toxin

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #87 – Tasha Stoiber, PhD

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

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #Redo #2 – Ken Cook

Today, I’m thrilled to repost the conversation with Ken Cook, President and Co-Founder of the Environmental Working Group, a powerhouse built to  protect human health and the planet. For over 30 years, he’s been a leading voice challenging industrial agriculture, flawed U.S. food policies, and the toxic threats facing families—especially women and kids. From pushing the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act to shield children from pesticides to creating tools like the Skin Deep Database and Dirty Dozen list, Ken’s work empowers moms with science to make safer choices.

His latest venture is a podcast entitled Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode where he digs into endocrine disruptors and environmental health, issues hitting close to home for every parent.

I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Ken Cook!

Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #86 – Joe Pizzorrno, ND

Welcome to Dr. M’s Women and Children First, the podcast where we dive deep into the science of health, wellness, and prevention—especially for women, children, and families. Today, we have a truly special guest, Dr. Joe Pizzorno.

Dr. Joe Pizzorno is a world-renowned leader in functional and naturopathic medicine, a trailblazer in environmental health, and the founding president of Bastyr University, one of the most prestigious natural health institutions in the world. With decades of research, policy advocacy, and clinical expertise under his belt, Dr. Pizzorno has been at the forefront of reshaping modern medicine by emphasizing the critical role of nutrition, detoxification, and whole person health in preventing and reversing disease.

He is the author of these books: Textbook of Natural Medicine, The Toxic Solution, Clinical Environmental Medicine, Clinical Pathophysiology and Total Wellness. He is an incredible teacher and sought after speaker worldwide.

Today, we’ll be discussing metabolism and the hidden impact of environmental toxins on women and children’s health, practical detox strategies, and how we can take charge of our well-being in an increasingly toxic world. If you’re looking for science-backed insights and actionable tips to help your family thrive, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Joe Pizzorno!

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 14 Issue 36

Section I

Literature Review

1) Long Covid in children – the symptoms are getting more clarity in who has what . From JAMA: 898 school-age children (751 with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and 147 without) and 4469 adolescents (3109 infected and 1360 uninfected) were included in the analysis. The time between infection and symptom analysis was 1.5 years. In models adjusted for sex and race and ethnicity, 14 symptoms in both school-age children and adolescents were more common in those with SARS-CoV-2 infection history compared with those without infection history, with 4 additional symptoms in school-age children only and 3 in adolescents only. These symptoms affected almost every organ system. The cumulative data shows us that neurocognitive (Headache, attention concerns, sleep dysregulation), pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms in school-age children were common, but changed to loss of smell and/or taste, body aches and pain, focus struggles and fatigue related symptoms in adolescents. (Gross et. al. 2024) Age has a huge effect on these outcomes as the older population has more frequent and problematical disease findings. Mood disorder is highly associated with worsened findings. I suspect from the historical data set over the last four years that children with chronic mental stress, poor quality diets, sleep issues, and poor activity levels at baseline have worsened acute and long term prognosis.

Plus a section on a book review for Change Your Genes, Change Your Life.

Enjoy,

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 14 Issue 15

Micro/nano-plastics (MNP) – the new ultra threat to our health
In a first of its kind study, a group out of Italy has found quite disturbing results in the hearts of a few hundred tested individuals. From the study: 257 patients completed a 35 month study where they detected polyethylene in the 59% of the patient’s heart’s carotid artery plaque. In addition, 12% of the patients had detectable amounts of polyvinyl chloride. “Electron microscopy revealed visible, jagged-edged foreign particles among plaque macrophages and scattered in the external debris. Radiographic examination showed that some of these particles included chlorine.” (Marfella et. al. 2024) Individuals with micro/nanoplastics in the carotid atheroma were at significantly higher risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, or death than those without detectable MNP. The hazard ratio is 4.5 which is to say that the risk is 4.5 X higher for the plastic exposed people…..plus a literature review.
Enjoy,
Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 14 Issue 12

Pregnancy is a super important time. Do not take by inhalation, ingestion or other exposure anything that is a potential toxin for the body.
Things to avoid:
1) Caffeine – in low to minimal doses, it is clear that caffeine is safe for pregnant women and their offspring. Caffeine easily crosses into the placenta and thus the baby’s circulation. In utero babies cannot metabolize caffeine well putting them at risk with increasing exposure. The data does not support the same reality for more moderate to high doses. Caffeine is known to raise blood pressure and heart rate in all users in variable numbers based on metabolism capabilities…… plus a literature review and a recipe.
Enjoy,
Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 13 Issue 43

The Power of Suggestion
Can our thoughts affect us at a biological level not just a subjective level?
In a new study published in pre print in BioRxIV entitled: A thalamic circuit represents dose-like responses induced by nicotine-related beliefs in human smokers, we see some new research looking at the power of suggestion well beyond the placebo effect……
Plus a mini literature review as well as a discussion on autism etiology.
Enjoy,
Dr. M