The Phytochemical Equivalency Controversy

Is it truly equivalent? It’s a question currently being applied to chemical compounds, formally known as phytochemicals, that have historically been made exclusively by plants, but are now–through recent advancements in genetic engineering—being manufactured by genetically modified yeasts, or protozoans like euglena. A host of widely used vitamins, amino acids, sweeteners, essential oils, and bioactive […]

Environmental Medicine 101: Practical Guidance for Leveraging Environmental Medicine in Your Practice

Environmental toxins are ubiquitous, and a rapidly growing body of evidence confirms that they are adversely affecting our health and longevity in myriad ways. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenol A (BPA), arsenic, lead and mercury are just a few from among the thousands of environmental toxins to which we are routinely exposed. These exposures are direct […]

How Financial Stress Impacts the Immune System

A recent study of a group of hedge fund traders suggests that the immune system responds to financial stress as if it were a disease. The findings suggest a striking correlation between the human immune system and the volatility of entire financial systems, including the stock market.

Climate Change Takes Toll on Herbal Medicine

As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists predict that environmental shifts will impact the ability of medicinal plants to grow and thrive in affected regions. Botanists across the world are shining light on the ways that climate change could fundamentally alter the practice of holistic medicine.

Regenerative Farming & Soil Restoration are Key to Environmental Health

Many efforts to combat climate change prioritize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. But cutting emissions is only part of the equation. To truly mitigate the harmful effects of carbon emissions, we need to look not at the skies, but at the dirt beneath our feet.

A Safe Future: Is That Too Much to Ask?

“We deserve a safe future. And we demand a safe future. Is that really too much to ask?”

Greta Thunberg posed this blunt question to the world during her brief but forceful speech at the New York City climate strike on September 20.

To thunderous applause and fervent chanting of her name, the celebrated–and vilified –Swedish eco activist voiced the fears, rage, and hopes of her generation.

The troubling truth is, Greta’s demand really might be too much to ask.

Climate & Public Health: Medicine Faces a Planet in Critical Condition

While there have always been medical voices calling attention to the perils of unchecked environmental degradation, for the most part the healthcare mainstream has kept quiet. It is only recently that major medical organizations have begun to publicly acknowledge the health risks posed by climate change.

New Home Test Kit Enables Easy Glyphosate Detection

Patients concerned about glyphosate contamination can now check their food and water for traces of the toxic weed killer with a new home test kit.

Supplement Makers Take Action To Reduce Environmental Impact

Healthcare—with its reliance on single-use disposables—is one of the world’s biggest polluters. And the natural products and dietary supplements industries—despite their “clean, green, and healthy” values—do contribute to the deluge of trash and pollution. Fortunately, eco-conscious companies in the natural products sector are responding to the crisis, and leading the charge toward ecological sustainability.

How Do Medical Practitioners Feel About SynBio?

Holistic Primary Care’s 2018 Practitioner Survey included a question about the rapidly emerging methods of Synthetic Biology (SynBio) and the entry of SynBio ingredients into the food and dietary supplement supply chains.