cells from making energy appropriately. According to the American College of Cardiology, metabolic dysfunction now affects 93.2% of American adults. This is quite literally the cellular draining of our life force. This process is the result of three processes happening inside our cells, mitochondrial dysfunction, a process called oxidative stress, which is like a wildfire inside our cells, and chronic inflammation throughout the body and the gut, as we've heard about. Metabolic dysfunction is largely not a genetic issue. It's caused by toxic American ultra processed industrial food, toxic American chemicals, toxic American medications, and our toxic sedentary, indoor lifestyles. You would think that the American healthcare system and our government agencies would be clamoring to fix metabolic health and reduce American suffering and costs, but they're not. They are deafeningly silent about metabolic dysfunction and its known causes. It's not an overstatement to say that I learned virtually nothing at Stanford Medical School about the tens of thousands of scientific papers that elucidate these root causes of why American health is plummeting and how environmental factors are causing it. For instance, in medical school, I did not learn that for each additional serving of ultra processed food we eat, early mortality increases by 18%. This now makes up 67% of the foods our kids are eating. I took zero nutrition courses in medical school. I didn't learn that 82% of independently funded studies show harm from processed food, while 93% of industry sponsored studies reflect no harm. In medical school, I didn't learn that 95% of the people who created the recent USDA Food guidelines for America had significant conflicts of interest with the food industry. I did not learn that 1 billion pounds of synthetic pesticides are being sprayed on our food every single year. 99.99% of the farmland in the United States is sprayed with synthetic pesticides, many from China and Germany. And these invisible, tasteless chemicals are strongly linked to autism, ADHD, sex hormone disruption, thyroid disease, sperm dysfunction, Alzheimer's, dementia, birth defects, cancer, obesity, liver dysfunction, female infertility and more, all by hurting our metabolic health. I did not learn that the 8 billion tons of plastic that have been produced just in the last 100 years, plastic was only invented about 100 years ago, are being broken down into micro plastics that are now filling our food, our water, and we are now even inhaling them in our air. And that very recent research from just the past couple of months tells us that now about 0.5% of our brains by weight are now plastic. I didn't learn that there are more than 80,000 toxins that have entered our food, water, air and homes by industry, many of which are banned in Europe, and they are known to alter our gene expression, alter our microbiome composition and the lining of our gut, and disrupt our hormones. I didn't learn that heavy metals like aluminum and lead are present in our food, our baby formula, personal care products, our soil and many of the mandated medications, like vaccines and that these metals are neurotoxic and inflammatory. I didn't learn that the average American walks a paltry 3500 steps per day, even though we know based on science and top journals that walking, simply walking 7000 steps a day, slashes by 40-60% our risk of Alzheimer's, dementia, type two diabetes, cancer and obesity. I certainly did not learn that medical error and medications are the third leading cause of death in the United States. I didn't learn that just five nights of sleep deprivation can induce full blown pre-diabetes. I learned nothing about sleep, and we're getting about 20% less sleep on average than we were 100 years ago. I didn't learn that American children are getting less time outdoors now than a maximum security prisoner. And on average, adults spend 93% of their time indoors, even though we know from the science that separation from sunlight destroys our circadian biology, and circadian biology dictates our cellular biology. I didn't learn that professional organizations that we get our practice guidelines from, like the American Diabetes Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, have taken 10s of millions of dollars from Coke, Cadbury, processed food companies, and vaccine manufacturers like Moderna. I didn't learn that if we address these root causes that all lead to metabolic dysfunction and help patients change their food and lifestyle patterns with a united strong voice, we could reverse the chronic disease crisis in America, save millions of lives, and trillions of dollars in health care costs per year. Instead, doctors are learning that the body is 100 separate parts, and we learn how to drug, we learn how to cut and we learn how to bill. I'll close by saying that what we are dealing with here is so much more than a physical health crisis. This is a spiritual crisis we are choosing death over life. We are we are choosing death over life. We are choosing darkness over light for people and the planet, which are inextricably linked. We are choosing to erroneously believe that we are separate from nature and that we can continue to poison nature and then outsmart it. Our path out will be a renewed respect for the miracle of life and a renewed respect for nature. We can restore health to Americans rapidly with smart policy and courageous leadership. We need a return to courage. We need a return to common sense and intuition. We need a return to awe for the sheer miraculousness of our lives. We need all hands on deck. Thank you. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): I'm not letting you off that easy. I've got a couple questions. So you outlined some basic facts that doctors should know that truthfully, you could cover in one hour of an introductory class in medical school, yes. So why aren't we teaching doctors these things? Dr. Casey Means: The easy thing to say would be, you know, follow the money. That sounds sort of trite, but frankly, I think that is the truth, but not in the way you might think that, like doctors are out to make money, or even medical schools. The money and the core incentive problem, which is that every institution that touches our health in America, from medical schools to pharmaceutical companies to health insurance companies to hospitals offices, they make more money when we are sick and less when we are healthy. That simple, one incentive problem corrodes every aspect of the way medicine is thought about. The way we think about the body, we talked about interconnectedness. It creates a system in which we silo the body into all these separate parts and create that illusion that we all buy into because it's profitable to send people to separate specialties. So it corrodes even the foundational conception of how we think about the body. So it is about incentives and money, but I would say that's the invisible hand. It's not necessarily affecting each doctor's clinical practice or the decision making. It's corroding every lever of the basics of how we even consider what the human body is and what life is. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): In your book, you do a really good job of describing how, because of the specialization of medicine, you don't see the forest for the trees. The fact is, you do need specialized medicine. I mean, doctors can't know it all. So I think the question is, how do we get back to the reward for general practitioners that do focus on what you're writing about? Dr. Casey Means: I have huge respect for doctors, and I am incredibly grateful for the American health care system, which has produced miracles, and we absolutely need continue to have primary care doctors and specialists, and they should be rewarded highly. However, if we focused on what everyone here is talking about, I think we'd have 90% less throughput through our health care system. We would be able to have these doctors probably have a much better life to be honest. You know, because right now, doctors are working 100 hours a week seeing 50, 60, 70 patients, and could actually have more time with patients who develop these acute issues that need to be treated by a doctor. But so many of the things in the specialist office are chronic conditions that we know are fundamentally rooted in the cellular dysfunction I describe, which is metabolic dysfunction, which is created by our lifestyle. So I think that there's always going to be a place for specialists, but so so many, so much fewer. And I think if we had a different conception for the body is interconnected, they would also interact with each other in a very different way, a much more collaborative way. And then, of course, we need to incentivize doctors in the healthcare system towards outcomes, not throughput. 1:46:25 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): Our next presenter is Dr. Chris Palmer. Dr. Palmer is a Harvard trained psychiatrist, researcher and author of Brain Energy, where he explores a groundbreaking connection between metabolic health and mental illness. He is a leader in innovative approaches to treating psychiatric conditions, advocating for the use of diet and metabolic interventions to improve mental health outcomes. Dr. Palmer's work is reshaping how the medical field views and treats mental health disorders. Dr. Chris Palmer: I want to build on what Dr. Means just shared that these chronic diseases we face today. Obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, all share something in common. They are, in fact, metabolic dysfunction. I'm going to go into a little bit of the science, just to make sure we're all on the same page. Although most people think of metabolism as burning calories, it is far more than that. Metabolism is a series of chemical reactions that convert food into energy and building blocks essential for cellular health. When we have metabolic dysfunction, it can drive numerous chronic diseases, which is a paradigm shift in the medical field. Now there is no doubt metabolism is complicated. It really is. It is influenced by biological, psychological, environmental and social factors, and the medical field says this complexity is the reason we can't solve the obesity epidemic because they're still trying to understand every molecular detail of biology. But in fact, we don't need to understand biology in order to understand the cause. The cause is coming from our environment, a toxic environment like poor diet and exposure to harmful chemicals, and these are actually quite easy to study, understand, and address. There is no doubt food plays a key role. It provides the substrate for energy and building blocks. Nutritious foods support metabolism, while ultra processed options can disrupt it. It is shocking that today, in 2024, the FDA allows food manufacturers to introduce brand new chemicals into our food supply without adequate testing. The manufacturer is allowed to determine for themselves whether this substance is safe for you and your family to eat or not. Metabolism's impact goes beyond physical health. I am a psychiatrist. Some of you are probably wondering, why are you here? It also affects mental health. Because guess what? The human brain is an organ too, and when brain metabolism is impaired, it can cause symptoms that we call mental illness. It is no coincidence that as the rates of obesity and diabetes are skyrocketing, so too are the rates of mental illness. In case you didn't know, we have a mental health crisis. We have all time prevalence highs for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, deaths of despair, drug overdoses, ADHD and autism. What does the mental health field have to say for this? Well, you know, mental illness is just chemical imbalances, or maybe trauma and stress that is wholly insufficient to explain the epidemic that we are seeing. And in fact, there is a better way to integrate the biopsychosocial factors known to play a role in mental illness. Mental Disorders at their core are often metabolic disorders impacting the brain. It's not surprising to most people that obesity and diabetes might play a role in depression or anxiety, but the rates of autism have quadrupled in just 20 years, and the rates of ADHD have tripled over that same period of time. These are neuro developmental disorders, and many people are struggling to understand, how on earth could they rise so rapidly? But it turns out that metabolism plays a profound role in neurodevelopment, and sure enough, parents with metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes are more likely to have children with autism and ADHD. This is not about fat shaming, because what I am arguing is that the same foods and chemicals and other drivers of obesity that are causing obesity in the parents are affecting the brain health of our children. There is compelling evidence that food plays a direct role in mental health. One study of nearly 300,000 people found that those who eat ultra processed foods daily are three times more likely to struggle with their mental health than people who never or rarely consume them. A systematic review found direct associations between ultra processed food exposure and 32 different health parameters, including mental mental health conditions. Now I'm not here to say that food is the only, or even primary driver of mental illness. Let's go back to something familiar. Trauma and stress do drive mental illness, but for those of you who don't know, trauma and stress are also associated with increased rates of obesity and diabetes. Trauma and stress change human metabolism. We need to put the science together. This brings me to a key point. We cannot separate physical and mental health from metabolic health. Addressing metabolic dysfunction has the potential to prevent and treat a wide range of chronic diseases. Dr. Chris Palmer: In my own work, I have seen firsthand how using metabolic therapies like the ketogenic diet and other dietary interventions can improve even severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, sometimes putting them into lasting remission. These reports are published in peer reviewed, prestigious medical journals. However, there is a larger issue at play that many have talked about, medical education and public health recommendations are really captured by industry and politics, and at best, they often rely on weak epidemiological data, resulting in conflicting or even harmful advice. We heard a reference to this, but in case you didn't know, a long time ago, we demonized saturated fat. And what was the consequence of demonizing saturated fat? We replaced it with "healthy vegetable shortening." That was the phrase we used, "healthy vegetable shortening." Guess what was in that healthy vegetable shortening? It was filled with trans fats, which are now recognized to be so harmful that they've been banned in the United States. Let's not repeat mistakes like this. Dr. Chris Palmer: So what's the problem? Number one, nutrition and mental health research are severely underfunded, with each of them getting less than 5% of the NIH budget. This is no accident. This is the concerted effort of lobbying by industry, food manufacturers, the healthcare industry, they do not want root causes discovered. We need to get back to funding research on the root causes of mental and metabolic disorders, including the effects of foods, chemicals, medications, environmental toxins, on the human brain and metabolism. Dr. Chris Palmer: The issue of micro plastics and nano plastics in the human body is actually, sadly, in its infancy. We have two publications out in the last couple of months demonstrating that micro plastics are, in fact, found in the human brain. And as Dr. Means said, and you recited, 0.5% of the body weight, or the brain's weight, appears to be composed of micro plastics. We need more research to better understand whether these micro plastics are, in fact, associated with harmful conditions, because microplastics are now ubiquitous. So some will argue, well, they're everywhere, and everybody's got them, and it's just a benign thing. Some will argue that the most compelling evidence against that is a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine a few months ago now, in which they were doing routine carotid endarterectomies, taking plaque out of people's carotid arteries. Just routinely doing that for clinical care, and then they analyzed those plaques for micro plastics. 58% of the people had detectable micro plastics in the plaques. So they compared this 58% group who had micro plastics to the ones who didn't, followed them for three years, just three years, and the ones who had micro plastics had four times the mortality. There is strong reason to believe, based on animal data and based on cell biology data, that microplastics are in fact, toxic to the human body, to mitochondrial function, to hormone dysregulation and all sorts of things. There are lots of reasons to believe that, but the scientists will say, we need more research. We need to better understand whether these micro plastics really are associated with higher rates of disease. I think people are terrified of the answer. People are terrified of the answer. And if you think about everything that you consume, and how much of it is not wrapped in plastic, all of those industries are going to oppose research. They are going to oppose research funding to figure this out ASAP, because that will be a monumental change to not just the food industry but our entire economy. Imagining just cleaning up the oceans and trying to get this plastic and then, more importantly, trying to figure out, how are we going to detox humans? How are we going to de-plasticize human beings? How are we going to get these things out? It is an enormous problem, but the reality is, putting our heads in the sand is not going to help. And I am really hopeful that by raising issues and letting people know about this health crisis, that maybe we will get answers quickly. Dr. Chris Palmer: Your question is, why are our health agencies not exploring these questions? It's because the health agencies are largely influenced by the industries they are supposed to be regulating and looking out for. The medical education community is largely controlled by pharmaceutical companies. One and a half billion dollars every year goes to support physician education. That's from pharmaceutical companies. One and a half billion from pharmaceutical companies. So physicians are getting educated with some influence, large influence, I would argue, by them, the health organizations. It's a political issue. The NIH, it's politics. Politicians are selecting people to be on the committees or people to oversee these organizations. Politicians rely on donations from companies and supporters to get re-elected, and the reality is this is not going to be easy to tackle. The challenge is that you'll get ethical politicians who say, I'm not going to take any of that money, and I'm going to try to do the right thing and right now, the way the system is set up, there's a good chance those politicians won't get re-elected, and instead, their opponents, who were more than happy to take millions of dollars in campaign contributions, will get re-elected, and then they will return the favor to their noble campaign donors. We are at a crossroads. We have to decide who are the constituents of the American government. Is it industry, or is it the American people? 2:09:35 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): Calley Means the co-founder of Truemed, a company that enables tax free spending on food and exercise. He recently started an advocacy coalition with leading health and wellness companies called End Chronic Disease. Early in his career, he was a consultant for food and pharma companies. He is now exposing practices they used to weaponize our institutions of trust, and he's doing a great job doing interviews with his sister, Casey. Calley Means: If you think about a medical miracle, it's almost certainly a solution that was invented before 1960 for an acute condition: emergency surgical procedures to ensure a complicated childbirth wasn't a death sentence, sanitation procedures, antibiotics that insured infection was an inconvenience, not deadly, eradicating polio, regular waste management procedures that helped control outbreaks like the bubonic plague, sewage systems that replaced the cesspools and opened drains, preventing human waste from contaminating the water. The US health system is a miracle in solving acute conditions that will kill us right away. But economically, acute conditions aren't great in our modern system, because the patient is quickly cured and is no longer a customer. Start in the 1960s the medical system took the trust engendered by these acute innovations like antibiotics, which were credited with winning World War Two, and they used that trust to ask patients not to question its authority on chronic diseases, which can last a lifetime and are more profitable. But the medicalization of chronic disease in the past 50 years has been an abject failure. Today, we're in a siloed system where there's a treatment for everything. And let's just look at the stats. Heart disease has gone up as more statins are prescribed. Type 2 diabetes has gone up as more Metformin is prescribed. ADHD has gone up as more Adderall is prescribed. Depression and suicide has gone up as more SSRIs are prescribed. Pain has gone up as more opioids are prescribed. Cancer has gone up as we've spent more on cancer. And now JP Morgan literally at the conference in San Francisco, recently, they put up a graph, and they showed us more Ozempic is projected to be prescribed over the next 10 years, obesity rates are going to go up as more is prescribed. Explain that to me. There was clapping. All the bankers were clapping like seals at this graphic. Our intervention based system is by design. In the early 1900s, John D. Rockefeller using that he could use byproducts from oil production to create pharmaceuticals, heavily funded medical schools throughout the United States to teach a curriculum based on the intervention-first model of Dr. William Stewart Halsted, the founding physician of Johns Hopkins, who created the residency-based model that viewed invasive surgical procedures and medication as the highest echelon of medicine. An employee of Rockefeller's was tasked to create the Flexner Report, which outlined a vision for medical education that prioritized interventions and stigmatized nutritional and holistic remedies. Congress affirmed the Flexner Report in 1910 to establish that any credentialed medical institution in the United States had to follow the Halsted-Rockefeller intervention based model that silos disease and downplay viewing the body as an interconnected system. It later came out that Dr. Halsted's cocaine and morphine addiction fueled his day long surgical residencies and most of the medical logic underlying the Flexner Report was wrong. But that hasn't prevented the report and the Halsted-Rockefeller engine based brand of medicine from being the foundational document that Congress uses to regulate medical education today. Calley Means: Our processed food industry was created by the cigarette industry. In the 1980s, after decades of inaction, the Surgeon General and the US government finally, finally said that smoking might be harmful, and smoking rates plummeted. We listened to doctors in this country. We listened to medical leadership, and as smoking rates plummeted, cigarette companies, with their big balance sheets, strategically bought up food companies, and by 1990 the two largest food companies in the world were Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds, two cigarette companies. These cigarette companies moved two departments over from the cigarette department to the food department. They moved the scientists. Cigarette companies were the highest payers of scientists, one of the biggest employers of scientists to make the cigarettes addictive. They moved these addiction specialists, world leading addiction specialists, to the food department by the thousands. And those scientists weaponized our ultra processed food. That is the problem with ultra processed food. You have the best scientists in the world creating this food to be palatable and to be addictive. They then moved their lobbyists over. They used the same playbook, and their lobbyists co-opted the USDA and created the food pyramid. The Food Pyramid was a document created by the cigarette industry through complete corporate capture, and was an ultra processed food marketing document saying that we needed a bunch of carbs and sugar. And we listened to medical experts in this country, the American people, American parents. Many parents who had kids in the 90s thought it was a good thing to do to give their kids a bunch of ultra processed foods and carb consumption went up 20% in the American diet in the next 10 years. The Devil's bargain comes in in that this ultra processed food consumption has been one of the most profitable dynamics in American history for the health care industry. As we've all just been decimated with chronic conditions, the medical industry hasn't. Not only have they been silent on this issue, they've actually been complicit, working for the food industry. I helped funnel money from Coca Cola to the American Diabetes Association. Yeah. 2:31:40 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): Next presenter will be Brigham Buhler. Brigham is the Founder and CEO of Ways2Well, a healthcare company that provides personalized preventive care through telemedicine, with a strong background in the pharmaceutical industry. Brigham is focused on making healthcare more accessible by harnessing the power of technology, delivering effective and tailored treatments. His vision for improving health outcomes has positioned him as a leader in modern patient centered healthcare solutions. Brigham Buhler: We hear people reference President Eisenhower's speech all the time about the military industrial complex, but rarely do we hear the second half of that speech. He also warned us about the rise of the scientific industrial complex. He warned us, if we allow the elite to control the scientific research, it could have dire consequences. 2:36:30 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): I'm going to call an audible here as moderator, I saw that hopefully the future chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Mike Crapo from Idaho, came into the room. I asked Mike to share his story. He used to wear larger suits, let's put it that way. But he went down the path of the ketogenic diet, I believe. But Mike, why don't you tell your story? And by the way, he's somebody you want to influence. Chairman of Senate Finance Committee makes an awful lot of decisions on Medicare, Medicaid, a lot of things we talked about with Ozempic, now the lobbying group try and make that available, and how harmful, I think, most people in this room think that might be so. Senator Crapo, if you could just kind of tell us your story in terms of your diet change and what results you had. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID): Well, first of all, let me thank you. I didn't come here to say anything. I came here to listen, but I appreciate the opportunity to just have a second to tell you my personal story. I'll say before I do that, thank you for Ron Johnson. Senator Johnson is also a member of the Finance Committee, and it is my hope that we can get that committee, which I think has the most powerful jurisdiction, particularly over these areas, of any in the United States Congress, and so I'm hopeful we can get a focus on addressing the government's part of the role in this to get us back on a better track. 2:54:35 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): Vani Hari, known as the Food Babe -- they wrote that for me, that wasn't me, that's my not my nickname -- is a food activist, author and speaker committed to improving food quality and safety. She has built a powerful platform through her blog advocating for transparency in food labeling and the removal of harmful chemicals from processed food. Her activism has spurred significant change in the food industry, encouraging consumers to make healthier, more informed choices, while prompting companies to adopt cleaner practices. Vani Hari: Our government is letting US food companies get away with serving American citizens harmful ingredients that are banned or heavily regulated in other countries. Even worse, American food companies are selling the same exact products overseas without these chemicals, but choose to continue serving us the most toxic version here. It's un-American. One set of ingredients there, and one set of ingredients here. Let me give you some examples. This is McDonald's french fries. I would like to argue that probably nobody in this room has not had a McDonald's french fry, by the way, nobody raised their hand during the staff meeting earlier today. In the US, there's 11 ingredients. In the UK, there's three, and salt is optional. An ingredient called dimethyl polysiloxane is an ingredient preserved with formaldehyde, a neurotoxin, in the US version. This is used as a foaming agent, so they don't have to replace the oil that often, making McDonald's more money here in the United States, but they don't do that across the pond. Here we go, this is Skittles. Notice the long list of ingredient differences, 10 artificial dyes in the US version and titanium dioxide. This ingredient is banned in Europe because it can cause DNA damage. Artificial dyes are made from petroleum, and products containing these dyes require a warning label in Europe that states it may cause adverse effects on activity and attention in children, and they have been linked to cancer and disruptions in the immune system. This on the screen back here, is Gatorade. In the US, they use red 40 and caramel color. In Germany, they don't, they use carrot and sweet potatoes to color their Gatorade. This is Doritos. The US version has three different three different artificial dyes and MSG, the UK version does not and let's look at cereal. General Mills is definitely playing some tricks on us. They launched a new version of Trix just recently in Australia. It has no dyes, they even advertise that, when the US version still does. This is why I became a food activist. My name is Vani Hari, and I only want one thing. I want Americans to be treated the same way as citizens in other countries by our own American companies. Vani Hari: We use over 10,000 food additives here in the United States and in Europe, there's only 400 approved. In 2013, I discovered that Kraft was producing their famous mac and cheese in other countries without artificial dyes. They used Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 here. I was so outraged by this unethical practice that I decided to do something about it. I launched a petition asking Kraft to remove artificial dyes from their products here in the United States, and after 400,000 signatures and a trip to their headquarters, Kraft finally announced they would make the change. I also discovered Subway was selling sandwiches with a chemical called azodicarbonamide in their bread in other countries. This is the same chemical they use in yoga mats and shoe rubber. You know, when you turn a yoga mat sideways and you see the evenly dispersed air bubbles? Well, they wanted to do the same thing in bread, so it would be the same exact product every time you went to a Subway. When the chemical is heated, studies show that it turns into a carcinogen. Not only is this ingredient banned in Europe and Australia, you get fined $450,000 if you get caught using it in Singapore. What's really interesting is when this chemical is heated, studies show that it turns into a carcinogen. Not only is this ingredient banned, but we were able to get Subway to remove azodicarbonamide from their bread in the United States after another successful petition. And as a bonus, there was a ripple effect in almost every bread manufacturer in America followed suit. For years, Starbucks didn't publish their ingredients for their coffee drinks. It was a mystery until I convinced a barista to show me the ingredients on the back of the bottles they were using to make menu items like their famous pumpkin spice lattes. I found out here in the United States, Starbucks was coloring their PSLs with caramel coloring level four, an ingredient made from ammonia and linked to cancer, but using beta carotene from carrots to color their drinks in the UK. After publishing an investigation and widespread media attention, Starbucks removed caramel coloring from all of their drinks in America and started publishing the ingredients for their entire menu. I want to make an important point here. Ordinary people who rallied for safer food shared this information and signed petitions. Were able to make these changes. We did this on our own. But isn't this something that the people in Washington, our elected politicians, should be doing? Vani Hari: Asking companies to remove artificial food dye would make an immediate impact. They don't need to reinvent the wheel. They already have the formulations. As I've shown you, consumption of artificial food dyes has increased by 500% in the last 50 years, and children are the biggest consumers. Yes, those children. Perfect timing. 43% of products marketed towards children in the grocery store contain artificial dyes. Food companies have found in focus groups, children will eat more of their product with an artificial dye because it's more attractive and appealing. And the worst part, American food companies know the harms of these additives because they were forced to remove them overseas due to stricter regulations and to avoid warning labels that would hurt sales. This is one of the most hypocritical policies of food companies, and somebody needs to hold them accountable. Vani Hari: When Michael Taylor was the Deputy Commissioner of the of the FDA, he said, he admitted on NPR, we don't have the resources, we don't have the capabilities to actually regulate food chemicals, because we don't have the staff. There's no one there. We are under this assumption, and I think a lot of Americans are under this assumption, that every single food additive ingredient that you buy at the grocery store has been approved by some regulatory body. It hasn't. It's been approved by the food companies themselves. There's 1000s of chemicals where the food company creates it, submits the safety data, and then the FDA rubber stamps it, because they don't have any other option. 3:09:15 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): So our next presenter is Jason Karp. Jason is the founder and CEO of HumanCo, a mission driven company that invests in and builds brands focused on healthier living and sustainability. In addition to HumanCo, Jason is the co-founder of Hu Kitchen, known for creating the number one premium organic chocolate in the US. My wife will appreciate that. Prior to HumanCo, Jason spent over 21 years in the hedge fund industry, where he was the founder and CEO of an investment fund that managed over $4 billion. Jason graduated summa cum laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. 3:11:10 Jason Karp: I've been a professional investor for 26 years, dealing with big food companies, seeing what happens in their boardrooms, and why we now have so much ultra processed food. Jason Karp: Having studied the evolution of corporations, I believe the root cause of how we got here is an unintended consequence of the unchecked and misguided industrialization of agriculture and food. I believe there are two key drivers behind how we got here. First, America has much looser regulatory approach to approving new ingredients and chemicals than comparable developed countries. Europe, for example, uses a guilty until proven innocent standard for the approval of new chemicals, which mandates that if an ingredient might pose a potential health risk, it should be restricted or banned for up to 10 years until it is proven safe. In complete contrast, our FDA uses an innocent until proven guilty approach for new chemicals or ingredients that's known as GRAS, or Generally Recognized as Safe. This recklessly allows new chemicals into our food system until they are proven harmful. Shockingly, US food companies can use their own independent experts to bring forth a new chemical without the approval of the FDA. It is a travesty that the majority of Americans don't even know they are constantly exposed to 1000s of untested ingredients that are actually banned or regulated in other countries. To put it bluntly, for the last 50 years, we have been running the largest uncontrolled science experiment ever done on humanity without their consent. Jason Karp: And the proof is in the pudding. Our health differences compared to those countries who use stricter standards are overwhelmingly conclusive. When looking at millions of people over decades, on average, Europeans live around five years longer, have less than half our obesity rates, have significantly lower chronic disease, have markedly better mental health, and they spend as little as 1/3 on health care per person as we do in this country. While lobbyists and big food companies may say we cannot trust the standards of these other countries because it over regulates, it stifles innovation, and it bans new chemicals prematurely, I would like to point out that we trust many of these other countries enough to have nuclear weapons. These other countries have demonstrated it is indeed possible to not only have thriving companies, but also prioritize the health of its citizens with a clear do no harm approach towards anything that humans put in or on our bodies. Jason Karp: The second driver, how we got here, is all about incentives. US industrial food companies have been myopically incentivized to reward profit growth, yet bear none of the social costs of poisoning our people and our land. Since the 1960s, America has seen the greatest technology and innovation boom in history. As big food created some of the largest companies in the world, so too did their desire for scaled efficiency. Companies had noble goals of making the food safer, more shelf stable, cheaper and more accessible. However, they also figured out how to encourage more consumption by making food more artificially appealing with brighter colors and engineered taste and texture. This is the genesis of ultra processed food. Because of these misguided regulatory standards, American companies have been highly skilled at maximizing profits without bearing the societal costs. They have replaced natural ingredients with chemicals. They have commodified animals into industrial widgets, and they treat our God given planet as an inexhaustible, abusable resource. Sick Americans are learning the hard way that food and agriculture should not be scaled in the same ways as iPhones. 3:16:50 Jason Karp: They use more chemicals in the US version, because it is more profitable and because we allow them to do so. Jason Karp: Artificial food dyes are cheaper and they are brighter. And the reason that I chose to use artificial food dyes in my public activist letter is because there's basically no counter argument. Many of the things discussed today, I think there is a nuanced debate, but with artificial food dyes, they have shown all over the world that they can use colorants that come from fruit. This is the Canadian version. This is the brightness of the Canadian version, just for visibility, and this is the brightness of artificial food dyes. So of course, Kellogg and other food companies will argue children prefer this over this, just as they would prefer cocaine over sugar. That doesn't make it okay. Calley Means: Senator, can I just say one thing? As Jason and Vani were talking, it brought me back to working for the food industry. We used to pay conservative lobbyists to go to every office and say that it was the "nanny state" to regulate food. And I think that's, as a conservative myself, something that's resonated. I just cannot stress enough that, as we're hopefully learned today, the food industry has rigged our systems beyond recognition. And addressing a rigged market is not an attack on the free market. Is a necessity for a free market to take this corruption out. So I just want to say that. 3:21:00 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): Our next presenter is Jillian Michaels. Ms. Michaels is a globally recognized fitness expert, entrepreneur, and best selling author. With her no nonsense approach to health, she's inspired millions through her fitness programs, books and digital platforms, best known for her role on The Biggest Loser, Michaels promotes a balanced approach to fitness and nutrition and emphasizing long term health and self improvement. Jillian Michaels: The default human condition in the 21st century is obese by design. Specific, traceable forms of what's referred to as structural violence are created by the catastrophic quartet of big farming, big food, Big Pharma, and big insurance. They systematically corrupt every institution of trust, which has led to the global spread of obesity and disease. Dysfunctional and destructive agricultural legislation like the Farm Bill, which favors high yield, genetically engineered crops like corn and soy, leading to the proliferation of empty calories, saturated with all of these toxins that we've been talking about today for three hours, it seems like we can never say enough about it, and then this glut of cheap calories provides a boon to the food industry giants. They just turn it into a bounty of ultra processed, factory-assembled foods and beverages strategically engineered to undermine your society and foster your dependence, like nicotine and cocaine, so we literally cannot eat just one. And to ensure that you don't, added measures are taken to inundate our physical surroundings. We're literally flooded with food, and we are brainwashed by ubiquitous cues to eat, whether it's the Taco Bell advertisement on the side of a bus as you drive to work with a vending machine at your kids school, there is no place we spend time that's left untouched. They're omnipresent. They commandeer the narrative, with 30 billion worth of advertising dollars, commercials marketed to kids, with mega celebrities eating McDonald's and loving it, sponsored dietitians paid to promote junk food on social media, utilizing anti-diet body positivity messaging like, "derail the shame" in relation to fast food consumption, Time Magazine brazenly issuing a defense of ultra processed foods on their cover with the title, "What if altra processed foods aren't as bad as you think?" And when people like us try to sound the alarm, they ensure that we are swiftly labeled as anti-science, fat shamers, and even racists. They launch aggressive lobbying efforts to influence you. Our politicians to shape policy, secure federal grants, tax credits, subsidy dollars, which proliferates their product and heavily pads their bottom line. They have created a perfect storm in which pharmaceuticals that cost hundreds, if not 1000s per month, like Ozempic, that are linked to stomach paralysis, pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, can actually surge. This reinforces a growing dependence on medical interventions to manage weight in a society where systemic change in food production and consumption is desperately needed and also very possible. These monster corporations have mastered the art of distorting the research, influencing the policy, buying the narrative, engineering the environment, and manipulating consumer behavior. Jillian Michaels: While I have been fortunate enough to pull many back from the edge over the course of my 30 year career, I have lost just as many, if not more, than I have saved. I have watched them slip through my fingers, mothers that orphan their children, husbands that widow their wives. I have even watched parents forced to suffer the unthinkable loss of their adult children. There are not words to express the sadness I have felt and the fury knowing that they were literally sacrificed at the altar of unchecked corporate greed. Most Americans are simply too financially strained, psychologically drained and physically addicted to break free without a systemic intervention. Attempting to combat the status quo and the powers that be is beyond swimming upstream. It is like trying to push a rampaging river that's infested with piranhas. After years of trying to turn the tide, I submit that the powers that be are simply too powerful for us to take on alone. I implore the people here that shape the policy to take a stand. The buck must stop with you, while the American people tend to the business of raising children and participating in the workforce to ensure that the wheels of our country go around. They tapped you to stand watch. They tapped you to stand guard. We must hold these bad actors accountable. And I presume the testimonials you heard today moved you. Digest them, discuss them, and act upon them, because if this current trend is allowed to persist, the stakes will be untenable. We are in the middle of an extinction level event. The American people need help. They need heroes. And people of Washington, your constituents chose you to be their champion. Please be the change. Thank you. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): There was one particular piece of legislation or one thing that we could do here in Washington, what would it be? Jillian Michaels: Get rid of Citizens United and get the money out of politics. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): Okay. 3:37:00 Calley Means: To the healthcare staffers slithering behind your bosses, working to impress your future bosses at the pharmaceutical companies, the hospitals, the insurance companies, many of them are in this building, and we are coming for you. 3:37:25 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): Next up is Ms. Courtney Swan. Ms. Swan is a nutritionist, real food activist, and founder of the popular platform, Realfoodology. She advocates for transparency in the food industry, promoting the importance of whole foods and clean eating. Courtney is passionate about educating the public on the benefits of a nutrient dense diet, and she encourages sustainable, chemical-free farming practices to ensure better health for people and the planet. Courtney Swan: Our current agriculture system's origin story involves large chemical companies -- not farmers, chemists. 85% of the food that you are consuming started from a patented seed sold by a chemical corporation that was responsible for creating agent orange in the Vietnam War. Why are chemical companies feeding America? Corn, soy and wheat are not only the most common allergens, but are among the most heavily pesticide sprayed crops today. In 1974 the US started spraying our crops with an herbicide called glyphosate, and in the early 1990s we began to see the release of genetically modified foods into our food supply. It all seems to begin with a chemical company by the name IG Farben, the later parent company of Bayer Farben, provided the chemicals used in Nazi nerve agents and gas chambers. Years later, a second chemical company, Monsanto, joined the war industry with a production of Agent Orange, a toxin used during the Vietnam War. When the wars ended, these companies needed a market for their chemicals, so they pivoted to killing bugs and pests on American farmlands. Monsanto began marketing glyphosate with a catchy name, Roundup. They claimed that these chemicals were harmless and that they safeguarded our crops from pests. So farmers started spraying these supposedly safe chemicals on our farmland. They solved the bug problem, but they also killed the crops. Monsanto offered a solution with the creation of genetically modified, otherwise known as GMO, crops that resisted the glyphosate in the roundup that they were spraying. These Roundup Ready crops allow farmers to spray entire fields of glyphosate to kill off pests without harming the plants, but our food is left covered in toxic chemical residue that doesn't wash, dry, or cook off. Not only is it sprayed to kill pests, but in the final stages of harvest, it is sprayed on the wheat to dry it out. Grains that go into bread and cereals that are in grocery stores and homes of Americans are heavily sprayed with these toxins. It's also being sprayed on oats, chickpeas, almonds, potatoes and more. You can assume that if it's not organic, it is likely contaminated with glyphosate. In America, organic food, by law, cannot contain GMOs and glyphosate, and they are more expensive compared to conventionally grown options, Americans are being forced to pay more for food that isn't poisoned. The Environmental Working Group reported a test of popular wheat-based products and found glyphosate contamination in 80 to 90% of the products on grocery store shelves. Popular foods like Cheerios, Goldfish, chickpea pasta, like Banza, Nature Valley bars, were found have concerning levels of glyphosate. If that is not alarming enough, glyphosate is produced by and distributed from China. In 2018, Bayer bought Monsanto. They currently have patented soybeans, corn, canola and sugar beets, and they are the largest distributor of GMO corn and soybean seeds. Americans deserve a straight answer. Why does an agrochemical company own where our food comes from? Currently, 85 to 100% of corn and soy crops in the US are genetically modified. 80% of GMOs are engineered to withstand glyphosate, and a staggering 280 million pounds of glyphosate are sprayed on American crops annually. We are eating this roundup ready corn, but unlike GMO crops, humans are not Roundup Ready. We are not resistant to these toxins, and it's causing neurological damage, endocrine disruption, it's harming our reproductive health and it's affecting fetal development. Glyphosate is classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer. It is also suspected to contribute towards the rise in celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. They're finding glyphosate in human breast milk, placentas, our organs, and even sperm. It's also being found in our rain and our drinking water. Until January of 2022, many companies made efforts to obscure the presence of GMOs and pesticides in food products from American consumers. It was only then that legislation came into effect mandating that these companies disclose such ingredients with a straightforward label stating, made with bio engineered ingredients, but it's very small on the package. Meanwhile, glyphosate still isn't labeled on our food. Parents in America are unknowingly feeding their children these toxic foods. Dr. Don Huber, a glyphosate researcher, warns that glyphosate will make the outlawed 1970s insecticide DDT look harmless in comparison to glyphosate. Why is the US government subsidizing the most pesticide sprayed crops using taxpayer dollars? These are the exact foods that are driving the epidemic of chronic disease. These crops, heavily sprayed with glyphosate, are then processed into high fructose corn syrup and refined vegetable oils, which are key ingredients for the ultra processed foods that line our supermarket shelves and fill our children's lunches in schools across the nation. Children across America are consuming foods such as Goldfish and Cheerios that are loaded with glyphosate. These crops also feed our livestock, which then produce the eggs, dairy and meat products that we consume. They are in everything. Pick up almost any ultra processed food package on the shelf, and you will see the words, contains corn, wheat and soy on the ingredients panel. Meanwhile, Bayer is doing everything it can to keep consumers in the dark, while our government protects these corporate giants. They fund educational programs at major agricultural universities, they lobby in Washington, and they collaborate with lawmakers to protect their profits over public health. Two congressmen are working with Bayer right now on the Farm Bill to protect Bayer from any liability, despite already having to pay out billions to sick Americans who got cancer from their product. They know that their product is harming people. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): Couple questions. So you really have two issues raised here. Any concern about just GMO seeds and GMO crops, and then you have the contamination, Glycosate, originally is a pre-emergent, but now it's sprayed on the actual crops and getting in the food. Can you differentiate those two problems? I mean, what concerns are the GMO seeds? Maybe other doctors on t

New laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found four water filters that reduce the detected “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in sampled drinking water by nearly 100 percent. The results come as the U.S. Geological Survey announced alarming findings that almost half of the nation's tap water has been contaminated by one or more of the 32 individual PFAS for which the agency tested. The pervasiveness of these hazardous substances in our drinking water highlights the urgent need for effective filtration solutions. Tune in as we talk with Sydney Evans, a science analyst at Environmental Working Group (EWG) who led the water filter testing project.

Listener Sommer calls in to ask why she can buy foods in her grocery store that other countries have banned. Trying to figure out what all the chemicals and dyes in her food might do to her has left her with one question: “Don't you care about us?” This week on Explain It to Me, host Jonquilyn Hill gets some answers (and a scary story about orange dye!) from Vox producer Kimberly Mas and the Environmental Working Group's Melanie Benesh. After taping this episode, we heard back from the FDA: “Some ingredients considered GRAS may not have been previously assessed by FDA but may be assessed as part of the post market program if information becomes available suggesting that an FDA assessment is warranted. We can and will do what is within our authority, but Congress ultimately sets our authorities. The law does not require companies to submit their GRAS conclusions or related dossiers to FDA. However, industry is responsible for ensuring the safety and regulatory status of the ingredients they add to food,” an FDA spokesperson told us. “We can challenge a GRAS conclusion, and we have determined that the uses of certain ingredients are not GRAS and that they are unapproved food additives … Only Congress can change the law to require FDA review of all food ingredients.” Election Day is less than a week away. To commiserate, we're producing a special episode featuring your election-related questions and experiences, from heading to the polls to processing the results. So save our number now 1-800-618-8545 and call us next week with what you suddenly need to know.  Read More: Why food recalls are everywhere right now Credits: Jonquilyn Hill, host Sofi LaLonde, producer Cristian Ayala, engineer Anouck Dussaud, fact-checker Carla Javier, supervising producer Jorge Just, editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Perhaps later today, you will head to the grocery store to get some fresh fruits and vegetables, which are important for a healthy diet. In this program, we're looking at the issue of pesticide use on our produce, with Dr. Alexa Friedman of the Environmental Working Group or EWG. The EWG has shopper's guides to help people evaluate what they say are the healthier choices in the produce aisle; items that generally contain less pesticide residue.

In today's episode, I interview Josh Dech. In our conversation, Josh discusses the critical role of gut health in overall well-being, emphasizing that gut health impacts not just digestion but various aspects of health, including fertility. He shares his journey from being a paramedic to a holistic health practitioner, highlighting the importance of understanding inflammation, dysbiosis, and the gut microbiome.    Josh challenges conventional medical perspectives on chronic diseases and discusses the significance of dietary choices, the role of probiotics, and the hidden threats posed by parasites. He advocates for a comprehensive approach to gut health, including the five Rs of gut health, and stresses the importance of working with health professionals for optimal results. Be sure to tune in!   Takeaways   Gut health impacts everything, not just digestion. Inflammation is a sign of the body wanting to heal. Dysbiosis is an imbalance in gut bacteria. Symptoms can indicate underlying issues. Diet plays a crucial role in gut health. Conventional medicine often overlooks root causes. All diseases have a root cause. Probiotics can be beneficial but vary in effectiveness. Parasites can significantly affect gut health. Working with a professional is essential for healing.   Guest Bio:   Josh is a Holistic Nutritionist specializing in Crohn's and Colitis, and other related gut issues. After reversing over 250 cases of bowel disease, previously thought to be impossible to fix, he's been connected to some of the world's most renowned doctors.   He's since been recruited to the Priority Health Academy as a medical lecturer, helping educate doctors on the holistic approach to gut health, and inflammatory bowel disease; and has launched a top 2.5% globally ranked podcast.   https://gutsolution.ca   https://www.instagram.com/joshdech.health/       For more information about Michelle, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com   Click here to get free access to the first chapter in The Way of Fertility Book! https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility   The Wholesome FertilityFacebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/   Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/           Transcript:   Michelle (00:00) Welcome to the podcast, Josh.   Josh Dech - CHN (00:02) A pleasure to be here, Michelle. Thanks for having me on board.   Michelle (00:05) Yeah, I'm very excited to pick your brain. We just had a little pre -talk. I'm excited to really get into all the details of the gut nowadays we're starting to see just how impactful it is, but not just for digestion, which is like most of the time when you hear about gut, you think, okay, how's my digestion?   It's about everything. It's kind of like the center of everything. It impacts fertility.   But before we get into that, I'd love for you to share how you got into this work.   Josh Dech - CHN (00:36) I'd love to. Sure. You know, I think my entire career, I often like to describe it as a series of accidents just pushing me into one direction or another. And I used to be a paramedic and I loved it. You know, I love being in healthcare, but it wasn't very long until I realized it was actually sick care. It wasn't what I wanted to actually be doing. You know, I picked the same people up for the same things. Maybe 20 % of your calls were actually trauma, like car accidents and stuff like that. The other 80 plus percent was medical.   So we're talking people coming in for the same issues, heart issues, diabetic issues, strokes, very preventable things. Almost 99 % of them would be preventable through just simple lifestyle, nutrition and basic changes. And, you know, I ended up leaving that career after a short little stint and got into personal training in my early twenties. And that was more what I wanted to do. And I was a woman who came to see me at age 57, right at the beginning. And this is, this story is just, it'll knock your socks off because it really shows you what's possible.   So she's 57 years old. She came to see me. She was on 17 pills and a shot of insulin for breakfast. She had nine more pills and insulin for bedtime. So we're talking 26 pills a day, two shots of insulin. She had CPAP machine to sleep. She had high blood pressure. She was on disability at work as well on the list. So 27 floors up, but there was a fire. She had to stand there and wait for someone to come get her because she couldn't physically take the stairs. And that was the state of her health at 57. And so here we are two years later, she's 59 years old now.   Michelle (01:54) my God, wow.   Josh Dech - CHN (02:02) She's off all but two medications, no longer needs CPAP. She's no longer on disability, high blood pressure gone, it's totally normalized. Even her eyesight improved. She got her glasses prescription downgraded. And now he or she is 59 years old, Michelle, it gets even better. I told you, knock your socks off. We entered into her first weightlifting competition and she broke a world record in the raw power lifting federation in Canada at 59 from previously being on disability. And this is the power.   Michelle (02:14) Wow.   Yeah   Josh Dech - CHN (02:30) really truly the human body to go from 26 pills and insulin and disability to breaking world records right till she was in her mid 60s 62 63 when she retired from weightlifting but that's what the body can do it's consistently all the time it is working to heal you to improve you to rebuild you to build you stronger yet somehow we find ourselves continually going back the other way i'm getting it must be because i'm older it must be because you know i'm just getting sick it must be just genetic it must be this must be that   She was told all of her shit was genetic. None of it was. Her body was trying to heal her but it wasn't given the tools conditions and circumstances to do so until it was and then it did. And this is the power of we'll say holistic health is a super broad overarching spectrum but dealing with basics of nutrition and gut health and wellness at its root we can see that the body is so capable of healing itself and it's the most important thing you could ever do is give your body what it needs.   Michelle (03:01) Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (03:29) That's sort of how we got here.   Michelle (03:29) That is so powerful. Yeah, I that's so powerful because I, well, I think that the big thing that really gets in the way is kind of how we view our bodies or how we're taught to view our bodies. I want to say that we're conditioned to view our bodies because I think on an innate level, we do know that we can heal ourselves.   There's definitely like an innate knowing that you have and intelligence that you connect with with your body. But most people do not know based on how we're educated that their body can heal itself and that there is a choice outside of the 26 pills.   Josh Dech - CHN (04:02) Yes.   Yeah, right now you've been told there's nothing you can do right now you've been told your issues are genetic right now you've been told your only hope is medications to manage the symptoms there's nothing that can be done. But we need to understand as I learned throughout my career going back to school now specializing in gut diseases. Our guts really are at the epicenter of most of these things. And once you understand how it works, how it's connected, and how it's responsible for every aspect of your well being.   I argue sometimes that it well may be more important than our DNA. And once we can understand this concept, then we can start to look outside of what we think we already know, what we've been told. It unlocks a whole new, a whole new world for you. I'm singing a lot of it in my head now, a whole new world, but it opens all this stuff up for you. And then everything is possible. Everything you've been told becomes something of the past. Your whole paradigm begins to shift. And finally, you can look at yourself and go, wait a minute.   Michelle (04:37) You   Josh Dech - CHN (05:03) wait a minute, there, I don't have to be on these medications. I don't have to just deal with this. I don't have to just live with this because my body is trying to heal me. What is it trying to heal me from? And then you start unraveling. That's the thread that pulls apart the whole sweater.   Michelle (05:17) Yeah. And also inflammation is kind of at the heart of this because I know that it can impact so many things. know for fertility, it can impact your uterine lining. It can impact egg quality. it's very much linked with things like endometriosis. I mean, there's so many things and it just goes on and on and on. So let's talk about inflammation because that's really at the heart of all of this. Like when you address the gut health,   actually addressing inflammation. So talk about that. Talk about the Western approach to that and how you see inflammation occurring in the body.   Josh Dech - CHN (05:55) Yeah. Inflammation is always a reaction. Your body is healing you from something. And in the Westernized world, here's what I'll say. Imagine you're out going for a walk and you step on a nail and the nail goes right through your foot and you go into your doctor. The doctor looks at that nail and goes, wow, it is really swollen, really inflamed, but it's kind of just part of your body. Now there's nothing we can do about it. So what we're going to do is give you numbing cream for the pain. And if it gets infected, we can manage that as things get worse.   In worst case scenario, we'll just cut your foot off. That's absurd. may, you'd lose it. You slap the doctor, but here we are, we're going in and you got say a gut disease where I specialize like Crohn's, colitis and other gut disease. You go into your doctor, they go, wow, that inflammation is really bad. It's just genetic. It's part of your body. There's nothing we can do. We're going to manage it with quote numbing cream. So medication, anti -inflammatories. And when you get infected, we'll treat it as it comes up. And if worst case scenario, we'll just cut the organ out.   You should be slapping your doctor just like you would if it were your foot because it makes no sense. Inflammation, the very fundamentals of it is your body healing you from something. So let's apply this to Crohn's and colitis, right? Where I specialize is Crohn's, colitis and severe IBS. People are told it's genetic, it's autoimmune, there's nothing you can do. It is what it is. well, it will manage it or hopefully not cut out your bowels. Looking at this, it's not just genetic. It's not just autoimmune. It's not just unknown.   And I can break those down in about two minutes there, Michelle, really for you to basically, those are the three legs that Western medicine stands on to say you have to medicate it. I can break those with their own data and say it doesn't make any sense. But the idea being these inflammatory conditions we're told we're stuck with, yet we can reverse them 99 % of the time to full healing. Inflammation is your body healing you. We have to ask what is it healing you from?   So in the case of your intestines, they will, it's autoimmune and genetic, it's attacking your own body. Well, what if, what if your body is attacking something like your microbiome and your own tissues are caught in the crossfire, right? You get a nail in your foot, your body's not attacking your foot. That's not why you're inflamed. It's creating white blood cells or immune activity in response to attack the nail that's in your foot.   Michelle (07:50) Mm   Mmm.   Josh Dech - CHN (08:13) We don't question that. go, obviously it's infected. There's something that's wrong. When we get a condition like Crohn's or colitis or some other inflammatory condition, we go, it's attacking me. That doesn't make any sense at all.   Michelle (08:13) Mm   That's so interesting. So how do you see that specifically Crohn's is it the gut microbiome imbalance that's causing all of this? I think it's fascinating that you're saying this because I always talk about like symptoms being your friend. And it's actually just one of the intelligent aspects of your body to give you the alarm, to give you a heads up. Hey, pay attention.   Josh Dech - CHN (08:36) Yeah.   Mm   Michelle (08:52) So it is really fascinating to look at it that way rather than a nuisance.   Josh Dech - CHN (08:52) Yeah.   Yeah, I see it cascading down as a few different things. So number one, we all have dysbiosis now. Dysbiosis just means an imbalance in bacteria. But we know through the work of someone like Justin Sonnenberg that we can see what's called inherited dysbiosis. Our microbiomes are passed down from our mothers and her grandmother and her great, great grandmother before that. We get these dysbiotic states handed down and the more toxic our world gets them, the the dysbiosis becomes.   Michelle (09:06) Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (09:26) So think of it this way, Michelle, great, great grandmother, we'll just round number just to visualize easier. Say they have a thousand microbes. Great grandmother gives birth to your great grandmother, who's given 800, who gives birth to your grandmother, who gets six, to your mother, who gets 400, to you, who gets 200 microbes. You now have inherited dysbiosis. Of course your gut's getting worse, which explains the rise of gut disease we've seen over the last...   50 to 75 years, we've seen these numbers compounding gut disease getting worse in the 1950s, Crohn's and colitis. There was about, I think it was maybe five or 10 in 100 ,000 people had this disease. To the 1970s, you're now 25 to 40 in 100 ,000 who have the disease. 1990s, you're about 150. And now today, it's 456. Almost 5 % of people now have bowel disease in North America.   And so what we're seeing now is this continual growth from like whatever it was, 0 .0005 % to 5 % growth in bowel disease is because great great grandmother had a thousand, now you've got 200. This is inherited dysbiosis. And there's a direct correlation to the amount of pesticides we use, to the chemicals we put on our food, to everything. And now what happens, this dysbiosis, this is the moat around the castle. This keeps the bad guys out.   Michelle (10:39) Mm -hmm. Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (10:49) This is your defense mechanism. 90 % of your immune system is made there, or 70 to 90%, I should say, up to 90 % of your neurotransmitters, what your brain needs, all these leaks that happen in the gut when we're inflamed, it opens up the door for toxins to travel anywhere in the body through your lymphatic system or your bloodstream. And so we have our defenses lowered from 1 ,000 to 200, say. We don't have the same robustness to our body.   Michelle (10:54) Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (11:16) which means other invaders, mode is empty, invaders can enter the castle. So now we've got three big issues that really are the roots of bowel disease. Number one is going to be microbial imbalances. So this is that dysbiosis we inherited, which lets in overgrowth of fungus, which should be in our gut, but in smaller levels it overgrows. We see overgrowth of E. coli, a big one I see. Michelle has parasites. I'm talking three, four foot worms coming out of people, which yeah, which.   Michelle (11:20) Hmm.   Mm God.   Josh Dech - CHN (11:45) has never been detected and will never be seen on your blood work from your doctor. So we see microbial imbalances. We also see toxins which contribute to this number of 200. So pesticides in 1990, right, we had let's go back to the 50s. We talked about say five or 10 in 100 ,000 to 1990 where it was about 150 to today where it's almost 456 per hundred thousand people with bowel disease. In the 1950s there was a handful of pesticides for use.   1990s it was 700 to 900, today it's 18 to 20 ,000 different pesticides approved for use in North America. And so this is a direct correlation, also looking at processed foods and packaged foods and seed oil consumption, the decrease in natural foods like eggs and animal fats, the increase in these artificial foods that we're now taking in. I'm not even arguing are animal fats good or bad for your heart, what I'm saying is we've eaten less of them than ever before and have more diseases than ever before.   Michelle (12:39) Mm -hmm. Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (12:41) And so we have to look at these correlations and go, wait a minute, something is up. Now I'm a big fan of red meat and fatty tissues. I eat a lot of fat and a lot of meat and my body's amazing, my blood is great, right? But this is what we see, microbial imbalances, toxicity from foods, from the environment, from other places. And then we have again, a dietary nutrient deficiency. So diets, 60 to 80 % of the standard American diet is processed, refined. comes from a bag, a freezer, a box or a drive -through.   We have nutrients in our soil. Back in 2008, there was a study from the University of Texas who estimated you need eight oranges today to get the same level of nutrition that your great great grandmother would have out of one single orange due to tilling of the soil, the pesticides, right? Modern farming. So we have dysbiosis, which leads to toxins coming out or your toxins contribute to this as well. We have nutrient deficiencies because our food is more fake.   Michelle (13:22) Yeah, crazy.   Josh Dech - CHN (13:36) And then we have microbial imbalances overgrowing. No wonder your body's throwing a fit. Because since the beginning of time, whether you believe it was 5 ,000 years or 500 billion years, since the beginning of time, we've never had these issues. In fact, still today, the further away you go from the Western world, where we're eating all this food and covered in these toxins and these chemicals, the further away you go, the less disease you see. There's a direct correlation to living back naturally. Hunter gatherer tribes, they're like, what is infertility?   What do mean back pain? what are arthritis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes. What are those? They don't skin issues, acne. These are things we call normal. They've never seen it before. And this is why this is how we get disease. Yeah.   Michelle (14:16) Yeah.   That is so crazy. I mean, it's really crazy. It's crazy to think about and it's crazy that this is acceptable and that there's no regulation and nobody's really protecting the health of the people. mean, enough is enough. Like it's just so frustrating because we, because people know that it's bad. They know it and they do it anyway. And, and in many countries, many of these pesticides are banned and they know that it can impact fertility. Now they're linking a lot of them.   Josh Dech - CHN (14:33) I hear you.   Michelle (14:50) So it's so frustrating. It's so frustrating for me to see my patients having to climb an uphill battle just so that they can protect their reproductive health. Like it's just crazy. And also it's interesting that you were talking about how the dysbiosis has passed on from situations or conditions such as Crohn's disease.   Josh Dech - CHN (15:03) Yeah.   Michelle (15:15) And it's interesting because like people would say, it's inherited, it's DNA. You would think that it's kind of the DNA, but it's actually, you're saying that it's the dysbiosis that's being passed on. I'm sure there's some level of DNA, like susceptibility as well, but that's kind of an interesting take or an understanding of it because you're like, okay, like that's not something that people thought about. And we know very well.   Josh Dech - CHN (15:33) sure.   Well, I'd love to...   Michelle (15:43) that the mother passes on her microbiome to the baby.   Josh Dech - CHN (15:48) She does. Yeah. I'd love to break those three things for you I could Michelle and just a matter of minutes. You know, we look at IBD Crohn's colitis. It's just genetic. It's autoimmune or there's no known cause. Well, we just talked about number one. These are the three pillars that stands on for your doctor to say it's meds for life or surgery. That's what they have.   Michelle (16:06) So you're saying this is the perspective of medicine, what you just said. Yeah. Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (16:11) Yeah, sorry, let me clarify. So if you've been diagnosed with Crohn's colitis or even IBS, you've been told it's genetic or it's an autoimmune condition or there's no known cause. That's what your doctors told you to date. And they say your best bet is medication or surgery. That's your only hope. What I'm saying is none of that makes sense. And I'll tell you why idiopathic means no known cause. We just talked about seven different causes inherited dysbiosis increase in toxins and chemicals. The last hundred years we've had   80 to 100 ,000 new chemicals added to our lives, most of them in our food. And so what you put in your gut, you're going to tell me doesn't affect my gut. That's nonsense. That's number one. So there has to be a cause because we've seen cases, even looking at the data per CDC, about 3 million cases worldwide in 1990. Today it's seven to 8 million. So cases have doubled, almost tripled in the last 30 years. So there has to be a cause. So it can't be unknown. Like they say it is number two.   Michelle (17:08) Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (17:11) They say that it's just genetic. Well, 50 % of those seven or eight million cases, North America is less than 5 % of the population. They have 50 to 60 % of all the world's cases of bowel diseases. So when 5 % has 50 % in the last 30 years where it's blown up, it cannot just be genetic. That would take thousands of years and most of those things weed themselves out of the gene pool. The last one is it's autoimmune.   Well, looking at the actual antibodies per studies, the ones that we see, even like P. Anka, we call it. This one, 70 % of those with ulcerative colitis will have this antibody. Well, it can be caused by mesalamine, a drug they use to treat Crohn's colitis, by stress, by fungal infections, by other bacterial overgrows, antibiotics. These antibodies, only 40 to 60 % have any antibodies at all. And the ones that do,   can be very well explained by nearly anything else that can go on inside the body, such as dysbiosis states, parasites, infections, antibiotic use, the very drugs in Miran, azathioprine, the ones they use to treat Crohn's and colitis can cause these antibodies. So it can't be autoimmune. And even if it was truly autoimmune, at least 50 % don't have any antibodies at all, but you're treating it like it's autoimmune. So the three pillars they have to stand on, Michelle, to say you need drugs for the rest of your life.   Michelle (18:23) Wow.   Josh Dech - CHN (18:34) There's no hope for you. Your life is basically ruined. It's management or we cut the organs out. None of it makes any sense by their own data. And this, this little perspective shift changes everything.   Michelle (18:41) No.   My God, this is so important. It's so important that people hear this because I think that we just take it for what it is for truth, absolute truth. When we go and I've had, I've had the same situation for my irregular periods, but you know, it could be anything. And then you're going and you get an answer that, you know, just doesn't seem to feel right. And you talk about the possibility to cure diseases. Can all diseases be cured?   Josh Dech - CHN (19:12) Yeah, it's really interesting because I like to throw that question out there because the word cure is sort of a dirty word in the Western world. It's not something they are. And most doctors are because it's a huge claim to make. I cannot legally in my practice, because I'm not a medical doctor, right? I work with doctors, I'm a physician's consultant, and that's all great, but I'm not a doctor. I cannot legally use the words cure, treat, or heal in the context of what I do. But what I can say is this.   Michelle (19:20) Yeah, people are afraid of it. Yeah. Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (19:43) I believe all diseases have a root. Disease is not innate to your biology or DNA. We even talk about genetics, right? Let's go back to the genetic weak link of bowel disease. Sure, you get five people in a room, Michelle, you expose everybody to mold. One gets really bad periods. One gets Crohn's or colitis. One gets asthma. One gets Parkinson's disease. Another one gets nothing. Because when your genes are exposed, say dysbiosis, it puts stress on the genetic links, the genetic chain.   When you're toxic or infected, it puts stress. There's a study called neutrogenomics, which is nutrients and genetics and their correlation and reactions together were depleted. So these genes are getting stretched and pulled on the chain. The weak link is the one that snaps first. So there's no doubt there's a genetic component to bowel disease or what you're dealing with, but there are things that are stressing that chain. If you can pull down the stress and give your body what it needs to simply function normally, you're going to be just fine.   Michelle (20:28) Mm.   Josh Dech - CHN (20:42) Your body's gonna do what it has to do. It's gonna heal itself. And these quote genetic conditions sort of just go away because they were never really genetic. It was just exploiting what may have been a weak link. You go, well, I had my gene tested. I've got the MTHFR, so I can't methylate. I can't do this. Every form of natural nutrients that comes from the soil, that comes from animal meat, that comes from the earth in any way, your body will use a methylate.   It's all the artificial or fortified versions. It's the folic acid. They spray on the grains and crops. It's not the actual nutrients from earth. It's the artificial stuff you can't use. So don't beat yourself up about it. Just grow your own food.   Michelle (21:11) Mm -hmm. Right. Correct. Yeah.   Ooh, I love that. It's so true and it's so nice to hear it put in that way for people listening to this that's a huge issue for a lot of people trying to conceive because for so long, they've been having folic acid and also if they're eating grains, even if they don't want folic acid, it's kind of like shoved in our faces. So we're forced to eat it. Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (21:41) Yes, and folic acid is basically poison. I mean, we know, right? Tested like MTHFR, popularized gene, there's a snip in there, changes your morphology, how your genes will activate. 44 % cannot use folic acid, but doctors give folic acid to 100 % of women who are pregnant. Why? If you can't use the folic acid, it actually can cause blood pressure issues. It can cause all kinds of issues, cognitive impairment, anxiety, depressive issues, gut issues.   Michelle (22:02) Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (22:10) probably fertility issues, right? I can't speak to that one specifically, but I would guess through the chain of events. Well, there you go. So you're being given a drug that almost 50 % of the population can't, I call it a drug because it's artificial, that you cannot use that can cause other health complications. Well, no wonder you have gestational diabetes. No wonder you have hypertension. No wonder you have these, you know, prenatal conditions. The Western world treats pregnancy like a disease state. You are sick. We have to treat you, but it's not.   Michelle (22:14) Yeah, yeah, it does. For some people, yeah.   Yeah.   Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (22:40) In the inflammatory markers you get from pregnancy, all these different things, they're actually normal and they're actually a biological beneficial process, which is also connected to your gut, oddly enough.   Michelle (22:52) Everything's connected to your gut. So talk to us. It really is. The more I do this, the more I realize this. It's kind of like just everything's the center. Even Chinese medicine, the spleen and stomach are the digestive couple. And every couple, there's like a yin and yang pair of organs. Every one of them has a different direction. The spleen and stomach is the center. It's kind of like where everything comes from.   Josh Dech - CHN (22:54) All of it.   Mm   Michelle (23:20) So it really is so important and that's, it really comes down to your gut health. So talk to us about like what people can do and really how like kind of take us through like the inflammatory process or the anti -inflammatory approach to your gut.   Josh Dech - CHN (23:38) Yeah, first thing is we just have to remove the nail. That's it. You know, your body is reacting to so much and I describe it like this. Picture your body's like a cup of water. I I got a cup of water next to me here. So picture this cup gets full and fuller and fuller. As the cup starts to fill up, you start to develop symptoms. I'm having menstrual issues. I'm having PMS. I'm having some infertility. I'm having some skin issues. I'm not sleeping. I'm having anxiety, depression, gut issues, et cetera. These are the symptoms you develop.   Michelle (23:41) Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (24:07) Now when that cup finally overflows, you now go into your doctor and they say, you have this disease. Cause they're looking at everything that's gotten wet. go, yep, this is just a condition you have. The floor is wetiosis. All right. And they go, this is just what it is. We don't look at what led to it. We don't look at what contributed instead. We go, yep, it's just part of your disease process. It's part of your body. Here's some management for your symptoms. This is numbing cream on the foot. That's what it is. Rather than taking the nail out.   Michelle (24:07) Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (24:35) And so we're looking at disease, understand something's filling your cup. And this is how we can begin reversing it. Number one, we have to look at one, what is filling the cup? So this is going to go back to your environment, back to your gut, your microbes, that when the defenses came down, the moat was empty. What came into the castle? That's number one. Number two, how do we drain the body? Cause everyone talks about detoxing. You'll hear 10 day detox, seven day detox, 24 hour detox is always something to sensationalize. But there's all these detoxes.   Michelle (25:01) Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (25:04) Yes, your body is detoxing constantly on its own and yes, sometimes it can use some support. There's a good reason for that. But something we often miss is called drainage. Detoxing is gathering the trash. Drainage is bringing it out to the curb. So yes, your liver, your kidneys, your bile ducts are one that most people miss, gallbladder and bile ducts. That's one of the most crucial parts of healing and inflammation. We have to look at your skin, your sinuses, your lungs.   Michelle (25:19) Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (25:31) Lymphatics, even your blood, these are all drainage or detox pathways. They help move and transport and organize toxins, but also get them out of the body. So sinuses, skin, lymphatics, et cetera. This is drainage. If we don't have this properly supported, I don't care how many parasite protocols you take or antifungal meds you take or how many detoxes you do. If it's not getting out of the body, it's just moving or it's still collecting. And so it's continuing to fill your glass. Right?   Michelle (25:56) Right.   Josh Dech - CHN (25:58) Your doctor looks at all the things filling up your glass. They don't use it to figure out what's happening or what's causing it. They use it, what's called diagnostic criteria. So they are looking simply to check the symptoms, do their tests in order to meet what fits this box. Once you have enough checks to color in this box, we then can give you these drugs in this order. If they don't work, snip, snip, here's your surgery. And the idea is again, disease is innate.   Michelle (26:23) Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (26:25) You just have these symptoms, therefore you just have this condition. There's nothing we can do. And here's how we'll manage. Rather than looking at your symptoms that led to the disease in reverse engineering the process, what is filling your glass and preventing it from emptying? If Western medicine did that, they'd be bankrupt, which is probably why they don't. Because you're talking the three biggest industries, Michelle, in North America are healthcare, so hospitalization, health insurance, and pharmaceuticals.   It makes up 18 % of the entire US GDP. So 18 % of the entire income of the United States of America is healthcare. Yet they are the sickest country on earth. Six out of 10 adults have some kind of chronic illness or chronic inflammatory condition. Six out of 10, it's $4 .7 trillion a year to manage disease. It'd probably be more like 50 to 100 billion. So pennies on the dollar really, if you actually cured everything.   So there is a huge financial incentive to not actually hear anybody. That's messed up.   Michelle (27:26) That's so crazy. I mean, I think it's so messed up. I mean, it's really messed up. think a lot of people know this and there's definitely a lot of money moving around between the food industry and the pharmaceuticals, which I mean, you know, like why.   Josh Dech - CHN (27:44) Yeah, yeah. You get a CEO who goes from Bayer Monsanto, who by the way, just paid out $11 billion with a B, $11 billion in lawsuits because their glyphosate product caused so many cases of cancer. There's over a hundred thousand lawsuits pending. They paid it over 11 billion with another 30 to 40 ,000 lawsuits still pending. And guess what? They're still allowed to use the product. Even though it's been proven hundreds of thousands of times to cause cancer and other dangers.   because super unethical, we live in a horribly unethical system based on lobbying. Get one more for you. There's a chemical called chlorpyrifos. It's an organophosphate. Organophosphates are nerve agents. If you've ever heard of sarin gas, for example, used in the Tokyo subway attacks in the eighties in Syria against the Halabja people, it's a nerve agent. It is a toxin, organophosphates, particularly sarin gas.   Michelle (28:15) It's so unethical.   Yeah.   Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (28:41) Well, there's 800 plus organophosphates of the same class, these nerve agents that are used on our food. One recently was re -approved for use called chlorpyrifos just back in November 23 or December 23, was re -approved for use. Well, this was being explored in the 1930s and 40s by Nazi scientists as chemical warfare on humans, but they put it in our food. Then you get people going, well, the poison makes the dose. Okay, I get that. Yeah, if it was.   Michelle (28:47) Mm   man.   Josh Dech - CHN (29:09) microns of chlorpyrifos, your body would get rid of it. But we got over a billion pounds of chemicals every year on our food that we consume. We've actually consumed now four times more pesticides per person than we used to in the 90s, because there's so many more of them. The poison that know, the dose makes the poison. Yes. But we've also 17 times our dose, of course, we're so toxic, of course, everyone's poisoned. And so these are the things we have to consider.   Michelle (29:34) Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (29:37) But circling back, these are the toxins contributing to your glass filling up. So you want to empty the bathtub, turn off the tap, right? So let's put a hole in the toxins. Simple as the clean 15 and dirty dozen list from the EWG, Environmental Working Group. Go organic where you can, or just don't buy it, right? There's a lot of other ways. It doesn't have to have the organic label. I don't buy all organic. There's a farmer's marketing in my house.   Michelle (29:45) Yeah.   Right.   Josh Dech - CHN (30:02) And I talked to the farmers, they do one fungicide spray at beginning of the year on the ground, and then all their crops grow. That is a risk reward ratio I'm willing to accept. It's the same price, but there's one spray instead of the average strawberry has like 12 pesticides on it. And so that's what I'm willing to accept for myself. And I will adapt to the rest. And so turn off the tap, start changing out the toxic environment, start making some of these better modifications. One of the top toxins or pollutants for humans is actually recirculated indoor air. Open your windows.   Michelle (30:03) Mm   Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (30:32) Just where you can, open them up, let some fresh air come in. And this we can start, this is turning off the tap. Then we can open our drainage and detox pathways. And then we can begin removing the invaders that came into the castle. And then we can begin repairing and rebuilding the walls and everything that was destroyed after these invaders came in. That's sort of the process affectionately typically referred to as the five Rs. There's sort of an acronym we can use in there for that, but that's the idea.   Michelle (30:33) Hmm, yeah.   Yeah. And a lot of people just say, then I'll just get probiotics. But then I, I'm learning, you know, that not are created equal. So I wanted to get your thoughts on that. Like I just, the different types of probiotics, everything comes out. Another company says, ours is special because of this, that, and the other. Then there's a spore based probiotics, which are more likely to survive our entire tract. So.   Josh Dech - CHN (31:04) Mm.   Yes.   Michelle (31:26) I'd love to pick your brain on that.   Josh Dech - CHN (31:29) I'd love to sure. So spore based probiotics, they're more like seeds, and they're typically coded to get to the large intestine. This is where 90 % of your intestinal bacteria actually live is in the large intestine right where it connects to the small intestine and that whole area there. That's where most of them live. And so the spores will get there the like seeds that plant and grow trees that bear fruit. We have other probiotics, which you're right, not all are made equally, a lot of them will come in, they're dead, but you still can get benefits. If you think about   Let's go to pro, pre and post biotics, right? The three things I think we often get mixed up. I think of it like fish in a fish bowl. Probiotics are the fish, the living organism that swim around in the bowl. Prebiotics are fish food and postbiotics are what the fish poop out. If you look at your bacteria the same, they're your fish in your fish bowl, the living organisms, the probiotics are the fish. This is what moves around and engages with your body. They do so much for you. They produce vitamins and minerals and nutrients.   Michelle (32:04) Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm.   Josh Dech - CHN (32:28) help balance hormones and detoxify and help with your immune system. They do all kinds of great things, mostly through how they signal to the body. But then your prebiotics are what they eat. So this is going to be your fibers, it's going to be your carbs and starches, some proteins, there's going to be some things that they will consume, which creates the post biotics your body likes, the short chain fatty acids and minerals or the vitamins and all these things. And so we consume probiotics, a lot of them we eat are dead.   So you're still getting the postbiotic or the bacterial poop, if you will, of all the benefits, which come in, come out in a couple of days. It might be very short term and they're kind of out the door, but along the way they can have a lot of really good beneficial signaling to the body, to the immune system. It's like a radio signal. They come in and out beep, beep, beep, beep, they send signals back and forth. Your body makes changes. On the other hand, what a lot of people don't recognize is maybe if you have a condition like SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth,   Michelle (33:00) Mm   Mm -hmm.   Josh Dech - CHN (33:25) you have a bacterial overgrowth. Sometimes adding probiotics in, there are classes of bacteriums called bacteriocins, which will kill bacteria. So they might be beneficial in SIBO. For example, lactobacillus reuteri or rooteri, call it tomato tomata. But this one can act as a bacteriocin has been shown in clinical to be beneficial in a lot of cases for SIBO to reduce the bacteria. On the other hand, some might contribute to the problem. I had a client with parasites.   Michelle (33:42) Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (33:55) And she was consuming a lot of probiotics, which were higher in histamines, which contribute to the issue because parasites also can create histamine issues. Even bone broth was bad for her gut because it's high in histamine. And so it made her issues worse. so considering we got probably a thousand, maybe 2000 species, seven to 9 ,000 strains of bacteria makes 15 to 20 million different bacteria. In fact, there's a hundred, think it's 130 times more DNA in your gut bacteria.   Michelle (34:07) Mm -hmm, right.   Josh Dech - CHN (34:25) than you actually have in the rest of your body. 23 ,000 genes or so in your human genome, 3 million genes inside of your bacteria. So you take this handful of probiotics out of 3 million different genetic strains, it's like a grain of sand on a beach. It may help, it may not. I wouldn't rely on them as a fix all. And there's a lot of ways in there where you can actually cause more problems. You could put black sand on a white beach and you're gonna notice it until it gets mixed in and disperses enough. It can create a problem. And so we have to really   Michelle (34:39) Yeah, yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (34:54) keep an eye on what we're putting into our body. I think throwing probiotics in sort of willy -nilly can lead to a lot of issues.   Michelle (35:02) Yeah. What about a Sporebase, which are better for SIBO? What are your thoughts on that?   Josh Dech - CHN (35:07) Well, spore based, see they're better for SIBO. I've heard that as well. I think my initial thought is look, they get to the large intestine, less so the small intestine. So we're not contributing to the small intestinal issues. But one of the contributors I do see of SIBO, for example, would be parasites. They tend to hang in the bile ducts, like we talked about there, the all important drainage pathways in the liver of the appendix and what's called the ileocecal valve. So right where your small and large intestine will actually connect.   Michelle (35:16) Mm   Mm   Mm -hmm.   Josh Dech - CHN (35:37) Parasites can hang out in these issues actually messing with your valves. So even if you have spores going into the large intestine, they can still backflow because the valves will say are broken or jacked up can get into the small intestine. And a lot of SIBO conditions are fecal microbes. So large bowel microbes getting into the small intestine where they should not be. And these areas can cause a lot of problems now too. So I don't know if I'd say they're better for or maybe just less bad then, but maybe it can contribute to the problem. It's hard to say.   Michelle (35:40) Mm.   Mm -hmm.   Mm -hmm. Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (36:07) But ultimately, know, SIBO is a really nasty condition to have to deal with, but I've seen it as one of the roots that can develop into Crohn's or colitis as well, other bowel diseases.   Michelle (36:17) Wow. And what about parasites? So what are some of the things that you can do to, because a lot of times you won't see that in like more generic tests.   Josh Dech - CHN (36:27) Yeah, they're very difficult to detect parasites. Even some of the best testing you'll get for stool testing, you're 40 % accurate unless you're finding ovum, live worms or protozoa eggs, et cetera. You know, there's about a million different types of parasites estimated that are available on planet earth. About 1400 can infect humans and you know, it's like, well, I've taken ivermectin or I've taken babendazole or fembendazole some kind of Zol, which is supposed to be good for parasites and they can be.   Michelle (36:35) Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (36:55) But of the 1400 types, you might not be targeting more than three or four. And again, if your drainage pathways aren't open, you're not really going to be successfully clearing stuff. And so we're looking at parasites. say testing is relatively inaccurate. We have to go by symptoms and even blood, blood chemistry. It's not something I'm an expert in, but I do know people who are very proficient in what's called functional blood chemistry. Well, they'll look at your blood work and go, definitely you have a parasite and here's where I think it is or what type I think it is, which   To me is like wizardry. I just have no idea. I'm not that good at blood work, but it's really amazing art. so testing is not amazing for them. Most doctors believe parasites are a third world problem because that's what they were told 20 years ago in med school. But look what we have, the level of immigration we have, the level of import export we have, the level of accessibility for traveling all around the world that we have. Maybe if they used to be, but they're everywhere now to the point where if you've got a pulse, you probably got a parasite.   Michelle (37:32) Mm   Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (37:51) The question is, it causing you a problem right now or not? Because parasites, fungi, bacteria, viruses, they all live in harmony in a healthy gut. With great great grandmothers, 1000 microbes. But now we've got 200 microbes, this dysbiotic state, these opportunistic parasites or fungi or bacteria now overgrow because they have the room to do so. Nothing's keeping them in check. And now they're a problem. So this isn't to say parasites are all bad. Sometimes they're very, very good.   Michelle (38:19) Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm.   Josh Dech - CHN (38:21) but they're now becoming problematic because we're all so sick.   Michelle (38:24) So what do you do and what are some of the symptoms that people can have?   Josh Dech - CHN (38:28) so many. So we look at parasites, again, going through symptomatology, I like that we bring this through, because symptoms often speak louder than testing. That's something you have to keep in mind. Again, a parasite test at 40 % accuracy can come back negative 10 times in a row. So we have to look at, you know, abdominal pain. Do you have pain when you palpate or press around the liver, the gallbladder? Do you have all your organs? So looking at tonsils, appendix, gallbladder, if you've lost those, there may be a parasite route.   Michelle (38:38) Mm   Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (38:58) back pain, hip pain, like joint pains, seasonal allergies or other allergies that seem to come up. If you have gut issues and gut symptoms, for example, that may be come and go. So every couple of weeks up and then they're down or seasonally, for example, this could be parasites due to their life cycles, high cholesterol or liver enzymes that are elevated, frequent sinus infections, anemia, because parasites will actually eat iron. They can eat   like lungs, liver, kidneys, they can eat iron, they can eat lymphatic fluids if you've got lymphatic issues, mumps chronically, tonsillitis chronically, these can be parasitic issues in nature. Even infertility. Parasites love especially female reproductive organs. So PCOS can sometimes be a parasitic issue at the root or a metabolic issue which may have a parasitic component because parasites can get to these areas in your body.   actually encapsulate them in a cyst or a tumor, hence cancers, which is actually a protective mechanism or thought to be protective, where it's trying to enclose these things in rather than DNA mutating and causing a problem. We can have anxiety, depression, hair loss, early hair loss, liver enzymes are elevated, think I mentioned that, psoriasis, eczema, really classic symptoms, rashes and hives, that's just a handful. There's probably 50 or 60 symptoms that could be parasites.   but we have to go back to context. You know, have rashes and hives, okay, well could be something else. There could be parasites. Let's look at the rest of the symptoms. I'm not saying if you have one of these things or all these things, I mean, if you have all these things, probably parasites, but if you just have a few, it could be something else, but I wouldn't rule parasites out.   Michelle (40:34) Mm   And what do you usually do to treat them?   Josh Dech - CHN (40:43) Great question. This is something that can be very finicky. Again, a lot of people I talk to, you're hearing this going, I've taken a parasite protocol, I've done a cleanse, it didn't help. You're trying to evict tenants from the building. Are the doors unlocked? And so if you're trying to get rid of parasites, is your drainage open? So we have to work on drainage support. What we do with clients, it's a combination of a lot of things. There's supplementation, there's nutritional, there's lifestyle. Sometimes it's a combination of acupuncture enemas, like coffee enemas.   Michelle (40:57) Mm   Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (41:13) There's a lot of different things we can utilize the open drainage pathways, but everyone's different. And it's something that it really should be done on a supervision. I know you're hearing this right now. Go, I can do that. I can do acupuncture might help you. It might not. It is, but I don't want you putting yourself in the hospital. I have to say that because we can move too many toxins too quickly. You can actually create a commonly known Herc's Heimer reaction, Herc's H -R -X. And this Herc's Heimer reaction is just   Michelle (41:13) Mm   Mm   Yeah, that's important.   Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (41:41) Basically, you're taking too many toxins, you're mobilizing them and your body can't get rid of them properly and you're making yourself very ill. So this is definitely a professional supervision issue, but these are things we can do. So number one is drainage in tandem with or post actually getting rid of or reducing your toxic loads for no longer, right? Turn off the tap. We have to open the drainage pathway so things can get out. We have to begin removing very systematically the problem. I've got clients say 10 of them who are taking the exact same parasite protocol for parasites.   Michelle (41:45) Mm -hmm. Yeah. Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (42:11) but what they're actually doing is that they're taking them 10 different ways, right? Some of them are tapering in one day on, seven off, one day on, six off, one and five. Some are doing full moon protocol. Some are high dose, some are low. Some are cycling through. Some are consistent dosing. Everyone's different based on their presentations and going the wrong way can make people very, very sick as well. So it's a bit of a tailored and catered process, but the gist would be drainage support.   antiparasitic, supporting what your body lacks or needs, mitochondrial support, so cellular health and cellular well -being, because that's really where drainage and detoxing starts, is at the cellular level, not the macro level so much. And this is sort of a brief overview of that might look like.   Michelle (42:55) So interesting. And another question that I have, a lot of times you'll hear about the keto diet and how I'm not big on fad diets in general, because it's like everything's customized, but you hear about the benefits for some people. The thing with that is that there's barely any fiber. It's really, really low in fiber. So I just wanted to get your take on that.   Josh Dech - CHN (43:05) Sure.   Sure. It was really interesting. Look at someone like Michaela Peterson, right? Does an amazing job with the lion diet, which is basically red meat, salt and water. I am not against it. I think it's a great therapeutic diet. I'm not sold entirely. I've met with some amazing carnivore doctors and specialists, but I will say I don't believe plants are inherently bad for humans. I do believe an animal based diet tends to be better, but the question has to be asked, is it the pesticides and the chemicals on our food that makes plants the problem?   Is it plants themselves? Is it the GMOs and the crops that never existed even 100 or 500 years ago that were not accustomed to eating? The arguments can be made for dairy, where humans have only really domesticated dairy animals for 10 to 15 ,000 years. So are we really adapted to eating dairy? Have we developed or evolved these enzymes and processes to properly assimilate dairy? So the argument about plants versus animal -based   I can put it on a very macro level without getting to the nitty gritty and say this. The bigger fish in the bowl, we talked about prebiotics, they eat fiber, right? The bigger fish in the fish bowl will eat first. If you have an overgrowth of bad bacterium, we'll say, we'll say opportunistic, they're causing you problems and they eat first, they poop out problematic things. So going to the lion diet, you're not gonna get nearly as many microbes eating meat, for example, as they would fibers or starches or sugars. So if you cut those things out right away,   you've reduced the poop or the byproducts, we call them endotoxins of these microbes by simply cutting fiber. And so you may be starving some out, you may be just not getting over gross, you may be no longer contributing to poisons or toxins so much. And there's two arguments to be made. Well, the beef or the animal might filter the toxins. The other argument is what's called bio magnification, which is where it condenses all these toxins in the tissues, which you then consume. But you can't argue with the data, millions of people.   Michelle (44:49) Mm   Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (45:15) all over the world go carnivore or keto and feel better. The question is, do I believe carbs are inherently bad for you? No. Do I believe they should be more sparingly? Yes, just simply biologically. but, but, but this is the big but, we have to understand that your current state of health and how it's utilizing what you're putting into it makes all the difference. You could put gasoline into a car and it's going to drive for miles. You put gasoline into a car that's on fire and it's going to make a bigger fire.   Michelle (45:19) Mm   Mm   Mm -hmm. Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (45:45) So it's not the fuel source necessarily that I believe is the problem as much as the body you're putting it into and what's going on on a microbial level.   Michelle (45:51) Yes. that's so important. And I think that, yeah, a lot of what you're saying is so important, but that's really the key crux of it is that your body and your body's condition and your snapshot in time at this moment has unique needs, even unique to five years ago, the same body, which actually it's a different body because the body changes all the time. So it is really important that you work with somebody.   Josh Dech - CHN (46:04) Yeah.   Michelle (46:17) and not do this at home on your own and not self -diagnose because it could be very tempting to do. This is great information, but just hold yourself back from self -diagnosing. Reach out to people like Josh. So actually my next question, if people do want to work with you, how can they reach you? How can they find out more about your work and what you do and get help with their own gut and inflammation?   Josh Dech - CHN (46:19) Yes.   Yeah, I'd love to be able to help Michelle. The quickest way to reach me, you can find everything you need through our website, gutsolution .ca. We got clients in 26 different countries and all the concurrent time zones. So don't worry about where you're located. We can help. That's gutsolution, all singular, .ca for Canada. You can find our podcast, Reversible, where it's about the gut. It's all how all things impact the gut and vice versa. Michelle, we had you record an episode there recently and it's how our gut and our world interact. It's called Reversible.   Reverse Able, the Ultimate Gut Health podcast. And there's also one we released recently about, I'd say six or eight weeks ago, it's called Reversing Crohn's and Colitis Naturally. And it's all about just Crohn's, Colitis and the cruxes and the roots and how we actually get at the root causes of these. But all that can be found, the website, the podcast, contact, help information can all be found at gutsolution .ca.   Michelle (47:37) And how do you work with people?   Josh Dech - CHN (47:38) Yeah, contrary to what most people believe, we don't actually need to see you in person at all. Strictly through symptoms, I get photos if we need them. We'll have you take pictures of your fingernails, pictures of your tongue, for example. It's part of Chinese medicine, as you know, can give us lots of information. We look at blood work. We'll look at your symptoms. We'll look at you as an individual. And we'll spend, I'll spend 30 minutes to an hour on a first call. We get someone through the program and register. There's probably 100, 200 different questions.   Michelle (47:49) Mm   Mm   Josh Dech - CHN (48:08) Extremely thorough intake we do secondary interviews then we do programming and we actually work with you on a weekly basis for 16 weeks very hand -holding process and that's what it looks like because Dealing with bowel disease, know that things can change in an instant You can go from healthy to a flare or healthy to sick to constipation to diarrhea What your doctor does is here's a med see me in three to six months. We'll see how you're doing That doesn't help. You're barely managing and your body can be so finicky   Michelle (48:33) Mm Yeah. Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (48:37) And so our job is 16 weeks. And I'll tell you, Michelle, we had a lady recently came out of our program was working not with myself, actually, with Curtis, one of our other specialists. And 16 weeks, she came out after 15 years. She was diagnosed in 2013, a couple of years of bowel disease before that. Her colon was so severe, she described it as squirrels with razor blades running around on her insides. So severe, they were on the cusp of cutting her bowels out. 16 weeks, she came back, her doctors jaw on the floor is like, I've never seen anything like this.   Michelle (48:58) my God, wow. Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (49:06) perfect colonoscopy. had one little speck left that we're still obviously going to be fixing, but it took 16 weeks. That's it. And not everybody responds as well. Some respond quicker, but this is what's possible. And I just really want to encourage just if you're listening to this right now, you're like, I've got Crohn's colitis or even severe IBS. I've been told it's genetic autoimmune. There's no known cause. So much can be done. Just start with the website. There's podcasts on there. There's information on that. There's videos on there.   Michelle (49:14) Wow.   Yeah.   Josh Dech - CHN (49:35) There's so much about it that we just want to creak that door open for you and show you what's possible. But again, just head to gut solution .ca and do some diving.   Michelle (49:44) Awesome. Josh, this is amazing. Really, really amazing. And also so important. I can't even stress it enough. I see it a lot even in my patients that come in. and something that I think everybody listening to this, if you're trying to conceive,   you have to go check out Josh and listen to his podcast and learn more because I think it's just so valuable. So thank you so much for coming on today. This is great.   Josh Dech - CHN (50:07) Thank you.   It's been a pleasure, Michelle. And if I could leave one little nugget, if you're considering, if you're trying to conceive or have plans in the future, get ahead of the gut because you can, we talked about great grandma passing down this dysbiosis to you, you can pass down disease to your children. It'll be called genetic. I've seen babies, know, infants. I'm talking a couple of months to two, three years old with bowel disease because we just didn't know ahead of time that we need to be dealing with our gut issues before having children.   because these are the issues we can pass. All those opportunistic microbes, the fungi and parasites, they will come from you to your baby. And this goes both ways. The sperm quality has a lot more to do with it than we used to. We used to say, well, everything's up to mom. It is in development, but even the sperm quality, if mom or dad have gut issues, there's a much higher risk for your baby having some kind of issue down the road. And I just really want to encourage you, if you think there might be gut stuff where you know there's a diagnosis, start there.   long before conception, only will it help in your ability to conceive but to carry a baby to full term and have a healthy baby to give them the best possible future. That's where we start. We have to start in your guts.   Michelle (51:20) So important. Thank you so much, Josh.   Josh Dech - CHN (51:23) A pleasure, Michelle. Thank you for having me.    

Questions? Comments? Send a message to Art of Healing PodcastUnlock the secrets to achieving optimal breast health by balancing hormones and reducing inflammation through the artful combination of energy and functional medicine.  Explore the information on breast cancer types and learn about the crucial role of hormone receptors in shaping treatment plans. We also highlight the importance of personalized screening strategies, emphasizing how each person's unique history and risk factors should guide their approach to breast cancer screening, including mammogram guidelines. Discover practical strategies to support your body's natural detoxification processes and promote hormone balance. This episode covers everything from dietary shifts, like minimizing processed foods and embracing antioxidant-rich plants, to lifestyle changes, such as resistance training and stress management. Learn how to reduce toxin exposure by making mindful choices, like opting for BPA-free products and organic produce, guided by the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" list. I also share my experiences transitioning to natural personal care products, offering practical tips on reducing chemical exposure in everyday life. Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to make healthier choices for a vibrant, wellness-oriented lifestyle.Download the Forever Chemicals Checklist here:Forever Chemicals ChecklistAccess a copy of the slides here:PDF for podcastWelcome to the Art of Healing Podcast community. This podcast is devoted to helping you find what works on your journey to health and wellness. This podcast is devoted to providing information on many healing modalities. Learn more about:ReikiFunctional MedicineMeditationEnergy Healingand more!Learn more about Dr. Charlyce here. Never miss an episode of Art of Healing Podcast...the podcast devoted to helping you heal your mind, body and spirit.Sign up for my weekly newsletter, and never miss an episode along with other great content:Art of Healing PodcastStay in touch socially here:Healing Arts LinksLearn more about me and my offerings here:Healing Arts Health and Wellness

Hi mamas! In Part 2 of my interview with Emma Bliss, we dive deep into the connection between mind, body, and wellness with a focus on nervous system regulation, managing toxins, and building discipline around self-care for busy working moms. Our guest discusses how to nurture yourself with healthy habits, set boundaries, and avoid burnout while teaching about "Blisscipline" — the discipline to prioritize your own happiness and health. We also explore practical tips for reducing toxins in your environment, increasing the bliss molecule, managing stress, and time-blocking health into your daily routine. If you're a working mom feeling overwhelmed or struggling to balance it all, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to boost your overall well-being.   Where to find Emma of Bliss Health Coaching: Website

*Farmers in the Rio Grande Valley had a tough summer.  *Texas corn farmers may produce less corn this year.  *The Environmental Working Group is suing Tyson Foods.*Last week's interest rate cut will lower borrowing costs for farmers and ranchers.  *The Farm Bill extension expires in a week, and lawmakers are urging Congress to get something done.  *We are entering a new grazing season in Texas.  *September has been a dry month in the Texas Coastal Bend.  *Controlling intestinal parasites in foals is much different than in older horses.  

On “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg,” Dani speaks with Ken Cook, President and Co-Founder of Environmental Working Group. They talk about getting around the partisan politics that so often stymie progress, a roadmap to reduce contamination from forever chemicals, and why support for climate-smart farming must be preserved. While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” wherever you consume your podcasts.

Ken Cook is the president and co-founder of the Environmental Working Group. He is known as one of the environmental community's most prominent and influential critics of industrial agriculture, U.S. food and farm policy, and the nation's broken approach to protecting families and children from toxic substances. You can listen to his full-length episode HERE on Spotify and HERE on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Katie Pelch discuss the harmful and pervasive effects of PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." Found in various consumer and industrial products, contaminating air, water, and soil, they never break down. Dr. Pelch works for the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) and has been studying PFAS throughout her career. Along with their many uses PFAS have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer and reduced vaccine effectiveness. The NRDC advocates for banning non-essential uses of PFAS and encourages public awareness and involvement in regulatory efforts. Dr. Pelch shares with us the prevalence of PFAS, its dangers, and the regulation or lack thereof.    Key Takeaways: When you heat the nonstick cookware above a certain temperature, some of the PFAS can migrate from the pan and into the food you're going to eat, or they could enter the air that you breathe. Exposures from the air that we breathe and from our skin have generally been less well studied, but there is evidence to suggest that PFAS do enter our skin. Per the CDC, at least 98% of people in the United States have PFAS in their bodies.  The EPA stepped up in a big way this year by finalizing the regulation of six PFAS in drinking water. This ban was preceded by many states proactively setting enforceable limits to PFAS in drinking water, some banning the unnecessary use of them entirely by 2032.    "Not only are PFAS persistent in the environment, but they're also persistent in our bodies, and in most cases, we don't have a great way to get PFAS out of our bodies. So the two most highly studied PFAS can last in our bodies for years." —  Dr. Katie Pelch   Episode References:  Dark Waters: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9071322/  The Devil We Know: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7689910/  Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org/  PFAS Exchange: https://pfas-exchange.org/    Connect with Dr. Katie Pelch: Professional Bio: https://www.nrdc.org/bio/katie-pelch  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiepelch      Connect with Therese: Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net Threads: @critically_speaking Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net     Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.    

Episode 77: Dr. Emily Sbiroli, an emergency medicine physician and trailblazer in the field of climate medicine, invites us to embark on a transformative journey that transcends boundaries and redefines the very essence of healing. Dr. Sbiroli seamlessly blends climate science with medical practice, sharing her unique path from studying environmental sustainability to becoming a board-certified emergency medicine physician. She addresses the health impacts of climate change and advocates for sustainable practices within healthcare. Tune in as we explore how climate medicine is transforming patient care and the healthcare industry's approach to environmental responsibility. "What's keeping me going is a lot of the work that I do. I work with trainees still. I work with students. I work with kind of up and coming medical students, residents who are really, really interested in this work. The ideas that are coming down from the younger generation, the enthusiasm, the passion, and frankly, the kind of baseline awareness and education is so much better than what it was even when I just started seven, eight years ago in this kind of climate medicine world." -Dr. Emily Sbiroli As an emergency physician and Affiliate Faculty at the University of Colorado Climate and Health Program Dr. Sbiroli transitioned into medicine to merge her passion for both people and the environment. She is a board-certified emergency physician specializing in integrating climate-conscious practices within healthcare. Dr. Sbiroli is dedicated to advancing the field of climate medicine, focusing on the intersection of environmental health and patient care.  In this thought-provoking conversation, you'll discover:  The Emergence of Climate Medicine: Gain a deep understanding of this pioneering field, which recognizes the profound impacts of climate change on human well-being and equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to mitigate these threats. Empowering Strategies for Student Loan Management: Discover practical insights into taking control of personal finances, embracing agency, and pursuing fulfilling career paths without being weighed down by the burden of student loans. The Looming Threat of Microplastics: Delve into the alarming reality of microplastics infiltrating the human body, from testicular tissue to arterial plaques, and explore potential solutions to mitigate this unprecedented environmental crisis. The Resources Mentioned in this episode are: Check out these studies on microplastics in atheromas and in testicular tissue. Visit the Environmental Working Group to make informed decisions and live a healthier life. Consider reading Emotional Agility to obtain personal and professional fulfillment. Connect with Dr. Emily Sbiroli: LinkedIn Connect with Andrea on Instagram (@andreaaustinmd) or LinkedIn about the show and more, or visit her website www.andreaaustinmd.com.

About the Guest(s): Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is a celebrated expert in functional health, dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal well-being through targeted, practical advice. Dr. Hieshetter has extensively studied the impacts of environmental toxins on human health and is renowned for her insightful podcasts aimed at equipping listeners with actionable steps to improve their lives. She focuses particularly on the intersection of environmental toxicity and chronic diseases, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to her audience. Episode Summary: In this gripping episode of "Functional Health Radio," Dr. Kristin Hieshetter delves into the alarming decline in life expectancy in the United States and the rising incidence of chronic diseases among children. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the role of environmental toxins, particularly PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have infiltrated our everyday lives through water supplies, food packaging, and household items. As Dr. Hieshetter reveals, these toxins pose severe threats to various bodily systems, including the liver, thyroid, and nervous system, and are linked to conditions like autism and thyroid dysfunction. Dr. Hieshetter masterfully explains the numerous pathways through which PFAS can wreak havoc on the human body, such as disrupting lipid metabolism and causing epigenetic changes. Through her detailed analysis, she underscores the importance of water filtration, avoidance of fast food, and the need for proper supplementation. Moreover, she highlights the critical role of thyroid health in overall well-being, exemplified by cases of misdiagnosed dementia being successfully treated with thyroid hormone regulation. This episode serves as a foundational guide for anyone looking to detoxify their environment and enhance their health by making informed choices. Key Takeaways: The Decline in Life Expectancy: The U.S. is experiencing a significant drop in life expectancy rates for both men and women, a distressing trend exacerbated by rising chronic diseases in children. The Dangers of PFAS: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are linked to various health issues, including thyroid dysfunction and autism, due to their interference with amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and epigenetic changes. Environmental Action Steps: Implementing measures such as using activated carbon filters for water purification and avoiding fast food are crucial for reducing PFAS exposure. Thyroid and Brain Health: Proper thyroid function is essential for brain development and overall health, and dysfunctions here can mimic other serious conditions like dementia. Supplementation and Detoxification: Effective detox methods including specific supplements and dietary changes are necessary to counteract the impacts of PFAS and support overall health. Notable Quotes: "According to the World Economic Forum, the US spends $12,530 per person per year on healthcare. What's wrong? How do we fix it?" - Dr. Kristin Hieshetter "We have a huge passion for what's called a neuro excitotoxin and environmental chemical overload." - Dr. Kristin Hieshetter "This is your homework, everybody. I want you to go to the Environmental Working Group website, and I want you to type in water safety reports." - Dr. Kristin Hieshetter "PFAS screws up amino acid metabolism and the metabolic pathways." - Dr. Kristin Hieshetter "Thyroid hormones are essential for brain development, and thyroid influences brain function throughout life." - Dr. Kristin Hieshetter Resources: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Website Research Articles: "Prenatal Exposure to Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, Maternal Thyroid Dysfunction and Autism Spectrum Disorder" from the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, December 2022. "Epigenetic Changes by Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances" from the journal Environmental Pollution, June 15, 2021. Water Filtration Systems: Pentair Whole House Filter, Berkey Water Bottle with PFAS Filters. Books & References: Articles on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website. CDC vital statistics report. World Economic Forum reports on healthcare spending. Functional Health Mastery Group Join Dr. Kristin Hieshetter each week on "Functional Health Radio" for more actionable insights and expert advice aimed at empowering you to achieve optimal health. Share this episode with friends and family, and stay tuned for more enlightening content designed to help you navigate the complexities of health and wellness.

Get Your ENERGYbits Superfood Spirulina and Chlorella and use code ELEMENTAL at checkout for 20% off!Organifi Superfood Drink Powders (ELEMENTALEVAN for 20% off)Alitura Skin Care with truly all natural ingredients (ELEMENTAL15 for 15% off your first order)Elemental Evan InstagramElemental Evan Youtube PageEmail: elemental.evanhw@gmail.comREFRENCES:EWG Skin Deep https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/Exposures Add Up - Survey Resultshttps://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2004/12/exposures-add-survey-resultsNIH tampons and heavy metals https://www.factor.niehs.nih.gov/2024/8/feature/3-feature-metals-in-tamponsOn this episode of the Elemental Evan podcast, your host Evan focuses in on women's health, specifically around the challenges women face in maintaining their health amidst environmental and product-induced toxicity, and why women may face higher toxicity levels compared to men. Evan breaks down the sources of these toxic loads, including everyday products like makeup, skincare items, and even tampons, and how they impact overall health. The episode highlights the importance of being conscious of the various products we use daily, their ingredients, and their potential harm. Listeners will also learn about tools like the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database to help make informed choices for better health. Tune in for a holistic and simplified approach to understanding and managing these risks.00:28 Challenges in Maintaining Health01:26 Toxicity Levels in Women02:14 Impact of Personal Care Products03:35 Environmental Working Group (EWG) Insights11:12 Heavy Metals in Tampons15:14 Practical Tips and Recommendations16:42 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsDISCLAIMER:This podcast is for educational purposes only, it is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. Evan Roberts is not a medical professional and this podcast is provided on the understanding that it does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Statements and views expressed on this show are not medical advice, this podcast, including Evan Roberts and any guests on the show, disclaims responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained in this episode. If you think you have a medical problem please consult a medical professional.

Welcome to Integrative Medicine for Energy and Health podcast, where I help women to Increase Energy, Lose Weight and Balance Hormones. Ranked in the Best 20 Christian Health Podcasts! Plastics are in everything...from the packaging of our food, to clothing to personal care products to everyday items like water bottles and storage containers. While plastic offers convenience, it also comes with hidden dangers, particularly concerning women's health. In this episode, I explore the link between plastics and hormonal imbalances, the risks, along with four healthy alternatives. If you're ready to ditch the plastic to keep your health clean on the inside and out listen in now. Love, Health and Blessings, Rekishia This site may contain product affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Share your thoughts and questions with me on my social media channels or email me directly. Your feedback helps me bring more valuable content to you. Leave a 5 Star rating on the podcast and DM me the word REVIEW on IG to access my free Menopause Nutrition Guide @rekishiamcmillan Send Me an Email energyandhormones@gmail.com Check Out Safe Personal Care Products with the Environmental Working Group! www.ewg.org Increase Energy, Lose Weight & Balance Hormones with My Feel Great for Mid-Age System https://feelgreatsystemformidage.com Get Your Copy of My Award-Winning Book "Rock Your World Naturally 7 Divine Keys to Unlock Extraordinary Health" https://www.rekishiamcmillancommunity.com/books Previous Episodes 161 | Hormonal Imbalance Chemical Detected in Bottled Drinking Water, 8 Healthy Alternatives to Protect Women's Health 136 | Looking for a Conventional Medicine Alternative? Thrive with Integrative Wellness for Mothers with Dr. Jennifer Quartano 124 | Is Lack of Sleep Preventing Weight Loss? 3 Ways Sleep Affects Metabolic Health & What You Can Do to Improve It Disclaimer: Information shared on this podcast and any referenced websites are not to be taken as medical advice or to be used as a diagnosis or treatment plan for any medical condition. I am sharing my educated opinions & experience, but nothing shared here can be taken on a one size fits all basis and we always recommend you do your own research, talk to your own doctors and practitioners, and take full responsibility for any health & medical choices you make.

We live in a burning world. As we record, there are record wildfires across the Americas, record temperatures around the world, falling oxygen levels in the oceans and however much supposedly renewable energy we produce, Jevons' Paradox means we keep on burning fossil fuels.  This is not a great combination, but even the so called renewables have more under the hood than appears on the surface.  Burning wood - or grasses - for 'Green' Energy is both a massive accounting scam and one of the ways that the predatory industrial complex sucks in eye-watering quantities of public money - while selling us the lie that this is somehow net zero.  It isn't, but sometimes we need someone who really knows what they're talking about to spell out the details for us and this week, our guest is one of those people. Dr. Mary Booth is the founder and director of the Partnership for Policy Integrity, a Massachusetts-based think tank that uses science, communications, and strategic advocacy to protect forests and our climate future. Mary worked as Senior Scientist in the Environmental Working Group in the US, working on water quality. Now, she directs the PFPI's science and advocacy work on greenhouse gas, air pollutant, and forest impacts of biomass energy and has provided science and policy support to hundreds of activists, researchers, and policy makers across the US and EU - and now that the UK is no longer in the EU (sigh) in the UK as well.  I heard Mary on the Economics for Rebels podcast back in February and was blown away by her grasp of the essential science, and also by the sheer mendacity of the companies involved: the lies they tell, the false accounting they use and the extent to which they are destroying the biosphere to give us - or at least, those who set our policies and spend public money - an illusion of somehow being more 'green', more sustainable, more ethical.  I wanted to give listeners to Accidental Gods the chance to hear Mary in action, so here we are: people of the podcast, please welcome Dr Mary Booth of the Partnership for Policy Integrity. Partnership for Policy Integrity  https://www.pfpi.net/PFPI international work https://www.pfpi.net/international-work/Guardian article by Greta Thunberg https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2022/sep/05/burning-forests-energy-renewable-eu-wood-climateLand Climate Blog https://www.landclimate.org/the-problem-of-bioenergy-in-the-eu/Forest Defenders Alliance (EU) https://forestdefenders.eu/Forest Litigation Collaborative https://forestlitigation.org/BBC Panorama: Green Energy Scandal Exposed https://vimeo.com/795555785/c6e9420ff6

As we spend more time outside, it's important to remember to protect our skin from the sun's rays. While we know sunscreen is needed, it's also important to know how to select the right sunscreen. Which chemicals in sunscreens should we avoid? How are manufacturers ensuring their products are safe and effective? And what ingredients provide the best protection against overexposure to the sun? We spoke to David Andrews, PhD, deputy director of investigations and a senior scientist at Environmental Working Group (EWG), about what to look for when buying a protective sunscreen, how to minimize our risk to harmful exposures, a step-by-step approach to protecting our skin, and EWG's handy sunscreen guide. Transcript Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM: Welcome to the WebMD Health Discovered Podcast. I'm Dr Neha Pathak, WebMD's Chief Physician Editor for Health and Lifestyle Medicine. Even though we usually associate summertime with sunscreen, the truth is we need sun protection all year long. In today's episode, we're going to focus on all things sunscreen and sun protection. What are the safest steps to protecting ourselves and our skin? How do we make sense of all the labels, SPF, broad spectrum, UVA, UVB, chemical, mineral, and how can we be sure that we're using the safest and most effective products?   To guide us through this topic is our guest, Dr David Andrews. Dr Andrews is Deputy Director of Investigations and a Senior Scientist at Environmental Working Group. His work focuses on finding ways to protect public health by educating consumers and driving change to government policies and regulations. Dr Andrews has been researching sunscreens for more than 15 years and has published a peer reviewed study on sunscreens with EWG colleagues and a book chapter with researchers in Australia. Welcome to the WebMD Health Discovered podcast, Dr Andrews.   David Andrews, PhD: It's a pleasure to speak with you today. Pathak: Before we jump into our conversation, I'd love to ask about your own personal health discovery, your aha moment around the work that you do specifically around sunscreens.   Andrews: I've actually been at EWG for just over 15 years now. My oldest just turned 16. So, I also have a few kids and know their response to sunscreen, some positive and some negative. What stood out to me was when I started researching the efficacy of sunscreens. In particular, I'm coming at sunscreen and sunscreen use from the perspective of really long term skin damage and increased skin cancer risk. What really stood out is kind of the lack of scientific knowledge still on what exactly causes in particular increased melanoma risk, and that linkage to sunscreens and some of the uncertainty that has enabled what is somewhat subpar sunscreens in terms of providing UVA protection. So providing protection from a portion of the spectrum.   Part of that is really a reflection of how sunscreen use has changed incredibly over the decades and the initial products were really just to prevent sunburn. In my family growing up we referred to them as sunburn creams. But it was really that change in use and kind of the lack of really strong protection in the UVA region that stood out to me. One piece that really stood out is when the FDA published what was more or less their more recent change to sunscreen regulations in 2011. They discussed how sunscreen use was associated with reduced risk of skin damage and skin harm when you use the products because it reduced the amount of UV rays that hit your skin. But the FDA also noted that the few studies that had looked at sunscreen users found that they actually changed their behavior and spent more time in the sun and were actually getting slightly increased sun damage. There's this juxtaposition of we know UV rays and sun rays can cause skin harm and sunscreens reduce the amount of those UV rays. But if we're using sunscreen and changing our behavior, then we may actually be negating some of the benefits of sunscreen. Those complex science issues have really drawn me into this issue and have kept me kind of focused on trying to understand this and provide guidance to the public for the last 15 years. Pathak: That's so interesting. Let's start with some definitions of some common terms. We all think of sunscreen as helping to protect us from damaging rays from the sun. Help us break down those components of solar radiation that we're talking about UVA, UVB, visible light, and infrared. Help us think about those different types of solar radiation that we're trying to protect ourselves from. Andrews: It does get very complicated with the terms. The UV radiation or ultraviolet radiation is sun radiation we cannot see. The radiation is broken into two parts, typically, UVB and UVA, at least in the context of sunscreens. Those UVB rays are the rays most associated with acute damage that's turning your skin red and sunburns. UVB rays are also associated with increased skin cancer risk. But UVA rays are also associated with increased cancer risk as well as skin aging, long term skin damage and impacts on the skin immune system. So the ability to heal from sun damage. But the original sunscreens primarily just block the rays that cause sunburn and actually led to increased UVA radiation. So it's those two portions of the spectrum that I often refer to. UVB is the portion that causes direct skin damage. You see the impact right away or within 24 hours. The UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are associated with long term skin harm. Pathak: Tell us about SPF and broad spectrum and some of these terms that we see on the sunscreens that we're buying. What are these different components? What are we supposed to be looking for when we're looking for a good protective sunscreen? Andrews: I think of a good sunscreen or the ideal sunscreen as something similar to a shirt. A shirt actually provides perfect uniform protection against UVA, UVB rays, and even blocks visible light. People can't see you through your shirt typically, and so that is kind of the ideal. The SPF value in sunscreens is representative of the sun protection value. It comes from a measure of skin redness.   The way sunscreens are tested, they apply small amounts on people's back, expose them to high intensity radiation for a short period of time, equivalent to, solar exposure, much stronger than the sun, and then look a day later and see how read the skin turned. That SPF number is the direct reflection on primarily UVB protection. The UVA protection or the broad spectrum protection is not incorporated into that SPF or UVB value, although there are some standards in the United States for how much UVA protection is required. The issue is those standards in the United States are very low. They actually lag the rest of the world. In part, that is due to the ingredients available to sunscreen manufacturers in the United States. The underlying concern here is that people are being overexposed to UVA radiation, which is leading to long term skin damage and skin harm. Pathak: Can we have it all? Do we have products available to us in the United States that provide strong protection and also minimize the risk from certain chemical exposure. Is that a unicorn or can we find that on our shelves in the US? Andrews: There are good options available. That is an important takeaway. Primarily these are products that are using zinc oxide. These are mineral based sunscreens. Sometimes they can be a little bit whitening, although formulations have improved significantly over the last decade. These zinc oxide mineral based sunscreens do a very good job of providing UVA and UVB protection, They do so without the use of concerning ingredients. There is a space there, and there's definitely options available to consumers, and we have typically directed people to first try those products and potentially you need to try a few different products to find one that works for you. But these zinc oxide based products are the best available option on the market currently Pathak: What are some of the things we're looking out for if you have skin of color?   Andrews: That's a really interesting question. I think it reflects a deficiency in both that SPF value and the current structure in the regulations from the FDA on how sunscreens are tested, and how the effectiveness is communicated. Primarily, these are products tested on very light skin types, that are looking for that skin redness. I don't have a direct answer to that question of if there is no skin redness, how can you be sure that you're protecting the skin because of that lack of direct feedback other than the advice of if you're going out in the sun, especially for prolonged periods, consider covering up using a sunscreen or seeking shade. I think it's important to come back to that, though, that in the context of sun damage, and sunscreens, the sunscreens alone are not the complete solution here. It is a mixture of wearing a shirt, covering up, seeking shade, and using sunscreens to reduce that overall exposure. Pathak: I definitely want to talk a little bit more in depth around your step by step approach to thinking about all of the different tools we have in our arsenal to protect us from solar radiation. But I wanted to go back to an earlier point you made around some safer ingredients that you're looking for such as looking for zinc oxide. What is the converse of that? What are some of the ingredients that you would really recommend people stay away from?   Andrews: I should note that the FDA proposed changes to sunscreen regulations four or five years ago now that have not been finalized. They highlighted that all of the non mineral ingredients, these are oxybenzone, avobenzone, a large portion of the sunscreen market in the US. The active ingredients were absorbing into the skin at levels where they were being systemically distributed throughout the body and the FDA was looking for more safety data on all of those ingredients for them to stay on the market because people use sunscreens daily. They apply them to a large part of their body and FDA said we don't have adequate data for any of these ingredients for long term use to ensure that they're not causing harm. There are a few ingredients that raise higher concerns. One in particular that stood out is oxybenzone, which a number of studies have associated with both allergic type skin reactions as well as some impact on endocrine disruption and changing hormone levels. There's still some uncertainty there, but we thought there was enough evidence and available alternatives that consumers should look elsewhere. That is one ingredient in particular that raises concerns. It's also the ingredient that's absorbed at much, much higher levels than any other sunscreen ingredient. Pathak: If I'm understanding you correctly, it's a chemical of concern, an ingredient of concern. The FDA is still looking at long term data to see if the amount which is absorbed into our bloodstream from the skin is going to cause long term harm. But there is enough evidence to suggest that there's some risk as it relates to endocrine disruption and some allergic type reactions. Andrews: Correct. From a providing guidance perspective, we think consumers should seek out alternatives. The FDA has actually requested that companies and the manufacturers do additional safety testing to validate some of those studies. But as far as I know, that testing is not moving forward. Pathak: You mentioned that there are certain ingredients that are available to people in other parts of the world that may not be available to us. Can you tell me what those are? Are they safer? Is there a different standard in other parts of the world than we have? How do we make sense of some of our protections compared to the rest of the world?   Andrews: This is a really interesting issue and sunscreens in the United States and the formulations available to consumers have been largely unchanged for the last decade. One of our big concerns is the lack of strong UVA protection. I mentioned earlier UVA rays are associated with increased skin cancer risk, as well as long term skin damage. It is worth noting that using a tanning bed, which has actually been classified as a known human carcinogen due to increased melanoma risk in young women, exposes you primarily to UVA rays, similar to using an unbalanced sunscreen. The importance of sunscreens that reduce UVA radiation is critical and the options available to formulators in other countries or sunscreen manufacturers, there are a half dozen ingredients at least that are formulated to significantly reduce UVA radiation. Those ingredients have been in use for over a decade around the world. In part, that's because sunscreens are considered cosmetics in the rest of the world, so the ingredients don't have to go through any specific safety testing before they're used. Whereas in the United States, they're considered over the counter drugs, and the FDA has said people are going to be applying these to their body for long periods of time, we want a comprehensive evaluation of the toxicity of these ingredients before widespread use. The problem is we're really stuck a little bit in a Catch 22 because FDA doesn't actually have that information, that safety testing data for most of the ingredients on the US. market. Nor do they have it for the ones available internationally. But the internationally available ingredients seem to be better from an efficacy perspective, and have less known, health concerns or toxicity concerns. So the marketplace is really stuck here where the FDA says we don't have enough data to keep most of the ingredients on the market in the United States, but we also don't have enough data to let new ingredients into the United States in sunscreens. We've been stuck in this status quo for what is going on over a decade now. Pathak: The status quo at this point is we don't potentially have the most effective ingredients for UVA, and the logic that is sort of preventing that from being used in the US market is not being used to protect us from some of the chemicals that currently are available to us in the US. Andrews: Right. More or less. That's where we are. We don't have adequate safety data for most of the ingredients in the US outside of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. And so those mineral ingredients, the FDA says there is actually adequate data. and they are effective from a UVA perspective. They are the best option, but there's a significant portion of the population that still will not use those mineral based ingredients for aesthetic reasons. And so recognizing that we think there's an important need to look towards some of those international ingredients and look for a way that the safety of those can be fully substantiated to FDA standards so that there is market access. We think there's really a public health need for more performance based sunscreens, especially in the UVA portion of the spectrum.   Pathak: So what is the full arsenal of tools that we have to protect our skin? And how do you sort of think about it?   Andrews: Rash guards, shirts, hats, and sunglasses are a fantastic place to start, especially when swimming in sensitive marine environments. There have been a lot of concerns raised about the impact of sunscreens on coral and coral damage. Wearing a rash guard eliminates most sunscreen use, especially in those environments. But even day to day, going to the pool and going outside or to the beach, starting with a shirt or rash guard is a fantastic way to go and incredibly effective at reducing UV radiation. Sunscreen is another tool, though, and available to be used. As long as it's not being used to significantly change your behavior, so where you're applying the sunscreen and then spending three times as long in the sun, you may be negating the benefits of it. But everything from clothing, seeking shade, bringing an umbrella and potentially limiting time during the sunniest part of the day, those are all effective strategies at reducing sun exposure. Pathak: And how does your group fit in? How do you see yourself fitting in the work that you do with how we can think about the behavioral components and dressing appropriately for the weather. How should we think about it along with what's FDA approved and accessible to us?   Andrews: We're both trying to educate consumers in the public about sunscreens, the importance of protecting yourself from damaging UV rays, as well as providing guidance on what we think are the best available sunscreens on the US market based on the ingredients and the known hazards of those ingredients as well as the efficacy of the active ingredients in reducing UV rays. A large part of our message is to the public, but we also do interact with FDA. We provide comments on all of their regulations and try to reach out to them and shift the market entirely in the direction of safer and more effective sunscreens. Pathak: I wanted to come back to SPF as well. I have a lot of patients ask me, so what exactly does that number mean? Is there a number beyond which there's no benefit? Can you help us think through SPF and broad spectrum what we're seeing on the label. Andrews: The SPF number on that label is where companies are supposed to have their product tested on individual skin and they look at skin redness a day later. The problem is, there's a lot of ways to optimize or game the system in terms of the SPF value, and that's particularly concerning. We have actually recommended that consumers stick with an SPF 50 or lower. Some of this depends on your skin type and your skin pigmentation, but we don't really see any benefit to going above SPF 50. In particular, we're concerned that the higher SPF numbers are less balanced protection. So actually providing a lower ratio of UVA to UVB ray protection. This is actually something that's known in the industry. I was quite shocked reading comments submitted to FDA over a decade ago, where a major manufacturer had purchased a competitors product, an SPF 100, submitted it blindly to five labs, and the results came back with everywhere between an SPF 37 and a 75. No one reproduced the SPF 100. There's a lot of uncertainty in those actual numbers, but we think sticking with an SPF 30 to 50 is in the optimal range for most people. Pathak: Oftentimes, and I will definitely put this under the category of mom guilt, when your kid comes home and they are peeling and you recognize that, wow, we did not do a good job sunscreening or protecting you from the sun. What is the best thing to do in the post, in the follow up? Are there tips that you have in terms of fixing something that you may have messed up to prevent future damage? What are the best tips that you have there, if any? Andrews: It happens to everyone, especially everyone who has kids. And I think, after some exposure, sometimes I'll reuse sunscreen and apply it to them even after the fact, because a lot of products have anti inflammatories in them. But at that point, it is largely both reducing some of the inflammation on the skin, but also using it as a learning opportunity to try to make change in the future. No one's perfect all the time, but ultimately we are trying to take action to reduce the odds of long term skin damage. The difficult part here is that the damage we're most concerned about can occur decades later and so it's just trying to do as well as we can to reduce the odds of that ever occurring.   Pathak: I love to close all of my episodes with bite sized action items for anyone who's listening so they can make a sustainable change in the way they're living day to day. Can you give us just a few tips, your takeaways that folks should think about when they're thinking about protecting themselves from the sun. Andrews: I'd recommend checking out our website, ewg.org. We actually have a full sunscreen report. We've also got our scientific research embedded in that report and some simple recommendations there too, and that is a tool to help you choose safer and more effective sunscreens, really just flipping over the bottle, looking at some of the ingredients in there and becoming educated on what those ingredients are and the effectiveness of those ingredients, as really a first step in increasing your knowledge in this space and ultimately at the same time, in the summer, having fun and getting outside, I think, is important to emphasize also. Pathak: Thank you so much for being with us today. I really appreciate your time. Andrews: My pleasure. Pathak: We've talked with Dr David Andrews about all things sunscreen, and also really thinking about sunscreen as just one of the tools that we have to protect ourselves from the sun's rays. To find out more information about Dr Andrews and his work, visit ewg.org/sunscreen. We'll have that link in our show notes. Thank you so much for listening. Please take a moment to follow, rate, and review this podcast on your favorite listening platform. If you'd like to send me an email about topics you're interested in or questions for future guests, please send me a note at webmdpodcast@webmd.net. This is Dr Neha Pathak for the WebMD Health Discovered podcast.  

What do dishwasher pods, yoga pants, tampons, and tea bags all have in common? These are some of the worst offenders when it comes to microplastic exposure in the home! Tune in to hear us discuss where microplastics hide, why this is concerning, and how you can make shifts to avoid exposure.    If you listened to our episode on microplastics, you already know how ubiquitous and difficult to avoid they are. In this episode, we discuss the top 10 places microplastics might be hiding in your home along with our favorite plastic-free swap outs!    Also in this episode:  Next Live Keto Program starts 8/21 Episode 391: Microplastics 10 Day Detox  What are Microplastics? Sources of Microplastics ClothingMate the Label Pact Organic Groceries Apparel Reprise Activewear Hanna Anderson (Kids PJs) Tea BagsHealth risks posed by microplastics in tea bags: microplastic pollution – a truly global problem Naturally Nourished Tea Breville Tea Pot Tea Infuser Personal Care ProductsGrace Holistic Skin Toups & Co use code ALIMILLERRD Ilia Primally Pure Toothbrushes and Oral CareMicroplastics in oral healthcare products (OHPs) and their environmental health risks and mitigation measures Boka The Humble Co SpongesBranch Basics Dish Brush  Real Loofah Dishwasher PodsBranch Basics Dishwasher Tablets  TamponsNatracare Organyc Cora Coffee Cups, K Cups, Coffee MakersChemex Stainless steel coffee mug Food packaging and storage containersLunchbots Luchbox Stasher Bags Pyrex Glass Containers CookwareCast-iron pans YouTube Video Stainless Steel baking sheets Stainless steel muffin tin Water and water bottlesEpisode 292: All About Water Swell Stainless Steel Water Bottle   Sponsors for this episode:  According to extensive research by the Environmental Working Group, virtually every home in America has harmful contaminants in its tap water. That's why you've got to check out AquaTru. AquaTru purifiers use a 4-stage reverse osmosis purification process, and their countertop purifiers work with NO installation or plumbing. It removes 15x more contaminants than ordinary pitcher filters and are specifically designed to combat chemicals like PFAS in your water supply. Naturally Nourished Podcast listeners can use code ALIMILLERRD at AquaTru.com to save 20% off. 

In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Ken Cook, the president and cofounder of the Environmental Working Group, or EWG. You might know them for their Skin Deep database that helps you check the safety of household and skincare products, or their tap water database—both of which I've relied on for years. Ken and I explore how EWG is tackling the growing problem of toxins in our daily lives and discuss practical steps we can take to make safer choices. Plus, Ken shares some incredible actionable advice on how we can influence regulatory changes for the better. Don't miss this insightful conversation about safeguarding our health and making a difference! Topics Discussed 08:26 - EWG & healthcare professionals 10:45 - EWG's databases  14:53 - Legal doesn't equal safe  18:50 - The FDA & brominated vegetable oil  21:21 - It takes science 17 years to catch up  22:34 - Studying dangerous chemicals & industry pushback 25:34 - Centering people in the regulatory process  32:07 - Consumer impact and organic products  37:25 - The cultural impact of environmental health  38:38 - Products that you don't know are having an effect on your health  42:11 - Don't let perfect be the enemy of good  44:42 - Choosing safer options  50:05 - Regulation & lobbying  56:08 - Calling your representative  58:22 - Staying motivated and positive  01:02:20 - The people making change  01:05:51 - Ken's health non-negotiables Check Out The Environmental Working Group Website Skin Deep Database Consumer Guides Tap Water Database Instagram Show Links: Dark Waters Film  Sponsored By: Qualia Go to qualialife.com/realfoodology for up to $100 off and use code REALFOODOLOGY for an extra 15% off Timeline Go to timelinenutrition.com/REALFOODOLOGY and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off Organifi Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off Seed Go to https://seed.com/realfoodology and get 25% your first month with code REALFOODOLOGY Paleovalley Save at 15% at paleovalley.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY Check Out Courtney:  LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide! @realfoodology www.realfoodology.com My Immune Supplement by 2x4 Air Dr Air Purifier AquaTru Water Filter EWG Tap Water Database  Produced By: Drake Peterson Edited By: Mike Frey

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Alexis Temkin, Senior Toxicologist at the Environmental Working Group, discuss toxic chemicals we can't see or detect in our food and daily-use products.  Dr. Temkin describes common pesticides and other chemicals used in agriculture and how they enter the human body. She also shares resources provided by the Environmental Working Group that can help keep you and your family safer.     Key Takeaways: Chemicals in cosmetics and other daily-use products are often considered safe until proven otherwise. It often takes years before the harm is discovered and the chemical banned Pesticides are introduced into our bodies through the food we consume.  Despite a lack of EPA regulations, consumers can decrease their exposure to potentially harmful pesticides. Always wash your fruits and vegetables. It may not remove all pesticides, but it is good practice and will reduce at least some of your exposure to the chemicals.    "It'll depend on the pesticide, but we've seen exposure to pesticides being linked to a variety of health harms. That could include brain and nervous system toxicity, we've seen associations with increased cancer after exposure to certain types of pesticides, impacts on reproduction, and dietary pesticide consumption has also been associated with cardiovascular health." —  Dr. Alexis Temkin   Episode References:  EWG Consumer Guides: https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides  Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/  EWG's 2024 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php    Connect with Dr. Alexis Temkin: Professional Bio: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/our-experts/alexis-temkin-phd  Website: https://www.ewg.org/  Email: alexis@ewg.org   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-temkin-46345750    Connect with Therese: Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net Threads: @critically_speaking Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this conversation, Kimberly Snyder interviews Ken Cook, the president of the Environmental Working Group, about the Farm Bill and the importance of protecting families and children from toxic substances. They discuss the impact of the Farm Bill on farmers, the environment, and low-income families, and how individuals can support positive change. They also talk about ways to protect ourselves from toxic chemicals, such as filtering tap water, choosing organic produce, and using safer personal care products. The conversation concludes with a discussion on fertility and the potential effects of environmental toxins on reproductive health. The conversation explores ways to enhance male and female fertility and protect against reproductive health issues. Microplastics and forever chemicals (PFAS) are also discussed as major environmental concerns that can contaminate water and food. The conversation emphasizes the need for individual action, such as filtering water and reducing plastic use, as well as advocating for policy changes to address these issues.EPISODE SPONSORSSUNWARRIORI highly recommend you visit Sunwarrior.com today and don't forget to enter my special discount code “KIMBERLY” at checkout to get 15% off my favorite protein powder. LMNTRight now, for my listeners LMNT is offering a free sample pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/FEELGOOD.

Are you concerned about oxalates in the diet? Avoiding them but not sure if you need to? Wondering if you are sensitive to oxalates? Tune in to hear us unpack oxalates, from where they are found to common health concerns to how to offset intake and more.    In this episode we are answering a question we get ALL the time…are oxalates going to kill me?! We've covered this in a number of podcasts as a single question but in this episode we're going to lay it all out--covering what oxalates are, how to know if you are sensitive to oxalates, and what the research actually says about whether kale can kill you.   Also in this episode: Free Keto Webinar 7/29 - Register Here Live Keto Program Starts 8/21 Episode 127:  In Defense of Vegetables Episode 340: Ali Updates + Q&A Episode 345: Bone Health & Calcium Myths Episode 388: Almond Deep Dive What exactly are oxalates? What foods are highest in oxalates?  What are the health concerns about oxalates and are they legit? The mechanistic insight of polyphenols in calcium oxalate urolithiasis mitigation Mineral balances of human subjects consuming spinach in a low-fiber diet and in a diet containing fruits and vegetables Oxalate: effect on calcium absorbability What are symptoms to look for for oxalate sensitivity?  Does EVERYONE need to be so worried about oxalates?  How can we balance out oxalates in the diet?Strategies for preventing calcium oxalate stones Importance of magnesium in absorption and excretion of oxalate Vitamin C with metabolites reduce oxalate levels compared to ascorbic acid: a preliminary and novel clinical urologic finding Effect of vitamin C supplements on urinary oxalate and pH in calcium stone-forming patients Supplementation to offset oxalate concernsRelax and Regulate Bio-C Plus OsteoFactors Digestaid Cooking techniques to reduce oxalates   This episode is sponsored by:  According to extensive research by the Environmental Working Group, virtually every home in America has harmful contaminants in its tap water. That's why you've got to check out AquaTru. AquaTru purifiers use a 4-stage reverse osmosis purification process, and their countertop purifiers work with NO installation or plumbing. It removes 15x more contaminants than ordinary pitcher filters and are specifically designed to combat chemicals like PFAS in your water supply. Naturally Nourished Podcast listeners can use code ALIMILLERRD at AquaTru.com to save 20% off. 

Ken Cook, president and co-founder of Environmental Working Group, is widely recognized as one of the environmental community's most prominent and influential critics of industrial agriculture, U.S. food and farm policy and the nation's broken approach to protecting families and children from toxic substances. This conversation explores the Environmental Working Group work with the US Farm Bill and the importance of protecting families and children from toxic substances. We discuss the impact of the Farm Bill on farmers, the environment, and low-income families, and how individuals can support positive change. We also discuss ways to protect ourselves from toxic chemicals, such as filtering tap water, choosing organic produce, and using safer personal care products as well as a discussion on fertility and the potential effects of environmental toxins on reproductive health. Our conversation concludes with an alarming discussion on microplastics and forever chemicals (PFAS) in the water and food supply chain and the need for individual action, such as filtering water and reducing plastic use, as well as advocating for policy changes to address these issues. Stay informed as Ken and the EWG are doing amazing work for us! Enjoy!

Did you know that a 5 oz serving of french fries contains the same amount of carcinogens you would get from smoking 20-25 cigarettes? Join us as we interview Dr. Cate Shanahan about her new book DARK CALORIES: How Vegetable Oils Destroy Our Health and How We Get It Back.    In DARK CALORIES, Cornell-trained biochemist-turned-family physician Cate Shanahan explains how a group of eight little-known oils cause the cellular damage that underlies virtually all chronic disease, exposes the corruption that deceives doctors and consumers into eating them, and gives us a clear roadmap to recovery and rejuvenation. We dig into the health implications including how vegetable oils cause mitochondrial toxicity and obesity, cancer, and more. We explore the nuances of the omega 3 vs omega 6 ratio, whether sunflower oil is a better choice, and how to navigate dining out!    About Dr. Cate Shanahan:  Cate Shanahan, MD is a Cornell-trained physician-scientist whose works have inspired entire movements involving bone broth, live-culture ferments, and seed oil-free business empires. Together with NBA legend Gary Vitti, she created the LA Lakers PRO Nutrition program, which has been emulated by elite championship teams around the world. She has dedicated her career to exposing the truth about a decades old campaign of health misinformation and opening the door to an honest conversation about how anyone can reclaim their health. She runs a health-education website, DrCate.com, a telehealth practice, and lives with her family on a peaceful lake in Florida.   NY Times Bestselling Author of Deep Nutrition and The FATBURN Fix @DrCateShanahan   Also in this episode:  Beat the Heat is on June 1-15th! Use code BEATTHEHEAT24 Episode 220 3 Things That Will Destroy Your Health The History of Vegetable Oils Health Impact of Vegetable Oils Mitochondrial Toxicity and Obesity Thoughts on Fish OilEPA DHA Extra  How Vegetable Oils are Linked to Cancer Nuances of Sunflower Oil How to Get Seed Oils Out of the Diet The American Heart Association and the Vegetable Oil IndustryEpisode 157 Cholesterol as Medicine Dining Out Strategy   This episode is sponsored by:  According to extensive research by the Environmental Working Group, virtually every home in America has harmful contaminants in its tap water. That's why you've got to check out AquaTru. AquaTru purifiers use a 4-stage reverse osmosis purification process, and their countertop purifiers work with NO installation or plumbing. It removes 15x more contaminants than ordinary pitcher filters and are specifically designed to combat chemicals like PFAS in your water supply. Naturally Nourished Podcast listeners can use code ALIMILLERRD at AquaTru.com to save 20% off.

Every year, the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, DC-based lobbying group, publishes its “Dirty Dozen” report, which supposedly informs consumers about the 12 “dirtiest” fruits and vegetables. The report is repeated verbatim by major media outlets, which routinely demonize strawberries, blueberries, and other conventionally-grown produce. But does their science hold up? Not according to the majority of scientists and researchers. Over the decades, the EWG has slammed some pesticides but not others, ignored data on dosages, and even wondered out loud if all that mercury in vaccines might just be causing autism. They also routinely ignore potentially hazardous organic chemicals, while selling “verified” labels for skin care products and sunscreens. Today Derek is going to walk me, the non-science journalist, through the work of the EWG before he talks to biomedical scientist Dr Andrea Love and cosmetic chemist Dr Michelle Wong about the group's questionable methodologies and fear-mongering tactics. Show Notes Environmental Working Group and the Dirty Dozen The Environmental Working Group's “Dirty Dozen” list is a danger to public health put out by an organic industry funded activist group Influence Watch: Environmental Working Group Dietary Exposure to Pesticide Residues from Commodities Alleged to Contain the Highest Contamination Levels Ken Cook: The Story of The Environmental Working Group  What Biden's oil record means for the industry's future Alleged ‘deal' offer from Trump to big oil could save industry $110bn, study finds 10 years after Flint's lead water crisis began, a lack of urgency stalls 'proper justice' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Earth Day, and you've picked a great way to celebrate Mother Nature and Mother Earth! First, Brie is fresh off a week in Santa Fe with Bryan where they relaxed, recharged, inspired by their experiences with the environment, and they also got a few history lessons along the way. It wasn't a flawless trip, though. Brie had a luggage mixup that caused a lot of problems, and things got a little weird. To celebrate Earth Day, Nikki & Brie talk about their love of the planet and the big and small steps they take to change things for the better.Yes, it has been confirmed that Nikki indeed cares about the planet! A lot, actually! Nikki spent some time with The Environmental Working Group last week, which has been inspiring for her to do even more to leave a smaller carbon footprint. This year, Brie is putting a lot of focus on eliminating the plastics in her life, and Nikki is all about supporting the businesses that actually care about the state of the planet we're leaving for future generations. To close the episode out, Brie shares an Inspiration & Affirmation that will have you hugging the planet and cutting down on your single-use containers.  For more on The Environmental Working Group, follow them on Instagram  Call Nikki & Brie at 833-GARCIA2 and leave a voicemail! Follow Nikki & Brie on Instagram and send Nikki & Brie a message on Threads! To watch exclusive videos of this week's episode, follow The Nikki & Brie Show on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok! You can also catch The Nikki & Brie Show on SiriusXM Stars 109!