Episode 47: In this episode, Angie Gust talks about hydrogen water (aka functional water).  In Japan, research on functional water, especially on reduced water which contains a lot of molecular hydrogen, is ongoing. The active substances in reduced water have been reported to be hydrogen, mineral nanoparticles, and mineral nanoparticle hydrides. Similar to therapeutic gas, hydrogen water has been studied in diverse patient populations and has shown positive effects on immunity and inflammation. Turning to the environment, helping solve the climate crisis requires critical thinking. Unfortunately, many people are lacking in critical thinking skills. Inoculation theory may help.  Inoculation theory is a branch of psychology that says just as exposing people to a weakened form of a virus builds up their immunity, so does exposing people to a weakened form of misinformation. Like warning people/students about politically or financially motivated attempts to spread misinformation about the environment.  Consider trying to give people you know a heads up about misinformation and see if it works.   References Broockman, D., & Kalla, J. (2022, April 1). The manifold effects of partisan media on viewers’ beliefs and attitudes: A field experiment with Fox News viewers. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/jrw26 Coile, C. Oct 2021.Sustainable Dog Food: Do Meat Substitutes & Insect-Based Diets Work? AKC. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/insect-based-dog-foods-other-meat-substitutes-in-pet-diets/  Dunne, D. Carbon Brief. Jan 16, 2023.  Can the world halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030? https://www.carbonbrief.org/ Harper, Jan 23, 2023. Turning problem sea algae into a replacement for plastic. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64317261 NCSI. March 2022. Why teach critical thinking about climate change? https://ncse.ngo/why-teach-critical-thinking-about-climate-change Poem for the Planet. Song by Airmate. Sanetaka Shirahata, Takeki Hamasaki, Kiichiro Teruya. 2012. Advanced research on the health benefit of reduced water. Trends in Food Science & Technology. Volume 23, Issue 2, Pages 124-131,ISSN 0924-2244. Sim M, Kim CS, Shon WJ, Lee YK, Choi EY, Shin DM. Hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses and prevents apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):12130. Tomofuji T, Kawabata Y, Kasuyama K, Endo Y, Yoneda T, Yamane M, Azuma T, Ekuni D, Morita M. Effects of hydrogen-rich water on aging periodontal tissues in rats. Sci Rep. 2014 Jul 2;4:5534. doi: 10.1038/srep05534. PMID: 24985521; PMCID: PMC4078318. https://newrepublic.com/post/169824/important-new-years-resolution-climate Wallis Wells, D. Jan 18, 2023. Why the world’s most prominent climate radicals are rebooting. The New York Times. Van der Linden, S. et al. 23 January 23, 2017. Inoculating the Public against Misinformation about Climate Change. https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.201600008

Episode 46: In this Episode, host Angie Gust talks about 5 brain hacks suggested by neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart.  They are 1) taking 5-10 deep breaths upon awakening, 2) visualizing your goals, 3) spending more time in nature, 4) writing a gratitude list, and 5) silencing your mind to foster creative thinking. You may already do all of these practices, but if not, perhaps consider incorporating 1 or 2 into your daily routine.  Turning to the environment, Dec 7-19 was the COP 15 UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal Canada.  A new set of goals to guide global action through 2030 to halt and reverse nature loss was agreed upon by governments worldwide. Canada's Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, said, "It is truly a moment that will mark history as Paris did for climate."  Let's take some encouragement from this agreement and support all efforts to protect and increase biodiversity. References Briggs, H. COP15: Nations reach 'historic' deal to protect nature, https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-64019324 Canale, A., & Klontz, B. (2013). Hoarding Disorder: It’s More Than Just an Obsession - Implications for Financial Therapists and Planners. Journal of Financial Therapy, 4 (2) 4. https://doi.org/10.4148/ 1944-9771.1053 https://www.averyassociates.co.uk/excessive-wealth-as-a-manifestation-of-hoarding/ Hurst, D. May 18, 2021. Can the love of money be an addiction?https://www.tikvahlake.com/blog/can-the-love-of-money-be-an-addiction/ Neeley, B. Oct 16, 2022. I’m a Neuroscientist, and These Are 5 Things I Do Every Day To Hack My Brain’. https://biz.crast.net/im-a-neuroscientist-and-these-are-the-5-things-i-do-every-day-to-hack-my-brain/ Paracelsus Recovery. Mar 20, 2016. Addiction to wealth and power.https://www.paracelsus-recovery.com/blog/addiction-to-wealth-and-power/ Valdez, S. Oct 2019. Mother Earth. Family Friend Poems. https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poems/nature/environment/

Episode 45:  In this episode, host Angie Gust talks about a sensory intervention you can use for anxiety or a trauma memory. First, take a slow deep breath.  Then, acknowledge five things you see around you, four things you can touch around you, three things you hear, two things you can smell and finally one thing you can taste. That should help to ground you in the moment. Turning to the environment, Oxfam, a poverty alleviation organization, published a report to coincide with COP27-again held last November. The report was about the 125 richest people in the world. The analysis showed that on average, this group is emitting 3 million tons of CO2 a year, more than a million times the average for someone in the bottom 90% of humanity.  What legacy are they leaving future generations? References Burgess, M. Nov. 17, 2022. This Plastic Packaging Alternative Can Compost in a Year. Wired. https://www.wired.com/story/wired-impact-shellworks-biodegradable-plastic/ Cosier, S. Nov 22, 2022. How Floating Wetlands Are Helping to Clean Up Urban Waters. https://e360.yale.edu/features/floating-wetlands-cities-pollution Disney, A. Nov 29, 2022. Opinion: Abigail Disney: 125 billionaires control our climate future. https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/29/opinions/billionaires-climate-crisis-abigail-disney/index.html Oxfam. Nov 2022. Carbon Billionaires. https://oxfamilibrary.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10546/621446/bn-carbon-billlionaires-071122-en.pdf?sequence=14 Seidelman , James. Jan 2, 2022. Republicans exploit people’s biases to win elections. The Salt Lake Tribune.  https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2021/12/31/james-seidelman-john-p/ Seymour, E. Jun 14, 2012. The Bowl of Light. Mind Body Mandala. http://mindbodymandala.com/mind-body-mandala/the-bowl-of-light/ Smith, S. Apr 10, 2018. Behavioral Health Partners. U of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/behavioral-health-partners/bhp-blog/april-2018/5-4-3-2-1-coping-technique-for-anxiety.aspx Wallis Wells, D. Nov 23,2022. The world’s powers are beginning to look beyond the project of decarbonization. New York Times.

Episode 44: In this episode, host Angie Gust talks about what we can do to nourish our brain. First, among foods, oily fish with their Omega-3s help build membranes around each cell in the body, including the brain cells, and can help with circulation in the brain. Oily fish, along with berries, coffee, dark chocolate, nuts and seeds, are rich in antioxidants which inhibit oxidation.  The free radical theory says that organisms age because they accumulate oxidative damage. In addition, avocados may reduce blood pressure and eggs have B vitamins and choline that may prevent cognitive decline. Other ways to help your brain are getting adequate sleep, being well hydrated, exercising and keeping at the best weight for you. Turning to the environment, at COP 27, one of the US-led initiatives is the Green Shipping Challenge, which encourages entities along the shipping supply chain to make concrete steps regarding how they will put the shipping sector on a pathway toward full decarbonization no later than 2050.  Let's be hopeful that concrete actions materialize as a result of the COP 27 conference. References Berlatsky, N. May 27, 2018. The Trump Effect: New study connects white American intolerance and support for authoritarianism. https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/trump-effect-new-study-connects-white-american-intolerance-support-authoritarianism-ncna877886 Beyond Plastics. 2021. The New Coal: Plastics and Climate Change. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eda91260bbb7e7a4bf528d8/t/616ef29221985319611a64e0/1634661022294/REPORT_The_New-Coal_Plastics_and_Climate-Change_10-21-2021.pdf Burgess, L. Jan 2, 2020.  12 foods to boost brain function. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324044#broccoli COP 27 Update for Business Leaders: Green Funding, Climate Technologies Top Countries’ To-Do List. https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/cop-27-update-for-business-leaders-4872500/ MEE staff. Oct 21, 2022. Cop27: Greta Thunberg backs Egypt political prisoners ahead of climate summit. Middle East Eye. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-greta-thunberg-backs-political-prisoners-cop27  Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’ . A prayer for our earth. Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. Ramirez, R. Sept 27, 2022. Single-use plastic is wreaking havoc on the planet. Here’s what you can do to minimize your impact. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/16/us/plastic-recycling-climate-impact-lbg/index.html Wallis-Wells, D. Nov 10, 2022. Our carbon budget is running out quickly. The NY Times.

Episode 43:  In this episode, host Angie Gust talks a little about our vibrations and our mitochondria.  Do you all remember learning about mitochondria in school?  The powerhouse of the cell?  There is a body of research focused on how to improve and increase the number of your mitochondria.  It is important to know that  mitochondria are cell organelles that are responsible not only for energy, but also for exerting a major role in the aging process and in the development of age-related diseases. This month is the UN conference of the parties #27.  It is set for November 7-18, 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt.  Over 2000 speakers are expected. The Egypt web site on the meeting states that there will be a broad interaction with various stakeholders where the voice of youth, women, civil society and indigenous people will be at the center of these discussions. They go on to say that areas will focus on the promise of innovation and clean technologies as well as the importance of water and agriculture to the climate crisis. Let's be positive that immediate actionable steps come from this conference. References COP 27 Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt 2022. https://cop27.eg/#/ Greenheart Education. https://www.greenhearted.org/restore-the-earths-former-paradise.html Metabolic Meals. June 20, 2021. 10 Ways to Boost Your Mitochondria.https://blog.mymetabolicmeals.com/mitochondria-health/#:~:text=Physical%20exercise%20is%20the%20best,keep%20up%20with%20the%20demand. Neumann, D. Sept 21, 2022. Inflation Reduction Act signals consumer-owned power will be ‘driving force’ in climate fight. Beacon. https://mainebeacon.com/inflation-reduction-act-signals-consumer-owned-power-will-be-driving-force-in-climate-fight/ Nilsen, E. Sept 15, 2022. Biden administration announces plan to develop floating offshore wind turbines for West Coast. CNN Norio Okabayashi, Angelo Peronio, Magnus Paulsson, Toyoko Arai, and Franz J. Giessibl. 2018.Vibrations of a molecule in an external force field  PNAS Vol. 115 | No. 18 Lo, J. Jan 17, 2022. Egypt names foreign minister Sameh Shoukry to lead Cop27 climate talks. https://www.climatechangenews.com/2022/01/17/egypt-names-foreign-minister-sameh-shoukry-lead-cop27-climate-talks/ Stanborough, RJ. 2020. What is vibrational energy. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/vibrational-energy Vermillion, S. Sept 22, 2022. Regenerative Travel Is the Next Phase of Responsible Tourism. Outside. https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/news-analysis/regenerative-travel-is-the-next-phase-of-responsible-tourism/  

Episode 42: In this episode, host Angie Gust talks about the benefits of oil pulling. Oil pulling is a detox practice which originated in India over 3000 years ago.  The oil is ‘pulled’ and forced in between all the teeth by swishing it all around the mouth.  Then you spit it out and brush. You don't swallow it.  Oil pulling is believed to help in the excretion of toxic heavy metals by saliva.  Turning to the environment, I know we are all so happy that after long last, in August, the government dedicated money -369 billion in climate and energy investments --to addressing climate change. Three major analyses done to date project a 40% reduction in American emissions, compared to a baseline of 2005 levels.  This would cut about a billion tons of carbon a year by 2030 - a little more than halfway from where we are now to where we’ve promised to be.  The bill is good but we are still left short of our goal.  We have to keep advocating, working, and innovating. We can get there!   References Asokan S, Emmadi P, Chamundeswari R. Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Indian J Dent Res. 2009 Jan-Mar;20(1):47-51. doi: 10.4103/0970-9290.49067. PMID: 19336860. Barnet, Vern. Earth Day Prayer: In the Spirit of Indigenous Traditions. https://www.uua.org/worship/words/meditation/5590.shtml Jost, J. T., Glaser, J., Kruglanski, A. W., & Sulloway, F. J. (2003). Political conservatism as motivated social cognition. Psychological Bulletin, 129(3), 339–375. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.3.339 Lambert K. and Gleim, S. 10 things you can do to save the planet. April 20, 2022. https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/save-earth-top-ten.htm Pollizi, N. How to detox your body with oil pulling. https://www.thesacredscience.com/how-to-detox-your-body-with-oil-pulling/ Shanbhag VK. Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene - A review. J Tradit Complement Med. 2016 Jun 6;7(1):106-109. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.05.004. PMID: 28053895; PMCID: PMC5198813. Wallace Wells, D. Aug. 17, 2022. The landscape is so different now that we can make more climate progress for less money. The New York Times. Wegemer CM, Vandell DL. Parenting, temperament, and attachment security as antecedents of political orientation: Longitudinal evidence from early childhood to age 26. Dev Psychol. 2020 Jul;56(7):1360-1371. doi: 10.1037/dev0000965. Epub 2020 May 7. PMID: 32378919; PMCID: PMC8274710.      

Episode 41: In this episode, host Angie Gust talk about the vagus nerve. It is part of a circuit that links the neck, heart, lungs, and abdomen to the brain and is critical in balancing the nervous system. Is there any way we can help the vagus nerve, especially if we have excessive worry or anxiety?  Yes. One thing is a yogic practice called Sudarshan Kriya aka SKY for short. It consists of a specific sequence of varying breathing rates separated by brief periods of normal breathing.  Consider trying it.  Now, turning to the environment. To show that people can live off 100% renewable energy, just look at Canberra, Australia. Ten years ago when the Australian Capital Territory government, which oversees Canberra, embarked on a mission to achieve the goal of 90% renewable energy by 2020, it was dismissed and said to be impossible.  But, the Australian Capital Territory reached their goal in under a decade, and the people of Canberra today have the cheapest energy bills in Australia’s national energy market! Canberra is showing what can be done. References Kipp, J. Traditional and contemporary native culture. Trailtribes.org http://trailtribes.org/greatfalls/all-my-relations.htm#:~:text=%22The%20Blackfeet%20always%20pray%20to,health%2C%20and%20for%20all%20life. Noble LJ, Meruva VB, Hays SA, Rennaker RL, Kilgard MP, McIntyre CK. 2019.  Vagus nerve stimulation promotes generalization of conditioned fear extinction and reduces anxiety in rats. Brain Stimul. 12(1):9-18. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.09.013. Epub 2018 Sep 21. PMID: 30287193; PMCID: PMC6301121. Opray, M. July 19, 2022. The Tiny Australian Territory That Avoided the Global Energy Crisis. Reasons to be cheerful. https://reasonstobecheerful.world/australian-capital-territory-renewables-global-energy-crisis/ Rampell, C. July 21, 2022. Texan politicians won’t say this, but solar is saving their tushies right now. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/07/21/heat-energy-crisis-would-be-worse-without-solar/ Seymour, T. June 28, 2017. Everything you need to know about the vagus nerve. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318128# Weitzberg, E. and Lundberg, JON. 2002. Humming greatly increases nasal nitric oxide. https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/rccm.200202-138BC WWF. 10 things you can do to save our planet. https://www.wwf.org.uk/thingsyoucando Zope SA, Zope RA. Sudarshan kriya yoga: Breathing for health. Int J Yoga. 2013 Jan;6(1):4-10. doi: 10.4103/0973-6131.105935. PMID: 23440614; PMCID: PMC3573542.

Episode 40: In this episode, host Angie Gust talks about our hearts. Advancing age is the primary risk factor for heart problems. The reason for this is due to the dysfunction of our arteries. What can be done? In addition to other lifestyle changes, inspiratory muscle strength training (which is breathing against a resistive load) could be considered. This helps with blood pressure and other respiratory muscles. Turning to the environment, climate change journalist, David Wallace Wells, says countries are not keeping their pledges on climate change. None of the 187 countries that signed the Paris Agreement is on track for emissions reductions in line with the 1.5 degree F target. Let's keep up the pressure and support candidates and organizations who are making solutions to climate change their top priority.   References Brunt, V. E., Howard, M. J., Francisco, M. A., Ely, B. R., & Minson, C. T. (2016). Passive heat therapy improves endothelial function, arterial stiffness and blood pressure in sedentary humans. The Journal of physiology, 594(18), 5329–5342. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP272453 David, H.P. Born unwanted: mental health costs and consequences. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2011 Apr;81(2):184-92. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-0025.2011.01087.x. PMID: 21486260. Deem, J. June 25, 2022. Roe reversal signals a threat to the fight against climate change, experts say .Winston-Salem Journal. https://journalnow.com/news/local/roe-reversal-signals-a-threat-to-the-fight-against-climate-change-experts-say/article_de770c22-f4b1-11ec-b65a-1709c4849628.html Gallup. 2022. Pro-Choice or Pro-Life Demographic Table. https://news.gallup.com/poll/244709/pro-choice-pro-life-2018-demographic-tables.aspx Konash.D.  Dec 6 2021 Can You Do IMST Breathing Exercise Without Device? https://www.dmitrikonash.com/post/can-you-do-imst-breathing-exercise-without-device Levin, B. Sept 16, 2022. Trump reportedly called white supremacist “My people” in case it wasn’t clear he’s an abject racist. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/09/donald-trump-white-supremacists-my-people Lewis, T. May 3, 2022. Overturning Roe v. Wade Could Have Devastating Health and Financial Impacts, Landmark Study Showed. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/overturning-roe-v-wade-could-have-devastating-health-and-financial-impacts-landmark-study-showed/ Nowak, K. L., Rossman, M. J., Chonchol, M., & Seals, D. R. (2018). Strategies for Achieving Healthy Vascular Aging. Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979), 71(3), 389–402. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.117.10439 Sword, R.K.M. and Zimbardo, P. May 31, 2022. Traveling Back in Time to Repeal Roe v. Wade. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-time-cure/202205/traveling-back-in-time-repeal-roe-v-wade Sandalic, D. Abortion Rights and the Role of Values. June 26, 2022The Dobbs ruling violates secular values.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tough-choices/202206/abortion-rights-and-the-role-values Wallace-Wells, D. June 22, 2022. Our world is changing, but we don’t have the ability yet to fathom how. New York Times.

Episode 39:  In this episode, host Angie Gust talks about raw versus cooked whole foods.  Generally, raw foods are whole foods that haven’t been either processed or cooked.  There is an upper temperature limit that defines raw. For a food to be considered raw, it shouldn’t be heated above 117 degrees F.  When fruits and vegetables are cooked over this temperature, the bioavailability of certain micronutrients, including vitamins and phytochemicals, are reduced.  On the other hand, for certain types of whole foods, cooking them may enhance the bioavailability of some nutrients, for example lycopene in tomatoes.  Turning to the environment, a recent article makes a case that health professionals have a unique and essential role to play as advocates for climate solutions. The authors say first, that health professionals are well suited in terms of their knowledge, skills, credibility, and access to important audiences—including policy makers, government officials, educators, patients, and the general public—both in and out of their own community. Second, many health professionals are aware of and concerned about the health impacts of climate change and have called for integrating climate advocacy as part of their professional responsibility. We need all sectors contributing  to the climate change solutions discussion, right?

In this episode, host Angie Gust talks about the use of essential fatty acids in combatting chronic inflammation which can lead to illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and bowel diseases to name a few. Recent research has found that essential fatty acids are converted by the body to a novel genus of lipid mediators called specialized proresolving mediators. Specialized proresolving mediators represent a portion of the omega-3 fatty acid spectrum that has a big effect on reducing inflammation during the ending phase of the immune response. Importantly, research has shown that taking aspirin helps omega-3 fatty acids combat inflammatory diseases.  Turning to the environment, in November last year the U.S. Department of Energy launched a climate program called the Better Climate Challenge. The Challenge commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% within 10 years. More than 90 organizations across the U.S. have joined the challenge thus far. Consider asking your organization to join.   References Gong, Y., Lin, M., Piao, L., Li, X., Yang, F., Zhang, J., Xiao, B., Zhang, Q., Song, W. L., Yin, H., Zhu, L., Funk, C. D., & Yu, Y. 2015. Aspirin enhances protective effect of fish oil against thrombosis and injury-induced vascular remodelling. British journal of pharmacology, 172(23), 5647–5660. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.12986 Labarre, S. Apr 21, 2020. Design leaders at Microsoft, General Mills, and PepsiCo announce ambitious plan to fight climate change.  Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/90743957/design-leaders-at-microsoft-general-mills-and-pepsico-lead-ambitious-plan-to-fight-climate-change Marchant, J. 2013. How Happiness Boosts the Immune System. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-happiness-boosts-the-immune-system/ McDermott, T. Apr 6, 2022. Tribes look to renewable energy to power jobs of the future. Investigate West. https://www.invw.org/2022/04/06/tribes-look-to-renewable-energy-to-power-jobs-of-the-future/ Norling, L. V., Ly, L., & Dalli, J. 2017. Resolving inflammation by using nutrition therapy: roles for specialized proresolving mediators. Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care, 20(2), 145–152. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000000353 Taylor, S. 2019. Pathocracy: When people with personality disorders gain power. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-the-darkness/201907/pathocracy Zawadzki, SJ, Linda Steg and Thijs Bouman. 2020. Meta-analytic evidence for a robust and positive association between individuals' pro-environmental behaviors and their subjective wellbeing. Environmental Research Letters, Volume 15, Number 12 .