With Mother’s Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to reflect on your reproductive health and ways to boost your chances of pregnancy if you’re trying to conceive. As more and more couples struggle with infertility, it’s crucial to explore every avenue to enhance your chances of conception.

Water fluoridation was once hailed as a magical solution to prevent cavities and promote healthy teeth. But now, as more research emerges, experts are questioning the risks and benefits of adding fluoride to our water supply.

Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used painkillers in the world, found in a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications. While it can be effective at managing pain and reducing fever, it’s important to understand the potential dangers of misusing this medication. Reading the label and following the directions is the easiest way to avoid disaster. 

 Our skin is the largest and most complicated organ in our body; it plays a vital role in many essential tasks. It serves as the barrier protecting the inside of our body from the viruses and bacteria that are surrounding us. The importance of healthy skin runs deeper than the benefits of an attractive appearance; it is tied to our overall health and well-being.

Many women can relate to the challenges that come with our menstrual cycle. From mood swings to cramps, the symptoms can be unbearable at times. What you may not know is that your daily habits throughout every part of your menstrual cycle play a crucial role in how your body feels, especially during the bleeding phase.

The term “fragranced product” represents a broad scope of items. It refers to anything with an artificial scent: deodorizers, air fresheners, cleaning supplies, laundry products, personal care items (i.e., soaps, lotions, perfumes), household products (i.e., scented candles, baby products, trash bags). You might recall the Febreze commercials during which the participants are blindfolded and presented with no idea in front of mounds of trash.

Our brain has a clock which works according to circadian rhythm.  The “turn on/off button” of the clock is in our eyes. Light hits the eyes, triggering the brain to produce chemicals that signal the body clock when to get asleep and when to get awake. The two main hormones which send these signals are cortisol and melatonin. 

Discussing commonly used sweeteners which appear to be an appealing alternative to sugar for those of us who are concerned with the amount of calorie intake. But things are more complicated than it appears.  Artificial sweeteners, or non-nutritive sweeteners, as they are sometimes referred to, were first introduced to the market in the 1950s. What is now known about their impact on human health?  

Since the late 1970s the use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) has increased approximately 100-fold (by volume); some estimates put it at a 300-fold increase.  Chances are high, this chemical is in at least some of the food we eat today, even if that food is organic, non-GMO, and “all-natural.”

This month challenge is connected to the vagus nerve we discussed on p. 14. There are plenty of ways to stimulate the vagus nerve absolutely naturally and all are very enjoyable. So, this month challenge is not really a challenge, but an invitation to bring more joy to our lives.