Iridology

08/11/2025

Two recent online articles have highlighted the need for a greater awareness of the potential health benefits of reducing micro- and nanoplastic exposure. The emergence of microplastics (1 µm to 5 mm) and nanoplastics (less than 1 µm) has raised alarms about their harmful effects on human health. Nanoplastics are especially hazardous due to their smaller size and enhanced ability to infiltrate the human body.

The first article reviews a recent paper by Sarah Sajedi and colleagues, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, which examines the science around the health risks posed by single-use plastic water bottles. They are serious, she says, and seriously understudied.

In her analysis of more than 140 scientific papers, Sajedi reports that people ingest an estimated 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles each year. For those who rely on bottled water, that number climbs even higher, about 90,000 additional particles compared to people who primarily drink tap water.

According to Sajedi, the health risks are significant. Once inside the body, these small plastics can pass through biological barriers, enter the bloodstream and reach major organs. Their presence may contribute to chronic inflammation, cellular oxidative stress, hormone disruption, reproductive issues, neurological damage, and some cancers. Still, their long-term impacts are not fully understood, largely because of limited testing and the absence of standardised ways to measure and track them.

Sajedi says: “Drinking water from plastic bottles is fine in an emergency but it is not something that should be used in daily life. People need to understand that the issue is not acute toxicity—it is chronic toxicity.”

The second article in MedPage Today highlights the ubiquitous and insidious nature of micro- and nanoplastics. One of the authors (Meyer) is an emergency physician who believes it is now time to be warning patients about reducing exposure.

Teasing out the health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics requires some nuance. There is never going to be a randomised controlled trial: it is hard to conceive of a control group with no plastics exposure (given their ubiquity) and unethical to deliberately expose an experimental group to high-dose plastics. But waiting for perfect data risks ignoring an escalating health threat. Hence, much of what we know is by necessity extrapolated from animal studies and observational trials -- and there are multiple red flags.

In humans, studies are slowly emerging. In 2024, researchers followed patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy and found that those with microplastics in their plaque had a significantly higher rate of myocardial infarction, stroke or death 34 months later. More recently, decedent human brains from 2016 and 2024 were evaluated for microplastics: concentrations were significantly higher among individuals diagnosed with dementia compared to those without dementia (and plastic concentrations increased 50% from 2016 brains to 2024 brains, consistent with increasing environmental exposure). Last year, researchers at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) reviewed existing human and animal studies and found a suggestion of harm to reproductive, digestive and respiratory health in humans, as well as a possible link with colon and lung cancer.

All of this has been enough to convince Meyer that it is now time to start warning patients about microplastics. Although it would be impossible to avoid plastics altogether, there are some practical steps people can take to decrease their exposure.

To start (as per the first article), it makes sense to give up single-use plastic water bottles in favour of reusable steel or glass bottles. The water in plastic bottles has been found to contain 20 times more microplastics than tap water.

It is also a good idea to limit plastic in the kitchen, since we acquire many of our microplastics by eating and drinking them. This means using wooden cooking utensils and cutting boards over plastic ones, foil over plastic wrap, and glass food storage over plastic. If possible, avoid nonstick and plastic cookware. In situations where plastic containers are unavoidable, don't microwave food in them. And wash them by hand instead of the dishwasher, since heating plastic hastens its breakdown and chemical leaching.

At the supermarket, pack groceries in reusable cloth or paper bags, and try to avoid fruits and vegetables wrapped or packaged in plastic (admittedly challenging). And finally, limit ultraprocessed foods. Not only are they associated with increased mortality, obesity, chronic disease and malignancy, but they also come coated in plastic.

Could the demise of modern civilisation be caused by something we cannot even see?

For more information see: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-warn-bottled-water-may-pose-serious-long-term-health-risks/
and
https://bit.ly/47TCyO3

07/11/2025

Your gut: a 7-meter assembly line extracting every usable molecule with molecular specificity.

This figure maps how different sections of the gastrointestinal tract specialize in absorbing specific nutrients. From the stomach to the large intestine, each region has a defined biochemical role that determines how vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids enter the body.

1️⃣ Stomach – preparation and partial absorption
The stomach begins protein digestion through acid and enzymes while absorbing a few small molecules such as water, ethanol, and some minerals.
🟢 Example: Copper, iodide, and fluoride can pass directly through the stomach lining, but most nutrients remain bound until released in the small intestine.

2️⃣ Duodenum – the entry point for minerals and fat-soluble vitamins
As chyme from the stomach mixes with bile and pancreatic enzymes, the duodenum becomes the main site for mineral and fat-soluble vitamin absorption.
🟢 Example: Calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, D, E, and K are absorbed here, often requiring bile acids for solubility.

3️⃣ Jejunum – primary absorption zone for macronutrients
The jejunum’s extensive villi and microvilli surface area make it the key site for nutrient uptake.
🟢 Example: Lipids, monosaccharides, amino acids, and small peptides are efficiently absorbed, along with B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.

4️⃣ Ileum – absorption of specialized compounds and vitamins
The ileum completes digestion and reclaims nutrients not absorbed upstream.
🟢 Example: Vitamin B12 binds to intrinsic factor for absorption here, while bile salts and fat-soluble vitamins are recycled back to the liver.

5️⃣ Large intestine – water recovery and microbial synthesis
Although most nutrients are absorbed earlier, the colon plays a key role in fluid and electrolyte balance and produces additional vitamins through bacterial fermentation.
🟢 Example: Gut microbes synthesize vitamin K and biotin, while fermentation of fiber yields short-chain fatty acids that fuel colon cells.

Your gut is not a single absorption site but a coordinated system of specialized regions—each tuned to extract specific nutrients with precision, ensuring that every molecule from food is used efficiently to sustain life.

03/11/2025

A pair of alarming studies released within the same week have highlighted potential cancer risks associated with commonly used cooking oils. Researchers found that frequent consumption of certain vegetable and seed oils, especially those high in omega-6 fatty acids or repeatedly heated, may contribute to cellular damage and increase the likelihood of developing various cancers over time.
Laboratory analyses revealed that these oils, when heated to high temperatures, produce toxic compounds such as aldehydes and lipid peroxides. These molecules can damage DNA, disrupt normal cell function, and trigger chronic inflammation—key factors in cancer development. Epidemiological data also suggested that populations with diets high in these oils show elevated rates of digestive, liver, and pancreatic cancers compared to those consuming healthier fat sources like olive oil or coconut oil.
Experts caution that while occasional use may not be immediately harmful, habitual cooking with these oils, particularly at high heat, could pose a long-term risk. Recommendations include choosing stable oils with higher smoke points, avoiding repeated reuse, and incorporating natural fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish to support overall health.
These findings underscore the importance of reevaluating everyday dietary habits and the hidden dangers of processed cooking oils. With two independent studies in such a short timeframe highlighting similar risks, researchers emphasize the need for further investigation and increased public awareness. Simple changes in cooking practices could play a significant role in cancer prevention and long-term wellness.

29/10/2025

The Nerve That Could Heal the Body from Within

Researchers have discovered that stimulating a single nerve in the body, the vagus nerve, can dramatically reduce inflammation linked to many chronic diseases. This breakthrough could pave the way for new, non-drug treatments for conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, depression, and even heart disease.

The vagus nerve is one of the most important communication highways between the brain and the body. It controls critical functions such as heartbeat, digestion, and immune response. When this nerve is gently stimulated, it sends calming signals that tell the body to lower inflammation and restore balance.

Inflammation is at the root of many long-term illnesses, often caused by the immune system staying in a constant state of alert. Traditional treatments rely on medication to suppress this response, but vagus nerve stimulation works differently. It uses the body’s own electrical network to naturally regulate immune activity, reducing harmful inflammation without drugs or side effects.

Researchers are now testing small, implantable devices and even external stimulators that can activate the vagus nerve safely and effectively. Early studies show promising results, with patients experiencing less pain, improved mood, and better overall health.

This discovery reveals just how connected the mind and body truly are. By harnessing the body’s internal communication system, scientists are learning how to heal from within, not by overpowering nature, but by working in harmony with it.

The future of medicine may not lie only in pills or surgeries but in reawakening the body’s own ability to restore itself.

17/10/2025

Sweet, tangy, and packed with healing power, cherries are more than just a summer treat. They’re one of the most alkaline foods, helping the body neutralize excess acidity that can lead to inflammation, fatigue, and digestive issues. Maintaining a slightly alkaline balance supports better metabolism, stronger immunity, and overall vitality.

But that’s not all, scientists have discovered that cherries also contain powerful bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, quercetin, and ellagic acid, which can help trigger apoptosis, the natural process where cancer cells destroy themselves. These nutrients act as antioxidants, protecting healthy cells while targeting those that grow abnormally.

Regular cherry consumption has also been linked to reduced oxidative stress, improved heart health, and better sleep due to their natural melatonin content. Their deep red color isn’t just beautiful, it’s a sign of rich phytochemicals that fight inflammation and support cellular repair.

For best results, choose fresh or frozen cherries without added sugar, and enjoy them as snacks, in smoothies, or added to salads. A small handful daily can go a long way toward restoring internal balance and protecting your health.

Nature really does make the sweetest medicine, sometimes it’s as simple as a bowl of cherries.

16/10/2025

The human brain is the most complex organ in the body, controlling memory, thoughts, movement, and emotions through a vast network of neurons, nerves, and blood vessels. What you see in this illustration is the nervous system — a powerful connection of the brain, spinal cord, and the intricate web of nerves and veins that carry signals throughout the body. This system is responsible for every heartbeat, every breath, and every conscious thought.

Scientists now understand that conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders may not only be linked to damaged brain cells but also to the immune system and vascular health. This is why modern research focuses on how inflammation, blood flow, and autoimmune responses affect brain function. Maintaining a healthy nervous system through nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management is vital for preventing disease and ensuring long-term brain health.

🌍 As technology advances, medical imaging and neuroscience research are uncovering how interconnected the brain and body really are. From neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire) to bioelectrical signals that control our daily lives, the nervous system is at the heart of human intelligence, cognition, and survival.

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13/10/2025

10/10/2025

Studies find that placing a cold pack to your armpit during feelings of sudden anxiety can help relieve that anxiety in seconds by stimulating the vagus nerve and reducing sympathetic nervous system arousal.

The vagus nerve is a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

The sympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, is responsible for the “fight or flight” response, preparing the body for stress.

Cold exposure, even something as small as placing a cold pack directly to the armpit, activates the vagus nerve through a phenomenon called the diving reflex. This reflex is a physiological response to cold water immersion, causing a shift in the autonomic nervous system towards a more relaxed state.

When a cold pack is applied to the armpit, it stimulates nerve endings near major blood vessels and nerves, including those connected to the vagus nerve. This stimulation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which leads to a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and overall arousal.

PMID: 30684416

02/10/2025

Watermelon is often thought of as a refreshing summer fruit, but eating it before bed may offer surprising health benefits that go far beyond taste. Packed with water, vitamins, and antioxidants, watermelon can deeply hydrate your body, support overnight detox processes, and help you wake up feeling renewed and refreshed.

One of its greatest strengths is hydration. With nearly 92 percent water content, watermelon helps replenish fluids lost throughout the day. Overnight, as your body restores itself, this hydration supports smoother digestion, better circulation, and improved cellular repair. Waking up dehydrated often leads to fatigue, headaches, or dry skin, conditions watermelon can naturally prevent.

Another benefit is detoxification. Watermelon contains compounds like citrulline and antioxidants that assist the kidneys and liver in flushing out toxins. Consuming it before sleep gives your body the tools to cleanse while you rest, leaving you lighter and more energized in the morning.

Its vitamins also support overall wellness. Vitamin C strengthens immunity, while lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, reduces inflammation and supports heart health. Even your skin benefits, as hydration and antioxidants combine to promote a healthy, natural glow.

For those watching calories, watermelon is a light snack option, avoiding heaviness or indigestion at night. Its natural sweetness satisfies cravings without added sugars or processed ingredients.

Eating watermelon before bed isn’t just a treat, it’s a simple health practice. By aligning with your body’s natural rhythm of rest and repair, it offers hydration, detox, and renewal, all in one juicy bite.