Forever chemicals and microplastics are making headlines, but are they the same thing? What do we actually know about their effects on human health, and can we do anything to reduce our exposure?

In this episode of No Filter Doctor, I break down the differences between PFAS (forever chemicals) and microplastics, where they're found, and what the scientific research tells us about their potential health consequences.

We also discuss PFAS blood testing, who may benefit from testing, and practical ways to reduce exposure through everyday choices.

There's growing reason for concern, but there are also significant gaps in the evidence. And despite what some wellness companies are selling, we don't have all the answers yet.

Link to websites and apps discussed:

https://www.mass.gov/doc/pfas-free-buying-guide/download

https://www.beatthemicrobead.org/

Related blog: Forever Plastics, Forever Chemicals: What You Need to Know and Do

Most of us think about oral health in terms of cavities, gum disease, and keeping our teeth clean. But what happens in our mouths may have implications far beyond our teeth and gums.

In this episode of No Filter Doctor, I'm joined by Dr. Ekta Sem, a dentist specializing in comprehensive integrative dentistry, to explore the connection between oral health and systemic disease.

We discuss the relationships between periodontal disease, diabetes, cardiovascular health, inflammation, and sleep-disordered breathing. We also get into practical oral hygiene, including flossing, tongue scraping, mouthwash, and oil pulling.

I learned quite a bit during this conversation, and some of it genuinely surprised me.

Related blog: What Science Says About the Oral-Systemic Connection

What if we could take a snapshot of what is happening inside our bodies at the molecular level? Could that information help us detect diseases earlier, understand why people respond differently to treatments, or even personalize nutrition?

That is what researchers are exploring through metabolomics, an emerging field of medicine studying the small molecules involved in our body's biochemical processes.

In this episode of No Filter Doctor, I explain what metabolomics is, how it differs from genomics, and where the research is taking us. From newborn screening to cancer detection and precision nutrition, the possibilities are exciting, but there is still plenty we don't know.

And as with any emerging science, there is a difference between legitimate medical research and the promises the wellness industry may try to sell us.

Related blog: Metabolomics: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?