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Gregg Strand
I'd like to explain why I think Lifestyle Medicine doctors like Michael are the hope of the future. Unfortunately, we live in a toxic world. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food and beverages we put in our bodies have toxic effects, even if there are some healthful components along with the bad. And, many consumer products we buy have toxic effects. That's why a wholistic approach to health is the best way to achieve and maintain a healthy life. You must not only eat healthfully but also create a safe household environment with the safest, non-toxic cleaning and consumer products.
I was just getting ready to post this message when I heard on the radio that many deodorants are being recalled because they have cancer causing ingredients. Here is a quote from Cnet.com:
"Some batches of antiperspirant and deodorant sprays from brands including Old Spice, Secret, Equate, Suave, Tag, Sure, Right Guard, Brut and more contain unsafe levels of benzene, a carcinogen, according to independent pharmaceutical testing company Valisure."
If you follow the Lifestyle Medicine approach, you would not have been using any of those products. (See rule number three below.)
Here's my summary of the rules of Lifestyle Medicine for acquiring and maintaining maximum health.
1. Eat a whole food, plant based diet. (rarely eat animal products, including and especially dairy)
2. Eliminate processed foods and beverages as much as possible. (including refined flour and sugary products)
3. Only use cleaning, cosmetic and other consumer products that don't contain toxic chemicals.
4. Learn about the quality of your tap water and use filters as required.
Here is a YouTube link for rule 3. This is a documentary made by a father who wants to protect his two young daughters from toxic chemicals in consumer products. His story will make you sad at the beginning and likely angry by the end. It has an unusual title because it deals mainly with the fragrances used in many types of products. It's called, Stink! The following link is to a free version so watch it while you can.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxd-o4WZtr
To learn about toxic chemicals in products there's no better place than The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) where you can research all types of consumer products:
https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides
Personally, when I checked the EWG tap water results for my town I was not happy. There are many dangerous chemicals listed and many of them don't have federal standards and so are not tested for! Here is a quote from the EWG website:
"Legal ≠ Safe EWG Health Guidelines fill the gap in outdated government standards. The federal government’s legal limits are not health-protective. The EPA has not set a new tap water standard in almost 20 years, and some standards are more than 40 years old."
Here is the EWG link to test your tap water. Just enter your zip code:
https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/
We have to earn good health by keeping up with the latest reliable information and acting upon it. For your health, learn nutrition facts from Lifestyle Medicine doctors like Michael and make the necessary changes. It's unfortunate that, believe it or not, most of the doctors in our lives never learned about the importance of nutrition in medical school and may not encourage you in your efforts. Don't let that deprive you of living the healthiest life possible. If it helps you to decide, I changed my eating habits 10 years ago and am not taking any medications.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Gregg Strand
PS If you follow links and find useful information, be sure to share the links with friends and relatives.
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