Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Volume 15 Issue 1

Some Key Literature Review Studies from Year 14

This is a bit of a long newsletter. That is intentional. This will be a repository for some of the best research for us to look back on from time to time this coming year to solidify the learning moving forward.

1) Time restricted eating patterns are known to help physiology and metabolism by initiating a pause in the action of mTOR and muscle synthesis as well as inducing autophagy. Autophagy is critical to the clearance of broken or damaged cells following injury or disease…..Plus a to do list and recipe of the week.

Dr. M

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

Welcome back to Women and Children First, where we dive into the science, policies, and practices that shape the health of our families and communities. Today, we are honored to have Dr. Tasha Stoiber, a leading scientist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), whose work is at the forefront of protecting public health from environmental contaminants. Dr. Stoiber is a distinguished environmental scientist dedicated to understanding the impact of chemical exposures on public health.

Dr. Stoiber earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She furthered her expertise through postdoctoral research in the ecotoxicology of nanoparticles in human tissues at the University of California, Davis. She brings a wealth of expertise to the conversation on how exposures to harmful substances, such as PFAS, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors, can affect human health, especially in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Currently, as a Senior Scientist at EWG, she focuses on researching contaminant chemicals in consumer products. At EWG, she plays a critical role in translating complex scientific research into actionable knowledge for consumers and policymakers. Her efforts help drive regulatory change and empower individuals to make safer choices for themselves and their families. Whether it’s uncovering hidden contaminants in food, advocating for cleaner drinking water, or guiding parents on reducing toxic exposures, Dr. Stoiber’s work is reshaping how we think about environmental health.

Dr. Stoiber has contributed significantly to scientific literature, with publications addressing critical issues such as the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and freshwater fish. Her research has shed light on the widespread contamination of these “forever chemicals” and their potential health risks.

Today, we’ll explore the pressing issues surrounding chemical exposures, how they influence childhood development and long-term well-being, and, most importantly, what we can do to protect ourselves. Join me as we tap into Dr. Stoiber’s deep knowledge and practical insights on creating a healthier world for the next generation.

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Volume 14 Issue 52

Here are 20 takeaways from year 14 of the SPA Newsletter

1) Diet significantly impacts respiratory health – Reducing processed foods and increasing anti-inflammatory nutrients can help manage asthma and allergies.

2) Consistent sleep routines improve cognitive function – Children who maintain a regular sleep schedule have better emotional regulation, learning capacity, and immune health.

3) Environmental toxins affect child development – Reducing exposure to air pollutants, pesticides, and household chemicals lowers the risk of chronic illnesses and delayed learning.

4) Chronic stress in children is rising – Teaching mindfulness, outdoor play, and limiting academic overburden will support mental well-being. Over stressing a child leads to little in the positive realm. Align their learning with their passions and watch them thrive.

5) Processed foods are linked to behavior issues among so many issues – High sugar and ultra-processed diets may contribute to ADHD-like symptoms and mood instability…..

Dr. M

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

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

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

I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Ken Cook!

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Volume 14 Issue 51

Here is an article that I wrote for Rupa Fullscript in order to lay the ground work for effective preventative medicine. In order to get a longer runway to preventing disease, targeted lab screening is becoming very important.

Classical medical training often relies on a traditional, binary approach to patient care: either a disease is present, or it is not. Functional medicine builds on this perspective by examining a continuum of potential dysfunction within lab results. Rather than waiting for a definitive diagnosis, functional medicine practitioners look for subtle “breadcrumbs” in the data—early indicators that might signal an evolving health issue long before it fully manifests. Routine lab panels remain a foundational tool, but their deeper insights are frequently underutilized. In functional medicine, we dig into each lab marker more thoroughly, considering it a potential clue to underlying imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or early disease processes. This more granular interpretation goes beyond the standard understanding of “normal” values, seeking patterns that can inform more personalized and preventive care.

By viewing “normal” lab ranges through a more nuanced lens, functional medicine aims to identify previously overlooked indicators. The ultimate goal is to narrow our concept of “optimal” health ranges, enabling a more attentive and individualized approach that supports the patient’s best possible health outcomes…..plus a section on literature reviews.

Dr. M

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #14 Repost- Richard Johnson MD – Nature Wants Us to Be Fat

This is a repost of the most listened to podcast with Richard J. Johnson, M.D.. Dr. Johnson is the Tomas Berl Professor of Medicine and the Chief of the Renal Division and Hypertension at the University of Colorado since 2008. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a major in Anthropology, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, he is a physician and nephrologist whose research has focused on the role of sugar, and especially fructose, in driving obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. Much of this work has explored the role of fructose metabolism, especially the generation of uric acid, in driving this phenotype, and his work has included studies ranging from molecular biology, integrative physiology, and evolutionary biology. He is the author of The Sugar Fix which introduced the first low fructose diet, and also The Fat Switch which explores the role of fructose in driving the obesity epidemic. His newest book, Nature Wants Us To Be Fat, is a tour de force of the entire pathway of survival via metabolic events in the body related to fructose and the polyol pathway. This is a must read book. This podcast will introduce you to the exceptional work of Dr. Johnson and how we are now mismatched metabolically for the environment of modern America and our food systems.

Please enjoy this wide ranging conversation.

Dr. M