Podcasts about EWG

What Your Period Is Trying to Tell You: PMDD, Endo, PCOS & MoreYour period isn't just a monthly inconvenience—it's a diagnostic tool.In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie breaks down how period patterns can reveal chronic conditions like:PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)EndometriosisPCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)FibroidsAdenomyosisIn This Episode, You'll Learn:The unique period symptoms linked to each conditionWhy bleeding, pain, and mood shifts are critical diagnostic cluesHow current medical systems miss or dismiss these signsWhat you can track and discuss with your doctorThe overlap and confusion between conditions like endo and adeno, or PMDD and depressionWhy This MattersMost women are told “your period is normal” even when it's not.This episode helps you recognize when your symptoms are more than a bad period—and how to advocate for answers.ResourcesRead The Guardian article about toxins in tamponsFind safe products at MADE SAFE, Women's Voices for the Earth, and EWG's Skin Deep.Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual Health **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed:

In this episode of Feel Better, Feel Great, Dr. Andrea McSwain explores the deeper layers of skin cancer, toxic burden, and the powerful connection between your internal health and skin. Learn how to identify the three main types of skin cancer—basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma—while discovering how detox pathways, inflammation, oxidative stress, and conventional skincare products contribute to skin damage. Packed with holistic prevention strategies like clean beauty swaps, anti-inflammatory nutrition, natural sun protection, and daily detox support, this episode empowers you to protect your skin from the inside out. Tune in to decode your body's signals, reduce your toxic load, and embrace radiant, resilient skin. #skincancerawareness #HolisticSkincare #DetoxYourSkin #FunctionalMedicine #NaturalHealth #OxidativeStress #ToxicBurden #CleanBeauty #AntiInflammatoryLifestyle

​Bernadette Del Chiaro has a new job. She has left her longstanding and most effective role as the Executive Director of the California Solar and Storage Association, and joined the Environmental Working Group (EWG) as a senior vice president. She makes clear that she is not leaving the fight for distributed solar and storage. The attack on net energy metering, and the downturn in the California Solar industry are alarming. Bernadette is just supporting the fight from a different position. EWG is focused on health... the food we eat, the air we breathe, the power we rely on.Bernadette makes clear the benefits of local, distributed solar and storage. It saves everyone money, not just those that have panels on their roofs. It creates local jobs. It helps the State meet our climate protection goals. And all ratepayers save money as our utilities do not have to build new power plants. They also do not need to spend billions of dollars on new transmission and distribution lines. She points out that while generating solar in the desert is very inexpensive, it's the cost of the transmission to bring it to us that jacks up power bills. This has been quite out of sight of California's ratepayers but  the resulting rate increases are severe.She discusses how there are now two million California homes, businesses, schools, organizations, and public facilities of all kinds that now have solar. And as a result, she explains, the State did not need to build 16,000 MW of new generating capacity. Again, distributed resources -- paid by individual home and business owners and others -- are saving us all money. But despite this, our utilities continue to attack distributed generation.Ted and Bernadette talk about future models" Will utilities embrace networked distributed resources, or will they resist, potentially amplifying grid defection? Already utilities have imposed fees on solar system owners... disincentivizing solar and storage and the benefits that they provide. So the fight goes on. Bernadette is clear that there is stronger need than ever for advocacy of the benefits of distributed generation, warning that the force of utility profit-making is daunting, and needs a strategic and more-diligent-than-ever approach.

Today, we're exposed to more chemicals and toxins than ever before in human history. Specifically, plastics are everywhere, and they're becoming increasingly harder to avoid. Food at the grocery store is packaged in plastic, water is stored in plastic bottles, and microscopic plastic pieces are even in the air we breathe. Today, you're going to learn about how our growing exposure to plastics is changing our health for the worse, and what you can do about it. Our guest, Dr. Vivian Chen, is a board-certified medical doctor and the founder of the red light therapy device, Lumebox. She is passionate about lifestyle medicine, including nutrition, tapping into your body's natural detoxification pathways, and light medicine. Today, she's back on The Model Health Show to share the latest science on how plastics can impact your metabolism and overall health. In this conversation, you're going to hear the latest science on microplastics and nanoplastics, including their connection to brain health, metabolic health, and much more. Dr. Viv is also sharing how to make the most impactful and realistic ways to reduce your plastic exposure. This is an important conversation that everyone should hear, so click play and enjoy the show! In this episode you'll discover:  How many chemicals are identified as plastic. Why accumulating toxins can change our fat cells and metabolism. What mitochondria are. The staggering increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. How red light therapy can impact blood sugar levels. Why light is like a nutrient. How endocrine disruptors affect your mitochondria. The new science on how microplastics enter the human brain. Why inflammation is the root of all chronic disease. What polyethylene is and how to reduce your exposure. How to shop for the best water filter for you. The best containers for drinking water. What the #1 detox tool is. How fiber and fermented foods can help your body reduce toxins. The connection between exercise and glutathione. Why red light therapy has a multitude of health benefits. The difference between near infrared light and red light. How the symptoms of aging are related to mitochondrial function.  Items mentioned in this episode include:  Piquelife.com/model - Get exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions! Thelumebox.com/model - Get 50% your red light therapy device for Lumebox's Birthday Sale now through May 4! EWG's Tap Water Database - Find out what's in your water! Connect with Dr. Vivian Chen Website / Substack / Instagram  Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:   Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud Pandora YouTube   This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Pique. Go to Piquelife.com/model for exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions on cutting-edge solutions for your head-to-toe health and beauty transformation. 

Sasha Niz Konrad is the founder and CEO of Sashamama Wellness, a brand dedicated to non-toxic, holistic wellness solutions for pregnant and postpartum women. With a background as a prenatal and postpartum yoga instructor and a deep passion and interest in holistic maternal and hormone health. Sasha has combined her expertise and personal journey to create thoughtfully curated, safe, and effective products safe for anyone but especially mamas! Based in Charlotte, NC, Sasha is an advocate for self-care and empowerment for moms during every stage of their motherhood journey. We'll explore the inception of Sashamama Wellness, a brand dedicated to providing non-toxic, pampering wellness products for prenatal and postpartum mothers. I was inspired by the Andean fertility goddess Pachamama, symbolizing Mother Earth, and my personal journey through hormonal imbalances and pelvic floor issues + teaching prenatal/postpartum yoga classes. I had a light bulb moment, which led to my conscious effort to curate products that prioritize women's health. A focus on reducing the top 3 common complaints for new/expecting moms and overall self-care habits/rituals during motherhood.   Clinical Importance of Non-Toxic Products and Detoxifying Safely: Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins, which can adversely affect both maternal and fetal health. Studies indicate that exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm birth and developmental issues. Utilizing non-toxic skincare products minimizes these risks, promoting a healthier pregnancy, higher chance of getting pregnant, breastfeeding safety/brain development  . Talk about my personal experience with hormonal imbalances, walk through journey and story of hormone issues, pelvic floor muscle spasm, and years of listening to new symptoms that pregnant and postpartum women faced weekly as I saw them week after week. Talk about detoxifying from phthalates and endocrine disruptors, define what that means and the sperm count rates declining. Talk about EWG, dry brush, exercise, gua sha, as a form of toxin release.  Please link your contact information for me to share in the episode.   Website: sashamamawellness.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashamama_wellness Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SashamamaWellness?ref=shop_sugg_market TikTok: Tiktok.com/ Sashamama_wellness  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095452157752   XOXO -Heids ___________________________________________________________________ We have seats available in Birth Story Academy. Join today for $20 off with code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND at https://www.birthstory.com/online-course   Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides   I'm Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I've supported the deliveries of over one thousand parents in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I'll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy person on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from many of the top experts in labor and delivery. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube Birth Story Boutique Doula + Pregnancy Concierge Services in Charlotte, NC Birth Story Media™ Website Pinterest    

What if your anxiety, gut issues, or chronic fatigue aren't just “mental”—but messages from your body asking you to slow down, clean up, and tune in? In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Mona Sharma—a former luxury beauty exec turned celebrity wellness expert—shares her personal journey from corporate burnout and heart surgeries to building an "at-home ashram" for healing. Mona breaks down how unresolved stress, toxic products, and hustle culture disconnect us from our own vitality, and how even small changes to your environment and routine can radically transform your health. This is not about all-or-nothing wellness—this is about reclaiming your body's wisdom, one choice at a time.Can You Really Heal Yourself By Cleaning Out Your Cabinet?Mona believes you can. But it starts with understanding how clutter, chemicals, and cortisol create chaos in your body—and how to shift back to balance.(00:00:00) Mona's Breaking Point: From Fashion World to the ER TableMona shares how corporate life and untreated stress led to two heart surgeries by age 24.Doctors offered no root-cause insight—just meds and more surgeries.A trip back to her childhood ashram helped her reconnect with the healing power of food, nature, and rest.“The doctors wanted to treat my symptoms, but not my story.”(00:12:18) Build Your Ashram at Home: Rituals, Food, and Space That HealRise with the sun, meditate, and simplify your schedule to support circadian rhythms.Use your home as a wellness sanctuary—starting with your kitchen, then skincare, then sleep space.“Eat like you love yourself”: whole foods, healthy swaps, and reduce toxins with apps like Yucca and EWG.Bonus: Herbal teas, salt-boosted hydration, and blackout curtains make a big impact.(00:22:33) From Hustle to Harmony: Rewiring the Nervous SystemMona reveals how stress became her identity—and how letting go of hustle was the hardest part.She discusses the societal pressure to “do it all” and why honoring your energy is the new productivity.“Rest is scheduled at the ashram. Why isn't it scheduled in your life?”Healing comes from permission: to pause, to not perform, and to prioritize joy.(00:29:57) Celebrity Wellness: How Mona Became Will Smith's Private ChefMona's wellness career snowballed after a chance client connection—Jonathan from the Property Brothers.She later supported Will Smith, Jay Shetty, and Julianne Hough through holistic lifestyle overhauls.The root of her approach: personalized protocols that combine ancient wisdom with functional testing.“It's not just about what you eat—it's how you live, breathe, and rest.”(00:44:07) Start Here: Three Questions to Create Your Wellness PlanWhat are the 3 main imbalances you feel? What's contributing to them?Use that insight to create your action plan—no overhaul needed.Ditch the diet fads and increase gut-friendly fiber from real, colorful foods.“There's no red pill. Your diet should be as unique as your fingerprint.”Thanks for the support from our partners, including:Ketone IQ | This episode is sponsored by Ketone-IQ. Save 30% off your first subscription order and receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ at ketone.com/TBS.Guest Info:Website: monasharma.comInstagram:...

In this powerhouse episode of the Winners Find A Way show, host Trent M. Clark sits down with Derek Johnson, founder of Derek Johnson Nutrition, to break down what it really means to take ownership of your health. Derek shares how his journey from traditional dietetics to integrative and functional medicine transformed his own life—and how he now guides high performers, busy professionals, and families to reclaim their well-being. From gut health and metabolic flexibility to light exposure and late-night eating, this conversation delivers real-world strategies to elevate energy, mental clarity, and physical resilience. If you want to optimize your health, avoid burnout, and become the high-performing leader you were meant to be, this episode is your blueprint.

In this eye-opening fertility episode, Dr. Wendy Trubow, MD, IFMCP, peels back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood issues in reproductive health: the toxic load we carry — and how it's silently sabotaging fertility in both men and women.Wendie Trubow, MD, MBA,IFM certified practitioner, is passionate about helping women optimize their health and lives as a functional medicine gynecologist. Through her struggles with mold and metal toxicity, Celiac disease, and other health issues, Trubow has developed a deep sense of compassion and expertise for what her patients are facing. She is the co-author of Dirty Girl: Ditch the Toxins, Look Great, and Feel Freaking Amazing and has been regularly featured in MindBodyGreen.This conversation isn't just for those trying to conceive — it's for anyone who wants to understand how the environment, food system, stress, and personal care industry are all intersecting with the skyrocketing rates of infertility, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and hormonal imbalance.Key InsightsWhy infertility is a symptom — not your identityHow inflammation blocks conception, even when all your tests look "normal"Why sperm counts are plummeting — and what that means for the futureHow to detox SAFELY before pregnancy — and what to avoid once you're pregnantWhy managing stress is just as important as managing toxins"You can't detox if you're stressed out — because stress turns OFF your detox pathways."The Three Toxic Buckets That Fuel InflammationWhat you put IN your bodyFood, plastics, pesticidesWhat you put ON your bodyMakeup, lotions, laundry detergentsWhat surrounds youAir, water, EMFs in your home + environmentDr. Wendy's JourneyDr. Wendy shares her personal story of toxic overload — despite doing "everything right" — and how she turned it into a roadmap for healing in her bestselling book "Dirty Girl."Recommended Clean Products & BrandsBeautyBeautyCounterBurt's BeesMineral FusionCleaning & LaundryAspen Clean (EWG Certified)Water FiltersBerkeyAquasanaReverse Osmosis systemsAir FiltersIQ Air ATEM (for cars)Air DoctorMolekuleResources

Do you know what the major sources of microplastics are in your home? Are you trying to decide whether you should throw out your plastic cutting board? Are you ingesting heavy metals without even knowing it? Is your microwave hurting you? I'm sitting down with Dr. Vivian Chen to learn more about microplastics, heavy metals, EMFs, PFAS, forever chemicals, water filtration, red light therapy, and health myths and tips. If it's a toxin you're afraid of, we're getting into it. 1:58 Protein for Weight Loss? 4:31 Benefits of Fiber 8:27 Microplastic Prevention and Detoxification 21:10 Water Filtration and PFAS 30:29 Are Microwaves Safe? 37:10 Cooking with Olive Oil 39:20 Sugar Alternatives 44:58 Red Light Therapy 46:47 Can You “Wear Out” Your Mitochondria?  1:05:13 EMF Exposure 1:14:04 Bluetooth Headphones 1:20:52 Reducing Exposure to Harmful Chemicals Check out the EWG tap water database. For more from Dr. Chen, you can find her on Instagram @plateful.health or online at www.platefulhealth.com. Subscribe to her Substack at platefulhealth.substack.com.  Ready to uplevel every part of your life? Order Liz's book 100 Ways to Change Your Life: The Science of Leveling Up Health, Happiness, Relationships & Success now!  To join The Liz Moody Podcast Club Facebook group, go to www.facebook.com/groups/thelizmoodypodcast. Connect with Liz on Instagram @lizmoody or online at www.lizmoody.com. Subscribe to the substack by visiting https://lizmoody.substack.com/welcome.  This episode is sponsored by: Seed: go to seed.com/lizmoody and use code LIZMOODY for 25% off your first month. Pique: go to piquelife.com/LIZMOODY for up to 20% off plus a special gift. Thrive Market: go to thrivemarket.com/LIZMOODY for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift. The Liz Moody Podcast cover art by Zack. The Liz Moody Podcast music by Alex Ruimy. Formerly the Healthier Together Podcast.  This podcast and website represents the opinions of Liz Moody and her guests to the show. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for information purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. The Liz Moody Podcast Episode 321. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you ready to make smarter choices about your skincare? Let's talk about how AI and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) can help you understand what's really in your beauty products! In today's episode, we dive into the best ways to decode ingredient lists and ensure you're using products that are truly safe for your skin. I'm breaking down how to use EWG.org and ChatGPT to find out the ratings and health impacts of every product you're using—so you don't have to wonder if your skincare is helping or harming your body! ✨ Questions you'll want answered in today's episode: What happens if the product on EWG.org doesn't reflect the latest formula, and how do we fix it? How can ChatGPT help me find safer alternatives for my favorite skincare products? What are the long-term health effects of using ingredients like lead, BHA, and BHT in cosmetics, and how can we avoid them? This episode is a game-changer for anyone who's serious about healthy, informed beauty choices. Plus, if you're into tech and wellness, I'll show you how to use AI to make the best choices for your health. Tune in and start making smarter, safer decisions today! XX, Lindsey Next Steps: Book a ONE on ONE Skincare Routine coaching call with me to get you Radiant skin!  LISTEN TO EXCLUSIVE PODCAST CONTENT and Download our FREE Esthetician led Skincare app: Apple IOS  Here OR Google Play Here Download my Free 7 Day Skincare Guide: Here If you liked this episode, you will also like this one : Discover Your Skin type: HERE Favorite Skincare Products HERE Connect with me:  @lindseyrholder and @spaskinandbeauty  Leave a review and get instant access to my  48 Hour Skincare Makeover Guide: HERE Listen to related episodes: Clean Beauty Swaps: From Charlotte Tilbury to NYX Gloss Alternatives with Lauren Brooke Co. Spring Skincare Refresh – Back to Basics Goodbye Wrinkles: The Ultimate Guide to Frownies as a Natural Botox Alternative  

Building a skincare routine shouldn't be stressful.If you've ever spiraled down a skincare rabbit hole, tried a 10-step routine you saw on TikTok, or felt personally victimized by your bathroom shelf, this episode is for you.In this solo episode, Jeanette is  keeping it real about how to build a skincare routine based on your individual skin concerns/ needs, without breaking your budget,  and destroying your sanityHere's what we're getting into:-The no-BS skincare basics you actually need (spoiler: it's not 12 steps)- What to use in the morning vs. at night - Why the EWG isn't what its hyped out to be and what to know about “clean beauty”-How to tailor your routine if you're dealing with acne, rosacea, eczema, or perioral dermatitis, or looking for general anti-aging support & more!Whether you're new to skincare or a skincare veteran ready to get down to the basics, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and probably a reason to finally toss out those expired products on your shelf...Connect with Jeanette your co-host here:Instagram:Follow Jeanette on instagram hereDon't forget to follow us on Instagram @girlsgonewellnesspodcast for updates and more wellness tips. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review—we truly appreciate your support. Let's embark on this journey to wellness together!DISCLAIMER: Nothing mentioned in this episode is medical advice and should not be taken as so. If you have any health concerns, please discuss these with your doctor or a licensed healthcare professional.

In this episode of Jeff and Jeremy Jeff discovers the EWG's website and all the not so great things they tell you about your tap water, that is if you live in SLO, Paso, Templeton, Oceano, or A-Town.

Ken Cook is the President and co-founder of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and has spent his life fighting for safer food, cleaner water, and tougher regulations to protect us—and our kids—from toxic chemicals. He's reshaped U.S. food and farm policy and pushed back against the industries putting profits over people. In this episode, he shares: What the EWG really does—and how their site can help you make safer, smarter choices for yourself and your family. Why EWG chose to make science “buzzy”—and how it changed everything. The wild difference between U.S. and European product regulations (and why so many harmful ingredients are still legal here).The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15: the simplest way to know what produce to buy organic. How to find out what's actually in your tap water—and what to do about it.What you need to know about PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”). Why “legal” doesn't always mean “safe”—especially when it comes to beauty, cleaning, furniture, and home goods. How toxic chemicals are impacting kids—and why you should care.His go-to tips to make safer swaps without feeling overwhelmed. Why cracking a window might be one of the healthiest things you do today. How EWG is fighting to make organic food and safer products more accessible and affordable for everyone.The real reason companies are finally making cleaner, healthier options—and what role you play.   Book Rec: The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes   Check out the EWG here and their consumer guides (safer beauty, tap water, sunscreen etc) here.   Check out Ken's Podcast “Ken Cook is Having Another Episode” here!  

We live in an era where misinformation spreads faster than ever—shaping our beliefs, fueling our anxieties, and making it nearly impossible to separate fact from fiction. Why are our brains so susceptible to false narratives even when we know better? How do we resist falling for this stuff? And also, where is the line separating misinformation from harmless ~lore~ anyway? In this special episode, host Amanda Montell (@amanda_montell) reads an exclusive excerpt from her new book, The Age of Magical Overthinking, diving into the psychology behind misinformation, revealing some mistakes of her own, and exploring the linguistic tricks that make debunking a falsehood so much harder than believing it in the first place. Listen to the full audiobook here: https://bit.ly/48mnRkG Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THE AGE OF MAGICAL OVERTHINKING by Amanda Montell, read by the author. Copyright © 2024 by Amanda Montell. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc. For more, follow @simon.audio on IG and @SimonAudio on FB/X! Overthinker Corrections: From our episode on toxins, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has faced controversy over the years, with critics arguing that it overstates chemical risks, relies on flawed methodologies, and promotes an organic marketing agenda. Despite these concerns, EWG defends its work as being rooted in a mission to protect public health and empower consumers to make safer choices. For those seeking alternative resources to the EWG, consider exploring Consumer Reports for independent product testing and safety insights, and Made Safe for certified non-toxic product recommendations. A couple of points made in our fertility interview—namely, the study about birth control pills disrupting pheromones and the implication that hormonal IUDs and birth control pills can cause the same side effects—are debated. Listen to Science Vs the Pill to learn more. Thanks for your listenership and thoughtful engagement! Overall, we hope this episode inspires more critical conversation and self-advocacy, and less shame, about the thought spiral-inducing subject of fertility  - Join the "Magical Overthinkers Club" by following the pod on Instagram @magicaloverthinkers. - To access early, ad-free episodes and more, subscribe to the Magical Overthinkers Substack. - Pick up a hard copy of Amanda's book The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, or listen to the audiobook. Thanks to Our Sponsors: No matter how you say it, don't overpay for it. Shop plans at https://MINTMOBILE.com/magical Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/MAGICAL to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today Check out the Fits Everybody Collection at https://www.skims.com/magical #skimspartner Cannot use any other commissionable clothing links including, but not limited to, LTK, MagicLinks, Amazon Storefront, ShopMy, etc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode, we're diving into the world of clean beauty with the incredible founder of Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques! She shares her inspiring journey from chronic exhaustion to building a clean beauty empire focused on non-toxic, skin-loving products. We'll also explore how to swap out popular beauty items, like Charlotte Tilbury's iconic products and my NyX glosses, for safer, non-toxic alternatives. Plus, hear about the ingredients to avoid and how to make smarter beauty choices. So, are you ready to: Find out which non-toxic products can replace your Charlotte Tilbury favorites? Learn about the harmful ingredients hiding in your makeup and skincare? Discover what it really takes to get that coveted EWG rating for a clean beauty product? Want to know how you can achieve radiant, healthy skin without the toxins? Tune in for this insightful conversation and walk away with clean beauty swaps and tips that'll leave you glowing! Stay glowy my friends! XX, Lindsey Next Steps: Book a ONE on ONE Skincare Routine coaching call with me to get you Radiant skin!  LISTEN TO EXCLUSIVE PODCAST CONTENT and Download our FREE Esthetician led Skincare app: Apple IOS  Here OR Google Play Here Download my Free 7 Day Skincare Guide: Here If you liked this episode, you will also like this one : Discover Your Skin type: HERE Favorite Skincare Products HERE Connect with me:  @lindseyrholder and @spaskinandbeauty  Leave a review and get instant access to my  48 Hour Skincare Makeover Guide: HERE Listen to related episodes: Spring Skincare Refresh – Back to Basics Goodbye Wrinkles: The Ultimate Guide to Frownies as a Natural Botox Alternative Discovering Japan & Morocco Beauty Rituals to add into your Skincare routine  

Welcome back to Women and Children First, where we dive into the science, policies, and practices that shape the health of our families and communities. Today, we are honored to have Dr. Tasha Stoiber, a leading scientist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), whose work is at the forefront of protecting public health from environmental contaminants. Dr. Stoiber is a distinguished environmental scientist dedicated to understanding the impact of chemical exposures on public health. Dr. Stoiber earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She furthered her expertise through postdoctoral research in the ecotoxicology of nanoparticles in human tissues at the University of California, Davis. She brings a wealth of expertise to the conversation on how exposures to harmful substances, such as PFAS, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors, can affect human health, especially in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. Currently, as a Senior Scientist at EWG, she focuses on researching contaminant chemicals in consumer products. At EWG, she plays a critical role in translating complex scientific research into actionable knowledge for consumers and policymakers. Her efforts help drive regulatory change and empower individuals to make safer choices for themselves and their families. Whether it's uncovering hidden contaminants in food, advocating for cleaner drinking water, or guiding parents on reducing toxic exposures, Dr. Stoiber's work is reshaping how we think about environmental health. Dr. Stoiber has contributed significantly to scientific literature, with publications addressing critical issues such as the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and freshwater fish. Her research has shed light on the widespread contamination of these "forever chemicals" and their potential health risks. Today, we'll explore the pressing issues surrounding chemical exposures, how they influence childhood development and long-term well-being, and, most importantly, what we can do to protect ourselves. Join me as we tap into Dr. Stoiber's deep knowledge and practical insights on creating a healthier world for the next generation. Dr. M

Most people use several different personal care products every day. For example, you may use a shampoo and conditioner, creams or lotions, shaving cream, fragrances, toothpaste and some makeup, including lipstick, eyeliner and eyeshadow. If you read the labels on these products you'll see a list of chemicals, and you may assume that these chemicals have been tested to make sure that they're safe. However, the Food and Drug Administration does not do any long-term testing on these chemicals. They may be tested to see whether they result in short-term problems, such as skin irritation, and the FDA may act, if they get complaints about harmful effects from a product. Several nonprofit groups are finding or conducting the necessary studies and distributing that vital information to us consumers. One organization is the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and in this program, we feature Kaley Beins a senior scientist of chemical safety and toxicology at the EWG.

If you're struggling with fertility issues and wondering how to support egg quality and hormonal balance, you're not alone. Environmental toxins could be affecting your fertility in ways you might not even realize. Discover how functional medicine and nutrition can help you address these hidden factors with detox strategies, diet changes, and supplements. Learn how reducing toxic exposure and supporting your body's natural detox processes could make a significant difference in your fertility. It's time to look beyond conventional medicine and take a closer look at what's really impacting your chances of conception. This episode is for you: You're struggling with fertility issues such as low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian insufficiency and want to support egg quality and hormonal balance naturally. You've been exposed to environmental toxins and wonder how they may be impacting your fertility. You're looking for functional medicine/nutrition approaches, including diet, supplements, and detox strategies, to enhance your chances of conception. In this episode you'll learn: How environmental toxins negatively affect egg quality, especially in cases of low AMH, high FSH, DOR, and POI. The role of detox strategies in supporting hormonal balance and improving fertility outcomes. Practical dietary changes that promote better egg health and help manage low AMH and high FSH levels. Supplements that can support fertility and improve reproductive health, particularly for those with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) or POI. Steps you can take to reduce toxic exposure and optimize your fertility naturally, no matter your diagnosis. --- RESOURCES Pesticide Exposure in Strawberries The Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2024 "Dirty Dozen" report reveals that about 90% of strawberries tested positive for pesticide residues. This makes them one of the most pesticide-contaminated fruits. Source: EWG - Dirty Dozen Report Glyphosate and Female Fertility Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) may disrupt the endocrine system, potentially affecting female fertility by altering hormone regulation, particularly estrogen. This disruption could impact ovarian function and reproductive health, though more research is needed to confirm the extent of these effects in humans. Source:  PubMed Glyphosate and Male Fertility This review examines how glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) may negatively affect male fertility, specifically sperm quality, by causing oxidative stress, DNA damage, and reduced sperm motility. It calls for more research on the long-term effects of glyphosate on male reproductive health.   Source: Pubmed Decline in Male Fertility Dr. Shanna Swan's research highlights a dramatic decline in male fertility, with sperm counts dropping by over 50% between 1973 and 2011. Projections suggest sperm counts could reach near zero by 2045 if the trend continues. Get Pregnant Naturally Podcast:  How To Improve Declining Sperm Counts and Egg Quality -Dr Shanna Swan Protect Your Fertility From EMF Exposure Learn how electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure could affect fertility and what steps to take to protect your reproductive health. Get Pregnant Naturally Podcast: How To Protect Your Fertility From EMF Exposure Why Working on Your Stress Matters for Pregnancy Success (HeartMath Technique) Explore the importance of stress management for improving pregnancy outcomes, including techniques like HeartMath to reduce stress and balance hormones. Get Pregnant Naturally Podcast:  Why Working On Your Stress Really Matters For Fertility

On this episode of the Believe Big Podcast, we welcome Caitlin Fierro of Non-Toxic Homes to discuss the powerful connection between health, environment, and functional medicine. Caitlin shares her personal health journey, detailing how conventional treatments failed to address her autoimmune condition and how integrative medicine transformed her well-being. She dives into the importance of gut health, reducing toxic exposure in daily life, and making informed choices about food, water, and household products. Caitlin also provides practical tips for simplifying health routines, from choosing safer cleaning supplies to prioritizing non-toxic materials in clothing and home goods. Tune in as we explore how small, intentional changes can have a profound impact on overall health and healing.Learn more about Caitlin Fierro on her website:Non-Toxic HomesSuggested Resources:Non-Toxic Homes - BlogClearly Filtered (water filtration system)Environmental Working Group (EWG)Branch Basics - clean cleaning productsRoot & Splendor - laundry detergentBlueland - eco-friendly cleaning productsAunt Fannie's - natural cleaning agentsFreddie - laundry detergent sheetsFontana Candles - non-toxic home scentsClare Paint - zero VOC interior paintPact - organic cotton clothingMate the Label - organic clothingWooly - merino wool clothingThe Kitchen Today (tallow) - how to purify beef tallowSend us a textYour donations power our podcast's mission to support cancer patients with hope, insights, and resources. Every contribution fuels our ability to uplift and empower. Join us in making a lasting impact. Donate now!

In this episode, Dr. Alisha Reed discusses the importance of being mindful about the personal care products marketed to black women. She highlights the findings of the EWG report, which reveals that these products often contain harmful chemicals linked to serious health issues. Dr. Reed emphasizes the need for consumers to be informed and advocate for safer alternatives, while also providing resources and recommendations for healthier living.   Link to report: EWG Report Link to EWG Database: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ Link to BLK+GRN: BLK + GRN: An all natural marketplace by all Black women artisans Link to BGE: https://blackgirlenvironmentalist.org/ Follow: Instagram (@dralishareed) Join Email List: Join the Grown Woman Self-Care Journey!

Chief Brand and Mission Officer, Amy Cadora sits down with Aya Matsumoto, Director of EWG to discuss our wonderful partnership. If you missed it, the three products in our Essential Skin Care Set all received an EWG Verified Certification! So what does it all mean? This partnership offers consumers transparency and peace of mind knowing that verified products meet the strictest health standards and are free from EWG's chemicals of concern . . . tune in to hear more!

This episode features Immunologist & Microbiologist, and fellow science communicator, Dr. Andrea Love, in a deep dive into the EWG. Views expressed in this episode are in our honestly held opinions. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a review! If it's accessible, we also have a Patreon which you can find at patreon.com/theecowell

This episode is for you if you want beautiful skin after 40 without relying on Botox, fillers and conventional skincare which often contain toxic hormone disrupting ingredients. We are going to learn the best natural beauty solutions. Our guest is Trina Felber, mother of the clean beauty movement and founder of Primal Life Organics. She is a registered nurse who has over 16 years of expertise teaching women to craft their own premium, hormone-safe skincare.  We learn: The shocking truth about water in skincare Skin absorbs chemicals very quickly impacting our overall health Perimenopause and menopause symptoms may be exacerbated by toxic skincare Why Yuka, ThinkDirty and EWG don't always assess skincare safety correctly How Botox and fillers can lead to more aging in the long run Toxins in skincare can affect not just individuals but future generations Reading labels is crucial to understanding skincare products Connect with Trina: IG https://www.instagram.com/trinafelber Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrinaFelber/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trina.felber  Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/trina-felber X: https://x.com/realtrinafelber  Enroll in Trina's Holistic Health & Beauty Reset Program and automatically save $200 with Functional Moms Podcast: https://courses.trinafelber.com/our-course?am_id=fmpodcast Thank you for listening to our show. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a review and subscribe. It will allow us to continue to bring more episodes your way! Kristin and Raquel info@functionalmoms.com  https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast

For years, I thought my time for new business ventures had passed, until I discovered Shaklee and its visionary leader, Roger Barnett. If you've been following me on social, you've probably heard of the Heritage Club. It's more than just a beautiful brand, it's a reflection of everything I stand for, and one of the cornerstones of this venture is my partnership with Shaklee. Roger Barnett is the Chairman and CEO of Shaklee Corporation, a pioneering natural nutrition company founded in 1956. With over 2 Million members and ambassadors across North America and Asia, Shaklee's ageless movement immediately caught my attention. But what truly blew me away was Roger himself — a brilliant entrepreneur with an impressive career that began in investment banking and grew into groundbreaking ventures like Beauty.com and revitalizing iconic brands like Burberry through his family's legacy. With degrees from Yale and Harvard and a career rooted in making an impact, Roger is the kind of business partner you dream of working with. When I started exploring Shaklee's products, especially their EWG-certified clinical-grade skincare and nutrition lines, I was hooked. After personally experiencing the incredible impact on my health and skin, I knew this was more than just a business—it was a mission I couldn't ignore.  That's how the Heritage Club was born. It's not just a brand I'm proud of; it's a movement built on doing things differently—classy, sophisticated, and purpose-driven. And partnering with someone like Roger, who shares that vision, feels like a divine alignment. In this episode, you'll hear directly from Roger about his journey, Shaklee's mission, and how we're working together to revolutionize the beauty and wellness space. If you're ready to get inspired and maybe even think about how you can plug into this vision—stay tuned. Let's dive in! In this episode: Roger's Purpose-Driven Leadership Entrepreneurial lessons from Roger's early ventures from shoe-shining to Beauty.com The Search for Shaklee and Its Unique Business Model Discovering Shaklee's Legacy Science-Backed Wellness Combining Heritage with Innovation — how Shaklee, much like Burberry, harnesses timeless quality to fuel innovation and continued growth Community Marketing™: The Heart of Shaklee The Heritage Club The Land of AND Rewards for Impact: Shaklee's Revolutionary Compensation Plan Strategies that drive Shaklee's growth Health on a Global Scale Why Small Wins Matter And so much more! Links and Resources: Join Heritage Club | https://fordify.myflodesk.com/confirmationpage  Instagram - @heritageclub | https://www.instagram.com/heritageclub/  FORDIFY with Emily Ford | https://fordifymybrand.com/  Connect with Roger Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rogerbarnett/  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/RogerLBarnett/  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/shakleehealthandwellness  Connect with Emily Website |  https://meetemilyford.com/      On Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily     On Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod     On YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD 

Did you know that hidden toxins in the food we eat every day could be affecting your energy and hormone balance, especially if you're in you're in perimenopause? I want to help you to understand food toxins and how they impact your body over time. Discover the truth about artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and pesticides lurking in your produce and meals and learn actionable, easy changes to make your diet cleaner and healthier. these small but powerful tips will help you feel better and more energized without drastic changes. What can you do?  Focus on organic options  Know the "dirty dozen" Make homemade snacks EWG's Dirty Dozen List Artificial Sweeteners and Gut Health – The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry Endocrine Disruptors in Processed Foods – Environmental Health Weekly Health Tips:  thrivehealthcoachllc.com Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

(Disclaimer: This episode contains advice on nutrition and lifestyle. Always consult your health care team regarding your personal circumstances).In this episode, we speak with Terena from Tampa, Florida, about her journey with CAR T-cell therapy, covering her experiences from diagnosis through recovery and remission. Diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in September 2019, Terena endured years of misdiagnosis as her initial symptoms, such as severe hot flashes and night sweats, were attributed to menopause. It wasn't until a bone marrow biopsy that she was correctly diagnosed.Following her diagnosis, Terena underwent extensive testing, including specialized genetic tests like FoundationOne Heme and clonoSEQ, which helped tailor her treatment plan. She started on a combination therapy of Revlimid and rituximab before transitioning to CAR T-cell therapy in December 2020. She shares how the preparation for CAR T involved rigorous health screenings, including mental health assessments and apheresis, to collect her T cells.Terena details the intensive hospital stay during CAR T, where she faced several challenging side effects like cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, and significant weight loss due to radiation-induced nausea. Despite these challenges, she avoided some severe complications such as seizures or viral reactivations, thanks to preemptive treatments and vigilant care. Her remission came three months post-treatment, a milestone that was both a relief and a testament to the effectiveness of the therapy.The cost of CAR T therapy was staggering, with an itemized hospital bill exceeding a million dollars. Fortunately, her insurance (including Medicare) covered a significant portion, though she emphasizes the importance of being financially prepared for such high medical expenses.Post-remission, Terena has made significant lifestyle changes to support her health. She follows a strict anti-inflammatory diet, avoiding GMOs, processed foods, and conventional dairy and meat products. She shares her regimen of juicing, incorporating nutrient-rich foods like organic berries, avocados, and cruciferous vegetables. Additionally, she has overhauled her home environment, switching to non-toxic cleaning products and cosmetics, using water and air filters, and incorporating wellness practices like infrared sauna therapy and regular exercise.Terena's commitment to reducing environmental toxins extends to every aspect of her life. She no longer uses products with harmful chemicals, such as nail polish or hair dye, and relies on digital tools to evaluate the safety of her food and personal care products. Her integrative health approach, combining conventional and holistic practices, plays a crucial role in maintaining her well-being.Her story is not only about overcoming physical challenges but also about the emotional and logistical aspects of undergoing such intensive treatment. From pre-paying bills and preparing meals in advance to relying on friends and family for transportation during her recovery, Terena's experience highlights the need for a strong support system. Her openness and detailed sharing of her journey are bound to help others navigating similar paths.Links: Gluten Free Scanner App: https://glutenfreescanner.app/EWG's "Clean Fifteen" List: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.phpEWG's "Dirty Dozen" List: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/full-list.phpFoundationOne Heme - foundationmedicine.comclonoSEQ - clonoseq.comThis season is made possible thanks to our sponsors:Kite, a Gilead company: http://www.kitepharma.com/and Bristol Myers Squibb's CAR T support services program:https://www.celltherapy360.com/ Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/Or visit our website at https://www.nbmtlink.org/

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta chats with Shirley Pinkson-Mañas, co-founder of Well People and Head of Education at e.l.f. Beauty, about her pioneering journey in clean beauty. Shirley's career started as a makeup artist with brands like MAC and NARS, where she developed a passion for quality ingredients and transparency. After realizing a gap in clean beauty products, she co-founded Well People in 2008, with a mission to make effective, safe, and socially responsible cosmetics accessible to all. Well People's ethos is grounded in performance, skin health, and ethics. Shirley discusses the brand's commitment to transparency, educating consumers without fear tactics, and ensuring safety by banning over 2,500 ingredients. Well People was the first color cosmetics brand to receive EWG verification, reinforcing its dedication to transparency and consumer trust. With innovative multifunctional products, like their Supernatural Complexion Stick, Well People has continued to raise the bar in clean beauty. Shirley also shares the challenges of being a Latina, LGBTQ+ founder and the importance of perseverance and staying true to values in the face of industry obstacles. Her insights on today's conscious beauty consumers, particularly Gen Z, highlight a growing demand for ethical and effective products. Through Well People and e.l.f. Beauty, Shirley is shaping a future in beauty that champions integrity, sustainability, and empowerment. Tune in for an inspiring look at how clean beauty can transform both industry standards and consumer choices.To learn more about Well People, visit her website and social media. Don't forget to subscribe to Skincare Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Beating Cancer Daily, Saranne is joined by Jacqui Bryan, a functional medicine expert, to uncover the essential role of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in brain, eye, and heart health. Jacqui provides a comprehensive understanding of DHA's multifaceted benefits, the importance of acquiring it through food sources, and its significant impact on combating conditions like "chemo-brain." Together, they explore the historical misconceptions about fats and the importance of integrating DHA into a balanced diet. Jacqui Bryan is a certified nutrition specialist, whole health educator, health coach, and registered nurse. With her extensive background in functional medicine, Jacqui has successfully guided many individuals to improve their health through nutrition. Her expertise encompasses various health domains, making her an invaluable resource for those seeking to adopt a holistic approach to well-being. “Nutrition is the foundation of health; with every bite,  we have the opportunity to fuel our body the right way.” – Jacqui Bryan Today on Beating Cancer Daily: ·     DHA is crucial for brain, eye, and heart health and must be consumed through diet as the body cannot produce it independently.·     Saturated fats were historically replaced by sugar in processed foods, leading to increased rates of heart disease and diabetes.·     Omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, EPA, and ALA, provide vast health benefits, with DHA being particularly important for brain performance and memory.·     DHA has notable anti-cancer properties and aids in alleviating symptoms associated with "chemo-brain."·     Fatigue, dry skin, poor memory, and circulation issues can be signs of DHA deficiency.·     Fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich sources of DHA, while vegetarians might consider algae oil supplements.·     DHA supports heart health by lowering triglycerides and reducing systemic inflammation.·     Remember to consult healthcare providers when integrating new supplements or significant dietary changes, especially during cancer treatments. Guest Contact Information:Jacqui Bryanhttps://www.jacquibryan.com  Resources Mentioned:ComedyCures Foundationhttps://www.comedycures.org Monterey Bay Safe Seafood Guidehttps://www.seafoodwatch.org/ Environmental Working Grouphttps://www.EWG.org  The #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot and Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcast by CancerCare News, Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in more than 91 countries on six continents and has over 300 original daily episodes hosted by stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg!   To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:https://www.comedycures.org/ To write to Saranne or a guest:https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8 To record a message to Saranne or a guest:https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:https://www.comedycures.org/ Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate THANK YOU! Please tell a friend who we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review. Have a blessed day! Saranne

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.

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.    

In this episode, we're diving deep into some of the most powerful tools to support your health and healing journey. We'll discuss the benefits of red light therapy and how it helps reduce inflammation, support healthy cell growth, and even promote anti-aging. I also share how my family uses it daily, as well as the role of proper mouth health, especially for those going through cancer treatment. We'll talk about some of my favorite products, like Wonder Tooth Powder, that can help prevent issues like mucositis, and why proper water filtration is essential. You'll hear about the importance of proactive tools like bone broth protein powder, dry brushing, and the use of a journal for better communication with your children. We also touch on why cold therapy, infrared sauna use, and maintaining proper electrolyte balance can be vital additions to your daily routine, whether you're fighting cancer or simply trying to create an environment cancer can't survive in. Be sure to check the show notes for all the links and discount codes to these essential tools! Links: Top 15 Essentials List https://yourthriveformula.com/get-the-essentials Bone Broth https://www.seasonjohnson.com/bone-broth-alternative-therapy-cancer/ EWG.org or Think Dirty app to rate your cleaning products LumeBox: https://bit.ly/seasonjohnsonlume Use code seasonjohnson for $260 off Protocol Guide: https://yourthriveformula.com/free-protocol-guide

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Ekta Yadav speaks with Ken Cook, co-founder and president of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), about transforming transparency in personal care products. Ken shares the origin story of EWG, discussing how his background in environmental advocacy inspired the creation of the organization and its mission to provide consumers with accessible, data-driven information. The conversation delves into the development of EWG's groundbreaking Skin Deep database, which cataloged thousands of personal care products and ingredients, exposing the lack of regulation and safety testing in the beauty industry.Ken also discusses how Skin Deep has empowered consumers to make more informed choices about the products they use, leading to a shift in the beauty industry's approach to clean formulations. The episode highlights the challenges of understanding ingredient interactions and the complexities of chemical regulations, while also offering hope for a future where consumer demand drives brands to prioritize safety and transparency.Listeners will gain valuable insights into how EWG is continuing to push for better regulations and why it's essential to stay informed about the chemicals in personal care products. For those interested in making safer, healthier choices, this episode offers a deep dive into the role of transparency in today's beauty industry.To learn more about the EWG Skin Deep database and to view their approved cosmetics/skincare, visit their website and social media. Don't forget to subscribe to Skincare Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

We are thrilled to introduce our guest, Zach Greenfield. Zach leads Greenfield Water, a company at the forefront of innovative water technologies. Taking over in 2019 after an 18-year career as a flight paramedic and firefighter paramedic, Zach and his sister, Angel, have dedicated themselves to advancing their father's visionary work. They focus on the research and development of cutting-edge water filtration and vortexing/energizing technologies, including advanced water filtration systems. Additionally, Greenfield Water is committed to education on the complex hydrodynamics around water, conducting scientific research in the field, and developing filtration solutions in a world where water quality is increasingly compromised. Currently, they are expanding their impact through global trials that are demonstrating promising results. Zach is deeply committed to continued research and development around harnessing the earth's natural energies to develop sustainable and regenerative solutions for our sacred earth. The company's goal and promise is to deliver information and products that are congruent with nature and truly life-enhancing for body, soul, and mind. In this conversation we dive into:  An overview of why it is important to have clean water in your home. What is structured water and why is it important. How the EWG plays a role in testing water. Truths and myths around water filtration systems, including the popular reverse osmosis.  Why your health journey should start with water. Helpful links and resources: www.greenfieldwater.com Call or text to get your water questions answered: 208-462-0626 IG: @greenfieldwater --------------------------------------------------------- Thanks to our amazing Sponsor, Vivarays Are you looking for a way to improve your sleep and boost your energy during the day? Meet Vivarays' Circadian Light Harmonizing Glasses! Unlike regular blue light blockers, these glasses are engineered with a deep understanding of light and its impact on your body. Designed by leading sleep experts, Vivarays helps keep your circadian rhythm in sync with nature, improving your hormonal balance, sleep quality, energy levels and productivity. Head over to https://vivarays.com/livingwell to check out their amazing glasses and use promo code ARTOFLIVINGWELL during checkout to save 10%. --------------------------------------------------------- Revitalize your body and prepare for fall with our self-guided 7-Day Vitality Reboot designed to leave you feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to embrace the season ahead! We now have a program where you can do it on your own schedule but still receive all the wonderful support and recipes of the full program.  Register here! --------------------------------------------------------- Need more protein and energy in your day? Check out these amazing, high quality products from Kion, especially their essential amino acids, creatine and protein powders, which we both use daily.   Use code 'ARTOFLIVING' for a discount off your purchase. ----------------------------------------------------------- Ask us a question/make a recommentation We'd love to hear from you! Click here to share your feedback and suggestions. ----------------------------------------------------------- Sign-up for your 15 minute Health Transformation Audit - Click here. ----------------------------------------------------------- Let us help you get to the root cause of your unwanted symptoms. Schedule a 15 minute consultation to discuss at-home functional medicine lab testing here. ----------------------------------------------------------- How can you support our podcast? Apple users, please subscribe and review our show on Apple Podcasts,we make sure to read them all. Android users, please be sure to subscribe to our show on Google Podcasts so that you don't miss any of the action. Tell a friend about The Art of Living Well Podcast® and our community programs. Share your favorite episode on social media and don't forget to tag us @theartofliving_well. Subscribe to our Youtube channel Shop our Favorite Products: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/products Connect with us on social media: IG: @theartofliving_well FB: theartoflivingwell Get on our list so you don't miss out on announcements, programs and events. You can download our guests' favorite reads here. Learn more about your hosts: Marnie Dachis Marmet Stephanie May Potter Theartoflivingwell PodcastOctober 2, 2024  

#055 This week Amy is joined by Dr Michelle Wong, PhD aka LabMuffinBeautyScience, a science educator and cosmetic chemist. Dr. Wong is as thorough as thorough can be and she prioritized evidence-based science education above all else.Tune is as Michelle busts pervasive beauty myths about pore clogging ingredients, rosemary oil for hair loss, hyaluronic acid, the EWG, EU banning hundreds more ingredients than the US, DIY sunscreen, micellar water, the right way to shampoo and so much more!PRODUCTS MENTIONED:PAULA'S CHOICE | Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant https://go.shopmy.us/p-2228960ROC | Retinol https://go.shopmy.us/p-8125702SULWHASOO | Concentrated Ginseng Renewal Cream https://go.shopmy.us/p-8125724RESOURCES: The Science of Beauty: Debunk the Myths and Discover What Goes into Your Beauty Routine by Michelle Wong and DK https://a.co/d/ixTk78vFollow LabMuffinBeautyScience on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/labmuffinbeautyscience/?hl=enFollow LabMuffinBeautyScience on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/labmuffinbeautyscienceTo watch the video version of this episode head to the Youtube page!Need a full skincare overhaul? Check out our Comprehensive Skincare Routine Digital GuideConnect with me:Amy's Instagramwww.skinthusiast.com

DianeKazer.com/RIMAN  DianeKazer.com/VIP  In this episode of Warrior Wednesday, I'm hosting our CHI Podcast with my special guest, Dr Stephanie Rimka to go straight into the natural beauty solution you've been waiting for. The ONE that provides me the greatest amount of HOPE that we can age gracefully without sacrificing the natural beauty God built unique to each of us. The ONE that has shown me in a very short time that we CAN tighten, blend, smooth and soothe our complexion without the deadly use of Injectables, Botox and other procedures. This year, when Beauty Counter closed their doors, many of us were saddened. And since I've been searching for a replacement non toxic alternative that not only matched their products, but rivaled it. Exceeded it. This line is so revolutionary it's not only the highest rated on EWG for Non-Toxic and Clean… But it's the only one of it's kind that does what it does straight from the depth of the Earth Volcano minerals that penetrate the deepest layers of your skin to nourish them within And it's not just for women It's for men too with all the toxins they expose themselves to with shaving, facial hair taming and more! WE COVER Exactly what makes this sacred skin care line both natural and unique to you EWG and why you must be using this as your go-to resource to vet ALL ingredients, we've got to keep those toxic ingredients off our skin! How these ingredients from Mother Earth work with you naturally to gracefully amplify and enhance your own natural, goddess (or god!) beauty

Larissa Thomson was born and raised in New York City with an innate connection to the energy of the city and the people in it. Over the years she learned to understand the importance of balancing that energy with the regenerative healing powers that nature has to offer. Her exposure to clean beauty and timeless style would eventually guide her to an impressive career in the fashion industry. Through her tenure as a Fashion Market Director for many of the world's best fashion magazines, she has been a leading translator of trends and a conduit of style for millions of consumers.Thomson's devotion to a life of healthy living, learning, and discovery, along with her experienced eye for luxury, led her to become the co-founder of ONDA Beauty in December 2016. The aim was to create a beauty and spa destination dedicated to a curated collection of clean, conscious, and safe beauty products. In addition to providing access to safe and effective brands in a modern, warm, and welcoming space, ONDA is a trusted space to discover, learn, and experience a respite from our busy urban environment.In this episode, Nada sits down with Larissa to talk about all things clean beauty; what the term means, how to find what's right for our skin, and where to begin our safe skin care practice without throwing out everything in our medicine cabinets. The two discuss disparities and privileges inherent to this industry and the impact that taking “turtle steps” can have toward changing our skincare routines. Whether advising her daily customers or recommending some of her favorite products to us, Larissa's expertise shines throughout this conversation. Head over to Onda's website and check out her list of recommended products. Also, to learn more about the ‘Dirty Dozen' read the following article, The Toxic Twelve Chemicals and Contaminants in Cosmetics. Go to EWG's website to search the hazard ratings of the ingredients, brands, and products that you use. Follow on Instagram:@larissa111 and @ondabeauty Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.PHOTO CREDIT: Jaimie Baird Photography Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the SYNC Your Life podcast episode #272! On this podcast, we will be diving into all things women's hormones to help you learn how to live in alignment with your female physiology. Too many women are living with their check engine lights flashing. You know you feel “off” but no matter what you do, you can't seem to have the energy, or lose the weight, or feel your best. This podcast exists to shed light on the important topic of healthy hormones and cycle syncing, to help you gain maximum energy in your life.  In today's episode, I'm diving into the topic of liver detoxes which seem to be all the rage right now. We're discussing whether there is any scientific legitimacy to them, and how to actually support your liver as the primary detoxification organ of the body.  In this episode, I mention these previous SYNC Your Life episodes: Sauna for Women Interview with Lifeboost Coffee CEO Dr. Charles Livingston LEA in Women Inositol My favorite products mentioned on this episode include: Dry brush, glutathione supplement (Hydrate & Detox), and household cleaner as well as skincare, all endocrine-disruption free Queen of Thrones Castor Oil and Pack Lifeboost Coffee I also mention running your product brand names through the EWG.org website for toxin rating. As always, be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new supplements. Nothing on this podcast should be deemed medical advice. If you feel like something is “off” with your hormones, check out the FREE hormone imbalance quiz at sync.jennyswisher.com.  To learn more about the SYNC Digital Course, check out jennyswisher.com.  To learn more about the SYNC fitness program, click here. To learn more about virtual consults with our resident hormone health doctor, click here. Let's be friends outside of the podcast! Send me a message or schedule a call so I can get to know you better. You can reach out at https://jennyswisher.com/contact-2/. Enjoy the show! Episode Webpage: jennyswisher.com/podcast 

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.  

Would you like to know a few skincare finds $25 and under that an Esthetician uses? In this episode, I'm sharing my top 5 must-have skincare products that I absolutely swear by! Discover the secrets of this cleanser I love, the ancient benefits of this oil, and why I'm obsessed with these certain acids. I'll also reveal how I choose the best products and why the EWG website is my go-to for ingredient safety. Tune in for these insider tips and learn how to make the most of these skincare essentials! Stay glowy my friends! XX, Lindsey Next Steps: LISTEN TO EXCLUSIVE PODCAST CONTENT and Download our FREE Esthetician led Skincare app: Apple IOS  Here OR Google Play Here Download my Free 7 Day Skincare Guide: Here Favorite Skincare Products I use and Love! HERE Skincare Products under $25 in this episode:  Shop Shop and Shop Shop Shop this one or this one These peel pads shop for the face and these for your underarms Shop Connect with me:  @lindseyrholder and @spaskinandbeauty    Leave a review and get instant access to my  48 Hour Skincare Makeover Guide: HERE Listen to related episodes:   173- 3 Ways to Stay Consistent with Your Skincare Routine 172 - Skincare Routine Motivation: How to Stay Consistent  

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. 

Buckle up listeners, this is a good one. This episode is packed with helpful information. Allison talks to Bev Sidders, a chemical engineer turned licensed master esthetician, about all things sunscreen…. plus a little bonus on bug spray as well.  Each question Allison asks Bev yields tons of great information. Here are some of the highlights: how to choose the right sunscreen for everyone in your family, which sunscreen ingredients you should look for and which you should avoid and why, how to use the EWG app to check the safety of the products your family uses, Bev's recommendations for specific sunscreen products for the whole family, what SPF we should be using and how often we need to reapply, bug spray brands Bev recommends and tips for applying, how to treat a sunburn, whether sunscreen really expires, whether going outside unprotected to boost Vitamin D levels is a good idea, the scoop on all those foundation and SPF combos out there… and much more.  Notes from Bev: – choose a 100% mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – avoid aerosol sprays to limit risk of exposure to benzene – avoid chemical sunscreens with aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate (both were deemed unsafe by the FDA in 2019) – avoid chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate (both are potential endocrine system disruptors and are not reef safe, but are found in nearly 65% of all non-mineral sunscreens) – avobenzone is the least dangerous choice if you have to use a chemical sunscreen  – avoid sunscreens containing shea butter, petroleum, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, retinols and niacinamide if you are prone to acne You can find out more about Bev or ask her a question on her website, Instagram and Facebook Click here to watch or listen on YouTube  Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.  Enjoying How Long ‘Til Bedtime? Please consider rating and reviewing the show. This helps Allison support more parents. Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the podcast, and select “Write a Review.” And if you're a Spotify listener, you can now leave reviews on Spotify by clicking here. Also, if you subscribe to the show, you won't miss any episodes!  Connect with Allison: Instagram Facebook Website YouTube

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!

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

While fresh fruits and vegetables are irreplaceable parts of a healthy diet, pesticides aren't benign. Sadly, many of our favorite produce items carry unhealthy levels of pesticides, and each one comes with its own unique risk profile.On today's show: A comprehensive review of the most recent research into pesticides in produce.Here's a preview:[5:00] Not all pesticides are the same, and different pesticides have different risk profiles[10:00] DDT, bald eagles, Silent Spring, and America's history with pesticides[19:00] Stephanie's thoughts on the EWG's Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen[25:00] Are the EPA's maximum residue limits too high?[30:00] ** You need to know about these countries with organic reciprocity![34:00] Does peeling help? How should we best wash conventional produce?[38:00] For subscribers! 6 concrete action steps for informed consumers Resources mentioned:EWG's Clean 15 and Dirty DozenProduce Without Pesticides (via Consumer Reports) This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting!Join our (free!) community here.Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.Our Sponsors:* Thank you to Equilibria! Use code SUSTAINABLE for 15% off sitewide: http://www.myeq.com* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/* Thank you to My Life In A Book! Use code SUSTAINABLE at checkout for 10% off. https://www.mylifeinabook.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In recent headlines, alarming reports have surfaced regarding the presence of a cancer-causing chemical, benzene, in popular acne treatment products from well-known brands like Proactiv, Clearasil, Clinique, and others. But amidst the flurry of news, confusion reigns supreme. Should you rush to rid your bathroom shelves of these skincare essentials, or is there more to the story? Join Dr. Christian Gonzalez on the latest episode of Heal Thy Self as we dissect the truth behind benzene in acne products. As major publications such as CNN, TIME, and USA Today amplify the concerns, it's crucial to understand the scope of this issue. Benzene, a known carcinogen, has infiltrated various consumer products over the years, from sunscreens to hand sanitizers and now acne treatments. With its presence in plastics, solvents, and even vehicle exhaust, benzene poses significant health risks upon exposure. Delving deeper into the problem, Dr. Christian Gonzalez explore the reasons why benzene is a cause for concern. Acute exposure to this chemical can lead to a range of adverse effects, including drowsiness, headaches, and respiratory irritation. Furthermore, chronic exposure has been linked to severe health conditions such as leukemia and blood disorders, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance. Enter Valisure, an independent laboratory renowned for its meticulous scrutiny of healthcare products. Their recent investigation into acne products containing benzoyl peroxide—a topical antiseptic—revealed alarming findings. Under elevated temperatures, these products produced benzene at levels exceeding FDA concentrations by a staggering 800 times. Notably, a test conducted on Proactiv acne products stored in a hot environment yielded benzene levels surpassing EPA regulations by over 1200 times. So, where does this leave consumers? With a call to action. Advocate for steering clear of acne care products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and adapalene. Instead, opt for gentler alternatives and prioritize EWG verified personal care products. Ultimately, acne treatment extends beyond skincare; it's about fostering internal well-being. Tune in to Heal Thy Self as Dr. Christian Gonzalez navigate the complexities of benzene in acne products, empowering you to make informed choices for your health and skincare regimen. Show Notes: Understanding the prevalence of benzene in consumer products and its health implications. Examining Valisure's investigation into benzene contamination in acne products. The detrimental effects of benzene exposure on human health, including acute and chronic risks. Practical tips for consumers, including ingredient avoidance and opting for safer alternatives. The significance of holistic approaches to acne treatment, encompassing both external skincare and internal wellness. === Nuzest Go to https://nuzest-usa.com/drg and use code DRG for 20% off all products. Birch Click here https://birchliving.com/healthyself to get 20% off your Birch mattress plus two free pillows.  === Follow Dr. Christian Gonzalez at instagram.com/doctor.gonzalez

Amidst the growing concerns over nutritional safety, there is a pressing need for increased awareness about making informed choices and living in a healthy environment. But how can we guarantee the safety of our food, water, and consumer products? Today, I'm speaking with Ken Cook, the President and co-founder of the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG). We delve into the organization's pioneering role in digital innovation. EWG's user-friendly, science-driven tools empower American families to minimize exposure to potential hazards in food, water, cosmetics, and household products. Recognized as a prominent environmental critic, Ken sheds light on the influence of lobbying on environmental policy and the urgent need to rebuild trust in regulatory bodies.  Our discussion covers diverse topics, from harmful chemicals in personal care products to the divergent regulatory approaches between Europe and the US. Ken also addresses agricultural subsidies, the farm bill, and the pivotal role of consumer choices in driving positive industry changes. The episode concludes by highlighting EWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists, advocating conscious consumer choices, and recognizing the significant impact of young people in shaping a positive future. Additionally, practical guidance is provided for informed shopping decisions, encouraging using EWG's valuable resources.  Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today's Sponsors: INSIDE TRACKER: Get 25% OFF tests