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In this episode, we dive deep into the everyday toxins and harmful substances in our environment, how they impact our health, and most importantly, what we can do about them. From the air we breathe to the products we use and the food we eat—many of these exposures are invisible but powerful. This isn’t a doom-and-gloom story—this is about awareness, empowerment, and action.

✅ Topics Covered:

• Why this conversation matters
  We’re surrounded by substances that disrupt our health—often without even realizing it. I break down the importance of recognizing and reducing your toxic burden.
• Definitions of key terms
  Toxins vs. toxicants vs. poisons vs. radiation – what’s the difference?
• Common categories of environmental toxicants
  • Metals (lead, mercury, nickel, arsenic, etc.)
  • Inorganic chemicals (fluoride)
  • Solvents (found in nail polish, adhesives, paint thinners, etc.)
  • Pesticides & herbicides (glyphosate/RoundUp)
  • Plasticizers (BPA)
  • Preservatives (parabens)
  • Airborne toxicants (mold, ozone, wildfire smoke, VOCs)
• Lifestyle toxicants
  • Alcohol
  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Smoking & marijuana
  • Gluten and its inflammatory effects
• Toxic burden & cumulative exposure
  Even small exposures add up. Over time, our bodies can become overloaded, especially if detox pathways (like the liver) are compromised.
• How toxicants impact our health
  • Endocrine disruptors (hormone imbalance, fertility, sleep)
  • Obesogens (toxins that promote fat storage)
  • Carcinogens (cancer-causing)
  • Neurotoxins (affect brain and nervous system)
• Detoxification and prevention tips
  • Detox the home: dust regularly, invest in air filters
  • Choose BPA/paraben-free products
  • Eat organic when possible
  • Avoid processed foods and artificial dyes
  • Support your liver function naturally
  • Reduce exposure to environmental and lifestyle toxins

🔍 Key Takeaway:
You don’t need to live in fear—but you do need to live informed. Awareness is your superpower, and small changes can protect your health and longevity in big ways.

📌 Mentioned in this episode:

• Red dye controversies (research dating back to the 1970s!)
• BPA in receipts, shower curtains, and canned foods
• Glyphosate lawsuits and links to chronic disease
• The long-term neurogenic and hormonal effects of everyday exposures

💡 Final Thought:
The goal isn’t to eliminate every single toxin—that’s not realistic. But by being intentional about what you bring into your body and your home, you can drastically lower your toxic burden and support your body’s natural detox systems.

References:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

I want to share a helpful resource with you—a free health questionnaire designed to pinpoint the areas in your life that need focus for optimal wellness. If you're interested, simply click the link in my show notes or visit www.heal-throughfood.com to access it.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-628-6416

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

In this episode of Healthy California, we explore a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of health: sleep. We spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping, but are we doing it right? Discover why sleep is vital, what happens when you don’t get enough, and how to optimize your rest for better overall well-being.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ The Critical Role of Sleep

• How sleep impacts physical and mental health
• The role of sleep in recovery, memory, and brain detoxification
• Why sleep should be a non-negotiable priority

✅ The Hidden Dangers of Sleep Deprivation

• Increased risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes
• The connection between poor sleep, obesity, and neurological disorders
• How lack of sleep affects mood, cognitive function, and accident risk

✅ Understanding Insomnia & Its Causes

• Why 60 million adults struggle with insomnia but few seek help
• The difference between sleep-onset and sleep-maintenance insomnia
• Common triggers: Stress, anxiety, pain, caffeine, and lifestyle habits

✅ Sleep Apnea & Its Impact on Brain Health

• Why oxygen deprivation during sleep is dangerous
• The link between sleep apnea and cognitive decline
• The importance of diagnosis, CPAP compliance, and weight management

✅ Common Sleep Disruptors

• Restless leg syndrome, hormonal imbalances, and alcohol consumption
• The role of blue light exposure in melatonin suppression
• How aging affects sleep quality and what to do about it

✅ The Science of Sleep Cycles

• Understanding REM and non-REM sleep
• How deep sleep supports cognitive function and immune health
• The importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

✅ Strategies for Better Sleep

• Establishing a nightly routine to promote restful sleep
• Managing stress and balancing cortisol levels
• Creating an optimal sleep environment (temperature, noise, and light control)
• How diet and exercise influence sleep patterns

✅ Natural Sleep Aids & Supplements

• The benefits of magnesium for relaxation and muscle function
• Melatonin supplementation: How and when to use it
• Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha for stress reduction
• Herbal teas and other natural remedies to promote sleep

Final Takeaways:
Sleep is a cornerstone of health and longevity. Prioritizing quality sleep can transform your well-being, boost cognitive function, and enhance overall vitality. Identify sleep disruptors, make necessary changes, and take steps toward healthier sleep habits.

I want to share a helpful resource with you—a free health questionnaire designed to pinpoint the areas in your life that need focus for optimal wellness. If you're interested, simply click the link in my show notes or visit www.heal-throughfood.com to access it.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-628-6416

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

Raising children isn’t just about keeping them free from illness or disease—true health goes far beyond a diagnosis. Just because a child isn’t sick doesn’t mean they feel their best. In this episode, we explore how to raise children with lifelong habits that promote overall well-being.

We’ll dive into:
✅ Building healthy habits from an early age
✅ Encouraging physical, emotional, and mental well-being
✅ Teaching children the importance of good nutrition, sleep, and hygiene
✅ Balancing screen time and promoting healthy social interactions
✅ Instilling financial and spiritual well-being for a well-rounded life

Why This Matters:

Raising a healthy, thriving child means teaching them to make good choices in every area of life—from food and exercise to emotional resilience and financial habits. When children develop strong foundations early on, they’re more likely to grow into happy, healthy, and successful adults.

Resources & Action Steps:

✅ Simple ways to teach kids about health and self-care
✅ How to encourage good sleep, hygiene, and medical checkups
✅ Tips for reducing screen time while promoting meaningful activities

📢 Subscribe & Stay Connected:
✅ Follow the podcast for more health insights
✅ Leave a review if you found this episode valuable!

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to raise truly healthy, thriving children!

References:

*Number of U.S. Children Taking Psychiatric Drugs

https://www.cchrint.org/psychiatric-drugs/children-on-psychiatric-drugs/

*Dave Ramsey Financial Solutions

https://www.ramseysolutions.com/

*Dave Ramsey Teach Children about Finances

https://store.ramseysolutions.com/youth/children/

*https://www.Theovercomeproj.org

*Stef’s Instagram and the Overcome Project

@the_overcomeproject

@ironmilefitness

@stef_alderman

@stefironmile

Scripture of the day:

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) – "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."

I want to share a helpful resource with you—a free health questionnaire designed to pinpoint the areas in your life that need focus for optimal wellness. If you're interested, simply click the link in my show notes or visit www.heal-throughfood.com to access it.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-628-6416

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com