May 21, 2024: The Environmental Protection Agency has released the fourth round of public water system testing data for the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, as required by its Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, or UCMR 5. The data reveal 1,593 sites have detectable levels of PFAS. The results highlight the sheer scale of the PFAS problem in the U.S. They build on EWG’s landmark PFAS contamination map. 

Just recently, I realized the glisten in my eyebrows was actually a grey hair that had popped its way through the black mop of my eyebrow hairs! I was not in the least bit prepared for this milestone, but knew it was one of the many “joyous” transformations I’ve had to come to terms with since starting menopause some three years back.

In the quest for disease prevention and overall well-being, there’s a compelling case for embracing a diet rich in natural, minimally-processed whole plant foods. Beyond mere sustenance, these dietary choices hold the key to unlocking vitality and longevity. Join us as we delve into the myriad reasons why prioritizing whole foods over their ultra-processed counterparts is a transformative journey toward a healthier, more vibrant life.

So far in this series of female wellness articles, we’ve covered the ayurvedic perspective on menarche and earlier menstrual disorders. Now, we’ll move on to the common reproductive disorders many women face during their child-bearing years. There are vast terrains of information that can be covered, but we’ll focus on three main female issues, looking at them from both a modern and an ayurvedic perspective. 

Menarche and the monthly menstrual cycle (artava) are indicators of female fertility and health. As mentioned in a previous article, artava is the subsidiary tissue of rasa dhatu (plasma-lymphatic tissue). Therefore, the strength of the menstrual channels is a reflection of rasa dhatu and overall immunity.

According to a report from the US House Committee on Oversight and Reform, commercial baby foods are tainted with dangerous levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. The report was based on information from just four companies that make baby food: Nurture, Beech-Nut, Hain, and Gerber.

Apeel, the revolutionary postharvest coating designed to prolong the freshness of fruits and vegetables, has recently entered the grocery realm, bringing with it a cloud of uncertainty. Marketed as a thin, edible coating crafted from plant-derived materials, Apeel claims to slow moisture loss and curb oxidation, extending the shelf life of fresh produce. However, this innovation has triggered conflicting opinions, leaving consumers concerned regarding its safety and potential health implications.

Ginger, with its piquant flavor and aromatic charm, has a history as rich and spicy as its taste. Originating in Southeast Asia, ginger has been valued both as a culinary delight and a medicinal marvel since ancient times. Its journey from the lush gardens of ancient civilizations to global fame is a tale woven through the famed Silk Road, where it pleased the palates of Romans, Greeks, and medieval European

My beautiful, sweet daughter is without a doubt in the full throes of pre-puberty! In between her ten-and-a-half-year-old giggles and love for her favorite stuffed unicorn are obvious snaps of anger and volatile moods. She’s changed from wearing a slip to a half-slip bra to cover her growing breast buds, and I’ve recently noticed teeny pimples on the sides of her nose. I recognize these tell-tale signs as the stirrings of estrogen and other female hormones. In a few years she will enter into womanhood. 

Ayurveda offers a variety of ways to keep your teeth healthy, strong, and beautiful, which have been practiced for thousands of years. In ancient times, ayurvedic dentists used these techniques to manage cavities, plaque, gingivitis, infections, and deformities of the mouth. They used traditional plant-based formulas in place of antibiotics, chewed on herbal sticks, and used medicated oils to strengthen the mouth, gums, and teeth.