EMFs, Microplastics, Red Light & More: The REAL Science Behind Today’s Biggest Wellness Topics
Apr 16, 2025
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Dr. Vivian Chen, a seasoned medical professional and founder of Plateful Health, explores pressing health topics, including the hidden dangers of microplastics and heavy metals in everyday items. She discusses effective ways to reduce toxin exposure, the safety of microwaves, and why switching to glass containers is beneficial. The conversation also highlights the perks of red light therapy for mitochondrial health and offers valuable insights on the risks of EMF exposure. Tune in for practical advice on enhancing your well-being while debunking common wellness myths!
Fiber intake is crucial for health and longevity, reducing death risk by 11% with just 10 extra grams daily.
Balancing protein and fiber in diets is essential for optimal health, preventing potential kidney strain and enhancing overall wellness.
Microplastics infiltrate our environment, yet increasing fiber consumption helps bind these toxins and supports natural detoxification processes.
Red light therapy shows promise for benefits like pain relief and improved skin health by enhancing mitochondrial function and energy.
Deep dives
The Underrated Importance of Fiber
Fiber is a crucial component of a healthy diet, significantly impacting overall health and longevity. An increase of just 10 grams of fiber daily can reduce the risk of death by 11%, showcasing its role in longevity. Yet, the wellness industry overly emphasizes protein intake at the expense of fiber, neglecting its benefits for satiety, gut health, and disease prevention. Aiming for fiber-rich foods such as beans or whole grains in every meal can help achieve this fiber intake and improve health outcomes.
Rethinking Protein Intake
While protein is essential, particularly for older adults, a conversation shift is needed around its consumption. People often prioritize protein for satiety and weight loss, which can inadvertently lead to neglecting fiber-rich foods. Some individuals may consume excessive protein, straining kidney function, especially detrimental for those with compromised kidney health. The balance in diet is paramount; focusing both on protein and adequate fiber is crucial for overall well-being.
Myths Surrounding Olive Oil
Olive oil is frequently misunderstood regarding its cooking properties and health benefits. Contrary to popular belief, it has a sufficient smoke point and does not inherently harm health when used for cooking. Instead, olive oil has been shown to generate fewer harmful compounds compared to oils with higher smoke points. Thus, incorporating olive oil into cooking can be beneficial, provided it is of high quality and used appropriately.
Navigating the Microplastic Challenge
Microplastics are a pervasive concern, present in various aspects of our environment, including food and water. To combat their effects, increasing dietary fiber intake is beneficial as fiber can help bind to these contaminants, preventing their absorption in the body. Additionally, practical home measures such as using HEPA air filters and regular dusting can help minimize exposure. Although completely avoiding microplastics is nearly impossible, supporting the body’s natural detoxification through fiber-rich foods is empowering.
The Role of Gut Health in Overall Wellness
Gut health is intricately linked to overall wellness, influencing numerous health outcomes from mental health to physical ailments. The integrity of the gut microbiome can significantly impact various bodily functions, including digestion and immune response. Supporting gut health through fiber-rich foods aids in the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial for gut and overall health. Fostering this connection mandates conscious dietary choices, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to nutrition.
Understanding Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is gaining traction for its purported benefits in skincare, pain relief, and overall health. This therapeutic approach targets the mitochondria to enhance cellular energy production, potentially reversing symptoms of various chronic conditions. While it is not a cure-all, there is promising research indicating its efficacy for conditions like skin aging and joint pain. The key is to utilize effective dosages and wavelengths for specific health goals, ensuring that the therapy aligns with individual health needs.
EMF and Health: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) from devices like phones are a contentious topic, with conflicting studies regarding their health implications. Some research suggests prolonged phone use may increase certain cancer risks, while other studies indicate no significant risk. The nuanced approach recognizes that individual susceptibility may vary, particularly for children. Precautions such as keeping devices at a distance and reducing non-essential usage can help mitigate potential risks.
Do you know what the major sources of microplastics are in your home? Are you trying to decide whether you should throw out your plastic cutting board? Are you ingesting heavy metals without even knowing it? Is your microwave hurting you?
I’m sitting down with Dr. Vivian Chen to learn more about microplastics, heavy metals, EMFs, PFAS, forever chemicals, water filtration, red light therapy, and health myths and tips. If it’s a toxin you’re afraid of, we’re getting into it.
The Liz Moody Podcast cover art by Zack. The Liz Moody Podcast music by Alex Ruimy.
Formerly the Healthier Together Podcast.
This podcast and website represents the opinions of Liz Moody and her guests to the show. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for information purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
