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Ozone is a naturally occurring form of oxygen; its molecular structure is formed of three oxygen atoms instead of the regular two, and it exists mainly in earth’s upper atmosphere, protecting us from the harmful ultraviolet radiation. Apart from this vital UV-absorbing characteristic of ozone, it is among the most powerful oxidizing agents in nature, and it has potent antimicrobial activity, capable of eliminating nearly all harmful microorganisms. Furthermore, under controlled circumstances and in small doses, ozone is found to promote healing and increase blood flow, properties that allow it to be a useful candidate for multiple dental and medical applications. Let’s explore some of its uses in functional dentistry.
Role in oral-systemic health
Ozone was used in healthcare as early as the 1850s to disinfect surfaces and surgical tools; since then, its applications expanded to include disinfecting public drinking water and, more recently, treating multiple dental and medical conditions. Ozone is used in its gaseous form or dissolved in water or oil; it can be applied directly on the lesions, injected locally, or systemically for various medical and dental conditions like arthritis, chronic low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic non-healing ulcers, periodontal disease, caries, oral ulcers and ulcerating diseases like oral lichen planus, and pain management.
How does it work?
When administered in small doses and in a controlled manner, ozone has various beneficial effects on the human body; it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, regenerative, and antimicrobial properties.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antimicrobial effects: This essential characteristic of ozone stems from its ability to induce oxidative damage that destroys almost all harmful microbes, since it is a potent oxidizing agent, far stronger than oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. This effect particularly targets harmful anaerobic bacteria while preserving the beneficial aerobic ones. As ozone breaks down into oxygen shortly after administration, it creates an oxygen-rich environment that supports the beneficial aerobic microorganisms in the mouth. Moreover, it doesn&#8217;t damage the human body due to the abundance of antioxidants that protect our cells.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Regenerative properties: Ozone accelerates wound healing by increasing blood flow and improving tissue oxygenation. It does that by enhancing the metabolic activity of red blood cells, making them more energetic, which boosts oxygen delivery to tissues.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anti-inflammatory effects: By removing microbes and improving oxygenation, ozone helps to significantly reduce inflammation and, as a result, reduce pain, making it a valuable choice in the management of inflammatory conditions.</li>
</ul>
The combination of these effects of ozone is the basis for its use for wound healing, pain management, and treatment for various infective and inflammatory conditions.
Uses of ozone in functional dentistry
Ozone was first used in dentistry in the 1930s by a German doctor called E.A. Fisch as a disinfectant and to aid with wound healing after dental surgeries. Today ozone is used for periodontal diseases, caries, osteonecrosis of the jawbone, and various oral ulcers.
<ol>
<li>Periodontal disease and other chronic dental infections: 
Periodontitis is a severe bacterial infection of the gums that spreads to involve the jawbone and can result in loss of teeth. Due to its powerful antimicrobial and regenerative effects, ozone is useful not only in eradicating the infection but also in stimulating tissue healing.</li>
<li>Prevention and treatment of dental caries: 
The use of ozonated water or oil eliminates caries by stopping the bacterial activity inside the carious cavity and remineralizing them, restoring enamel integrity, and preventing tooth decay.</li>
<li>Sterilization: 
Ozone is frequently used in dentistry to sterilize cavities, root canals, pockets, surgical fields, and surgical equipment.</li>
<li>Surgical wound and pain management: 
By potentially eliminating the risk of wound infection, stimulating healing and regeneration, and reducing pain, ozone plays an integral role in post-surgical care, and it was found to reduce complications when applied after tooth extraction.</li>
<li>Ulcer treatment: 
Ozone is effective in treating aphthous ulcers, herpes labialis, and oral lichen planus, it promotes healing and eliminates the causative organism in the case of herpes labialis. It shows almost immediate results when used for aphthous ulcers, with some patients reporting healing within hours. In lichen planus, it was found to reduce symptoms and long-term outcomes.</li>
<li>Biofilm removal: 
Biofilms are adherent polymicrobial aggregates found on the surfaces of teeth; they contribute to plaque formation and can cause infections. Ozone penetrates these biofilms and eliminates bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can be found inside it, destroying these aggregates, which prevents plaque formation, teeth discoloration, infections, and tooth decay. 
The proper use of ozone under strict controlled conditions by trained professionals has proven to be an effective, natural, minimally invasive, and safe choice for the management of multiple dental conditions. It is also a valuable preventive tool, which matches the holistic approach of functional dentistry and aligns with its goal to treat the root causes of dental problems, targeting overall health and well-being.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
References
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kumar A, Srivastava A, Sah N, Sah S, Nair VIN, Das A, Singh AK. Evidence-based effectiveness of Ozone therapy in the treatment for oral lichen planus &#8211; A systematic review. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2024 Jan-Apr;15(1):18-22. doi: 10.4103/njms.njms_20_23. Epub 2024 Mar 19. PMID: 38690242; PMCID: PMC11057593. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38690242/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38690242/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">El Meligy OA, Elemam NM, Talaat IM. Ozone Therapy in Medicine and Dentistry: A Review of the Literature. Dent J (Basel). 2023 Aug 7;11(8):187. doi: 10.3390/dj11080187. PMID: 37623283; PMCID: PMC10453584.<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37623283/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37623283/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">AlMogbel AA, Albarrak MI, AlNumair SF. Ozone Therapy in the Management and Prevention of Caries. Cureus. 2023 Apr 12;15(4):e37510. doi: 10.7759/cureus.37510. PMID: 37187640; PMCID: PMC10181895. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37187640/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37187640/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Barczyk I, Masłyk D, Walczuk N, Kijak K, Skomro P, Gronwald H, Pawlak M, Rusińska A, Sadowska N, Gronwald B, Garstka AA, Lietz-Kijak D. Potential Clinical Applications of Ozone Therapy in Dental Specialties-A Literature Review, Supported by Own Observations. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jan 22;20(3):2048. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20032048. PMID: 36767415; PMCID: PMC9915530. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36767415/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36767415/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sen S, Sen S. Ozone therapy a new vista in dentistry: integrated review. Med Gas Res. 2020 Oct-Dec;10(4):189-192. doi: 10.4103/2045-9912.304226. PMID: 33380587; PMCID: PMC8092153. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33380587/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33380587/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Suh Y, Patel S, Kaitlyn R, Gandhi J, Joshi G, Smith NL, Khan SA. Clinical utility of ozone therapy in dental and oral medicine. Med Gas Res. 2019 Jul-Sep;9(3):163-167. doi: 10.4103/2045-9912.266997. PMID: 31552882; PMCID: PMC6779001. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31552882/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31552882/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Domb WC. Ozone therapy in dentistry. A brief review for physicians. Interv Neuroradiol. 2014 Oct 31;20(5):632-6. doi: 10.15274/INR-2014-10083. Epub 2014 Oct 17. PMID: 25363268; PMCID: PMC4243235. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25363268/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25363268/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Veneri F, Filippini T, Consolo U, Vinceti M, Generali L. Ozone therapy in dentistry: An overview of the biological mechanisms involved (Review). Biomed Rep. 2024 Jun 12;21(2):115. doi: 10.3892/br.2024.1803. PMID: 38912169; PMCID: PMC11190636. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38912169/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38912169/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Srikanth A, Sathish M, Sri Harsha AV. Application of ozone in the treatment of periodontal disease. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2013 Jun;5(Suppl 1):S89-94. doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.113304. PMID: 23946585; PMCID: PMC3722714.<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3722714/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3722714/</a></li>
</ul>

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Ozone therapy in functional dentistry

The worldwide incidence of autoimmune diseases has been steadily growing over the past decades, making them a significant public health concern. This increase is attributed to changes in our environment, diet, and lifestyle. Autoimmunity is the result of a dysregulated immune response against one’s own body. The origin of this abnormal behavior of the immune system is presumed to be multifactorial, involving both environmental and genetic elements, but one very interesting hypothesis is that changes in your microbiomes, known as dysbiosis, confuse your immune system and potentially cause autoimmunity. We’re going to explore the link between oral dysbiosis manifesting as dental infections and autoimmune disorders.
The oral microbiome is the second largest in your body after the gut microbiome, with over 700 bacterial species; each drop of saliva has an average of 1 billion bacteria. Most of them are harmless, but even minor imbalances in this complex microenvironment can cause illnesses. Various types of dental infections arise from such imbalances; these include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dental caries or cavities: They are caused by bacteria breaking down your enamel, causing infection and tooth decay.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gum infections: They can be just a mild inflammation causing discomfort, which is gingivitis, or a severe, chronic infection that involves the underlying bone and results in loss of teeth, which is periodontal disease.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Abscesses: These are pus-filled cavities usually at the root of a tooth, resulting from the progression of a root canal infection.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Specific bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, like tonsillitis, pharyngitis, thrush, and herpangina.</li>
</ul>
Chronic dental infections are often overlooked when looking for the cause of systemic illnesses, but oral dysbiosis has been demonstrated to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, either by causing chronic inflammation or by molecular mimicry.
Oral dysbiosis and chronic inflammation
Overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your mouth doesn’t only cause dental issues; bacteria can reach your bloodstream during dental manipulation or through minor cuts in your gums. These bacteria will trigger an immune response and cause widespread systemic inflammation. The chronic inflammation that results from long-term exposure to the harmful bacteria from your mouth will eventually cause immune dysregulation, and your body will start attacking itself, manifesting as autoimmunity, like systemic lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, and many other autoimmune disorders.
Molecular mimicry
Some bacteria have proteins that are similar to proteins found in your body, which confuses your immune system, causing it to attack your body following dental infections. Rheumatic fever is an example of this process. Streptococcus pyogenes, the culprit bacteria in strep throat and tonsillitis, possesses a protein that is structurally similar to a human protein found in the heart, brain, and joints. Your immune system is usually unable to overcome this similarity and starts to attack your organs as a consequence of the throat infection, producing the symptoms of rheumatic fever.
Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis
The connection between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is perhaps the most evident example of the connection between dental infections and autoimmune diseases. This connection was extensively studied in the last two decades, revealing a strong association between Porphyromonas gingivalis, the most commonly isolated bacteria in periodontitis, and the development of RA. P. gingivalis is the only known bacteria that produces an enzyme called peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD). This enzyme is capable of modifying structural proteins in your joints, making them a target for your immune system, which triggers the autoimmunity that eventually shows up as rheumatoid arthritis.
The role of gut dysbiosis
The microbiomes in your mouth and gut are closely related; we swallow between one and two liters of saliva every day, so an imbalance in your oral microbiome will disrupt your gut microbiome, causing gut dysbiosis, which is linked to multiple autoimmune conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, psoriatic arthritis, and type-1 diabetes.
Simple steps to reverse the damage
Keeping good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and choosing a healthy anti-inflammatory diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, coupled with regular visits to your dentist, are steps you could take right now to improve your oral health and avoid dental infections and their complications.
Different from the traditional medicine approach to treat autoimmune conditions symptomatically only by suppressing the immune system, which leaves you susceptible to dangerous infections, we search for the root of autoimmune conditions, which includes careful dental evaluation looking for hidden infections in your mouth that could be triggering your condition, potentially sparing you the harmful effects of medical therapy. These are the benefits of having both your dentist and your doctor working together.

Dental infections and autoimmune diseases

Our world contains many chemicals and toxins that fill the food, water, and air. This negatively impacts our well-being and compromises our health, including our dental health, causing tooth discoloration, bad breath, brittle teeth, mouth ulcers, and gum diseases, including infections, recession, and inflammation. Additionally, some traditional dentistry practices introduce more toxins to our bodies, like fluoride, mercury, and bisphenol A, which can be easily avoided and replaced with more natural alternatives. Therefore, detoxifying your body and avoiding exposure to toxins as much as possible are fundamental for keeping a healthy body and a beautiful smile.
The concept of detoxification in dentistry and why it matters
Dental detoxification involves avoiding using materials that contain toxic substances and therefore have the potential to cause toxicity and instead using biological and natural approaches that minimize exposure to toxins. The process of dental detoxification also includes eliminating ongoing infections and restoring the balance of the oral microbiome. As dental and oral infections are a potential source of toxins in your mouth. Dental detoxification is of paramount importance, since it’s not only essential to keep your teeth healthy but also to maintain your overall health, as exposure to toxins from dental work can cause systemic illnesses.
Potential toxins in traditional dentistry
Some materials used in dentistry can expose the body to harmful substances, including:
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mercury in amalgam fillings: Dental amalgam is a filling material used to fill teeth cavities; it is 50% mercury mixed with other metals. Amalgam releases mercury vapor that can cause toxicity. Symptoms of mercury poisoning from amalgam filling include local symptoms like a metallic taste, excessive saliva production, and inflammation of the gum. In addition, mercury poisoning interferes with the function of your kidneys and nervous system.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Titanium implants: Although not common, titanium can cause toxicity in the form of hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals. It was also demonstrated to cause liver and kidney injury, and it’s a known lung irritant, causing inflammation and possibly cancer.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fluoride in toothpaste and other fluoridated dental products: In addition to causing dental fluorosis, fluoride exposure is connected to lower IQ and learning disabilities in children, it also can impair the function of the thyroid gland, causing hormonal disturbances.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bisphenol A (BPA) and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in dental materials: Some dental materials like sealants, composite fillings, and bonding agents contain endocrine disruptors; these chemicals can cause insulin resistance, low levels of sex hormones, and dysfunctional adrenal glands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Dental and oral infections: The harmful bacteria in infected gums, cavities, root canals are a possible source of toxins, and these infections are linked to heart conditions, Alzheimer&#8217;s disease and more.</li>
</ul>
Our strategy to minimize toxin exposure
The environment is already full of pollutants and chemicals, and we don’t need to add more toxins to it. We care about your well-being and for that reason, we use natural biological alternatives that have no risk of causing toxicity; we use:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Safe mercury amalgam removal technique (SMART): This is a protocol we follow for amalgam removal; it is designed to minimize exposure to mercury when using mercury amalgam.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">We use safer biocompatible alternatives to the potentially toxic dental materials like composite resins and ceramic implants.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">We minimize exposure to EDCs by using high-quality BPA-free materials.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">We use ozone therapy to address any ongoing infections and restore the balance in your oral microbiome. </li>
</ol>
In addition to these approaches, we recommend that you try these at-home detox methods in addition to keeping  good oral hygiene, choosing your diet carefully, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use fluoride-free nHA-based toothpaste and herbal mouthwashes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Oil pulling: swish coconut oil in your mouth pulling it between your teeth. Then spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water; this helps to get rid of bacteria and toxins. It is not an alternative to brushing and flossing.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Practice tongue scraping to remove bacteria and debris.</li>
</ul>
These methods complement professional help but don&#8217;t replace regular dental consultations.
The impact of environmental toxin exposure on dental health
It&#8217;s essential to understand that exposure to toxins from other sources has a major impact on your dental health. Various toxins and pollutants have been shown to cause dental and oral diseases, ranging from caries and infections to cancer. These are some of the diseases and what type of toxins can cause them:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dental caries and periodontal disease: Exposure to heavy metals and air pollution in the form of particulate matter, smoking, and secondhand smoking was found to amplify carious development; these toxins impair enamel mineralization, promote the growth of harmful bacteria, provoke gum inflammation, and cause the formation of plaques and biofilms, which eventually leads to caries and tooth decay. Additionally, bacterial overgrowth in an inflamed gum leads to periodontal disease and potential loss of teeth.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dental fluorosis: Excessive fluoride from drinking water or fluoridated dental products impairs enamel mineralization by replacing calcium in the enema; this makes the teeth more brittle and discolored.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Oral dysbiosis: Some toxins change the oral pH to a more acidic one; a change that promotes the overgrowth of harmful bacteria at the expense of useful ones, leading to the disturbance of the oral microbiome. Oral dysbiosis is linked to a large number of dental and systemic conditions like dental infections, cardiovascular diseases, intestinal disorders, and various neurologic and psychiatric conditions.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Oral cancer: The chronic inflammation that results from exposure to toxins, especially tobacco smoke, increases the risk for head and neck cancer.</li>
</ul>
In addition to these conditions, studies have linked toxin exposure to tooth discoloration, oral ulcers or sores, dry mouth (xerostomia), burning mouth syndrome, bad breath (halitosis), gum recession, tonsil diseases, enamel hypoplasia, oral mucosal disease, bruxism, mumps, pulpal periapical disease, and Sjögren’s syndrome.
Being conscious about what you allow to enter your body is pivotal to living as long and healthy as possible. Get in touch now, we will help you do that.
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References
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Berlin M. Mercury in dental amalgam: a risk analysis. Neurotoxicology. 2020 Dec;81:382-386. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.09.034. Epub 2020 Oct 14. PMID: 35623360. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35623360/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35623360/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zhu L, Tang M, Cai Y, Wang P. Association between exposure to environmental pollutants and increased oral health risks, a comprehensive review. Front Public Health. 2025 Jan 6;12:1482991. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1482991. PMID: 39835314; PMCID: PMC11743627. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11743627/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11743627/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kim KT, Eo MY, Nguyen TTH, Kim SM. General review of titanium toxicity. Int J Implant Dent. 2019 Mar 11;5(1):10. doi: 10.1186/s40729-019-0162-x. PMID: 30854575; PMCID: PMC6409289. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6409289/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6409289/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Siddiqi A, Payne AGT, De Silva RK, Duncan WJ. Titanium allergy: could it affect dental implant integration? Clin Oral Implants Res. 2011 Jul;22(7):673-680. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2010.02081.x. Epub 2011 Jan 20. PMID: 21251079. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21251079/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21251079/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Risk factors for periodontal disease &#8211; Genco &#8211; 2013 &#8211; Periodontology 2000 &#8211; Wiley Online Library <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0757.2012.00457.x#">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0757.2012.00457.x#</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dewhirst FEChen T, Izard JPaster BJTanner ACRYu W, Lakshmanan A, Wade WG2010.The Human Oral Microbiome. J Bacteriol192:.<a href="https://doi.org/10.1128/jb.00542-10">https://doi.org/10.1128/jb.00542-10</a> </li>
</ul>

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Importance of detoxification in dental health 

Your epigenome is the map your cells use to access your DNA; it decides which genes are active and which ones are not in a dynamic way, constantly changing in response to environmental, dietary, and lifestyle influences. Utilizing several processes like DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and non-coding RNA, your genes are switched on and off. These changes are not always favorable, since exposure to pollutants, bad habits, sedentary lifestyles, and poor diets will compromise your epigenome, activating disease-causing genes and silencing essential ones; for that reason, the origin of most chronic, age-related conditions like diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cancer can be traced back, at least in part, to harmful epigenetic changes that accumulate over time. But the good news is these changes are reversible; this is where Epigenetic Enhancement Therapy (EET) comes in.
What is EET?
Epigenetic Enhancement Therapy is a new, promising medical approach that is actively changing the way we perceive medicine. While traditional medicine focuses on treating the symptoms of diseases after they appear, EET prevents them before they start. It is a set of interventions designed to optimize your epigenome. These interventions range from simple lifestyle changes like:
<ol>
<li> Regular exercise will unlock your body’s full potential.</li>
<li> A healthy, rich diet supports your overall health.</li>
<li> Ditching destructive habits like smoking and excessive drinking to avoid harmful changes to your epigenome.</li>
</ol>
to more complex approaches like:
<ol>
<li> Targeted gene therapy, which uses advanced techniques to directly influence gene expression and even edit short sequences of certain areas of genes, is particularly promising for cancer treatment.</li>
<li> Epigenetic drugs that target the rate of gene methylation and acetylation are useful for cancer therapy, and they are being explored for neurological and autoimmune disease treatment.</li>
</ol>
These interventions modify gene expression without changing their sequence by influencing the methylation of DNA and histone acetylation. EET aims to enhance the expression of genes responsible for cell repair, performance, and cognitive function while suppressing genes linked to inflammation and age-related diseases, expanding health and longevity.
The connection between EET and personalized medicine.
Just as each one of us has a unique genetic code, our epigenome is also distinct, shaped by our different lifestyles and environments. To maximize the effectiveness of EET, interventions must be tailored to fit your epigenetic profile. That’s exactly what we do; we utilize precise, science-based epigenetic tests to map your epigenome and find what works best for you. These epigenetic tests include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Biological age tests use DNA methylation to estimate biological age and aging trajectory and assess potential risks of age-related diseases. Unlike chronological age, your biological age reflects how your lifestyle choices are changing your body at the molecular level.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Disease-specific epigenetic panels screen for epigenetic markers associated with different diseases like neurological disorders, rare genetic syndromes, and cancer. For example, if a test detects high levels of methylation markers, this could mean that your tumor-suppressor genes are silenced, increasing cancer risk. This insight warrants interventions like whole-body MRIs and other screening tests that detect tumors at early stages, making their treatment easier or preventing them altogether.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Environmental toxins panels: These are a series of tests that detect exposure to different toxins in your environment. They are useful to identify what’s exactly messing with your epigenome for you to avoid it and remove it from your environment in the detoxifying process. They include:</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Heavy metals and toxic elements tests look for lead, mercury, and arsenic in your blood, urine, and hair.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pesticides and chemical toxin panels screen for harmful chemicals that get in your food.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) panels evaluate exposure to chemicals that disrupt your hormones, like phthalates, bisphenol A, and phytoestrogen.</li>
</ol>
The detoxifying strategy that suits you best depends on which environmental toxin you are exposed to; for example, we use chelation therapy, natural binders, and glutathione when you’re exposed to heavy metals, but if exposure to EDCs is your concern, we prefer using DIM and other natural detox strategies like sweat-based detox through sauna and exercise, curcumin, and cruciferous vegetables.
Our skilled and experienced healthcare team utilizes these tests to ensure that you get the best possible plan that’s personalized to your specific needs, which will diminish your risk of getting most chronic diseases and help reverse the damage if you already have one, making sure that you live as long and healthy as possible.
Whether you want to boost your energy, sharpen your mind, or simply live a longer, healthier life, Epigenetic Enhancement Therapy is the answer. EET is giving you control over your future; will you take it?

Fasting has been practiced for millennia by many cultures around the world for its physical and spiritual benefits, and science is only now rediscovering its significance in promoting health, from preserving the integrity of your gut barrier and strengthening your immune system to improving your mental health. Fasting is being praised as a simple yet powerful tool to optimize your body and enhance your performance.
The science behind fasting
Fasting changes your body at a molecular level; it improves the way your cells use sugar by changing glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and it induces ketosis, which is a metabolic state that depends on lipids as a main energy source, burning through the fat stores in your body and helping you to lose weight. It also triggers cellular pathways that improve cell regeneration, repairing your body and boosting your longevity. Different methods of fasting or dietary restriction are recognized and backed by scientific evidence. Intermittent fasting is a cycle of relatively short periods of dietary restriction (12 to 24 hours) followed by eating periods of similar durations. Prolonged or periodic fasting, on the other hand, is up to 21 days of only water consumption, followed by at least 7 days of eating. Studies linked these fasting methods to increased longevity and lower risk of chronic diseases and metabolic disorders.
Fasting and longevity
Fasting slows cellular aging and strengthens regeneration and replacement of damaged and old cells; it initiates a process called autophagy, where cells digest and recycle old and dysfunctional organelles. Additionally, through complex hormonal and metabolic pathways, fasting turns on programmed cell death, or apoptosis, and activates stem cells to replace dying ones, essentially renewing your tissues and cell populations. By slowing your body’s aging and even reversing it, fasting substantially diminishes the risk of most age-related chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer.
The gut-protective role of fasting
In addition to its effects on longevity, fasting “resets” your gut microbiome. Studies found that it has a positive impact on the composition and diversity of the microbiome in the gut, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and diminishing the numbers of the harmful ones. Levels of small-chain fatty acids increase after periods of fasting; this healthy form of fat is produced in the gut through the action of gut microbiota; it improves sugar and fat metabolism. Another observed effect of fasting on the gut is the reduction of inflammation; it has a calming effect on your immune system, reducing the proinflammatory substances in your body and controlling the function of immune cells. This, coupled with the effect on the gut microbiome, makes fasting a simple solution for leaky gut, protecting your gut barrier.
Fasting for a sharper mind
Have you ever noticed that you think more clearly on an empty stomach? Turns out this is a real scientifically proven effect of fasting; it improves your cognitive function, sharpens your memory, and overall heightens your brain performance. Fasting increases the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein responsible for the survival of your neurons. Lower levels of this protein are associated with worse brain health and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, so fasting not only improves your focus, it also protects your brain and prevents age-related degenerative conditions, further adding to its longevity benefits.
Do you find fasting too hard? Try a fasting-mimicking diet
If restricting food entirely seems challenging to you, a fasting mimicking diet might be the solution. This is a type of diet that restricts carbohydrates and proteins and consists mainly of vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils like olive oil. This type of diet does not activate the food-sensing pathways that are normally activated after eating, so it mimics fasting while supplying you with some calories and nutrients.
Tips for safer fasting
Whether you are trying intermittent fasting, prolonged fasting, or fasting mimicking diets, these are a few tips to help you practice fasting safely:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do your research and consult a trained professional before starting; they can help you pick which type of fasting suits you best.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The eating period is as important as the fasting period; make sure to get enough nutrients and calories for your body to repair and regenerate.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If you’re pregnant, lactating, or have an eating disorder, it’s better to avoid fasting without consulting your doctor.</li>
</ul>
Fasting is ancient, and when done correctly, it does wonders for your physical and mental health. Consult our professionals now to see if fasting is the right thing for you. It might be your key for a clearer mind and a healthier body.
References
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Longo VD, Di Tano M, Mattson MP, Guidi N. Intermittent and periodic fasting, longevity and disease. Nat Aging. 2021 Jan;1(1):47-59. doi: 10.1038/s43587-020-00013-3. Epub 2021 Jan 14. PMID: 35310455; PMCID: PMC8932957.<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8932957/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8932957/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mousavi SN, Rayyani E, Heshmati J, Tavasolian R, Rahimlou M. Effects of Ramadan and Non-ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Gut Microbiome. Front Nutr. 2022 Mar 22;9:860575. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.860575. PMID: 35392284; PMCID: PMC8980861.<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8980861/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8980861/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">den Besten G, van Eunen K, Groen AK, Venema K, Reijngoud DJ, Bakker BM. The role of short-chain fatty acids in the interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and host energy metabolism. J Lipid Res. 2013 Sep;54(9):2325-40. doi: 10.1194/jlr.R036012. Epub 2013 Jul 2. PMID: 23821742; PMCID: PMC3735932.<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3735932/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3735932/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fusco W, Lorenzo MB, Cintoni M, Porcari S, Rinninella E, Kaitsas F, Lener E, Mele MC, Gasbarrini A, Collado MC, Cammarota G, Ianiro G. Short-Chain Fatty-Acid-Producing Bacteria: Key Components of the Human Gut Microbiota. Nutrients. 2023 May 6;15(9):2211. doi: 10.3390/nu15092211. PMID: 37432351; PMCID: PMC10180739.<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180739/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180739/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Karin Seidler, Michelle Barrow, Intermittent fasting and cognitive performance – Targeting BDNF as potential strategy to optimise brain health, Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, Volume 65, 2022, 100971, ISSN 0091-3022,<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100971">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100971</a>. (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S009130222100073X">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S009130222100073X</a>)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Faris MA, Kacimi S, Al-Kurd RA, Fararjeh MA, Bustanji YK, Mohammad MK, Salem ML. Intermittent fasting during Ramadan attenuates proinflammatory cytokines and immune cells in healthy subjects. Nutr Res. 2012 Dec;32(12):947-55. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2012.06.021. Epub 2012 Oct 4. PMID: 23244540.<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23244540/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23244540/</a> </li>
</ul>

The science of fasting

Measuring at around 30 feet long, your digestive tract is a major contender for the largest, most important system in your body. Besides its main function to digest and absorb the nutrients the rest of your body needs, your gut contains more than 70% of your immune system and has its own complex nervous system that can function independently from your brain. The gut regulates the immune system, influences mood and cognitive function, and is a significant contributor to your overall well-being; keeping it healthy is the key to achieving vitality and longevity and to reaching your maximum potential.
The gut microbiome
The human gut harbors around 100 trillion microbes representing more than 5000 species and weighing up to 2 kilograms in total. It is by far the largest microbiome in your body. Involved in extracting energy from food, synthesizing neurotransmitters like serotonin and vitamins like vitamin K, and regulating the immune system, the gut microbiome is now being considered its own separate organ. Furthermore, different abnormal compositions of the microbiome are linked to obesity, insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and multiple autoimmune conditions. A healthy gut microbiome is central to your gut health as well as your general wellness. Here we are going to explore strategies to support your microbiome and maintain the health of your gut.
Optimize your diet.
Of course, diet is the most significant factor to consider when discussing gut health; your diet determines the composition of your microbiome. A good, nutrient-rich diet means a healthy, diverse microbiome that supports the health of your gut. These are a few pieces of advice that you should consider:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The more fibers, the better: Along with their known benefits in improving digestion, fibers work as prebiotics, supporting healthy bacteria in your gut. Studies also show that people eating more fibers are less likely to get heart diseases. Incorporate more fibers into your meals by adding more green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fermented foods enhance your microbiome: Fermented foods are natural probiotics that supply you with a variety of beneficial bacteria, contributing to the diversity and balance of your microbiome and preventing the harmful bacteria from taking the upper hand. Add fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi to your diet for a healthier, more diverse microbiome.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Polyphenols, potential super-nutrients: Polyphenols, like curcumin, are organic compounds found in different foods and beverages like apples, grapes, olives, spinach, artichokes, almonds, and turmeric. Apart from their essential role in supporting the gut microbiome, studies have shown polyphenol consumption is protective against obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. So, explore adding more polyphenol-rich foods to your diet.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Berberine; a gut-healthy supplement: Berberine is an ancient herbal medicine found in some plants like European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, and Oregon grape. It has gut-healing properties and supports your microbiome by eliminating harmful bacteria. It also regulates blood sugar and lowers the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avoid junk food: processed foods and sugars are shown to change the composition of the gut microbiome and compromise the integrity of the gut barrier, causing leaky gut, which induces local and systemic inflammation and contributes to the development of autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is a simple way to improve digestion and support your gut lining; make sure to drink around 3 liters of fluids daily.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take supplements, if you need them: You can add high-quality prebiotics and probiotics, essential vitamins, and minerals to your diet, but first consult a healthcare professional to get the best personalized plan that fits your needs.</li>
</ul>
Your lifestyle matters too!
A good diet and a healthy lifestyle go hand in hand in supporting a healthy gut. 
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Get enough sleep: Getting enough restful sleep every night is essential for healing and recovery.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avoid stress: Chronic stress can change your microbiome composition, causing harmful changes to your digestive environment. Avoid stressful activities and practice stress-relieving exercises.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Get active: Exercise improves your digestive function and contributes to the health of your gut.</li>
</ol>
Your well-being starts in your gut; it influences everything from digestion and immunity to mental health and more, and understanding that is the first step toward enhancing your body and your mind. Make the right choices and change the way you eat, drink, and live for a longer, healthier life. It only requires small but consistent changes to see results: eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water, and get rid of processed foods from your diet.
We believe that everyone’s journey is unique. If you’re ready for the next step, our team is here to guide you with personalized lifestyle and nutrition plans that fit your needs.

Nutritional Strategies to Support Gut Health

What is leaky gut?
A healthy intestinal lining is more than 4000 square feet made of tightly packed cells that prevent undigested food, toxins, and harmful microbes from reaching the rest of your body. It is also home to most commensal bacteria that live in your body, benefiting it. The gut barrier is formed of the interaction between an intact gut lining and healthy gut flora, so any disruption to this harmony will damage the gut barrier, resulting in the “leaking” of harmful substances and bacteria from the gut lumen to your body.
Why is leaky gut so dangerous?
When your gut barrier is unable to keep harmful stuff out of your bloodstream, your immune system recognizes them as foreign, and your body gets inflamed, and even worse, long-term exposure to these toxins sends your immune system into overdrive, and it starts recognizing your own body as foreign, triggering autoimmune diseases. Research linked leaky gut to various illnesses like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, lupus, celiac disease, Alzheimer’s, and multiple mental illnesses. So, your gut health is essential for the function of all your systems.
But what makes your gut leaky?
Factors compromising the harmony in your gut include:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Poor diet:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Too much processed food, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Too little fiber and essential nutrients.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Some people have an imbalance in gut microbiota, with an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast, which is called gut dysbiosis.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Being stressed out all the time, which weakens your intestinal lining.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that damage the gut barrier.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Overuse of pain medications like ibuprofen and aspirin.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Long-term use of antibiotics disrupts gut flora.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drinking too much alcohol will damage your intestinal lining and cause inflammation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Toxins like pesticides and food additives.</li>
</ol>
How do you recognize that your gut is leaky?
You will start experiencing digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, and bloating or developing food sensitivities (gluten and dairy); leaky gut can also be the cause of your headaches, joint pain, and unexplained fatigue; these symptoms result from inflammation. Anxiety and depression are other symptoms that could stem from your gut. If you have some or all of these symptoms and suspect that your gut health is in jeopardy, these lab tests can help you figure out whether the problem starts in your gut; they include gut-specific tests like Zonulin Test and Lactulose and Mannitol Test, and inflammation-specific tests that pick up on inflammatory markers and tell you if your body is inflamed.
Can you reverse it and repair your gut barrier?
Yes, you can. A few easy steps will restore the integrity of your intestinal lining and maintain healthy gut flora:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Improve your diet: eat more whole foods that are fiber-rich like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; include gut-healing foods like bone broth, fermented foods (yogurt, sauerkraut), and foods high in polyphenols (berries, green tea).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Support your gut microbiome: take high-quality probiotics to reverse your dysbiosis and incorporate prebiotics (garlic, onions, bananas) into your diet.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Repair your gut lining: supplements like L-glutamine, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and collagen peptides will stop inflammation and promote healing and repair.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Manage your stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to lower cortisol levels that weaken the gut barrier.</li>
</ul>
Taking a holistic approach is key to addressing leaky gut. Start by identifying the triggers, tackling them, and optimizing your diet and gut barrier health. By following these simple yet impactful steps, you can restore your gut health, reduce inflammation, and reclaim your well-being. Since gut health plays a central role in your overall health, prioritizing it is, without a doubt, one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

Leaky Gut

Since its introduction to public drinking water in the 1940s, fluoride has been praised for its dental benefits. Earlier studies, despite lacking proper design and method by modern standards, showed that it reduced cavities by as much as 60%. But now we’re starting to question the safety of fluoride after some recent studies challenged its effectiveness and linked its exposure, especially in high doses, to lower IQ scores in children. So, what does science actually say?
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A recent 2025 study published in JAMA pediatrics concluded that for every 1 mg/L increase in fluoride, IQ scores dropped by an average of 1.63 points.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A 2023 study published in Elsevier’s Environmental Research found that for every 1 mg/L increase, there was a 3.05 IQ point drop.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Multiple reviews and surveys found that pregnant mothers with higher fluoride intake tend to give birth to children with lower cognitive function.</li>
</ul>
Some suggested mechanisms for this observed effect are the buildup of fluoride in the brain, impairing memory and learning; it also freely crosses the placenta and interferes with the brain development and thyroid function of growing babies.
These reviews, however, link fluoride to the cognitive changes only at concentrations higher than 1.5 mg/L in drinking water, which is double the standard enforced by the US Public Health Service, but that’s not exactly reassuring for multiple reasons: First, most of these studies were not designed to test fluoride effects at these low levels, so it would be unlikely that they can find a link even if one exists; the second reason is, a few smaller-scale studies, like Green et al. (2019) and Till et al. (2020), found an association between fluoride and IQ at concentrations lower than 0.7 mg/L, which is the standard enforced in the US; third, drinking water is not the only source of fluoride.
So where does most of our fluoride exposure come from?
You might think that we only get fluoride from tap water, but that is not the case. You can get it from:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fluoridated Toothpaste &amp; Mouthwash: Many oral care products contain fluoride, you can change to better, fluoride-free choices.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Foods and beverages: Tea is naturally high in fluoride, so your daily cup might be giving you more than just a caffeine boost. Also, canned fish, like sardines or salmon, tend to have high fluoride content.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Some regions have naturally fluoridated groundwater, so be careful with your fluoride intake if you live in one of these regions.</li>
</ul>
Using water filters that remove fluoride, choosing fluoride-free dental products, and avoiding too many fluoride-rich foods and beverages are simple actions that protect your brain from the potentially harmful effects of fluoride.
Do we even need fluoride?
Fluoride is not an essential nutrient; unlike vitamins and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, fluoride has no biological function; your body doesn’t need it. Its topical effect in reducing tooth decay is only minor, placed at less than 15% reduction in cavities by modern studies and reviews; moreover, fluoride is toxic at high doses, causing fluorosis; it replaces calcium in bones, forming fluorapatite instead of hydroxyapatite, which is more brittle, weakening your bones and teeth. A better, more natural alternative to fluoride is Nano-Hydroxyapatite.
Why Nano-Hydroxyapatite and not fluoride?
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nano-hydroxyapatite is a perfect match for your teeth, rebuilding enamel naturally instead of just coating it.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It repairs weak spots, eases sensitivity, and even helps reverse early cavities, all without safety concerns.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Unlike fluoride, nHA is what your teeth are made of, making it the most natural way to keep them strong and healthy.</li>
</ol>
Replacing fluoridated dental products with nHA-based ones is a step in the right direction, but even the best toothpaste is bested by a healthy lifestyle:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A nutrient-rich diet (calcium, vitamin D, K2, magnesium) is essential for the health of your enamel.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sugar and processed foods promote cavities; avoid those for better oral health.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Brushing, flossing, and good oral hygiene remain the foundation of dental health, not just toothpaste ingredients.</li>
</ul>
Fluoride was introduced to drinking water with the best of intentions, but the question is, is it time to rethink whether we need it? The benefits of fluoride are now debatable, and we’re only starting to pay enough attention to its harmful effects on the brain, especially children’s developing brains. The evidence has been there for decades, but for some reason it was ignored. Science has evolved since its introduction 80 years ago, and what was once considered the norm now must be questioned. More research is needed to understand the full extent of the negative effects of fluoride and to make better judgments, but in the meantime, better safe than sorry.  
&nbsp;

Fluoride and IQ

Do you often wake up tired after a full night’s sleep? Poor airway health can be the reason for your unrestful nights. Airway health is foundational to overall well-being, since problems with breathing, especially during sleep, affect energy, heart health, and even cognitive performance. They can also cause more insidious dental health issues that are often missed or simply overlooked, like mouth breathing, dental caries, periodontal disease, malocclusion, teeth grinding, and temporomandibular joint disorder. A skilled dentist recognizes poor airway health as the cause of these conditions and will typically use a combination of assessment techniques and diagnostic tests to confirm the root cause of your problem.
What is a “bad airway”?
Your airways are divided into two major parts: the upper airway, composed of your nose, mouth, throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx), and the lower airways, which are the windpipe (trachea) and the small airways in your lungs. A bad airway refers to any structural or functional anomaly in your airway that impairs your ability to breathe normally; it could be a deviated nasal septum, enlarged turbinates (bony structures inside the nasal cavity), high narrow palate, large tongue, or narrow airways. A bad airway can have major effects on your dental and systemic health.
Dental implications of bad airways
Try to always breathe through your nose. Nose breathing improves the quality of the inspired air by humidifying it, cleaning it from small dust particles, and warming it to match the body’s temperature. Bad airways make it difficult to breathe through your nose; instead, you start mouth breathing, losing all these benefits. Moreover, air will dry oral secretions and reduce the production of saliva that normally moisturizes the mouth and reduces its acidity. The resulting dry, acidic oral environment encourages the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, disrupting your microbiome and causing caries and dental infections like periodontitis. On top of that, chronic mouth breathing will change your airway structure, contributing to conditions like chronic sinusitis, malocclusion, teeth grinding, and temporomandibular joint disorder of the jaw joint.
The effect of bad airways on your systemic health
Sleep apnea, which is a manifestation of bad airways, is linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, heart failure, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, and depression. During the apnea episodes, your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen; this triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response and activates the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to the secretion of large amounts of adrenaline. The chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system will eventually cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. It will also activate your immune system, putting your body in a state of chronic inflammation. In addition, the chronic lack of oxygen reduces your brain performance, impairing memory and cognition.
Poor airway health in children
Airway health issues often arise early in childhood, mainly resulting from hypertrophied adenoids, tonsils, or childhood obesity. This leads to pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Similar to the adult variant, pediatric OSA causes snoring and mouth breathing, unrestful sleep, low energy, and daytime sleepiness and leads to dental, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, OSA in children hinders brain development, resulting in lower IQ, learning disabilities, ADHD, depression, and anxiety.
How to diagnose and manage it?
Upon recognizing some or all of these symptoms, your doctor or dentist can perform a series of clinical tests, imaging assessments, and sleep studies to confirm the diagnosis. These include: 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Scans: a 3D imaging modality that visualizes the dimensions of your upper airways and is often used for assessment of OSA.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mallampati Score Assessment: A clinical grading system used by dentists to quantify the risk of airway obstruction.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cephalometric Analysis: A method that evaluates oral structures and how they affect airway health.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sleep studies: Based on your symptoms and your test results, a sleep study may be indicated for a definitive diagnosis. And if you can’t spare the time for a formal sleep study, a more convenient alternative is an at-home sleep test where you wear a ring that records your breathing patterns and oxygen levels in your blood while you sleep in the comfort of your bed. </li>
</ul>
By using these assessment tools, the healthcare professional can identify the exact cause of your airway problems and address it using one or more of these methods:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Using personalized dental appliances and oral devices like a palatal expander or mandibular advancement devices, these improve the structure and position of your palate and jaw and prevent airway collapse during sleep.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Myofunctional Therapy, a series of exercises designed to strengthen your facial, oral, tongue, and airway muscles. It improves the tongue posture, corrects mouth breathing, and encourages nose breathing.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mouth taping: Although not appropriate for everyone, it can prevent mouth breathing in selected patients.</li>
</ul>
Combined with weight loss and nose breathing exercises, these noninvasive interventions can significantly improve your breathing and fix your bad airway so you can get restful sleep. 
Airway problems are more common than you think, and their symptoms can be sneaky, fitting themselves into your daily routine without you noticing. So if you’re having trouble with unrestful sleep, or if you feel sleepy and out of focus all the time, get your airway health checked now; the solution for your problems could be much simpler than you think.
References:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Raanan Arens, Carole L. Marcus, Pathophysiology of Upper Airway Obstruction: a Developmental Perspective, Sleep, Volume 27, Issue 5, August 2004, Pages 997–1019, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/27.5.997">https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/27.5.997</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dieltjens M, Vanderveken O. Oral appliances in obstructive sleep apnea ( <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6956298/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6956298/</a> ). Healthcare (Basel). 2019;7(4):141. Published 2019 Nov 8. Accessed 4/19/2024.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Impact of airway dysfunction on dental health Juliette Tamkin <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6986941/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6986941/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Michael Blechner, Ariel A. Williamson, Consequences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children, Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care, Volume 46, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 19-26, ISSN 1538-5442, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2015.10.007">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2015.10.007</a>.</li>
</ul>

Airway Health in functional medicine and Dentistry

The modern Western diet has evolved to prioritize the tasty over the healthy, which has brought about ultra-processed foods loaded with artificial sweeteners and food additives with little consideration for their health impacts. One of the ways these foods can harm our health is excitotoxicity; some components of processed foods, known as excitotoxins, overstimulate neurons, leading to their dysfunction and death, which manifests as unexplained headaches, inattention, and difficulties with concentration, and is linked to numerous neurological, mental, and systemic illnesses.
What is excitotoxicity?
When an excitatory neurotransmitter (chemicals naturally found in our bodies that neurons use to communicate), like glutamate, binds to its receptor on the surface of a neuron, it starts a process that changes the chemical composition of these neurons and increases calcium inside them. When this process happens in a controlled manner, it activates neurons without causing any damage. Some food additives and synthetic chemicals in ultra-processed foods mimic the effect of excitatory neurotransmitters, and when present in large amounts, they overstimulate neurons, leading to the accumulation of calcium inside these cells. The high calcium level is toxic to neurons as it inappropriately activates enzymes, causes oxidative stress, and damages proteins and DNA. Another way excitotoxins cause diseases is by inducing inflammation in organs like the kidneys and the gut through activation of immune cells in these organs.
Some examples of excitotoxins
Excitotoxins are chemicals added to processed fast foods and food additives; they either mimic the effect of glutamate and other excitatory neurotransmitters or contain high amounts of glutamate, resulting in neuron overstimulation and excitotoxicity. Among these excitotoxins are:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food additive used to enhance flavor, is usually found in savory snacks, instant noodles, canned soups, and salad dressings. MSG is a well-established excitotoxin that induces neuron overstimulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aspartame, an artificial sweetener added to diet sodas, sugar-free beverages, gum, low-calorie desserts, and protein bars. It is a precursor to glutamate, and, similar to MSG, it causes hyperexcitability of neurons. Additionally, aspartate is linked to brain tumors.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, found in processed meats (e.g., sausages, hot dogs, deli meats) and vegetarian meat substitutes. This food additive is high in glutamate and impairs brain function through excitotoxicity.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Soy protein concentrates, commonly used in “healthy” meat alternatives like veggie burgers, plant-based sausages and hot dogs, meatless chicken nuggets or patties. They cause DNA damage in the gut lining and were shown to be a carcinogen, causing intestinal tumors.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Some artificial colors like tartrazine are associated with excitotoxicity and hyperactivity in children.</li>
</ul>
Other excitotoxins like autolyzed yeast, whey protein isolates, and sodium or calcium caseinates aren’t found only in fast foods; they can also be found in foods marketed as “healthy” like vegan meat alternatives, protein bars and shakes, and low-calorie foods.
Some natural foods like tomatoes, cheese, and soy sauce are not excitotoxins, but their glutamate content is very high and, in sensitive individuals, can cause some symptoms of excitotoxicity.
The health impact of excitotoxins
Besides the symptoms that affect everyday life, like headaches, cognitive impairment, memory problems, and brain fog, excitotoxicity causes multiple neurological conditions, mental illnesses, and systemic diseases by inducing nerve cell death or inflammation. For example:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Alzheimer’s disease: The neuronal cell death that results from glutamate excitotoxicity is a major contributor to the origin of Alzheimer’s disease; moreover, exposure to MSG in childhood causes Alzheimer’s-like cognitive and memory impairment.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Parkinson’s disease: Exposure to excitotoxins was found to accelerate the degeneration of dopamine-secreting neurons in susceptible individuals, leading to earlier onset and a more severe course of parkinsonism.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): The same effect observed in Parkinson’s is seen in ALS with motor neuron degeneration.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Studies found that exposure to excitotoxins in childhood, especially MSG, was linked to the development of ADHD symptoms and their persistence into adulthood.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease: Excitotoxins activate immune cells and promote inflammation, causing gut and kidney diseases.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cancer: The relationship between excitotoxins and cancer is reciprocal; excitotoxins are involved in the pathogenesis of many types of cancer, and tumors can produce excitotoxins.</li>
</ul>
How to identify and avoid excitotoxins?
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Look for these terms in the ingredients list on labels:</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monosodium glutamate (MSG)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Autolyzed yeast extract</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glutamic acid</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sodium caseinate</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aspartame</li>
</ul>
And avoid products that have one or more of them.
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Choose whole, unprocessed foods.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cook at home to control ingredients.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supplement your diet with antioxidants (vitamins C and E), magnesium (a natural glutamate receptor blocker), and omega-3 fatty acids.</li>
</ol>
Excitotoxins are very popular in the processed and fast food industries, and many people consume them regularly, which is contributing to the increasing burden of disease and disability. More radical measures need to be taken on a societal level, but until that happens, please be careful about what you eat.
&nbsp;
References:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prescott SL, D&#8217;Adamo CR, Holton KF, Ortiz S, Overby N, Logan AC. Beyond Plants: The Ultra-Processing of Global Diets Is Harming the Health of People, Places, and Planet. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jul 27;20(15):6461. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20156461. PMID: 37569002; PMCID: PMC10419141. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10419141/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10419141/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glaser, Talita, et al. &#8220;Various facets of excitotoxicity.&#8221; Exploration of Neuroprotective Therapy 2 (2022): 36-64. <a href="https://repositorio.usp.br/directbitstream/7eda759f-0c2f-40a1-88f9-39d9d6ab8884/3084719.pdf">https://repositorio.usp.br/directbitstream/7eda759f-0c2f-40a1-88f9-39d9d6ab8884/3084719.pdf</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tan JSY, Chao YX, Rötzschke O, Tan EK. New Insights into Immune-Mediated Mechanisms in Parkinson&#8217;s Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Dec 6;21(23):9302. doi: 10.3390/ijms21239302. PMID: 33291304; PMCID: PMC7730912. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33291304/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33291304/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guidolin, Diego et al. “Possible roles of heteroreceptor complexes in excitotoxic processes.” Exploration of Neuroprotective Therapy (2024): n. Pag. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384285574_Possible_roles_of_heteroreceptor_complexes_in_excitotoxic_processes">https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384285574_Possible_roles_of_heteroreceptor_complexes_in_excitotoxic_processes</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Provenzano F, Torazza C, Bonifacino T, Bonanno G, Milanese M. The Key Role of Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Commitment to Glutamate Excitotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct 21;24(20):15430. doi: 10.3390/ijms242015430. PMID: 37895110; PMCID: PMC10607805. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37895110/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37895110/</a> </li>
</ul>

Excitotoxins

The environment we live in holds great influence over our health and the way our bodies function, and our world is now filled with toxins, from air pollution, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals to pesticides, microplastics, and low-quality personal care products. These toxins undermine our health, as they compromise our immunity, disrupt our hormones, mess with our gut barrier, and even damage our epigenome. The human body can naturally detoxify, but heavy exposure to toxins overwhelms the body’s defenses. For that reason, it’s crucial to understand how to support your body’s natural detox mechanisms and to avoid exposure to toxins as much as possible. We’re going to explore some of the most common toxins in our environment, how our bodies naturally get rid of them, and what we can do to support natural detox.
What do environmental toxins do to your body?
As technology advances, more toxic chemicals, pollutants, and heavy metals are added to our environment. These toxins surreptitiously fit themselves into our everyday life; they can be found in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. These are some examples of environmental toxins and how they affect our bodies:
<ol>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Heavy metals: The main source of heavy metal exposure is drinking water contaminated by industrial waste. Some of these metallic toxins, like lead, mercury, and arsenic, when they enter your body, damage important cellular proteins and enzymes, which impairs mitochondrial function and hinders DNA repair. Other toxins like chromium are irritants that, with chronic exposure, induce inflammation, which dysregulates your immune system and causes lung and heart diseases.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Air pollutants: Particulate matter that results from fossil fuel combustion is the major air pollutant found in our environment; this also includes the air inside our homes, as indoor air pollution is responsible for more than 4 million deaths every year. Inhalation of these pollutants causes oxidative damage, chronic inflammation, and inappropriate activation of the autonomic nervous system and is linked to heart diseases, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs): These are a group of toxins that interfere with your endocrine system and impair the function of your hormones. EDCs can include metals, pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, microplastics that contain bisphenol A, and personal care products that contain phthalates. EDCs interfere with the production and function of sex hormones, impair the function of the adrenal gland, and are associated with insulin resistance and diabetes.</li>
</ul>
These toxins build up in organs and tissues, causing long-term problems like cardiovascular disorders, chronic lung diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer.
The body’s natural detox mechanisms and what to do to support them
Our bodies are equipped with a variety of processes that enable them to get rid of most toxins, but these mechanisms have limited capacities and can be overwhelmed with toxins; that’s why we need to reinforce them. These mechanisms include:
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The liver: About one quarter of all the blood in circulation goes through the liver; it deals with the toxins that enter your body through food and water and removes them from the blood. It also metabolizes chemicals and drugs and deactivates them. All these are secreted into the bile and eliminated via defecation. Eating phytonutrient-rich foods like cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale) and incorporating more fibers and antioxidants (vitamins C and E, glutathione) into your diet will help the liver detoxification process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The kidneys: The kidneys are your body’s filter that removes waste and toxins from the blood. On an average day, more than 47 gallons of blood pass through your kidneys. In addition to removing the body’s waste products, the kidneys also remove heavy metals and water-soluble drugs. Support your kidneys by drinking plenty of water and electrolytes and let them do the rest.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The skin and sweat: Up to 30% of the body’s waste is eliminated by the skin via sweating. Urea, excess electrolytes, and heavy metals are secreted in sweat. Regular exercise, hydration, and sauna therapy help with this process.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The lymphatic system: This system is composed of a network of small lymphatic channels that run parallel to your arteries and veins. These channels work to drain excess fluid, heavy metals, and environmental toxins from your tissues and carry them to where they can be dealt with. The lymphatic system also transports fat-soluble toxins like pesticides from the gut to your liver, where they are detoxified. Dry brushing, massages, and avoiding clothes that are too tight are ways to support your lymphatic system.</li>
</ul>
Signs you need a detox
The symptoms of environmental toxin exposure are often stealthy; they include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chronic fatigue: If you’re feeling tired all the time, this might be a result of dysfunctional mitochondria.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Digestive problems: bloating, constipation, or heartburn. These happen because toxins can build up in your gut, impairing its function.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Skin issues, like acne, eczema, rashes, and irritated skin.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Difficulty focusing or remembering things and poor concentration.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hormonal imbalances, which can cause weight gain, low energy, and changes in libido.</li>
</ul>
If you have some or all of these symptoms and suspect toxin exposure, our team can help you by using a series of tests that detect different toxins in your blood, urine, and hair, then provide you with a personalized plan to clean your system.
Tips for a more effective detox
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stay hydrated: drinking enough fluids will allow the body’s natural detox to function properly.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Choose a healthy diet: a diet rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, and omega-3 will support your gut and liver.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avoid toxins: use air filters, drink clean water, and pick high-quality personal care products.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Get enough sleep.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Try fasting: it gives your body a break to focus on detox.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avoid extreme fasting, juice cleanses, and the excessive use of laxatives and diuretics.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Most importantly: consult a professional; they can help you figure out what your body exactly needs, allowing you to do a safe and effective detox.</li>
</ul>
Get in touch now so we can help you regain your vitality.
References:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bhatnagar A. Cardiovascular Effects of Particulate Air Pollution. Annu Rev Med. 2022 Jan 27;73:393-406. doi: 10.1146/annurev-med-042220-011549. Epub 2021 Oct 13. PMID: 34644154; PMCID: PMC10132287. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34644154/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34644154/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tchounwou PB, Yedjou CG, Patlolla AK, Sutton DJ. Heavy metal toxicity and the environment. Exp Suppl. 2012;101:133-64. doi: 10.1007/978-3-7643-8340-4_6. PMID: 22945569; PMCID: PMC4144270. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4144270/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4144270/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Yilmaz B, Terekeci H, Sandal S, Kelestimur F. Endocrine disrupting chemicals: exposure, effects on human health, mechanism of action, models for testing and strategies for prevention. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2020 Mar;21(1):127-147. doi: 10.1007/s11154-019-09521-z. PMID: 31792807. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31792807/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31792807/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Klein AV, Kiat H. Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2015 Dec;28(6):675-86. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12286. Epub 2014 Dec 18. PMID: 25522674. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25522674/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25522674/</a> </li>
</ul>

Detoxifying from Environmental Toxins

Epigenetics is the study of how genes behave. While your genome rarely changes, your genes are switched on and off in response to various environmental factors, such as lifestyle and exposure to pollutants, which offers some adaptability to the constantly changing environment around us. If our genes are keys on a piano, the epigenome is the player, and we are the composers. You can choose how the piano is played.
When you make unhealthy lifestyle choices, like not exercising and being mostly sedentary, or indulging in bad dietary habits, these behaviors can hit essential genes, like the ones responsible for balancing blood sugar, shutting them off and causing diseases like diabetes. The effects can be subtle, like feeling tired all the time, brain fog, problems with sleep, and troubles concentrating, or they could be as serious as cancer. This is why understanding your epigenome and what disrupts it is the key to unlocking your full potential.
How does the switching happen?
two main processes maintain the balance:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">DNA methylation: adding methyl groups to the DNA of genes that act like locks preventing the expression of these genes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Histone acetylation, which makes DNA easier to read.</li>
</ol>
These two processes are what make the cells in your liver different from the ones in your brain; depending on which genes are activated and which genes are shut off, you get different types of cells with different jobs despite these cells having the same genes. So, anything that disrupts that balance will cause health problems because it interferes with how your organs and cells work.
What are examples of these “disruptors”?
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pollution: Inhaling polluted air turns on pro-inflammatory genes in your airways, leading to asthma, heart diseases, and cancer.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Smoking: One of the serious health risks that come with smoking is cancer; the risk is due to the fact that smoking switches off cancer-preventing genes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs: Found in plastics, personal care products, and pesticides, these chemicals interfere with how your hormones function and lead to growth issues, metabolic problems, and diseases.</li>
</ul>
Take back control.
By making a few powerful choices, you can protect your epigenome:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Move Your Body: Exercise wakes up your superhuman genes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eat Clean: A balanced, colorful diet fuels your genes with the good stuff.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Breathe Easy: Invest in air purifiers and avoid pollutants.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ditch Toxins: Use clean skincare, choose organic produce, and skip the smoking.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Manage Stress: Chill out! It’s not just good for your mind; it keeps your genes in check, too.</li>
</ol>
It’s not just your life; it’s your legacy!
We used to believe that only the genome gets passed down to the next generation, but recently scientists started to realize that the epigenome is also heritable, which means your lifestyle choices don’t only affect you but also your kids and grandkids, so are you willing to take action to leave them a legacy they will cherish?
While your genes might play a major role in shaping your life, this is not the entire truth; your choices are important. Take control, unlock your full potential, and improve your life and your children’s lives. So, what’s the change you’re going to make today to upgrade your life?

Understanding epigenetics

Have you ever felt discomfort in your stomach when preparing for an important presentation? That&#8217;s your brain and gut talking; your intestine has an extensive network of neurons embedded in its walls, the largest neuronal population outside the central nervous system. This “second brain” regulates the function of your digestive tract, but research shows that its role goes far beyond that. The autonomic nervous system, the enteric nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, and the immune system are all channels through which your brain and your gut are constantly communicating and influencing each other. These channels are bidirectional, so similar to how stress can make you nauseous, a troubled gut can make you stressed, anxious, or depressed.
How does your gut communicate with your brain?
Having a fuzzy feeling in your belly when you see someone you love or feeling a knot in your stomach when you’re anxious aren’t just metaphors; these are real physiologic responses to your emotions. Your brain is always influencing your gut, and the opposite is also true; a disease or disruption of your gut microbiome or gut barrier can influence your brain function and manifest in the form of brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or even mental illnesses. Your gut and brain are communicating through these channels:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The vagus nerve: Being the longest cranial nerve, the vagus originates from the brainstem and innervates the entire digestive tract, except parts of the colon. It’s the main parasympathetic supply of the gut, and it serves as a bidirectional conduit for neural signals between the gut and the brain.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The enteric nervous system: Formed of an extensive, complex network of neurons, the enteric nervous system has around 500 million neurons, and is the biggest collection of neurons outside the brain, this system communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve and neurotransmitters, its main function is to regulate your digestive tract, but it also influences your brain in ways science is only starting to unravel.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The neuroendocrine system: 80% of all the serotonin in your body originates from your gut. Your digestive tract has a specialized type of cells called the enterochromaffin (EC) cells; these cells secrete neuroactive substances like serotonin, neuropeptide Y, and GABA in response to neural signals and luminal factors like food and the intestinal microorganisms that make up the gut microbiome. Unhealthy diets and gut dysbiosis will disrupt the function of this system, which reflects on both the health of your gut and your brain.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The immune system: Bacteria in your gut lumen interact with immune cells in the intestinal wall, which in turn release cytokines that act both locally and systemically, so inflammation in your gut can spread to other organs, including the brain, causing neuroinflammation, which manifests as mental health issues.</li>
</ul>
The interaction between these four components forms what we call the gut-brain axis. As a result of this communication, chronic stress can manifest as gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and IBD; both are associated with a disrupted microbiome, implying that your mental health can change the composition of your gut microbiome. This connection also works the other way around; disturbances to the gut microbiome influence the secretion of neuroactive chemicals and neurotransmitters, which is sensed by the vagus nerve terminals and relayed back to the brain as neural signals. These signals can activate a maladaptive response in your brain, causing mental health problems, so your depression can actually originate from your gut.
The role of leaky gut.
Another way the health of your digestive system can influence your mental health is leaky gut, which happens when a compromised gut barrier allows bacteria and food particles to enter your bloodstream. This activates the immune system, triggering inflammation locally in your gut and systemically in the rest of your body. Leaky gut is linked to mental illnesses like anxiety and depression and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer&#8217;s and parkinsonism.
Our approach to gut-brain health.
Instead of just treating the symptoms, we look for the root cause of your problems. Our team uses specialized tests like comprehensive stool tests, food sensitivity testing, and microbiome analysis to tailor your treatment plan to perfectly fit your specific needs. But even the best treatment plan won’t show results without your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Pick a healthier diet that includes high-quality prebiotics and probiotics, stay hydrated, exercise regularly and avoid stress as much as possible.
The relationship between the gut and the brain is far deeper than we ever thought, and new research is constantly adding to our knowledge about this fascinating connection, highlighting the fact that a healthy gut is essential to have a healthy and clear mind.

Gut-brain axis

Fluoride was added to public drinking water 80 years ago with the belief that it prevents tooth decay; back then, little was known about its harmful impact on our health. Modern studies have demonstrated that, on top of its limited caries-preventive effect (individuals exposed to fluoride in drinking water only showed a 15% reduction in caries compared to those not exposed), fluoride impairs bone and tooth mineralization, interferes with the function of the thyroid gland, causes neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment, and is linked to lower IQ and learning disabilities in children. A well-documented effect of fluoride on bone and tooth formation is fluorosis.
Fluoride and bone health
Exposure to fluoride can compromise bone structure by impairing both bone formation and mineralization:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fluoride obstructs normal bone mineralization by replacing calcium, forming fluorapatite instead of hydroxyapatite, which is weaker and more fragile, leading to bones that are prone to fractures, deformities, joint pain, and osteoporosis.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fluoride inhibits key enzymes that are normally involved in bone formation, including:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Ascorbate oxidase is the enzyme the body uses to regulate the levels of ascorbic acid or vitamin C. Without ascorbate, collagen, an essential component in bone formation, can’t be synthesized. Fluoride decreases the activity of this enzyme.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Lysyl oxidase is an enzyme responsible for collagen crosslinking (a process that is central for the structural integrity of bone); fluoride has been shown to inhibit that enzyme, which results in the production of weaker collagen and, therefore, weaker bone.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase are enzymes that modify bone proteins and are involved in bone resorption and formation; fluoride inhibits these enzymes, leading to ineffective bone recycling.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Fluoride inhibits multiple bone proteases, disrupting the balance between bone formation and resorption.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Fluoride impairs the function of cytochrome c oxidase, a key mitochondrial enzyme involved in energy production. Additionally, inhibition of this enzyme exposes the cells to more oxidative damage.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fluoride is genotoxic to bone; it inhibits expression of genes that regulate bone mineralization. Fluoride also affects cell signaling pathways and protein functions necessary for bone formation.</li>
</ul>
The combination of these effects of fluoride leads to dental and skeletal fluorosis, but that is not the only negative impact fluoride has on our health.
The full health impact of fluoride toxicity
In addition to its effects on bone, fluoride impairs the function of numerous systems:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Neurotoxicity: Fluoride causes mitochondrial damage, neuroinflammation, and altered levels of neurotransmitters. These effects impair brain function and development, leading to cognitive impairment, decreased intelligence, mood disorders like anxiety and depression, and neurobehavioral disorders like ADHD.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reproductive toxicity: Fluoride was found to damage the ovaries and oocytes, leading to decreased female fertility in animal models.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cardiovascular toxicity: Fluoride disrupts electrolyte levels and causes low calcium and magnesium; this can cause arrhythmias. In addition, fluoride is linked to hypertension and atherosclerosis.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thyroid toxicity: Fluoride interferes with the process of iodination during the production of thyroid hormone and can cause both increased or decreased secretion of thyroid hormone.</li>
</ol>
Beyond that, fluoride toxicity causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, eye irritation, and skin rashes.
Tips to limit your exposure to fluoride
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use a water filter that removes fluoride, especially if you live in an area with naturally fluoridated groundwater.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Choose fluoride-free dental products like nHA-based toothpaste and fluoride-free mouthwash.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Discuss fluoride-free dental treatments with your dentist.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Be careful with foods and beverages that have a high fluoride content, like tea, seafood, and canned food.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Other sources of fluoride are non-stick cookware, which releases fluoride when overheated, and some agricultural chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers contain fluoride, so wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly and eat organic when possible.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Protect your children, as fluoride is especially dangerous during brain development.</li>
</ol>
Fluoride may have some merits in certain circumstances, but adding it to drinking water is definitely not worth it. There is no justification for using it this way, as it offers no advantages when administered systemically, and even the benefits that arise from its topical use can be obtained from safer and more natural alternatives. Stay informed and make conscious choices; your health is your biggest asset.
References
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Taylor KW, Eftim SE, Sibrizzi CA, et al. Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2025;179(3):282–292. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.5542 <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2828425?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=content-shareicons&amp;utm_content=article_engagement&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_term=022125">Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Pediatrics | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Green R, Lanphear B, Hornung R, Flora D, Martinez-Mier EA, Neufeld R, Ayotte P, Muckle G, Till C. Association Between Maternal Fluoride Exposure During Pregnancy and IQ Scores in Offspring in Canada. JAMA Pediatr. 2019 Oct 1;173(10):940-948. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1729. PMID: 31424532; PMCID: PMC6704756. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31424532/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31424532/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Peckham S, Awofeso N. Water fluoridation: a critical review of the physiological effects of ingested fluoride as a public health intervention. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014 Feb 26;2014:293019. doi: 10.1155/2014/293019. PMID: 24719570; PMCID: PMC3956646. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24719570/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24719570/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Yin S, Song C, Wu H, Chen X, Zhang Y. Adverse Effects of High Concentrations of Fluoride on Characteristics of the Ovary and Mature Oocyte of Mouse. PLoS One. 2015 Jun 8;10(6):e0129594. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129594. PMID: 26053026; PMCID: PMC4460091. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26053026/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26053026/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Adkins EA, Brunst KJ. Impacts of Fluoride Neurotoxicity and Mitochondrial Dysfunction on Cognition and Mental Health: A Literature Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Dec 7;18(24):12884. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182412884. PMID: 34948493; PMCID: PMC8700808. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8700808/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8700808/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Żwierełło W, Maruszewska A, Skórka-Majewicz M, Gutowska I. Fluoride in the Central Nervous System and Its Potential Influence on the Development and Invasiveness of Brain Tumours-A Research Hypothesis. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jan 13;24(2):1558. doi: 10.3390/ijms24021558. PMID: 36675073; PMCID: PMC9866357. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36675073/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36675073/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Qiao L, Liu X, He Y, Zhang J, Huang H, Bian W, Chilufya MM, Zhao Y, Han J. Progress of Signaling Pathways, Stress Pathways and Epigenetics in the Pathogenesis of Skeletal Fluorosis. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Nov 3;22(21):11932. doi: 10.3390/ijms222111932. PMID: 34769367; PMCID: PMC8584317. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34769367/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34769367/</a> </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Impact of fluoride on health

Brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly are essential steps for healthy teeth, but the importance of good oral hygiene goes far beyond that. The fact that your dentist and your doctor are different people doesn’t mean your oral and systemic health are separate; on the contrary, the health of your mouth and the rest of your body are closely linked. Chronic conditions, infections, and inflammation in your mouth will cause systemic illnesses, and vice versa. Similar to your intestine, your mouth contains a large number of commensal bacteria, most of which are harmless, providing that the conditions in your mouth remain without much change that favors the overgrowth of harmful bacteria; this is known as the oral microbiome. Any disruption of your oral microbiome will be reflected on your overall health, especially the health of your gut.
What are some systemic illnesses linked to oral disease?
Your mouth is the gateway for the rest of your body, both literally and figuratively. Research has confirmed that claim by linking multiple systemic diseases to oral health. A few examples of those are:
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cardiovascular diseases: Keeping your teeth clean and your mouth healthy plays a major role in maintaining the health of your heart and blood vessels. When you have overgrowth of dental bacteria, some of them can reach the bloodstream through small cuts in your gums when you brush or undergo dental procedures like tooth extraction, these bacteria that reach your blood can cause infection in your heart, known as infective endocarditis, they can also cause more insidious problems by triggering inflammation in your blood vessels and contributing to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, AKA atherosclerosis, which can lead to coronary artery disease, stroke, and more.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diabetes: The fact that diabetes makes oral conditions like gingivitis, which is a mild form of infection of the gums, and periodontal disease, a condition where severe infections of the gums reach the underlying bone and cause bone and tooth loss, more likely has been considered common sense for a long time among medical and dental communities, but evidence now suggests the opposite is also true; the chronic inflammation resulting from periodontitis impairs insulin sensitivity, contributing to the origin of type 2 diabetes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gastrointestinal health problems: There exists a very strong connection between the microbiome in your gut and the one in your mouth, since oral bacteria reach your intestine constantly with swallowed saliva, so if you have an unhealthy environment in your mouth, the harmful oral bacteria will reach your gut, disrupting its microbiome and causing gut dysbiosis, which compromises your gut barrier. The resulting leaky gut will contribute to various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions like,
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Ulcerative colitis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Crohn’s disease</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Celiac disease </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Lung diseases: Inhaling harmful bacteria from diseased gums can cause infections in your lungs like pneumonia; repeated infections will cause permanent structural changes in your lungs, contributing to some obstructive lung diseases.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Alzheimer’s: Dominy et al. (2019) found oral bacteria and their toxins in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients, and upon using specific inhibitors of these toxins, they observed a marked reduction in disease markers like bacterial load, amyloid-beta production, and neuroinflammation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pregnancy complications: Bacteria entering the bloodstream in pregnant females with poor oral hygiene cause inflammation and can trigger preterm labor and other pregnancy complications like:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Fetal growth restriction.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Pre-eclampsia </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Miscarriage</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Stillbirth.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
What can you do to prevent all these diseases from happening?
There are a few things you can do right now to control the health of your mouth and improve your overall health:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avoid risk factors that worsen your oral health, like: 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">A poor diet filled with sugars</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Cigarette smoking </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Too much alcohol </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Adopt good practices that promote the health of your teeth and gums; these include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Brush your teeth twice every day</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Floss: Flossing removes food particles and plaque between your teeth, preventing gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Ditch fluoride-based dental products and replace them with the better, more natural nHA-based ones.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Visit your dentist at least every six months.</li>
</ol>
Oral health matters.
Keeping good oral hygiene and healthy teeth doesn’t only ensure a beautiful smile; it also plays a significant role in maintaining the health of the rest of your body. The health of your heart, gut, and even brain starts in your mouth. Having a healthy mouth will reduce the risk of chronic diseases and help control them, highlighting the need to have a holistic approach when dealing with medical conditions. Your dentist and your doctor should be working together so you get the best possible health outcomes.

The connection between oral and systemic health

Phosphatidylcholine: A Natural Boost for Your Cells and Arteries
Have you ever felt constantly exhausted, scatterbrained, or generally under the weather despite doing everything right? You&#8217;re not alone. Many people deal with these vague symptoms without realizing their cellular health might actually be at fault. An important piece of this cellular puzzle is something called phosphatidylcholine (PC), a natural compound that&#8217;s often overlooked but incredibly powerful. Understanding its role can be the first step toward reclaiming your energy and vitality.
What Are Phospholipids and Why Should You Care?
Phospholipids are special fats that form the building blocks of your cells; think of them as gatekeepers, letting the good stuff in and pushing the bad stuff out. They directly influence your brain function, liver detoxification, digestion, and even heart health. Without enough phospholipids, your cells get stiff as stone, making your muscles incapable of moving freely back and forth with ease. It becomes harder for your body to do anything efficiently and everything starts to feel off-balance. Everything flows a whole lot more slowly. This inefficiency might show up as poor focus, a sluggish metabolism, or high cholesterol.
Why Phosphatidylcholine Deserves Your Attention
Phosphatidylcholine stands out among other phospholipids because of its various science-proven health benefits. This special molecule helps health in so many different ways. It’s particularly beneficial for the liver, helping it break down fats and remove toxins effectively. Additionally, PC promotes healthier cholesterol levels by increasing the &#8220;good&#8221; HDL cholesterol and lowering the &#8220;bad&#8221; LDL cholesterol, supporting overall cardiovascular health. PC doesn&#8217;t stop there; it also enhances your cognitive abilities. If you&#8217;ve noticed more brain fog or trouble remembering things, increasing PC intake might sharpen your focus and memory. Moreover, PC is important for the integrity of your skin cells, and it helps your skin feel and look more youthful.
How to Know if You Need More Phosphatidylcholine
Your body tends to give subtle clues or some not-so-subtle signs when your battery behind the scenes runs out too low. These signs could include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feeling constantly tired even when you&#8217;ve had plenty of rest.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Struggling with concentration, memory, or general mental clarity</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Persistently high cholesterol levels despite dietary changes</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liver-related issues like fatty liver or slow detoxification</li>
</ul>
If these sound familiar, it might be time to boost your phosphatidylcholine intake.
Easy Ways to Get More PC Through Your Diet
Incorporating more phosphatidylcholine into your diet doesn&#8217;t have to be complicated. Simple foods like eggs (especially yolks), nuts, seeds, fish, soybeans, and lean meats are naturally rich in PC. Eating these regularly can help replenish your body&#8217;s phospholipid stores. But sometimes dietary changes aren&#8217;t enough, and that’s okay too. It is handy and effective to take supplements like sunflower or soy lecithin consistently so that they keep up with what your body needs.
Plaquex: An Advanced Therapy for Optimal Cellular Health
For those needing extra support, Plaquex offers specialized phosphatidylcholine therapy through intravenous infusions. Originally developed and thoroughly researched in Germany, Plaquex quickly restores cell membrane health, improving cardiovascular and liver function dramatically. People who&#8217;ve tried Plaquex therapy often experience:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Better circulation and less arterial plaque</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lowering cholesterol levels by significantly lowering the “bad” one and raising the “good” one.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Improved liver function, especially helpful for fatty liver disease.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Noticeably better skin health, particularly in cases like psoriasis or eczema.</li>
</ul>
It&#8217;s important to be sure you&#8217;re getting real Plaquex treatment though. Authentic Plaquex is carefully compounded by FDA-approved pharmacies like AnazaoHealth (USA) and Pure Integrative Pharmacy (Canada), ensuring both safety and effectiveness.
Who Might Benefit Most from Plaquex Therapy?
Plaquex is especially beneficial if you&#8217;re dealing with:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">High cholesterol that&#8217;s stubbornly resistant to diet alone</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Consistently having low energy, feeling like your brain is often filled with cotton, and overall feeling more tired.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease, like hypertension or arterial plaque.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liver troubles like fatty liver disease or other ongoing health concerns.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema.</li>
</ul>
If you can relate to any of these scenarios, talking with a functional medicine expert about Plaquex therapy could change the quality of your life.
Taking Charge of Your Health at the Cellular Level
Your wellness starts within your cells. By recognizing the importance of phospholipids, especially phosphatidylcholine, and then making simple lifestyle changes or taking advanced treatments like Plaquex, you can achieve significant improvements to your health. To find out if Plaquex therapy is right for you or to explore personalized recommendations, schedule a consultation with us today. The first step toward better health might just be one conversation away.
References
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kim SH, Kim BK, Park S, Park SK. Phosphatidylcholine Extends Lifespan via DAF-16 and Reduces Amyloid-Beta-Induced Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 Jul 11;2019:2860642. doi: 10.1155/2019/2860642. PMID: 31379987; PMCID: PMC6657616. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31379987/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31379987/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Petyaev IM, Dovgalevsky PY, Chalyk NE, Klochkov VA, Kyle NH, Bashmakov YK. Reduction of Liver Span and Parameters of Inflammation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients Treated with Lycosome Formulation of Phosphatidylcholine: A Preliminary Report. Int J Chronic Dis. 2018 Apr 1;2018:4549614. doi: 10.1155/2018/4549614. PMID: 29805971; PMCID: PMC5899869. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29805971/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29805971/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Schumacher D, Curaj A, Staudt M, Cordes F, Dumitraşcu AR, Rolles B, Beckers C, Soppert J, Rusu M, Simsekyilmaz S, Kneizeh K, Ramachandra CJA, Hausenloy DJ, Liehn EA. Phosphatidylserine Supplementation as a Novel Strategy for Reducing Myocardial Infarct Size and Preventing Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Apr 22;22(9):4401. doi: 10.3390/ijms22094401. PMID: 33922385; PMCID: PMC8122843. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33922385/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33922385/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Barzanjeh SP, Pescatello LS, Figueroa A, Ahmadizad S. The Effects of Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine on Heart Rate Variability and Hemodynamic Variables Following Sprint Interval Exercise in Overweight and Obese Women. Nutrients. 2022 Sep 24;14(19):3970. doi: 10.3390/nu14193970. PMID: 36235623; PMCID: PMC9572742. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36235623/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36235623/</a> </li>
</ul>

Plaquex

Plastic bottles, cosmetics, cleaning chemicals, and non-organic processed foods all have something in common: they contain chemicals capable of impairing the function of your endocrine system, the glands and organs responsible for producing hormones like testosterone, estrogen, insulin, and thyroxine. These substances are called endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, and you can potentially be exposed to dozens of them without even knowing. By harming your hormonal health, EDCs cause many chronic disorders and metabolic diseases, and they are linked to congenital anomalies, immune disorders, and gut dysbiosis.
How do EDCs impact your health?
Endocrine disruptors are industrial, agricultural, or pharmaceutical chemicals that enter your body and interfere with your hormonal health, and since hormones regulate growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction, their disruption creates multiple disorders. Different EDCs undermine the health of the endocrine system through one or more of these ways:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">They can block the hormones from reaching their receptors and exerting their effect on different cells.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">They interfere with the function of hormone-secreting glands, causing them to make too much or too little hormones. </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">EDCs can change the epigenome by altering gene methylation and histone acetylation, processes that regulate gene expression and hormone production.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">EDCS can also mimic the function of some hormones like estrogen by binding to and activating their receptors.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Additionally, they can block intracellular signaling pathways that are essential for the normal function of hormones.</li>
</ol>
Some of the health outcomes of these effects are:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reduced male fertility: Anti-androgenic and estrogenic endocrine disruptors like phthalates and vinclozolin are a known cause of low male fertility; these chemicals block testosterone production and action, reducing sperm count and sex drive and causing sexual dysfunction. Additionally, these chemicals reduce semen quality by causing structural damage or developmental abnormalities in the testes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Female reproductive disorders: Exposure to estrogen-mimicking chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), parabens, and DDT interferes with the female hormonal balance and impairs ovulation and fertilization. Estrogenic EDCs are also linked to female reproductive disorders like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and premature ovarian failure. These conditions contribute to a significant reduction in female fertility.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Growth and neurodevelopmental disorder: EDCs disrupt mitochondrial function and impair energy production, leading to increased oxidative damage; this negatively affects brain development and function. EDCs are linked to ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Metabolic disorders: EDC exposure is linked to obesity and diabetes; they can disrupt mitochondrial function, leading to insulin resistance and metabolic disruption.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Immune disorders: EDCs induce chronic inflammation by interfering with immune cell function; they reduce the numbers of T regulatory cells and alter the balance of different immune components. Additionally, EDCs can affect cytokine secretion, which are substances your immune cells use to communicate with each other. The resulting immune dysregulation can cause autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gut dysbiosis: EDCs are toxic to the beneficial gut bacteria and are known to cause imbalance in the gut microbiome, contributing to the development of leaky gut.</li>
</ul>
Common EDCs and where they can be found
Tens of chemicals can be considered endocrine disruptors. They can be found in food, water, plastics, cosmetics, and personal care products. These are some examples of EDCs and where they can be found:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bisphenol A (BPA): Linked to hormonal imbalances, infertility, and increased cancer risk and found in plastic containers and food cans.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Phthalates: Associated with reproductive disorders and obesity and used in plastics, cosmetics, and fragrances.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Parabens: An estrogenic EDC that increases breast cancer risk, it’s found in shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs): Linked to immune dysfunction, thyroid disease, and cancer and used in non-stick cookware and food packaging.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Atrazine: A herbicide found in water supplies and agricultural runoff. It disrupts reproductive health.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">DDT: A banned pesticide linked to reproductive disorders and cancer, but its breakdown product, DDE, persists in the environment.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Flame Retardants (PBDEs): Disrupt thyroid function and neurodevelopment; it’s found in furniture, electronics, and household dust.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dioxins: Byproducts of industrial processes, found in meat, dairy, and fish. They cause immune suppression, hormonal disruption, and cancer.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glyphosate: A common herbicide found in food and water that causes gut dysbiosis.</li>
</ul>
Tips to avoid the damage caused by EDCs
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eat organic food.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use glass and stainless steel containers and bottles instead of plastic ones.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Buy high-quality cosmetics and personal care products that are phthalate-free and paraben-free.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Switch to natural cleaning products for your household.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use water filters and air purifiers.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Contact a professional that can help you identify your exposures and provide you with a suitable detox plan.</li>
</ul>
Endocrine disruptors are hidden chemicals that are silently harming your health. By knowing where they lurk and taking steps to remove them from your body and environment, you can protect your well-being. If you suspect you&#8217;re exposed, reach out to us now; we can test you for EDC exposure and provide you with personalized solutions to regain your vitality.
&nbsp;
References:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guarnotta V, Amodei R, Frasca F, Aversa A, Giordano C. Impact of Chemical Endocrine Disruptors and Hormone Modulators on the Endocrine System. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 May 20;23(10):5710. doi: 10.3390/ijms23105710. PMID: 35628520; PMCID: PMC9145289.<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35628520/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35628520/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ahn C, Jeung EB. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Disease Endpoints. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 10;24(6):5342. doi: 10.3390/ijms24065342. PMID: 36982431; PMCID: PMC10049097. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36982431/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36982431/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gálvez-Ontiveros Y, Páez S, Monteagudo C, Rivas A. Endocrine Disruptors in Food: Impact on Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Diseases. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 21;12(4):1158. doi: 10.3390/nu12041158. PMID: 32326280; PMCID: PMC7231259. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32326280/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32326280/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Predieri B, Bruzzi P, Bigi E, Ciancia S, Madeo SF, Lucaccioni L, Iughetti L. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Type 1 Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Apr 22;21(8):2937. doi: 10.3390/ijms21082937. PMID: 32331412; PMCID: PMC7215452. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32331412/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32331412/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lahimer M, Abou Diwan M, Montjean D, Cabry R, Bach V, Ajina M, Ben Ali H, Benkhalifa M, Khorsi-Cauet H. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and male fertility: from physiological to molecular effects. Front Public Health. 2023 Oct 10;11:1232646. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1232646. PMID: 37886048; PMCID: PMC10598475. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37886048/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37886048/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Caserta D, Costanzi F, De Marco MP, Di Benedetto L, Matteucci E, Assorgi C, Pacilli MC, Besharat AR, Bellati F, Ruscito I. Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals on Endometrial Receptivity and Embryo Implantation: A Systematic Review of 34 Mouse Model Studies. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jun 25;18(13):6840. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18136840. PMID: 34202247; PMCID: PMC8297133.v <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8297133/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8297133/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fabozzi G, Rebuzzini P, Cimadomo D, Allori M, Franzago M, Stuppia L, Garagna S, Ubaldi FM, Zuccotti M, Rienzi L. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Gut Microbiota, and Human (In)Fertility-It Is Time to Consider the Triad. Cells. 2022 Oct 22;11(21):3335. doi: 10.3390/cells11213335. PMID: 36359730; PMCID: PMC9654651. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36359730/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36359730/</a> </li>
</ul>

The Role of Endocrine Disruptors in Health and Disease

It&#8217;s 2025, and screens are everywhere: phones, tablets, TVs, and gaming consoles. At every turn, something is trying to catch your child&#8217;s attention. Many parents use screens as a quick fix to calm restless kids; yes, screens entertain, but is it worth the trade-off? It&#8217;s normal to wonder how too much screen time affects kids&#8217; cognitive development and what parents can do about it as we become more conscious of its negative effects.
How screen time affects your child’s brain
Your child&#8217;s thinking and learning may change significantly as a result of prolonged, unsupervised screen use. No screen time is recommended for children younger than two; older children between two and five years old can only have less than one hour of screen time per day, although some studies recommend avoiding all screen time in children younger than five. When screen time exceeds these recommendations, it causes problems; among these are:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Short attention span 
Prolonged screen time overwhelms your child’s ability to sustain attention, making it harder for them to focus through classes and daily activities. This phenomenon mimics some ADHD symptoms, making daily life and learning challenging.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Delayed language development 
Passive use of screens, like watching videos all day long, is definitely more than just mindless fun. Extended video streaming has been shown to slow kids&#8217; language development as they grow. On the other hand, interactive educational content helps to build better and richer vocabulary and stronger communication skills.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Poor sleep quality 
Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone essential for deep, restorative sleep, and poor sleep affects everything from memory and learning to mood and behavior. This makes your children prone to emotional struggles and academic challenges.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Changes to brain structure 
According to recent studies employing brain scans, excessive screen time is associated with thinning in particular cortical regions that are essential for information processing, judgment, and emotional control. Your child may experience subtle effects from that alteration, including cognitive and emotional impairment.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Struggling with social skills and trouble managing emotions 
Fewer real-world interactions can lead to an inability to develop emotional intelligence and social skills. Kids who get a lot of screen time can sometimes struggle with forming deep and meaningful relationships and learning how to pick up on subtle cues when people express or hide emotions.</li>
</ol>
In functional medicine, the discussion around screen time explores more insidious effects that include: 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Digital toxin exposure 
Research suggests that electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions from TVs and phones can interfere with energy production at a cellular level, which causes subtle symptoms in your child like fatigue, irritability, or sluggish thinking.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Effect on gut health 
Less physical activity impairs digestion and can compromise gut health, causing dysbiosis, which can indirectly affect brain function and mood stability.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nutrient depletion 
In addition to lowering melatonin, blue light exposure has been linked to lower dopamine and vitamin D levels. Deficiency in these micronutrients is associated with negative behavioral and cognitive outcomes.</li>
</ul>
Actionable tips for parents 
You don&#8217;t have to ditch all screens from your child&#8217;s life, but strategically managing their screen time can improve their cognitive development and overall health. Here are some practical strategies:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Screen-free periods: 
Intervals without screens promote family connection, enhance sleep quality, and help regain focus. Start simple, such as limiting screen time for an hour before bed or chatting with family at dinner, and as routines form, progressively extend screen-free times.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nutritional support: 
Give your child the nutritious foods and vitamins that they need to counter nutrient drain from too much sitting in front of screens. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish or flaxseeds; magnesium-rich leafy greens; and colorful fruits rich in antioxidants to protect and nourish their brain.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blue light filters: 
Using amber-tinted glasses or screen filters limits exposure to blue light, which promotes healthier sleep patterns. Although not a complete solution, these tools can definitely support better sleep hygiene and help improve brain function.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Movement breaks: 
Encourage regular physical activity to avoid the stagnation that comes from sitting all day. Short breaks to stretch or walk around enhance blood flow and stimulate brain activity.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Responsible Screen Use: 
Choose high-quality, interactive educational content for your child. Content focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving is much better than passive scrolling or short-form videos.</li>
</ul>
Finding the Balance
Although screens provide entertainment and educational opportunities, too much screen time can be detrimental. Finding a balance between quantity and quality is crucial. Nutrition, exercise, emotional growth, and screen time all have an equal impact on your child&#8217;s overall health.
Ready to craft a customized plan that boosts your child&#8217;s cognitive development and well-being? Reach out to our team today; we&#8217;re here to guide your family toward a balanced, vibrant life.
References
Muppalla SK, Vuppalapati S, Reddy Pulliahgaru A, Sreenivasulu H. Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management. Cureus. 2023 Jun 18;15(6):e40608. doi: 10.7759/cureus.40608. PMID: 37476119; PMCID: PMC10353947. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37476119/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37476119/</a> 
Massaroni V, Delle Donne V, Marra C, Arcangeli V, Chieffo DPR. The Relationship between Language and Technology: How Screen Time Affects Language Development in Early Life-A Systematic Review. Brain Sci. 2023 Dec 25;14(1):27. doi: 10.3390/brainsci14010027. PMID: 38248242; PMCID: PMC10813394. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38248242/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38248242/</a> 
Arumugam CT, Said MA, Nik Farid ND. Screen-based media and young children: Review and recommendations. Malays Fam Physician. 2021 Jun 4;16(2):7-13. doi: 10.51866/rv1143. PMID: 34386158; PMCID: PMC8346754. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34386158/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34386158/</a> 
Tekeci Y, Torpil B, Altuntaş O. The Impact of Screen Exposure on Screen Addiction and Sensory Processing in Typically Developing Children Aged 6-10 Years. Children (Basel). 2024 Apr 13;11(4):464. doi: 10.3390/children11040464. PMID: 38671681; PMCID: PMC11049253. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38671681/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38671681/</a>

Screen Time and Your Child’s Brain

Almost a century ago, a curious dentist and researcher called Weston A. Price noticed something puzzling: some indigenous populations had healthier teeth than the average person, despite lacking any access to modern dentistry or commercial dental products. Price travelled the world studying and analyzing the diets and lifestyles of indigenous peoples looking for the answer to that mystery, and he found it; he isolated a fat-soluble micronutrient abundantly found in traditional diets that he linked to healthier teeth that he called “Activator X.” Later, chemists would rename it “vitamin K2,” structurally similar to the then newly discovered vitamin K1 but yet fundamentally different in function. Price was only interested in its tooth-preserving properties, but little did he know, activator X’s health benefits would continue to be discovered over the following decades, revealing a versatile nutrient with benefits that expanded to include teeth, bone, heart, hormonal, and metabolic health, making it valuable in functional medicine and dentistry.
Dr. Price’s findings
Price noticed a near absence of cavities, strong jaws, wide dental arches, and straight teeth in populations that didn’t practice brushing, flossing, or use braces. These populations had something in common: their diets were rich in a fat-soluble nutrient he called “Activator X.” Price’s and other scientists’ work revealed that Activator X, later called vitamin K, activates certain enzymes that redirect calcium to be used in bone and teeth mineralization, which explains its dental benefits. 
What is vitamin K2?
You probably heard of or read about vitamin K in a multivitamin supplement ad or a health forum, but you probably didn’t know that multiple types of vitamin K exist, each with its own unique chemical structure and biological function. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is important for normal blood clotting; you get it from leafy green veggies. Vitamin K2 (menaquinones), on the other hand, refers to a structurally similar but distinct group of molecules called MK-4 to MK-13. This form of vitamin K regulates calcium metabolism in the body, directing it to be used in bone and teeth mineralization and preventing its deposition in arteries and soft tissues. Vitamin K2 is found in grass-fed dairy products, fermented foods, and organ meats.
Why is this form of vitamin K so important?
The health benefits of vitamin K2 are many; due to its unique effect on calcium metabolism, it improves teeth and bone structure, protects the heart and blood vessels, and regulates the immune system.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dental and bone health benefits: Vitamin K2 increases the activity of osteocalcin, a protein found in bone and teeth that improves mineralization, redirecting the body’s calcium to be used appropriately, resulting in denser bones that are less prone to osteoporosis and fractures and healthier teeth without cavities, caries, or tooth decay.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Heart-protective effects: Vitamin K2 inhibits the activity of matrix GLA protein, which is involved in the development of calcification in arteries; this prevents the development and progression of plaque and allows calcium to be used where it’s needed and not get deposited in your arteries. The net result is a healthier heart and arteries and a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulating properties: In addition to its calcium-regulating effects, vitamin K2 is a potent antioxidant; it reduces inflammation and regulates the immune system. It was found to improve cognitive function by reducing neuroinflammation, and it was linked to a lower risk of developing some autoimmune diseases like ulcerative colitis.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Metabolic and hormonal health: research suggests a link between vitamin K2 and better blood sugar control; it was also found to regulate hormonal levels, including testosterone.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Benefits for mothers and growing children: Vitamin K2 supplementation in pregnant mothers and young children is associated with better bone and teeth development, reducing the need for braces or other orthodontic care later on.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Possible longevity benefits: Emerging research links vitamin K2 supplements to longer lifespans, but more research is needed to fully understand this property.</li>
</ul>
Simple ways to increase vitamin K2 intake
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Embrace traditional diets and avoid modern ultra-processed foods: Add grass-fed dairy products, eggs from free-range chickens, liver dishes, aged cheeses, or fermented foods like natto into your meals every now and then.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take supplements if you need them: Vitamin K2 supplements come mostly in two forms: MK-4 and MK-7. MK-7 is usually recommended because it stays in your body longer. But definitely consult a professional about what’s best for your specific situation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Check if you have a vitamin K2 deficiency: Standard medical tests usually don&#8217;t check for vitamin K2 levels. However, specialized nutritional tests from trained functional medicine providers can help you find out if you need more vitamin K2.</li>
</ol>
Vitamin K2 supplements usually come together with vitamin D for an optimized effect on bone and teeth health; you usually need between 100-200 micrograms/day, but always consult a professional for a customized approach.
Vitamin K2 is a valuable micronutrient that, despite its many scientifically proven health benefits, is usually overlooked by nutritionists and doctors. Get in touch with us now and find out more about this forgotten nutrient.
References:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Akbari S, Rasouli-Ghahroudi AA. Vitamin K and Bone Metabolism: A Review of the Latest Evidence in Preclinical Studies. Biomed Res Int. 2018 Jun 27;2018:4629383. doi: 10.1155/2018/4629383. PMID: 30050932; PMCID: PMC6040265. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30050932/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30050932/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">W. Elbossaty. Significant influence for vitamin K on different metabolic diseases according to positive effect on levels of both vitamin D, and calcium. 2018. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324696351_Significant_influence_for_vitamin_K_on_different_metabolic_diseases_according_to_positive_effect_on_levels_of_both_vitamin_D_and_calcium">https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324696351_Significant_influence_for_vitamin_K_on_different_metabolic_diseases_according_to_positive_effect_on_levels_of_both_vitamin_D_and_calcium</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Malin AJ, Wang Z, Khan D, McKune SL. The Potential Systemic Role of Diet in Dental Caries Development and Arrest: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2024 May 13;16(10):1463. doi: 10.3390/nu16101463. PMID: 38794700; PMCID: PMC11124059. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38794700/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38794700/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nakamura Y, Kamimura M, Ikegami S, Mukaiyama K, Komatsu M, Uchiyama S, Kato H. A case series of pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis and a review of the literature. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2015 Sep 7;11:1361-5. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S87274. PMID: 26379439; PMCID: PMC4567231. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26379439/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26379439/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ünal ÖK, Dağtaş MZ, Öngen İpek B, Sitar ME, Uğutmen E. Morphological and biomechanical effects of vitamin K2 on fracture healing: An animal study on the rat tibia fracture model. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2023 Jan;57(1):17-22. doi: 10.5152/j.aott.2023.21013. PMID: 36939360; PMCID: PMC10151905. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10151905/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10151905/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hu S, Ma Y, Xiong K, Wang Y, Liu Y, Sun Y, Yang Y, Ma A. Ameliorating Effects of Vitamin K2 on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 3;24(3):2986. doi: 10.3390/ijms24032986. PMID: 36769323; PMCID: PMC9917520. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36769323/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36769323/</a> </li>
</ol>

Vit K2

How genetics shape your oral health
Ever met someone who treats their teeth like an afterthought; chews sugar like it’s a food group, flosses once a year and still walks away from the dentist with a clean bill? Meanwhile, you’re brushing, rinsing, praying&#8230; and still need another filling. That’s not just bad luck; it’s genetics. Turns out, the battle against cavities and gum disease doesn’t start in the bathroom. It starts in your DNA. Genes do a lot more than decide your eye color or whether cilantro tastes like soap. They also control your enamel’s strength, how well your saliva fights off bacterial invaders, and whether your gums go to war at the first sign of plaque.
Some key genetic factors include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Enamel strength: Some people inherit titanium-grade enamel. Genes like AMELX and ENAM influence how durable your enamel is, and even slight variations can mean the difference between “resistant” and “vulnerable.”</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Saliva production and quality: Saliva does more than just rinse your mouth. It neutralizes acid and contains natural defenses. Its quality and quantity are also written in your genetic code. If your mouth feels dry often, your genes might be part of the reason.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gum disease risk: Certain immune-related genes can dial your body’s inflammatory response up or down. That means the same amount of plaque could trigger aggressive gum disease in one person and barely a reaction in another.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Your genome controls your taste in food too; the TAS2R38 gene affects how we perceive bitterness. People who are more sensitive may avoid certain veggies and lean toward carbs or sweets. So if you’re not paying attention, your aversion to bitter greens might be shaping a carb-loaded, cavity-friendly diet.</li>
</ul>
So yes, bad teeth do run in families. But don’t panic; your genes may stack the deck, but they don’t deal the hand. That’s where lifestyle and epigenetics step in to give you a fighting chance.
Your DNA isn’t your destiny
DNA is more like a rough draft. Epigenetics is where things get interesting. It’s the science of how your environment and choices flip certain genetic “switches” on or off. So even if you were born with an enamel disadvantage or an inflammatory gum gene, your lifestyle can calm things down.
What flips the switch?
Your body is constantly responding to cues from your environment, and those cues can leave lasting marks on how your genes express themselves. Here are a few examples:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stress: Chronic stress can activate inflammation-related genes, making your gums more reactive and less resilient.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diet: A nutrient-poor diet can suppress helpful genes or fail to support those that build and repair tissue. Low folate or B12, for instance, might make gum disease more likely, especially if you already have a genetic variant (like MTHFR) that limits how well you process these vitamins.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Smoking: Smoking can chemically alter your DNA’s epigenetic markings; essentially flipping switches that activate tissue-damaging pathways and disable protective ones.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sleep: Poor sleep and fatigue impair your immune system and can indirectly influence how your body responds to oral bacteria.</li>
</ul>
That’s why identical twins, who share the exact same DNA, can end up with very different oral health outcomes. And this is where personalized care comes in; because once you know your risks, you can actually do something about them.
Tailored Care for Your Genetic Blueprint
As we begin to understand just how much our genes shape our oral health, it’s clear that the old one-size-fits-all approach to dental care doesn’t work anymore. What works for one person could be overkill, or completely inadequate, for someone else. Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, personalized care looks at the full picture: your genetic risk factors, family history, microbiome profile, dietary patterns, and lifestyle habits. It’s a smarter, more precise way of preventing problems before they start, and managing them more effectively when they do.
We’ve adopted this approach for years. We don’t just ask about flossing; we ask about stress, sleep, nutrient intake, and family patterns. We’ve seen how patients with mild symptoms but high-risk genetics benefit from early interventions, while others with good genes can maintain oral health with simpler routines. We also offer guidance on newer tools like oral microbiome analysis or genetic screenings for enamel-related or inflammatory markers. Not everyone needs them, but when they’re useful, they help us make more informed decisions. Think of it as upgrading from guesswork to strategy.
Your smile isn’t just a product of luck; it’s a reflection of biology, behavior, and care. And with the right strategy, you can work with your DNA, not against it. If you&#8217;re curious what that kind of care could look like for you, we’re ready when you are.
References
Tulek A, Mulic A, Runningen M, Lillemo J, Utheim TP, Khan Q, Sehic A. Genetic Aspects of Dental Erosive Wear and Dental Caries. Int J Dent. 2021 Jul 12;2021:5566733. doi: 10.1155/2021/5566733. PMID: 34335772; PMCID: PMC8292068. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34335772/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34335772/</a> 
Melis M, Atzori E, Cabras S, Zonza A, Calò C, Muroni P, Nieddu M, Padiglia A, Sogos V, Tepper BJ, Tomassini Barbarossa I. The gustin (CA6) gene polymorphism, rs2274333 (A/G), as a mechanistic link between PROP tasting and fungiform taste papilla density and maintenance. PLoS One. 2013 Sep 9;8(9):e74151. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074151. PMID: 24040192; PMCID: PMC3767652. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24040192/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24040192/</a> 
Thampan N, Ramya R, Swarnalakshmi R, Rajkumar K, Savithri S, Divyalakshmi G. Analysis of ENAM gene single-nucleotide polymorphism rs3796704 with caries susceptibility in young adult Tamil population. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2021 May-Aug;25(2):226-231. doi: 10.4103/0973-029X.325119. Epub 2021 Aug 31. PMID: 34703114; PMCID: PMC8491349. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34703114/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34703114/</a> 
Khouly I, Braun RS, Ordway M, Aouizerat BE, Ghassib I, Larsson L, Asa&#8217;ad F. The Role of DNA Methylation and Histone Modification in Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Aug 27;21(17):6217. doi: 10.3390/ijms21176217. PMID: 32867386; PMCID: PMC7503325. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32867386/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32867386/</a> 
Asa&#8217;ad F, Pelanyte G, Philip J, Dahlin C, Larsson L. The Role of Epigenetic Functionalization of Implants and Biomaterials in Osseointegration and Bone Regeneration-A Review. Molecules. 2020 Dec 12;25(24):5879. doi: 10.3390/molecules25245879. PMID: 33322654; PMCID: PMC7763898. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33322654/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33322654/</a>

Understanding the Role of Genetics in Dental Health

The hidden pollutants lurking indoors
Most people think of pollution as an outdoor problem: car exhaust, factory smoke, or maybe wildfire haze. But indoor air? That’s where the real surprise lives. Research shows that air inside your home is often more polluted than the air outside, sometimes by a factor of five or more. And since most of us spend 90% of our lives indoors, that adds up. A major contributor to this hidden toxicity is a class of chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They’re the invisible gases emitted by paints, new furniture, cleaning products, air fresheners, cosmetics, and even cooking. That “new house” smell or lingering bleach scent after a deep clean is likely VOCs. These gases collect in indoor spaces, especially well-sealed homes, and affect the body in ways that often go unnoticed until symptoms start piling up.
Short-term exposure to high VOC levels can lead to headaches, fatigue, nausea, or difficulty concentrating. Over time, certain VOCs (like formaldehyde and benzene) have been linked to cancer, organ damage, and hormone disruption. Even seemingly unrelated issues, like autoimmune flares or persistent fatigue, may trace back to airborne toxins. It has long been suspected that environmental toxins are hidden drivers of chronic symptoms. Some theories suggest VOCs interfere with mitochondria, disrupt gut barriers, or fuel immune dysfunction, especially in sensitive individuals.
How air filtration helps
Once VOCs are on your radar, the next question is how do you get rid of them? The answer is air filtration. But not all filters are the same, and not all of them actually capture VOCs.
The most common filters used in homes are rated on the MERV scale, which measures how well they trap particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. A MERV 13 filter, for instance, captures many small airborne particles, some as tiny as bacteria. HEPA filters go even further, grabbing over 99% of particles down to 0.3 microns. These are great for reducing the solid stuff in the air. But here’s the problem: VOCs are gases, not particles. That means even a top-shelf HEPA filter won’t catch them. For VOCs, you need a different tool: activated charcoal. These filters don’t trap pollutants like a net; instead, they absorb VOCs onto a porous surface, kind of like a sponge soaking up chemicals. Many higher-end air purifiers now include both HEPA and carbon filters for this reason.
There’s also a distinction between central HVAC filters and standalone purifiers. HVAC upgrades clean air throughout the house (if your system supports higher MERV filters), but only while the fan is running. Portable purifiers, on the other hand, can work full-time in targeted areas like bedrooms or home offices. Ideally, you want both. Just don’t expect a peace lily or spider plant to solve the problem; despite popular myth, houseplants do very little to clear the air in real-world conditions.
Why air quality matters for whole-body health
Clean air isn’t just about avoiding a cough or runny nose. In our world, it’s part of a much larger picture: how your body responds to environmental stressors over time.
For one, VOCs don’t just irritate the lungs. They can mess with your body’s deeper systems. There’s growing evidence that chronic exposure to indoor pollutants affects mitochondrial function, disrupting how your cells produce energy. That can translate to low-grade fatigue, brain fog, and general sluggishness. Other research suggests inhaled chemicals can impact the gut barrier, contributing to leaky gut and systemic inflammation. This opens the door to immune overreactions, especially in those with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. VOCs and mold toxins, in particular, are being studied for their role in triggering or worsening these issues. Then there’s the theory of chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), a controversial but widely discussed concept. It proposes that certain genetically vulnerable individuals react abnormally to indoor mold or biotoxins, setting off a cascade of systemic symptoms that don’t resolve until the exposure is addressed.
Whether or not you buy into every theory, the takeaway is clear: for some people, indoor air quality isn’t just a comfort issue; it’s a medical one. If you’re dealing with unexplained fatigue, autoimmune flares, or brain fog that doesn’t add up, the problem might be in the air you’re breathing.
References
Jang AS, Choi IS, Koh YI, Park CS. Volatile organic compounds contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness. Korean J Intern Med. 2007 Mar;22(1):8-12. doi: 10.3904/kjim.2007.22.1.8. PMID: 17427638; PMCID: PMC2687606. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17427638/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17427638/</a> 
Win-Shwe TT, Fujimaki H, Arashidani K, Kunugita N. Indoor volatile organic compounds and chemical sensitivity reactions. Clin Dev Immunol. 2013;2013:623812. doi: 10.1155/2013/623812. Epub 2013 Oct 21. PMID: 24228055; PMCID: PMC3818819. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24228055/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24228055/</a> 
Vardoulakis S, Giagloglou E, Steinle S, Davis A, Sleeuwenhoek A, Galea KS, Dixon K, Crawford JO. Indoor Exposure to Selected Air Pollutants in the Home Environment: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec 2;17(23):8972. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17238972. PMID: 33276576; PMCID: PMC7729884. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33276576/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33276576/</a> 
Chen JK, Wu C, Su TC. Positive Association between Indoor Gaseous Air Pollution and Obesity: An Observational Study in 60 Households. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 30;18(21):11447. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182111447. PMID: 34769965; PMCID: PMC8582717. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34769965/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34769965/</a>

Indoor air pollution and VOCs

When gum disease reaches beyond the mouth
It might seem like a stretch, but the health of your gums could be echoing into your cardiovascular system. The connection is backed by research. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums, has been shown to influence the function of the endothelium, the delicate inner lining of blood vessels. When the endothelium doesn’t work properly, a condition known as endothelial dysfunction, it raises the risk of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular problems.
This process starts with inflammation. In gum disease, the body responds to oral bacteria by releasing inflammatory messengers like IL-6 and TNF-α. These compounds circulate throughout the bloodstream and begin to interfere with the body’s ability to produce nitric oxide (NO), a vital molecule that helps keep blood vessels relaxed and flexible. When NO is suppressed, vessels become stiff and narrow. Additionally, harmful oral bacteria, especially P. gingivalis, can slip through inflamed gums, enter the bloodstream, and contribute to the buildup of arterial plaque. Some studies have even found DNA traces of these bacteria inside blocked arteries, raising red flags about their potential role in cardiovascular disease. This isn’t surprising; oral inflammation is often viewed as a systemic warning sign. And the overlap between gum disease and elevated markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) only strengthens the case that what happens in the mouth rarely stays there.
Evidence that the gum-heart link is real
The theory that gum disease impacts cardiovascular health is more than a conversation starter in functional dentistry circles; there’s growing evidence backing it. For example, a 2021 study found that individuals with chronic gum inflammation had measurably worse blood vessel function and more signs of artery disease than those with healthy gums.
The connection deepens when looking at treatment outcomes. Research suggests that managing periodontitis, through deep cleanings and consistent oral care, can lead to measurable improvements in vascular health. Reductions in inflammatory markers like CRP and improving endothelial function hint that controlling gum disease may help reduce cardiovascular risk. One particularly striking finding came from a 2016 study that identified genetic traces of P. gingivalis, a well-known gum pathogen, inside arterial plaques. While this doesn’t prove cause and effect, it suggests the bacteria found its way into the bloodstream and may have played a role in vessel damage or immune activation. The field is even exploring whether oral microbiome profiles could serve as early warning signs for cardiovascular risk. Imagine spitting into a tube and discovering your gum bacteria are signaling heart trouble, that’s the kind of personalized diagnostics researchers are inching toward. This approach supports the idea that oral health reflects and potentially influences systemic disease.
In short, the more we study it, the clearer it becomes: your mouth is a critical part of the body’s inflammatory network.
Inflammation is the link
What makes the gum-heart connection so convincing is the shared underlying mechanism: chronic inflammation. In both periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, the immune system remains stuck in overdrive, gradually damaging the very tissues it’s meant to protect. Integrative dentistry leans into this concept. Rather than viewing the mouth as a closed-off system, it recognizes gum disease as a contributor to the body’s overall inflammatory burden. For patients already managing chronic conditions, such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, or autoimmune disorders, oral inflammation may be the missing piece that keeps the system locked in a reactive state.
This is exactly why we don’t stop at plaque removal. Our approach takes a closer look at diet, stress, and systemic health. Anti-inflammatory nutrition, like increasing omega-3 intake or reducing added sugar, can help lower both gum and vascular inflammation. We also coordinate with physicians to monitor C-reactive protein (CRP) and assess high-risk indicators such as bleeding gums or deep periodontal pockets. In addition, we test the oral microbiome to identify harmful bacteria linked to cardiovascular disease and use that data to map your risk. From there, your care plan is tailored based on more than just what’s happening in your mouth.
If you’ve been dealing with gum issues, now is the time to act. Your dental health is one of the most influential contributors to your overall wellness, and we’re here to help you protect it.
References
Li Q, Ouyang X, Lin J. The impact of periodontitis on vascular endothelial dysfunction. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022 Sep 2;12:998313. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.998313. PMID: 36118034; PMCID: PMC9480849. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36118034/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36118034/</a> 
Wojtkowska A, Zapolski T, Wysokińska-Miszczuk J, Wysokiński AP. The inflammation link between periodontal disease and coronary atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes: case-control study. BMC Oral Health. 2021 Jan 6;21(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s12903-020-01356-4. PMID: 33407375; PMCID: PMC7789370. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7789370/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7789370/</a> 
Ruan Q, Guan P, Qi W, Li J, Xi M, Xiao L, Zhong S, Ma D, Ni J. Porphyromonas gingivalis regulates atherosclerosis through an immune pathway. Front Immunol. 2023 Mar 14;14:1103592. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1103592. PMID: 36999040; PMCID: PMC10043234. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10043234/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10043234/</a> 
Chhibber-Goel J, Singhal V, Bhowmik D, Vivek R, Parakh N, Bhargava B, Sharma A. Linkages between oral commensal bacteria and atherosclerotic plaques in coronary artery disease patients. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes. 2016 Dec 19;2:7. doi: 10.1038/s41522-016-0009-7. PMID: 28649401; PMCID: PMC5460270. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28649401/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28649401/</a> 
Zhang J, Xie M, Huang X, Chen G, Yin Y, Lu X, Feng G, Yu R, Chen L. The Effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis on Atherosclerosis-Related Cells. Front Immunol. 2021 Dec 23;12:766560. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.766560. PMID: 35003080; PMCID: PMC8734595. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35003080/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35003080/</a>

The gum-heart connection

You will find a microwave oven in almost every home. Press a button, and yesterday’s soup is ready and steaming in seconds. Popular safety guidelines say the appliance is shielded tightly; any leaking radiation diminishes beyond a few centimeters. But laboratory evidence suggests that daily exposure to small doses of microwaves from small leaks adds up and, over the years, can burden our systems.
A microwave oven produces radiofrequency waves at roughly 2.45 GHz. Metal walls bounce the waves around until they reach the food, where water molecules absorb the energy from these waves and convert it to heat. Two points matter for health:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Door integrity. Chips, warping, grime, and bent latches compromise the shield that blocks radiation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Distance decay. Wave intensity falls off quickly. But the closer you are, the more exposure you get.</li>
</ul>
Everyday ambient radiation from Wi-Fi routers or cell towers is another source for microwaves, but most of the daily exposure comes from the oven’s concentrated bursts, particularly when someone hovers nearby while it runs.
The immediate effect of heavy exposure to microwave radiation is thermal injury; this is particularly evident in tissues that dissipate heat poorly, like the lens, ovaries, and testicles. This type of injury manifests in the form of cataracts and fertility issues. But thermal injury is not the only concern.
The non-thermal effects of microwave radiation exposure
Evidence now points to biological effects that occur without any detectable heating:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Brief microwave bursts induce electrical microcurrents in tissues, changing ion channel behavior.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The vibration of water molecules in tissues can break off bonds and create reactive oxygen species.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Radiation affects the behavior of calcium ions inside cells, which disrupts multiple signaling pathways.</li>
</ul>
These findings appear in cell cultures and animal models exposed to leakage-level intensities similar to standing twenty centimeters from a worn appliance.
Mitochondrial health
Microwave-triggered electrical agitation can interrupt electron flow in mitochondria, releasing excess superoxide radicals. Studies on rat heart and brain tissue showed swollen mitochondria and elevated lipid peroxidation markers after chronic low-level exposure. Levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase were low, suggesting depleted defenses.
Brain function and sleep quality
Controlled trials show electroencephalogram changes when volunteers spend repeated evenings near an active 2.45 GHz emitter. Participants reported lighter sleep, vivid dreams, and morning drowsiness, even though core body temperature didn’t change. Children, whose skulls are thinner, may absorb proportionally higher doses. Longitudinal research correlates high cumulative microwave exposure in youth with subtle memory and attention deficits in later school years.
Effect on endocrine health and fertility
Testicular and ovarian cells contain high water content and delicate mitochondrial networks. Studies confirmed that exposure to microwave radiofrequency fields reduces sperm motility and viability and disrupts follicular development in females. Phones receive the most blame, but microwave ovens share some responsibility. Other hormonal systems were also involved, as cortisol spikes were observed in microwave-exposed rodents.
Cancer risk
Lab-based studies have documented that chronic leakage from aging microwave ovens can cause DNA strand breaks and slow repair in epithelial tissue, a pattern that encourages early tumor formation. Epidemiologic surveys link heavy oven use in kitchens with a slight increase in breast and thyroid cancer risks, signaling caution until more comprehensive research settles the debate.
Heavy exposure from industrial and military sources
Commercial food processors, ceramic dryers, and radar arrays operate at high levels, magnitudes above the kitchen appliance. Occupational records list cataracts, deep tissue burns, and cardiac rhythm anomalies among technicians working near poorly shielded emitters.
Your action plan
Reduce exposure.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use stovetop steaming or toaster-oven warming whenever practical.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Keep at least sixty centimeters between your body and the oven door during operation; this cuts leakage wave intensity by roughly ninety percent.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Replace any unit with rusted mesh, a warped frame, or a flickering door indicator light .</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use speaker setting or wired earbuds for phone calls so combined microwave and cellular exposure to the head stays low.</li>
</ul>
Support your systems.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods in your diet: blueberries, rosemary, dark leafy greens, and raw cacao.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ensure sufficient daily magnesium intake through diet or supplementation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Consider evening melatonin, supporting circadian rhythm and free-radical clearance.</li>
</ul>
Track your biomarkers.
Regular mitochondrial stress assays, lipid peroxide levels, and other inflammation markers will help track your exposure to environmental stressors, including microwave radiation.
A community-level approach
Regulatory bodies only consider acute thermal injuries when setting exposure limits despite the accumulating scientific evidence of non-thermal findings. Industrial standards for microwave radiation-based devices should be rethought, but until that happens, choosing different cooking methods, inspecting appliance seals, and sleeping in a router-free bedroom cost little yet may avoid some long-term dreaded outcomes.
Microwave ovens provided convenience. But convenience sometimes comes at hidden costs. Evidence linking chronic, low-level leakage to oxidative stress, sleep disturbance, reproductive issues, and possible carcinogenesis continues to mount, even though mainstream agencies view the data as inconclusive. We must consider early warnings; waiting for absolute consensus can leave people living for decades in a potentially toxic environment. Treat microwave radiation like any environmental factor that should be controlled. Leftovers may take two minutes on the stove, yet that could spare your mitochondria the steady exposure to 2.45 GHz radiation.
References
Dondoladze K, Nikolaishvili M, Museliani T, Jikia G, Zurabashvili D. IMPACT OF HOUSEHOLD MICROWAVE OVEN NON-IONIZING RADIATION ON BLOOD PLASMA CORTISOL LEVELS IN RATS AND THEIR BEHAVIOR. Georgian Med News. 2020 Sep;(306):132-137. PMID: 33130660. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33130660/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33130660/</a> 
Chauhan P, Verma HN, Sisodia R, Kesari KK. Microwave radiation (2.45 GHz)-induced oxidative stress: Whole-body exposure effect on histopathology of Wistar rats. Electromagn Biol Med. 2017;36(1):20-30. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2016.1144063. Epub 2016 Jun 30. PMID: 27362544. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27362544/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27362544/</a> 
Inalöz SS, Aksünger A, Sari I, Daşdağ S, Deveci E. Do microwave ovens affect the eyes? Jpn J Ophthalmol. 1997 Jul-Aug;41(4):240-3. doi: 10.1016/s0021-5155(97)00047-6. PMID: 9304438. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27362544/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27362544/</a> 
Shahin S, Banerjee S, Singh SP, Chaturvedi CM. 2.45 GHz Microwave Radiation Impairs Learning and Spatial Memory via Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress Induced p53-Dependent/Independent Hippocampal Apoptosis: Molecular Basis and Underlying Mechanism. Toxicol Sci. 2015 Dec;148(2):380-99. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv205. Epub 2015 Sep 22. PMID: 26396154. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26396154/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26396154/</a> 
Pall ML. Microwave frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produce widespread neuropsychiatric effects including depression. J Chem Neuroanat. 2016 Sep;75(Pt B):43-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.08.001. Epub 2015 Aug 21. PMID: 26300312. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26300312/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26300312/</a> 
Deshmukh PS, Megha K, Banerjee BD, Ahmed RS, Chandna S, Abegaonkar MP, Tripathi AK. Detection of Low Level Microwave Radiation Induced Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage Vis-à-vis Genotoxicity in Brain of Fischer Rats. Toxicol Int. 2013 Jan;20(1):19-24. doi: 10.4103/0971-6580.111549. PMID: 23833433; PMCID: PMC3702122. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3702122/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3702122/</a> 
Bijlsma N, Conduit R, Kennedy G, Cohen M. Does radiofrequency radiation impact sleep? A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study. Front Public Health. 2024 Oct 29;12:1481537. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1481537. PMID: 39534742; PMCID: PMC11554657. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39534742/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39534742/</a> 
Kim S, Han D, Ryu J, Kim K, Kim YH. Effects of mobile phone usage on sperm quality &#8211; No time-dependent relationship on usage: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis. Environ Res. 2021 Nov;202:111784. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111784. Epub 2021 Jul 30. PMID: 34333014. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34333014/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34333014/</a>

shutterstock_1982128070

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Hormones affect more than mood and metabolism; they have an impact on your gums. Maybe you’ve felt it: gums that swell or bleed more easily during certain times of the month, or changes that showed up around menopause. It’s not your imagination. Changes in hormones like estrogen and progesterone can make gum tissue hypersensitive, causing inflammation that’s hard to explain with brushing habits alone. Rather than blame yourself or your toothbrush, it’s worth stepping back and looking at the whole picture. Hormonal changes in the form of too much or too little estrogen create an internal environment where gums react more strongly to the usual plaque buildup. Understanding this connection is key. Once you do, there’s a lot you can change to protect your smile naturally.
Estrogen dominance: an unexpected culprit behind gum issues
When unopposed estrogen gets the upper hand, trouble often follows. It causes mood swings and heavy periods, and it can quietly predispose to gum inflammation. Gums may swell, become painful, or bleed at the lightest touch, even when plaque is minimal. Low progesterone plays a role as well. Progesterone normally helps keep blood vessels stable and gum tissues resilient. Without enough, gum tissue heals slowly, and the inflammation becomes unchecked. Women on certain birth control pills often see this effect: higher estrogen paired with slow gum repair.
Balancing hormones through liver support, stress management, or gentle progesterone creams under guidance can sometimes relieve your symptoms. But no matter the strategy, it always starts with recognizing that your gum disease might be reflecting a deeper imbalance. Beyond cyclical hormonal shifts, conditions like PCOS also disrupt gum health.
PCOS and your gums
By causing hormone imbalance, PCOS contributes to gum disease. Women with PCOS often deal with high androgens, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, a perfect setup for diseased gums. Research shows women with PCOS experience more gum bleeding, deeper pockets, and faster tissue breakdown, even when brushing habits are good. This problem arises from systemic inflammation, weak gum defenses, and harmful alterations in the bacteria living in your mouth.
The connection between PCOS and gum disease is reciprocated; as PCOS contributes to the development of diseased gums, periodontitis, which is an advanced form of gum disease, worsens insulin resistance, feeding back into PCOS symptoms. That’s why if you have PCOS, proactive gum care is essential. And addressing your root hormonal imbalances will make a real difference for your smile.
Menopause and dental health
As menopause sets in, many women notice their mouth starting to feel different. Falling estrogen levels dry out the mouth and weaken the jawbone. Besides the discomfort of dry mouth, saliva acts like a shield against bacteria and acids; without it, plaque bacteria thrive, making gum inflammation and tooth decay harder to manage. At the same time, lower estrogen increases the risk of losing jawbone density. Gum recession and loose teeth sometimes follow. 
 Staying hydrated, using mouth rinses made for dry mouth, keeping up with regular dental visits, and getting enough calcium and vitamin D help. In some cases, women explore bioidentical hormones or targeted supplements to help maintain bone and gum strength, decisions best made alongside both a dentist and physician who understand the full picture.
Powerful tools to restore balance
Two powerful tools stand out: adaptogens and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Adaptogens are herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil; they help smooth out the stress response and encourage hormonal balance. Chronic stress disrupts estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol, worsening gum problems. Adaptogens act like a buffer, helping your body stay steady under pressure, which can calm both systemic and gum inflammation over time.
Bioidentical hormones offer another option. Unlike synthetic versions, bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to what your body naturally produces. When used carefully under a practitioner’s guidance, they help rebuild the stability that gums, and the entire body, depend on.
A holistic path to stronger gums and better health
If your gums are bleeding, puffy, or receding, it might be your hormones raising the alarm. The good news is you can change that with the right care. Our team understands how hormones and oral health connect. We look at your whole body and help you build a plan that fits you. 
 Schedule a consultation today. Your gums and your overall well-being are too important to leave to chance. Healthier gums, balanced hormones, and a stronger you are closer than you think.
References
Tanguturi SC, Nagarakanti S. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Periodontal disease: Underlying Links- A Review. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Mar-Apr;22(2):267-273. doi: 10.4103/ijem.IJEM_577_17. PMID: 29911043; PMCID: PMC5972486. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5972486/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5972486/</a> 
Oyedokun, P.A., Ashonibare, V.J., Fabrael, F.B. et al. Understanding the intricate impacts and mechanism of actions of adaptogens on reproductive function. Cell Biochem Biophys 83, 327–343 (2025). <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12013-024-01565-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1007/s12013-024-01565-6</a> 
Palanisamy S. The impact of estrogen on periodontal tissue integrity and inflammation-a mini review. Front Dent Med. 2025 Feb 19;6:1455755. doi: 10.3389/fdmed.2025.1455755. PMID: 40045936; PMCID: PMC11880030. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11880030/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11880030/</a> 
Pan MY, Hsieh TC, Chen PH, Chen MY. Factors Associated with Tooth Loss in Postmenopausal Women: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Oct 16;16(20):3945. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16203945. PMID: 31623275; PMCID: PMC6843320. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6843320/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6843320/</a>

Dental,Care,Smile.,Woman,Making,A,Heart,Shape,With,Her

Estrogen imbalances and gum health: an integrative dental perspective

Plasma exchange serves two roles: it saves patients with life-threatening illnesses on weekdays while being a regular topic of discussion on longevity podcasts on weekends. Strip away the hype, and the idea becomes simple: remove the liquid portion of your blood, flush away harmful molecules, and replace with a clean substitute. The million-dollar (often literally) question: does that merely quiet autoimmune antibodies, or can it reverse the aging clock? Let’s take a look at the available evidence.
What is the process of plasma exchange?
It’s a simple procedure that involves these few steps:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Collection: Blood is collected through a catheter or big-bore IV.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Separation: A centrifuge or membrane filter divides red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Discard: Old plasma (the antibody and cytokine-rich soup) is removed.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Replacement: Blood is then reconstructed with the separated cellular components and either 5% albumin-saline or screened donor plasma and returned.</li>
</ol>
The process runs for roughly two hours. Patients stay awake, often wrapped in a blanket, because the returning fluid is colder than the original blood. Tingling lips from transient low calcium, some light-headedness, and post-procedure fatigue are the usual side effects; severe complications like line infections, bleeding, allergic reactions to donor plasma, and temporary immunoglobulin depletion are rare in competent hands.
Traditional applications for plasma exchange
Decades of randomized trials and guidelines place plasma exchange in mainstream care for conditions driven by circulating antibodies:
<ul class="list-wrapper">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Neurology
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Guillain–Barré syndrome: Associated with faster recovery and better mobility outcomes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Myasthenic crisis: Improves until immunosuppressants take effect.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Autoimmune encephalitis and mitochondrial encephalopathy in pediatric patients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Autoimmunity
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Used for lupus flares and ANCA-associated vasculitis when steroids alone aren’t enough.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Antiphospholipid syndrome: plasma exchange plus anticoagulation can avoid severe complications.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blood and Kidney
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis in infective endocarditis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: lifesaving first-line therapy.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Goodpasture’s syndrome: Removes destructive anti-GBM antibodies.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Pre-transplant desensitization when donor-specific antibodies threaten graft survival.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Other indications include toxic epidermal necrolysis and hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis. </li>
</ul>
In these scenarios, TPE is a quick and effective option: five to ten sessions over two weeks lowers antibody levels while medications handle long-term suppression.
Extra longevity and detox benefits
Longevity and biological age
Studies show that after albumin-based exchanges, inflammatory and pro-aging proteins drop into a “younger” range. Patients also report brighter skin, quicker workout recovery, and improved non-specific symptoms like chronic fatigue.
Detoxification 
 Because plasma is a chemical bath, replacing it will inevitably remove soluble toxins, cytokines, and heavy metal complexes. Useful in people with moderate to high exposure to toxins.
Other studies show benefits in alleviating long COVID symptoms and other post-infectious syndromes, slowing Alzheimer’s dementia progression, and improving dyslipidemia.
What to expect if you sign up
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How often: Acute diseases: daily or every other day until clinical and lab targets are met. Chronic maintenance plans: every 4–8 weeks. Longevity explorers: Varies depending on your health status and personal goals.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">During: Recliner, blanket, low hum of machinery. Bring a podcast playlist.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Immediately After: Possible dizziness; have a driver. Normal routine usually resumes the next morning.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Results Timeline: Autoimmune flares improve within days. Wellness goals? perceived benefits vary from days to months, but blood work improves within weeks.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Contraindications: Uncontrolled bleeding risk, active infection at catheter site, severe cardiovascular instability. A thorough pre-screen prevents most surprises.</li>
</ul>
Plasma exchange is already a valuable tool in acute care, and the same mechanism (physically clearing pro-inflammatory and pro-aging factors) could translate into other health benefits. Early data show shifts toward a younger molecular profile, and many early users describe sharper focus, better recovery, and lighter systemic inflammation. While lifespan studies are still in progress, the trajectory is encouraging; periodic removal of biochemical clutter appears to lower the biological noise that drives degeneration and aging.
At our clinic we stay skeptical yet curious: when a therapy shows promise, we vet the science, audit the safety concerns, and personalize the plan. If plasma exchange is on your radar, schedule a data-driven consultation. We’ll map your biomarkers, risk profile, and goals, then decide whether a full plasma refresh or a less invasive strategy serves you best. Therapeutic plasma exchange represents a new strategy in personalized medicine. TPE integrates seamlessly with nutrition, exercise, sleep optimization, and stress management, creating a comprehensive approach to achieve long-term vitality. If you’re curious about adding this tool to your wellness arsenal, you know where to find us.
References
Misanovic V, Pokrajac D, Zubcevic S, Hadzimuratovic A, Rahmanovic S, Dizdar S, Jonuzi A, Begic E. Plasmapheresis in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Med Arch. 2016 Oct;70(5):332-335. doi: 10.5455/medarh.2016.70.332-335. Epub 2016 Oct 25. PMID: 27994290; PMCID: PMC5136426. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27994290/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27994290/</a> 
Voinov VA. Therapeutic Apheresis in Metabolic Syndrome. Immunol Endocr Metab Agents Med Chem. 2018 May;18(1):38-54. doi: 10.2174/1871522218666180608114536. PMID: 30369968; PMCID: PMC6174637. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30369968/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30369968/</a> 
Halpin M, Kozyreva O, Bijol V, Jaber BL. Plasmapheresis for treatment of immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis in infective endocarditis: a case report and literature review. Clin Nephrol Case Stud. 2017 Apr 13;5:26-31. doi: 10.5414/CNCS109082. PMID: 29043144; PMCID: PMC5438014. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29043144/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29043144/</a> 
Weinstein R. Basic principles of therapeutic plasma exchange. Transfus Apher Sci. 2023 Apr;62(2):103675. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2023.103675. Epub 2023 Feb 24. PMID: 36849322. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36849322/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36849322/</a> 
Porosnicu TM, Sandesc D, Jipa D, Gindac C, Oancea C, Bratosin F, Fericean RM, Kodimala SC, Pilut CN, Nussbaum LA, Sirbu IO. Assessing the Outcomes of Patients with Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection after Therapeutic Plasma Exchange by Number of TPE Sessions. J Clin Med. 2023 Feb 22;12(5):1743. doi: 10.3390/jcm12051743. PMID: 36902537; PMCID: PMC10003394. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36902537/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36902537/</a> 
Ramirez S, Koerich S, Astudillo N, De Gregorio N, Al-Lahham R, Allison T, Rocha NP, Wang F, Soto C. Plasma Exchange Reduces Aβ Levels in Plasma and Decreases Amyloid Plaques in the Brain in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Dec 4;24(23):17087. doi: 10.3390/ijms242317087. PMID: 38069410; PMCID: PMC10706894. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38069410/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38069410/</a> 
Kim D, Kiprov DD, Luellen C, Lieb M, Liu C, Watanabe E, Mei X, Cassaleto K, Kramer J, Conboy MJ, Conboy IM. Old plasma dilution reduces human biological age: a clinical study. Geroscience. 2022 Dec;44(6):2701-2720. doi: 10.1007/s11357-022-00645-w. Epub 2022 Aug 24. Erratum in: Geroscience. 2024 Apr;46(2):2795. doi: 10.1007/s11357-023-00997-x. PMID: 35999337; PMCID: PMC9398900. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35999337/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35999337/</a>

Friendly hospital phlebotomist collecting blood sample from patient in lab. Preparation for blood test by female doctor medical uniform on the table in white bright room

Plasma exchange

Many people today are opting for fluoride-free options for their toothpaste. Two popular alternatives are bioactive-glass pastes (containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) pastes. Both are effective, science-backed remineralizers that deposit mineral layers on teeth, but they work in slightly different ways. Understanding their mechanisms and evidence can help you decide if they make sense alongside your dental care routine.
How bioactive glass pastes work
Bioactive glass, often marketed in toothpastes, is an amorphous calcium-sodium-phosphate-silicate material originally developed for bone repair. When these particles contact saliva or water, they dissolve and raise local pH, triggering a cascade of mineral formation. Calcium and phosphate ions are released and combine with saliva minerals to precipitate a hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) layer (similar to natural tooth mineral) on enamel and dentin. This HCA layer tends to occlude (plug) open dentin tubules that carry nerve signals, which helps relieve hypersensitivity. In simpler terms, bioactive glass paste literally builds a new mineral coating on your teeth. It can remineralize caries and form apatite on the surface of enamel and dentine and even has mild antibacterial effects that might help arrest decay. In the short term, lab and clinical studies consistently find that brushing with a calcium-sodium phosphosilicate paste reduces dental pain from sensitivity.
Importantly, bioactive glass may also have an indirect caries benefit. By dissolving and releasing minerals, it tends to neutralize acid and discourage bacterial growth. Some research shows it can raise tooth surface pH and even inhibit cavity-causing bacteria, which could help prevent or slow decay. However, high-quality human trials on actual cavity reversal are still limited.
What about nano-hydroxyapatite pastes?
Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) is another fluoride-free strategy. It consists of tiny crystals of the same mineral (hydroxyapatite) as your tooth enamel. The idea is that these nanoparticles can fill in the microscopic pits in demineralized enamel and dentin, essentially acting as a mineral reservoir. In saliva they help maintain a high concentration of calcium and phosphate at the tooth surface, promoting natural crystal growth and repair. Studies show that nHA pastes can suppress early decay and relieve sensitivity. Initial lab and in-situ (inside the mouth) experiments found that nHA particles indeed deposit onto enamel and dentin surfaces, forming a protective layer that plugs tubules.
Unlike bioactive glass, nHA does not release sodium or significantly change pH. Instead, it works by directly supplying nanosized crystals that integrate into the tooth surface. Both approaches seal tubules and strengthen enamel, but nHA is often thought of as more “biomimetic,” whereas bioactive glass is a reactive glass that also carries a surface-alkalizing effect. In practice, many patients find both types of pastes comforting. Some dentists even alternate between them.
Comparing bioactive glass and nano-HA
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mineral Source: Bioactive glass contains silica along with calcium, sodium, and phosphate, so it raises pH. Nano-HA is pure calcium phosphate (apatite), essentially micro-crystals of tooth mineral.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mechanism: Both occlude dentin tubules, but bioactive glass does it by dissolving and precipitating a new layer, while nHA particles physically fill the tubule openings and crystallize.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Evidence for Sensitivity: Both have positive data. Multiple trials report that calcium-sodium-phosphate pastes and nHA pastes can significantly reduce hypersensitivity pain with regular use.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Evidence for Caries: Lab research is strong for both. Clinical trials are few.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fluoride-Free: If you want to avoid fluoride, both are appealing. nHA is entirely fluoride-free. Bioactive glass pastes often come in “fluoride-free” formulations too.</li>
</ul>
In summary, both pastes can be useful tools for desensitizing and potentially strengthening enamel. The choice may come down to personal sensitivity and preference. A dentist may recommend trying one for a few weeks and switching if needed.
Other tools to ensure healthy teeth
Beyond remineralizing pastes, you can explore other non-traditional approaches. Here’s a quick look:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Oral Probiotics: These are supplements containing “good” bacteria to balance mouth flora, which will help eliminate caries-causing bacteria and prevent tooth decay.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ozone Therapy: Ozone gas or ozonated water is used to kill harmful bacteria and accelerate healing.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Peptide P11-4: This is a newer technology where a self-assembling peptide is painted on early enamel lesions. This forms a scaffold matrix deep in the lesion, attracting calcium and phosphate to rebuild enamel.</li>
</ul>
Tips for using remineralizing pastes
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Follow directions: Remineralizing pastes often require longer contact than regular toothpaste. Apply a pea-sized amount and gently brush or rub it on the tooth surfaces, then spit but don’t rinse immediately. Give the minerals a few minutes to work before rinsing fully.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Frequency: These pastes are typically used once or twice daily, similar to normal toothpaste. Consistency over weeks is key to seeing benefits.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use it on problem areas: For sensitivity, focus on exposed roots or worn spots. For early decay, brush all surfaces, especially grooves and pits.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Combine with good habits: No paste can fix a high-sugar diet. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, stay hydrated, and consider supplements like calcium or vitamin D if advised.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Be patient: Desensitizing effects often appear in 2–4 weeks. Enamel hardening is slower.</li>
</ul>
If you have questions about fluoride-free care or remineralizing options, we’re here to help. Call our clinic or schedule an appointment for a customized plan. Our team can review your needs and show you how these advanced pastes fit into a holistic oral health strategy.
References
Skallevold HE, Rokaya D, Khurshid Z, Zafar MS. Bioactive Glass Applications in Dentistry. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Nov 27;20(23):5960. doi: 10.3390/ijms20235960. PMID: 31783484; PMCID: PMC6928922. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31783484/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31783484/</a> 
El-Rashidy AA, Roether JA, Harhaus L, Kneser U, Boccaccini AR. Regenerating bone with bioactive glass scaffolds: A review of in vivo studies in bone defect models. Acta Biomater. 2017 Oct 15;62:1-28. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.08.030. Epub 2017 Aug 24. PMID: 28844964. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28844964/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28844964/</a> 
Cannio M, Bellucci D, Roether JA, Boccaccini DN, Cannillo V. Bioactive Glass Applications: A Literature Review of Human Clinical Trials. Materials (Basel). 2021 Sep 20;14(18):5440. doi: 10.3390/ma14185440. PMID: 34576662; PMCID: PMC8470635. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34576662/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34576662/</a> 
Ionescu AC, Cazzaniga G, Ottobelli M, Garcia-Godoy F, Brambilla E. Substituted Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpastes Reduce Biofilm Formation on Enamel and Resin-Based Composite Surfaces. J Funct Biomater. 2020 Jun 1;11(2):36. doi: 10.3390/jfb11020036. PMID: 32492906; PMCID: PMC7353493. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32492906/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32492906/</a> 
Dawasaz AA, Togoo RA, Mahmood Z, Azlina A, Thirumulu Ponnuraj K. Effectiveness of Self-Assembling Peptide (P11-4) in Dental Hard Tissue Conditions: A Comprehensive Review. Polymers (Basel). 2022 Feb 18;14(4):792. doi: 10.3390/polym14040792. PMID: 35215706; PMCID: PMC8879648. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35215706/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35215706/</a>

Hand squeezed white toothpaste onto a gray toothbrush with a right copy space

Fluoride-free toothpaste

You wouldn’t guess it by looking at a garden earthworm, but a small group of enzymes hidden inside that humble creature can cut through fibrin blood clots far more precisely than many laboratory-made molecules. This earthworm extract, known as lumbrokinase, has been used in parts of Asia for decades. Lately it began to be noticed elsewhere as a measured way to thin out excessive clotting without harming the body’s normal repair work.
Brief history of lumbrokinase
Centuries ago, rural Chinese healers dried earthworms, ground them into a brownish powder called Di Long, and gave the mixture to patients who complained of “blocked channels.” They didn’t know how it worked; they simply observed that circulation and mobility often improved after taking Di Long. In the late 1980s, Japanese and Chinese researchers managed to separate six fibrin-dissolving enzymes out of Lumbricus rubellus earthworm extract and collectively named them lumbrokinase, which proved to be potent clot-dissolving agents. Those are the same enzymes you’ll find in today’s enteric-coated capsules manufactured under pharmaceutical-grade conditions. The coating lets each capsule pass safely through stomach acid before releasing in the small intestine, where absorption takes place. A typical capsule supplies roughly 40,000 activity units per twenty-milligram capsule, plenty for most maintenance protocols, yet mild enough to allow increasing the dose if a practitioner wants to push harder for stroke prevention or post-viral fatigue management.
How it works
Fibrin’s physiologic role is to patch leaks. But when inflammation or infection pushes the clotting system into overdrive, microscopic fibrin nets form in vessels and clump red cells together. Lumbrokinase addresses the problem from two angles. It removes excess fibrin directly, and it stimulates the natural secretion of anti-clotting proteins like plasmin and tPA. Because its effect is largely limited to fibrin, healthy platelets and other clotting factors are left to do their normal work.
Where it seems to help most
Cardiologists in China prescribe lumbrokinase after ischemic stroke to prevent a second event; multiple studies report fewer recurrences when it’s paired with standard therapy. Integrative doctors in North America use it for people whose labs show high fibrinogen or whose symptoms hint that their capillaries might be blocked by micro-clots. Other applications where lumbrokinase shows promise are uncontrolled, treatment-resistant angina; long COVID fatigue; and chronic Lyme disease patients that respond poorly to antibiotic treatment. Outside those main uses, smaller studies look at peripheral artery disease, diabetic kidney disease, and scar tissue remodeling after abdominal surgery.
Practical use
Dosing ranges from one capsule once daily to two capsules twice every day, depending on the indication, always at least half an hour before food. Most healthy adults tolerate lumbrokinase without issues, yet when taking it, make sure to keep these safety notes in mind:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use strictly under medical supervision if you have a diagnosed bleeding disorder, platelets under about 100 k, or you’re taking blood thinners.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stop it a week before surgery or dental extraction.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">There’s no solid research in pregnancy or lactation; best to avoid.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Watch for unexpected bruises or nosebleeds; if they appear, report to your doctor and discuss dose adjustments.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If you suspect a stroke or deep vein thrombosis, go to the hospital; other medications used in emergencies act within minutes, not hours.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Look for an enteric-coated capsule with potency listed in activity units, not just milligrams of “worm powder.” Reputable manufacturers post third-party assays. Cheap bulk bottles often skip those steps; potency varies, and stomach acid can neutralize uncoated formulas long before they reach the bloodstream.</li>
</ul>
Adequate blood flow is fundamental to healthy organ function. Excess fibrin increasing plasma viscosity impairs oxygen delivery to different tissues. Purified lumbrokinase has demonstrated the ability to degrade excess fibrin while sparing normal physiologic clotting, restoring capillary patency without the bleeding tendency seen with traditional anticoagulants. Although long-term, large-scale trials are still in progress, the current evidence supports the use of lumbrokinase for patients whose coagulation markers remain elevated despite lifestyle and standard pharmacologic measures.
If you’re consistently seeing these markers in your lab results, consider discussing lumbrokinase with a trained provider or arrange a short chat with our clinical team, share your recent labs, and explore options tailored to your biology.
References
Wang KY, Tull L, Cooper E, Wang N, Liu D. Recombinant protein production of earthworm lumbrokinase for potential antithrombotic application. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:783971. doi: 10.1155/2013/783971. Epub 2013 Dec 12. PMID: 24416067; PMCID: PMC3876685. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24416067/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24416067/</a> 
Wang YH, Liao JM, Chen KM, Su HH, Liu PH, Chen YH, Tsuei YS, Tsai CF, Huang SS. Lumbrokinase regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress to improve neurological deficits in ischemic stroke. Neuropharmacology. 2022 Dec 15;221:109277. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109277. Epub 2022 Oct 9. PMID: 36223864. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36223864/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36223864/</a> 
Zhu Z, Deng X, Xie W, Li H, Li Y, Deng Z. Pharmacological effects of bioactive agents in earthworm extract: A comprehensive review. Animal Model Exp Med. 2024 Oct;7(5):653-672. doi: 10.1002/ame2.12465. Epub 2024 Jul 3. PMID: 38957072; PMCID: PMC11528390. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38957072/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38957072/</a> 
Nguyen QTT, Rhee H, Kim M, Lee MY, Lee EJ. Lumbrokinase, a Fibrinolytic Enzyme, Prevents Intra-Abdominal Adhesion by Inhibiting the Migrative and Adhesive Activities of Fibroblast via Attenuation of the AP-1/ICAM-1 Signaling Pathway. Biomed Res Int. 2023 Jan 12;2023:4050730. doi: 10.1155/2023/4050730. PMID: 36685669; PMCID: PMC9851794. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36685669/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36685669/</a> 
Hua C, Guo Z, Dai M, Zhou J, Ge H, Xue G, Xu F, Ru L, Lv K, Zhang G, Zheng L, Wang M, Teng Y, Yu W, Guo W. Lumbrokinase Extracted from Earthworms Synergizes with Bevacizumab and Chemotherapeutics in Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Targeted Inactivation of BPTF/VEGF and NF-κB/COX-2 Signaling. Biomolecules. 2024 Jun 23;14(7):741. doi: 10.3390/biom14070741. PMID: 39062456; PMCID: PMC11274885. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39062456/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39062456/</a>

Worm meal flour in brown background

Lumbrokinase

You will find a microwave oven in almost every home. Press a button, and yesterday’s soup is ready and steaming in seconds. Popular safety guidelines say the appliance is shielded tightly; any leaking radiation diminishes beyond a few centimeters. But laboratory evidence suggests that daily exposure to small doses of microwaves from small leaks adds up and, over the years, can burden our systems.
A microwave oven produces radiofrequency waves at roughly 2.45 GHz. Metal walls bounce the waves around until they reach the food, where water molecules absorb the energy from these waves and convert it to heat. Two points matter for health:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Door integrity. Chips, warping, grime, and bent latches compromise the shield that blocks radiation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Distance decay. Wave intensity falls off quickly. But the closer you are, the more exposure you get.</li>
</ul>
Everyday ambient radiation from Wi-Fi routers or cell towers is another source for microwaves, but most of the daily exposure comes from the oven’s concentrated bursts, particularly when someone hovers nearby while it runs.
The immediate effect of heavy exposure to microwave radiation is thermal injury; this is particularly evident in tissues that dissipate heat poorly, like the lens, ovaries, and testicles. This type of injury manifests in the form of cataracts and fertility issues. But thermal injury is not the only concern.
The non-thermal effects of microwave radiation exposure
Evidence now points to biological effects that occur without any detectable heating:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Brief microwave bursts induce electrical microcurrents in tissues, changing ion channel behavior.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The vibration of water molecules in tissues can break off bonds and create reactive oxygen species.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Radiation affects the behavior of calcium ions inside cells, which disrupts multiple signaling pathways.</li>
</ul>
These findings appear in cell cultures and animal models exposed to leakage-level intensities similar to standing twenty centimeters from a worn appliance.
Mitochondrial health
Microwave-triggered electrical agitation can interrupt electron flow in mitochondria, releasing excess superoxide radicals. Studies on rat heart and brain tissue showed swollen mitochondria and elevated lipid peroxidation markers after chronic low-level exposure. Levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase were low, suggesting depleted defenses.
Brain function and sleep quality
Controlled trials show electroencephalogram changes when volunteers spend repeated evenings near an active 2.45 GHz emitter. Participants reported lighter sleep, vivid dreams, and morning drowsiness, even though core body temperature didn’t change. Children, whose skulls are thinner, may absorb proportionally higher doses. Longitudinal research correlates high cumulative microwave exposure in youth with subtle memory and attention deficits in later school years.
Effect on endocrine health and fertility
Testicular and ovarian cells contain high water content and delicate mitochondrial networks. Studies confirmed that exposure to microwave radiofrequency fields reduces sperm motility and viability and disrupts follicular development in females. Phones receive the most blame, but microwave ovens share some responsibility. Other hormonal systems were also involved, as cortisol spikes were observed in microwave-exposed rodents.
Cancer risk
Lab-based studies have documented that chronic leakage from aging microwave ovens can cause DNA strand breaks and slow repair in epithelial tissue, a pattern that encourages early tumor formation. Epidemiologic surveys link heavy oven use in kitchens with a slight increase in breast and thyroid cancer risks, signaling caution until more comprehensive research settles the debate.
Heavy exposure from industrial and military sources
Commercial food processors, ceramic dryers, and radar arrays operate at high levels, magnitudes above the kitchen appliance. Occupational records list cataracts, deep tissue burns, and cardiac rhythm anomalies among technicians working near poorly shielded emitters.
Your action plan
Reduce exposure.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use stovetop steaming or toaster-oven warming whenever practical.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Keep at least sixty centimeters between your body and the oven door during operation; this cuts leakage wave intensity by roughly ninety percent.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Replace any unit with rusted mesh, a warped frame, or a flickering door indicator light .</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use speaker setting or wired earbuds for phone calls so combined microwave and cellular exposure to the head stays low.</li>
</ul>
Support your systems.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods in your diet: blueberries, rosemary, dark leafy greens, and raw cacao.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ensure sufficient daily magnesium intake through diet or supplementation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Consider evening melatonin, supporting circadian rhythm and free-radical clearance.</li>
</ul>
Track your biomarkers.
Regular mitochondrial stress assays, lipid peroxide levels, and other inflammation markers will help track your exposure to environmental stressors, including microwave radiation.
A community-level approach
Regulatory bodies only consider acute thermal injuries when setting exposure limits despite the accumulating scientific evidence of non-thermal findings. Industrial standards for microwave radiation-based devices should be rethought, but until that happens, choosing different cooking methods, inspecting appliance seals, and sleeping in a router-free bedroom cost little yet may avoid some long-term dreaded outcomes.
Microwave ovens provided convenience. But convenience sometimes comes at hidden costs. Evidence linking chronic, low-level leakage to oxidative stress, sleep disturbance, reproductive issues, and possible carcinogenesis continues to mount, even though mainstream agencies view the data as inconclusive. We must consider early warnings; waiting for absolute consensus can leave people living for decades in a potentially toxic environment. Treat microwave radiation like any environmental factor that should be controlled. Leftovers may take two minutes on the stove, yet that could spare your mitochondria the steady exposure to 2.45 GHz radiation.
References
Dondoladze K, Nikolaishvili M, Museliani T, Jikia G, Zurabashvili D. IMPACT OF HOUSEHOLD MICROWAVE OVEN NON-IONIZING RADIATION ON BLOOD PLASMA CORTISOL LEVELS IN RATS AND THEIR BEHAVIOR. Georgian Med News. 2020 Sep;(306):132-137. PMID: 33130660. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33130660/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33130660/</a> 
Chauhan P, Verma HN, Sisodia R, Kesari KK. Microwave radiation (2.45 GHz)-induced oxidative stress: Whole-body exposure effect on histopathology of Wistar rats. Electromagn Biol Med. 2017;36(1):20-30. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2016.1144063. Epub 2016 Jun 30. PMID: 27362544. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27362544/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27362544/</a> 
Inalöz SS, Aksünger A, Sari I, Daşdağ S, Deveci E. Do microwave ovens affect the eyes? Jpn J Ophthalmol. 1997 Jul-Aug;41(4):240-3. doi: 10.1016/s0021-5155(97)00047-6. PMID: 9304438. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27362544/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27362544/</a> 
Shahin S, Banerjee S, Singh SP, Chaturvedi CM. 2.45 GHz Microwave Radiation Impairs Learning and Spatial Memory via Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress Induced p53-Dependent/Independent Hippocampal Apoptosis: Molecular Basis and Underlying Mechanism. Toxicol Sci. 2015 Dec;148(2):380-99. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv205. Epub 2015 Sep 22. PMID: 26396154. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26396154/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26396154/</a> 
Pall ML. Microwave frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produce widespread neuropsychiatric effects including depression. J Chem Neuroanat. 2016 Sep;75(Pt B):43-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.08.001. Epub 2015 Aug 21. PMID: 26300312. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26300312/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26300312/</a> 
Deshmukh PS, Megha K, Banerjee BD, Ahmed RS, Chandna S, Abegaonkar MP, Tripathi AK. Detection of Low Level Microwave Radiation Induced Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage Vis-à-vis Genotoxicity in Brain of Fischer Rats. Toxicol Int. 2013 Jan;20(1):19-24. doi: 10.4103/0971-6580.111549. PMID: 23833433; PMCID: PMC3702122. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3702122/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3702122/</a> 
Bijlsma N, Conduit R, Kennedy G, Cohen M. Does radiofrequency radiation impact sleep? A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study. Front Public Health. 2024 Oct 29;12:1481537. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1481537. PMID: 39534742; PMCID: PMC11554657. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39534742/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39534742/</a> 
Kim S, Han D, Ryu J, Kim K, Kim YH. Effects of mobile phone usage on sperm quality &#8211; No time-dependent relationship on usage: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis. Environ Res. 2021 Nov;202:111784. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111784. Epub 2021 Jul 30. PMID: 34333014. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34333014/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34333014/</a> 
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