News, Notes and Newsletters February 2025

1. Watch Out for Your Watch Band!

A recent study found high levels of PFAS in many smartwatch bands. Opt for PFAS-free bands made from materials like silicone, metal, or woven nylon. Clean your band regularly and avoid prolonged skin contact to minimise potential exposure.

2. Yoga Pose to Boost Thyroid Health

Did you know that Fish Pose (Matsyasana) aids thyroid function? By gently compressing the thyroid gland, this heart-opening yoga pose helps stimulate hormone production, supporting energy, metabolism, and weight management—key benefits for an optimally functioning thyroid. Simply lie on your back, arch your chest upward, and tilt your head back to open the throat. This pose also improves circulation and relieves neck and shoulder tension. Practice Fish Pose for just 1 to 2 minutes daily to revitalise thyroid health naturally. Incorporating this simple routine into your yoga practice may give your endocrine system the boost it needs!

3. Seaweed: Nature's Iodine Powerhouse for Brain Health

Seaweed, a nutrient-dense superfood, offers more than just iodine for thyroid health — it’s excellent for brain function too! Iodine is crucial for cognitive development, focus, and mental clarity. Studies suggest iodine-rich diets reduce risks of deficiency-related issues like brain fog and fatigue. Nori, wakame, and kelp are easy additions to soups, salads, or sushi rolls, ensuring ample intake. Overconsumption is a risk though, so enjoy moderation. Vegetarians and vegans, often prone to iodine deficiency, can particularly benefit. For natural brain support and sharper thinking, dive into seaweed!

4. Innovative PFAS Removal Using Aquarium Materials

5. Are Almonds as Healthy as We Think? The Hidden Risks You Need to Know

Almonds are often heralded as a healthy snack, packed with nutrients and a staple in plant-based diets. But according to Sally K. Norton, author of Toxic Superfoods, almonds aren’t as innocent as they seem. In her groundbreaking work, Norton reveals that almonds—actually seeds, not nuts—come with hidden drawbacks that could be affecting your health.

High Oxalate Levels – The Silent Culprit

Almonds are incredibly high in oxalates, natural compounds in plants that can wreak havoc in excess. Oxalates bind with minerals like calcium and magnesium, forming insoluble crystals that may lead to kidney stones, inflammation, joint pain, and other health issues in sensitive individuals. Almond-based products, such as almond flour and almond milk, are particularly problematic because they are concentrated versions of this high-oxalate seed, meaning consumption in large amounts can severely increase your oxalate load.

Are Plant Defences Causing Gut Irritation?

As seeds, almonds possess natural plant defence mechanisms in the form of antinutrients such as phytates and oxalates. These compounds not only prevent predators from consuming plants in the wild but also interfere with nutrient absorption in humans. For those with gut sensitivity, autoimmune conditions, or underlying inflammation, these “defence molecules” can irritate the intestinal lining and trigger or worsen inflammatory responses.

Inflammation from Excessive Omega-6

While almonds are often used to replace less healthy fats, they are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess compared to omega-3s, can disrupt the body's delicate balance. This imbalance has been linked to systemic inflammation, a precursor to chronic diseases.

Should You Rethink Almonds?

Sally K. Norton suggests that for many, reducing or rotating almonds and almond-derived products (like almond flour and almond milk) could improve health outcomes. She advises incorporating low-oxalate alternatives such as macadamia nuts or exploring other nutrient-rich options with fewer antinutrients and inflammatory risks.

How to Protect Yourself

If you rely on almonds in your diet:

• Eat mindfully: Enjoy almonds in moderation instead of heavily relying on almond-based snacks and substitutes.
• Explore alternatives: Replace almond milk or almond flour with options like coconut milk or cassava flour.
• Diversify your diet: Rotating foods can minimise oxalate exposure and help balance your nutrient intake.

While almonds may still have their place in a balanced diet, it’s worth rethinking how much and how often you're consuming this popular ‘superfood.' If you’ve noticed unexplained joint pain, digestive issues, or fatigue, it may be time to reconsider their role in your meals.

6. Eight Belly-Busting Strategies

Belly fat is not just a cosmetic issue – it’s an active endocrine organ that can influence hormone production, promote inflammation, and impair overall health if left unchecked. Here is an article that outlines 8 effective strategies to combat belly fat, including cutting liquid calories, eating high-protein and high-fiber foods, incorporating strength and interval training, managing stress, optimising sleep, drinking water smartly, and meal planning. By adopting these practical, sustainable habits, you can reduce abdominal fat, improve your metabolism, and enhance your overall well-being. The path to a flatter, healthier belly starts with small, consistent changes.

7. Ten Steps to Body Confidence

Ready to transform your relationship with your body? Stop waiting for the perfect body to start living your best life! Stop believing the lie that a ‘perfect' body equals a perfect life. True body confidence comes from within. Learn how to change your self-perception and embrace your unique beauty with these 10 steps to body confidence. Research shows that true confidence comes from internal remodeling, not external changes.

8. Chemicals found in sewage Fertiliser Threaten Food and Water

It's essential to stay informed about the latest environmental and health concerns that affect us all.

Today, we're shedding light on a crucial issue that's been flying under the radar: the presence of PFAS (forever chemicals) in sewage sludge used as fertiliser.

A recent investigation has uncovered the alarming truth that sewage sludge, which is often used as fertiliser in agriculture, contains high levels of PFAS. These toxic chemicals have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and thyroid disease. The use of sewage sludge as fertiliser is a common practice, but it's now clear that this can lead to the contamination of soil, water, and ultimately, our food. The consequences are far-reaching as the use of PFAS has been linked to severe health and environmental problems.

What Can You Do?

There are steps you can take to minimise your exposure:

• Choose organic produce whenever possible, as these farms are less likely to use sewage sludge as fertiliser.
• Support local farmers who use sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
• Contact your local authorities and express your concerns about the use of sewage sludge as fertiliser.

9. The Inflammation-Detox Connection

The interconnected world of inflammation and detoxification has a profound impact on well-being. These seemingly separate processes are, in fact, deeply intertwined, influencing each other in a continuous dance that shapes our health.

As the featured articles in our January magazine reveal, chronic inflammation often stems from a confluence of factors, including poor diet, environmental toxins, hormonal imbalances, compromised liver function, and gut dysbiosis. These factors can overwhelm the body's natural detoxification pathways, leading to a buildup of toxins that further fuels inflammation.

The liver, our primary detoxification organ, plays a pivotal role in this intricate interplay. A healthy liver efficiently eliminates harmful substances, reducing the inflammatory burden on the body. Supporting liver function through dietary changes, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle modifications is crucial for managing inflammation and achieving optimal health.

Natural anti-inflammatory agents, such as curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, and bioflavonoids, offer powerful tools for quenching the flames of inflammation. These compounds work synergistically to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Furthermore, innovative detoxification protocols, like Dr Dietrich Klinghardt's approach utilising wild garlic, chlorella, and cilantro, provide promising avenues for safely removing heavy metals and other toxins.

These natural approaches offer a gentler yet effective alternative to conventional methods, minimising the risk of side effects. We invite you to explore the insights and resources within the January issue and embark on your own journey towards optimal health.

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10. Walking Barefoot: Grounding for Mental Clarity

Walking barefoot, or ‘earthing,' connects you to the Earth’s natural electric charge, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and stress while improving mental clarity. A 2021 review in The Journal of Environmental and Public Health revealed that grounding may improve heart rate variability, supporting overall relaxation and emotional balance. Spending just 10 to 15 minutes daily in contact with grass, sand, or soil reduces oxidative stress and promotes better sleep. Break free from shoes, let your feet roam, and recharge your body naturally — it's a simple, ancient form of therapy that modern science is finally embracing.

11. The Gardasil Vaccine is NOT Safe

I feel compelled to discuss a topic that resonates deeply with many of us: the safety of vaccines, particularly in the Gardasil vaccine. A lawsuit against Merck is shedding light on serious safety concerns that demand our attention and consideration as both parents and empowered individuals navigating our health choices.

Internal documents reveal that Merck, the manufacturer of Gardasil, was aware of dangerous contamination with HPV DNA fragments in their vaccine, yet they neglected proper safety testing.

These fragments, intended to be eliminated during the manufacturing process, remained in the final product and could potentially trigger adverse immune responses, contributing to severe health issues like autoimmune disorders (e.g. POTS) or, in extreme cases, even death. Yet, Merck failed to warn the public about these dangers. Even more alarming is the apparent cover-up by both Merck and regulators who failed to act on these critical findings.

Reflecting on my own journey as a parent: a decade ago I faced a similar situation when my daughter's school announced plans to administer the HPV vaccine without requiring parental consent. I immediately reached out to caution them against proceeding with such a significant medical intervention without my explicit permission.

It was distressing to realise that the school believed they could bypass parental authority in vaccine administration — this was a troubling indication of how children’s health decisions could be made without adequate oversight or transparency.

These past experiences underscore the importance of our vigilance regarding vaccine safety. These recent revelations  highlights a significant need for accountability in vaccine production and calls for a commitment to rigorous safety protocols. The potential risks associated with vaccines necessitate that we demand transparency and thorough testing processes from pharmaceutical companies.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long advocated for these very principles, pushing for a system that prioritises the health and safety of our children. His efforts bring to light the urgent need for us as a community to ask the tough questions and ensure our concerns are addressed.

How can we collectively ensure that our health choices are respected and that our children's well-being is prioritised?