According to the National Library of Medicine, there are over 2,500 scientific articles published in PubMed on the effects of bentonite clay on bodily functions. Since olden times, humans have used clays, both internally and externally, to maintain overall health. While there are few scientific articles reviewing the beneficial effects of clays on the body, bentonite clay is an available exception. 

What Is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite clay is one of the most powerful and effective clays for detoxification. It is composed primarily of montmorillonite, giving bentonite clay its remarkable molecular structure. Once you hydrate bentonite clay, it generates a strong electromagnetic charge. That allows the clay to attract and hold onto toxins, heavy metals, and other impurities. Similar to distilled water, bentonite clay has a pulling effect, drawing impurities with it as it passes through the body.

In a face mask, bentonite clay acts as a deep pore treatment, drawing out blackheads and absorbing excess sebum. Both of those actions help to calm inflammation associated with acne. After a bentonite clay mask, the skin feels tighter, cleaner, and purified. 

Bentonite clay may help improve many aspects of your health, from clearing up the skin to improving digestion and liver function. Continue reading to learn how bentonite clay benefits various aspects of your health. 

For The Skin

• Oil absorption: The clay’s absorbent powers help draw out excess oil, helping to reduce shine and make pores appear smaller. 
• Exfoliation: Bentonite clay helps to gently exfoliate the skin, promoting skin cell turnover, improving skin texture, and promoting a healthy glow.
• Detoxification: By absorbing oil and drawing debris from the skin, bentonite clay temporarily reduces the appearance of pores and refines skin texture. 
• Antibacterial: Bentonite clay’s antibacterial properties may be effective for combating acne and preventing certain skin infections. More research is necessary regarding this point, though. 
• Calming and healing: Bentonite clay may soothe irritated skin and reduce the appearance of rashes. It may also provide relief as an insecticide or ingredient in insect repellent. 

For Digestion

• Digestive relief: According to limited studies, bentonite clay may help relieve diarrhea and other minor digestive disorders. That makes bentonite clay a popular ingredient in colon cleaning products. In fact, that is why bentonite clay is in the Dherbs 10-day Colon Cleanse. A study from 2024 found that bentonite clay may help absorb and kill multidrug-resistant E. coli, due to the antibacterial properties. 
• Improved gut health: Bentonite clay’s ability to bind with and remove toxins may promote a more balanced, healthier gut environment. 
• Toxin removal: Bentonite clay binds to toxins in the digestive tract, which may potentially help the body eliminate them. Animal studies suggest that consuming bentonite clay may help detoxify the kidneys and liver, but it’s worth noting that human studies are lacking.

Other Benefits

• Weight loss: Preliminary animal studies suggest that bentonite clay can improve gut microbiota, and separate human data links gut microbiota to supporting weight loss. At this time, there is no direct evidence supporting that bentonite clay causes weight loss.
• Hair care: Bentonite clay is traditionally used to cleanse the scalp and remove buildup in Iran. By encouraging optimal scalp health, bentonite clay may promote hair growth, but there is no direct evidence that supports that claim. 
• Cancer: In laboratory studies, bentonite clay exhibited effects on cancer cells, but no evidence shows that it prevents or treats cancer in humans. For this reason, more research is needed. 
• Dental care: Bentonite clay, similar to activated charcoal, can serve as a natural tooth cleaner and whitener. 

How To Use Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is either available in liquid or powder form. You can apply it topically on the skin or consume it by mouth. To use bentonite clay on the skin: 

• Mix the bentonite clay powder with water to form a paste. Make sure not to use a metal bowl or utensil for mixing, or else it will neutralize the clay’s negative charge, making it ineffective for attracting positively charged toxins. 
• Apply the bentonite clay paste to clean, dry skin. Do not apply the clay to sensitive areas, such as the eyes or genitals. 
• Leave the clay on the skin for 10 to 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Pat the skin dry and follow up with a moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying out. 

When consumed orally, bentonite clay draws water into the intestines. That action may help relieve digestive problems, such as bloating or diarrhea. To ingest bentonite clay:

• Mix a half or full teaspoon of food-grade bentonite powder in a glass of filtered water. Stir well to combine. 
• Drink the full glass of bentonite water on an empty stomach. Follow that up with another glass of filtered water. 
• And remember that bentonite clay should be taken with lots of water to avoid intestinal obstruction or constipation.

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If you want to maintain a healthy immune system and promote overall wellness, proper lymphatic function is a key factor. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body’s immune response and helps remove harmful substances from the body. Unfortunately, the lymphatic system does not have a natural pump; rather, you have to move in order to move lymphatic fluid. Failure to move frequently can result in lymphatic blockages, which can lead to swelling, lymphedema, or impaired immune function. 

What’s interesting is that many essential oils have proven to be effective at enhancing lymphatic drainage. Adding specific essential oils to lymphatic drainage massages or using them in other ways, such as aromatherapy, may improve the efficacy of the lymphatic system. This process aids the removal of cellular waste, helps to improve blood flow, and reduces pain and swelling. Continue reading to learn about the best essential oils that support lymphatic drainage.

Grapefruit Essential Oil

This essential oil has natural properties that work to increase blood flow and improve the movement of lymph, an essential process for detoxification. Stimulating lymphatic flow ultimately reduces congestion in the lymphatic system, which may prevent fluid buildup. Grapefruit essential oil also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce inflammation, which allows for better lymphatic flow. 

Ginger Essential Oil

Known for its warming and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger essential oil is an excellent choice for stimulating lymphatic drainage. It may help promote circulation and stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluid. The improved flow can help clear blockages, reduce lymphatic congestion, and assist with the removal of toxins and waste. Ginger essential oil’s warming properties may stimulate sweating, which further supports the removal of waste products, thereby enhancing lymphatic health. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties are anything but recent news. It is commonly used in aromatherapy or massage to help reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic function. Adding a few drops to your bath or massage oil may further support detoxification. Tea tree oil is also versatile, making it easy to incorporate into a variety of therapies. 

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum essential oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a valuable essential oil for lymphatic drainage. The potent anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce swelling and inflammation in lymph nodes or surrounding tissues. That process ultimately allows for smoother lymphatic flow, preventing blockages. Helichrysum essential oil has also demonstrated detoxifying effects, which may enhance the body’s removal of harmful substances. Lastly, this essential oil may improve blood flow and help maintain lymphatic flow. The regenerative properties also support tissue repair and recovery. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Used for thousands of years for its health benefits, frankincense essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing inflammation works to ease lymphatic flow and helps prevent blockages. The reduction of inflammation may make the lymphatic system more effective at eliminating waste. Various compounds in frankincense essential oil, such as boswellic acids, may boost immune function. If the immune system is functioning optimally, the lymphatic system has more support to filter and remove waste. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is naturally rich in limonene, a compound that helps promote the body’s natural detoxification processes. It also works to stimulate lymphatic flow and promote the removal of toxins and waste. The natural diuretic properties encourage the release of excess fluids. By reducing water retention and swelling, lemon essential oil helps support the lymphatic system by enhancing overall drainage. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil may help reduce hair loss, but it can also stimulate blood circulation, which may help move lymph through the body more effectively. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties may soothe inflamed tissues and reduce swelling, making rosemary essential oil a great choice for supporting the lymphatic system. 

If you experiment with these essential oils or want to enhance lymphatic cleansing, consider the Blood & Lymphatic formula, which works to naturally cleanse the blood and support lymphatic function. You can also consider our Circulation Aid, which encourages optimal blood flow.

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In the world of health and wellness, gut health, detoxing, weight loss, and immunity are typically the most discussed topics. You may also hear about hormone balance, inflammation reduction, and natural detoxification. What doesn’t receive a lot of attention is lymphatic health. Perhaps you have heard of lymphatic massage, but there is more to detoxing the lymphatic system than a simple massage. This article covers how you can support the often neglected lymphatic system. 

What Does The Lymphatic System Do?

On average, there is about three times more lymphatic fluid than blood in the body. The system constantly works to carry immune cells, nutrients, and waste products through hundreds of lymph nodes. The lymphatic system does not have a pump, so lymphatic fluid only moves if you move. Lymphatic fluid contains white blood cells that fight infection, in addition to proteins and waste products that have to be eliminated. 

As lymph passes through the nodes, it filters in order for the body to remove toxins, debris, and damaged cells. That is one of the primary ways that the body keeps inflammation under control. That means that your immune system works better and the body can recover more quickly when lymph is flowing. When the system slows down, you can experience brain fog, fatigue, swelling, and puffiness. That’s why supporting lymphatic flow is a great way to help the body stay as healthy as possible. 

Why Does Lymphatic Fluid Get Stuck?

Present day sedentary life is not kind to the lymphatic system. Lack of movement from long hours of sitting means that your muscles are not squeezing lymph vessels like they should. Even being a little dehydrated can make lymphatic fluid thicker and more difficult to move. Other common things that cause lymphatic fluid to get stuck include:

• Chronic stress, which alters breathing patterns and blood flow
• Daily exposure to environmental toxins
• Tight clothing that compresses vessels
• Poor sleep, which reduces drainage at night

These things slowly build up over time and can make it harder for lymphatic fluid to flow freely. Continue reading to learn about everyday habits that can keep lymph flowing.

Rebounding And Inversions

Rebounding is a low-impact exercise that involves jumping on a small trampoline, also called a rebounder. It is especially helpful for lymphatic flow because the up-and-down movement works like a pump for your entire system. A few minutes of light bouncing can make a big difference. If you do not have a rebounder, lie flat on the floor with your legs resting up against the wall. That encourages fluid from the lower legs to drain back towards your core. 

Contrast Therapy

Although the Ice Man, Wim Hof, has been promoting cold plunging for years, contrast therapy is now a part of the lexicon. It is the act of alternating between hot and cold as a way to stimulate circulation and lymphatic fluid. The heat dilates blood vessels and the cold constricts them. Going back and forth between the two creates a pumping effect for lymphatic flow. You can sit in a sauna and then take a plunge in a cold bath. You can even end your hot shower with a minute of cold for some benefits. 

Lymphatic Massage And Dry Brushing

Gentle massage can help support lymphatic flow, but lymphatic massage is not the same as deep tissue massage. In fact, lymphatic massage is very light and it almost feels like the skin is being stretched. Begin at the collarbone area to help activate the system before working on other body parts. Dry brushing is another option that you can do yourself. Use a natural bristle brush and move in light strokes toward the heart. That helps stimulate circulation, supports lymphatic flow, and leaves the skin feeling softer. 

Walking And Gentle Movement

Walking is the easiest way to encourage healthy lymphatic flow. The lymphatic system relies on muscle contractions and even a short walk involves a lot of muscle contractions. Break up long periods of sitting with a few minutes of movement. If you have a desk job, take a walk on your lunch break instead of watching a video on your phone. Other gentle activities that encourage lymphatic flow include yoga, Tai Chi, or stretching.

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Testosterone levels are dropping faster than ever and it’s not just age. Stress, poor sleep, diet, and toxins all play a role. Low T can mean low energy, poor performance, and health risks men can’t ignore. But here’s the good news: lifestyle changes and natural solutions like the Dherbs Male Cleanse can help you restore balance, boost vitality, and reclaim your drive.

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Low testosterone? Poor sleep, bad diet & no exercise make it worse, plus aging & toxins don’t help. The Dherbs Male Cleanse supports Testosterone & libido, Prostate & sexual health, Energy & confidence. Take control of your health today!

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There are many people who like to start the year with a cleanse. It’s a fresh start, a chance to wipe the slate of holiday eating away. A cleanse is also a way to help promote weight loss, which is a common New Year’s resolution. The great thing about a cleanse, especially one like the Full Body Cleanse, is that it provides a clear plan for the user to succeed. But why reserve detoxification efforts for one time of year when you can aid the body’s detoxification processes with vegan foods year round?

What Is A Detox Food?

A detox food is something that assists the body in eliminating harmful toxins and waste. These foods not only have diverse nutritional profiles, but also powerful properties that aid detoxification. If you are feeling sluggish, for example, incorporating the foods in this article into your diet can give the body a helping hand. As a n added bonus, these vegan foods are naturally rich in antioxidants and fiber. They are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, while being rich in vitamins and minerals. Add the following foods to your plate to aid detoxification.

Beets

This vibrant red root veggie is one of the best detoxifying foods in the game. It works to push toxins out of the body while supporting the liver’s phase 2 detox. A healthy liver is necessary if you want to keep the body as clean as possible. The liver helps to cleanse the body, leading to better hormone balance, higher energy levels, and lower cholesterol levels. Beets are also rich in betaine, a potent antioxidant, and pectin, a fiber that clears boxing’s that the liver removes from the blood. Beets have also been known to aid immune function, fight inflammation, and assist with blood pressure management. 

Asparagus

Those green spears are not only tasty, but also incredibly good for you. Asparagus contains glutathione, which is an antioxidant that aids detoxification. Asparagus also contains iron, fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Several studies confirm that asparagus may help lower blood pressure and promote healthy kidney and bladder function. 

Grapefruit

A grapefruit is not just a food that belongs on an elderly person’s breakfast plate. It is naturally rich in vitamins A, C, and B1, in addition to pantothenic acid, fiber, biotin, and potassium. Researchers note that the enzymes in grapefruit work to break down the fat in the body, which helps encourage weight loss. Due to the fact that grapefruit interacts with certain medications, please consult your healthcare professional before increasing or starting your grapefruit intake. 

Garlic

Many cultures have used garlic for its medicinal properties for hundreds of years. Historically, it was incorporated into herbal remedies to aid detoxification. Studies show that the vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds in garlic work to clean the blood, support immune function, and aid cholesterol reduction. The beauty of garlic is that you can incorporate it into your diet easily because it lends itself to myriad dishes. 

Artichokes

First of all, eating spinach artichoke dip with chips does not count, and it definitely doesn’t aid detoxification. If anything, it gets in the way! Artichokes work to clean the liver and kidneys, while also helping to purify the blood. Artichokes cantina cynarin, an antioxidant that helps the liver produce bile, expel toxins, and digest fat. They also contain silymarin, which works to protect liver cells and membranes, allowing the liver to do its job and prevent against liver toxicity. 

Ginger

Ginger is one of nature’s best medicinal plants, and it is especially helpful for the digestive system. Studies show that ginger helps to move toxins through the digestive tract more efficiently. That helps reduce gas and helps prevent bloating. Additionally, ginger is naturally rich in antioxidants, which protect your cells and boost immune function. A 2022 review found that the antioxidants identified in ginger may enhance or complement the treatment for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.

Broccoli

Broccoli, in addition to other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, is a great food for supporting the liver. It is naturally rich in sulforaphane, a compound that helps fight off infectious cells in the body. Sulforaphane may also stimulate the liver to produce enzymes that aid with the detoxification. Broccoli also helps reduce inflammation throughout the body and promotes digestion by supporting a healthy microbiome.

If you are looking to aid detoxification during your efforts to go vegan, consider our Going Vegan 20-day Challenge. It has essential nutrients that many vegans struggle to get from foods alone, so it will only aid your dietary efforts and lifestyle shift. For a limited time (from 9/15/25 – 9/21/25), you can use code “GOVEGAN15” at checkout to get 15% off the product.

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Wormwood sounds like an herb that you would receive from a shaman during a medieval quest. Believe it or not, wormwood is one of the three key ingredients in absinthe, which Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas, and Vincent Van Gogh used to drink. Maybe that’s why they were such incredible artists!

What Is Wormwood?  

Wormwood, known scientifically as Artemisia absinthium, helps to eliminate intestinal worms, specifically roundworms and pinworms. The plant, which is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, has a bitter taste and has been used for centuries in medicinal applications. Researchers note that wormwood is a perennial herb that exhibits a wide range of health benefits. Continue reading to learn about six of the many impressive health benefits of wormwood.

Aids Digestion

According to historical evidence, wormwood has helped treat flatulence, indigestion, gastritis, and other digestive issues. Wormwood contains bitter compounds that stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which enhance the absorption of nutrients from the foods you eat. The terpenes in wormwood also stimulate saliva, stomach mucus, and intestinal secretions, all of which may ease digestive symptoms. Wormwood may also reduce stomach acids that contribute to acid reflux and peptic ulcers. 

It Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Properties

Wormwood contains artemisinin, a compound that researchers believe to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. A few studies suggest that wormwood may also temper the actions of cytokines, which are proteins that help instigate inflammation. In doing so, wormwood may ease redness, warmth, swelling, and other symptoms of inflammation. Most of the research about wormwood’s anti-inflammatory properties have been focused on people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. A 2016 study monitored people who took 150 milligrams of wormwood extract per day for 12 weeks. The results indicated that they experienced less joint pain than the group that took a placebo. 

It Has Antimicrobial and Anti-parasitic Effects:

Wormwood has exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against many pathogens, from bacteria to fungi, and even parasites. Studies show that wormwood is most effective when it comes to eliminating pinworms and roundworms from the body. Other studies found wormwood to be effective against gut parasites like Giardia lamblia and Helicobacter pylori. For these reasons, wormwood may be a promising natural alternative to traditional anti-parasitic medications or drugs.

Enhances Liver Function

Historically, wormwood was used to help support liver function. Wormwood contains compounds that help promote the secretion of bile, aiding in the breakdown of fats and toxins. Reports suggest that regular consumption of wormwood may help detoxify the liver, which helps protect it from free radical damage.

May Fight Cancer Cells

Several studies found that the artemisinin compound in wormwood may fight against iron-enriched breast cancer cells. It actually fights these cancer cells the same way it eliminates malaria-causing parasites. Cancer cells can be rich in iron because they soak it up, which facilitates cell division. A 2012 study tested samples of breast cancer cells and normal breast cells that had been treated to maximize iron content. After that, the cells were treated with a water-soluble form of artemisinin. Results revealed that normal breast cells showed little change. Within 16 hours, however, the cancer cells were dead, with only a few normal cells killed. 

May Offer Pain Relief

In the past, wormwood was used in herbal remedies as a pain-reliever. Because it contains analgesic properties, wormwood may alleviate various forms of discomfort, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain. Researchers don’t fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, so more research is necessary.

Precautions

Although wormwood offers a variety of health benefits, it is crucial to exercise caution when using it. Because wormwood contains thujone, a compound that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts, there are certain people that should avoid it. Pregnant women, individuals with seizure disorders, and those with liver disease should not consume wormwood. Should you want to incorporate wormwood into your diet, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a health condition or take specific medications.

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Ozempic is a prescription medication classified in a group of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which you administer once a week by subcutaneous injection (under the skin). This drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for controlling blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. More recently, however, people have used Ozempic and similar drugs to promote weight loss. 

Due to the popularity of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, some healthcare providers offer off-label Ozempic. That is specific to overweight or obese people living with risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. If you take Ozempic, you might be wondering how long it stays in your system. That is especially true if you experience some of the unfortunate side effects. 

Is there actually a way to help clear Ozempic from your body faster? It can take weeks for the medication to naturally leave the system, but there are certain strategies to manage effects as it leaves the body. Continue reading to learn more about that. 

How Long Does It Take For Ozempic To Leave Your Body?

Health experts note that it can take up to five weeks for the body to fully eliminate Ozempic. Unfortunately, there is no way to accelerate this process. Before you can understand how long it takes the body to eliminate Ozempic, it is helpful to know the drug’s half-life. Just like plutonium, coffee, or any other drug, Ozempic has a half-life. That is the amount of time it takes for half the drug to leave the body. The body eliminates some drugs faster than others, but generally speaking, it takes about five half-lives for a drug to be completely eradicated from the body.

Ozempic’s half-life is seven days, which means that it can take up to 35 days (five half-lives) for it to completely leave the body after the last dose was administered. The elimination process only begins after you administer the last dose of the medication. If you continue to take Ozempic, it will remain in your system and prolong the detoxification period. 

Can You Get It Out Of Your System Faster?

As previously stated, the elimination of a drug from your body follows a natural timeline determined by:

• The drug’s half-life
• Metabolism (the process by which the body breaks down the drug)
• Excretion (removal of the drug via urine or feces)

Generally speaking, there is no guaranteed or scientifically-backed way to expedite the removal process. For certain medications, you can receive specific antidotes or agents that can expedite the process. Narcan, for example, is a drug used to quickly reverse an opioid overdose. That is a specific situation and it does not apply to every drug or medication.

Basically, it is not possible to flush Ozempic out of your system faster than five to seven weeks. If you want to stop taking the GLP-1 drug, talk to your healthcare provider first. They will advise you on how to safely transition off the drug, which can help minimize side effects. The body will eliminate the drug at its own pace, but you should consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing side effects or complications related to the medication. 

The Takeaway

If you want to stop taking Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs, there are safe ways to transition off the medication without experiencing negative side effects. By making healthy lifestyle changes, you can help regain control of your health and feel more like yourself once you get off the drug. Want a little assistance resetting your body? Try the Full Body Cleanse, which is a 20-day herbal cleanse designed to rid the body of toxins and waste and cleanse the body’s major organs and systems.

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A new study investigated the release of microplastics from natural and synthetic chewing gums. According to researchers, chewing a single piece of gum could release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles into saliva. Those particles originate from the gum’s base, which tends to contain synthetic polymers. The study suggests that regular gum chewers may be ingesting significant amounts of microplastics without knowing it.

What Are Microplastics?

As the name suggests, microplastics are small pieces of plastic that range from one micrometer to five millimeters long. These synthetic solid polymeric matrices are insoluble in water. They cause pollution by entering natural ecosystems through a network of different sources, including clothing, cosmetics, food packaging, renovation, and construction. The actual term “microplastics” differentiates larger, non-microscopic plastic waste from the micro fragments. 

What Did The Study Show?

The pilot study was presented at the American Chemical Society’s spring 2025 meeting, revealing the dangers of microplastics entering saliva via chewing gum. The microplastics in saliva are potentially ingested, posing a larger risk to overall health. Researchers at UCLA conducted experiments involving a single participant who chewed seven pieces each of 10 different gum brands. The gums were both natural and synthetic varieties. Researchers took saliva samples after chewing and analyzed them using filtration and chemical analysis techniques, including microscopy, to quantify and identify microplastics. 

In order to ensure accuracy, microplastics that were present in initial rinse samples were subtracted from the ones researchers found in chewing gum saliva samples. The researchers tested 10 popular chewing gum brands of synthetic and natural gums. For clarification, synthetic gums are made from plastic-based polymers, while natural gums are derived from plant-based materials, such as chicle.

The participant chewed each type of gum, and this person’s saliva was analyzed after chewing each piece. The goal was to quantify the number of microplastics released while chewing each type of gum. Study authors focused on the initial minutes of chewing, the time during which most microplastic release was expected to take place. 

The Study’s Key Findings

Researchers observed that, on average, one gram of gum released approximately 100 microplastic particles. Some brands even released up to 600 particles per gram! That means that a large piece of gum could potentially release more than 3,000 microplastic particles. The majority of the identified microplastics were released within the first eight minutes of chewing. 

Both synthetic and natural gums released similar amounts of microplastics, averaging 100 particles per gram. The particles that researchers identified included polymers, such as polyolefins, polyacrylamides, polystyrenes, and polyterephthalates. These materials are commonly found in consumer plastics. For people who chew around 180 pieces of gum annually, that could result in ingesting over 30,000 microplastic particles per year. 

Dangers Of Microplastics

It should be noted that the study did not identify a direct link between microplastic ingestion from gum and certain health conditions. That said, other studies have found microplastics detected in various human tissues, including the lungs, placenta, bloodstream, and brain. The presence of microplastics in the body is linked to inflammation, organ dysfunction, and DNA damage. 

More research is still necessary about the specific risks from gum-derived microplastics. Health experts suggest that you avoid regular gum chewing due to the potential health risks associated with microplastic consumption. Some of those risks include:

• Chemical toxicity: Microplastic particles can carry environmental toxins, including heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can be released into the body after ingestion.
• Gastrointestinal issues: It’s possible for microplastics to irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to general discomfort and inflammation. 
• Endocrine disruption: There are certain chemicals leached from microplastics that can interfere with hormone functions. That could lead to metabolic disorders and reproductive health issues. 
• Cellular damage: There are several studies that suggest that microplastics can cause DNA damage and oxidative stress.

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The back-to-school season is a time for new opportunities and beginnings. For some students, especially those with compromised immune systems, the susceptibility to illness increases. Protecting your child(ren) and yourself against common colds or other infections that circulate the classroom can be a lot easier with the right steps in place. 

Developing a back-to-school routine is a challenge in and of itself. Waking up earlier, establishing a quick and efficient routine, and leaving the house on time can prove difficult, especially after summer vacation. Many health officials state that immune health is tied to diet, sleep, and exercise. Building a healthy diet and establishing movement and proper sleep hygiene can enhance immune function, which your child needs as they face the new school year. Hopefully, the following tips can help better prepare your child’s immune system for the back-to-school reality.

Get Plenty Of Sleep

The Sleep Foundation encourages school kids between the ages of six and 13 to get nine to 11 hours of sleep every night. Without sufficient sleep, the body has a more difficult time regulating biological rhythms. Not to mention, insufficient sleep makes the body more susceptible to sickness. If you or your child has trouble sleeping, there are practices that have proven to be quite effective. Click here to learn more about methods that help you fall asleep.

Drink Water

Water is essential for a healthy life because it has many roles in the body. Not only does it help with waste elimination, but it also helps the immune system function optimally. If the body is in a dehydrated state, it cannot effectively produce white blood cells, which help fight off bacteria, pathogens, and viruses. Drinking plenty of water can also help flush toxins from the body, which keeps the immune system functioning optimally. Need help getting your kiddos to drink more water? Spice it up by adding fresh fruit to the water, or consider blending some fruit with water to make a healthier rendition of a punch.

Eat The Right Foods

Dietitians agree that one of the best ways to boost the immune system is to eat the right foods. Focus on fruits and vegetables because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost the function of immune cells. High-fiber foods also work to maintain a healthy digestive system. What foods do you eat to encourage better immune function? Consider packing the following snacks in your child’s lunch: 

• Oranges: One orange can have up to 75% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C. 
• Mandarins: Mandarins pack a considerable amount of vitamin C and make for the perfect lunch snack. They are easy to peel, easy to put in lunches, and their seedlessness makes them easy to enjoy!
• Sunflower seeds:  Make sure to opt for the unsalted, shell-less sunflower seeds because they are very easy to eat. Sunflower seeds are also rich in vitamin E, which exhibits antioxidant effects in the body. 
• Almonds: Similar to sunflower seeds, almonds are naturally rich in vitamin E, which helps to fight off free radicals and boost immune function. They also contain heart healthy fats, protein, and lots of fiber. 
• Broccoli: It may be very difficult to get your child to eat broccoli, but it is an excellent source of vitamin C and sulforaphane, both of which encourage immune function. Sneak broccoli into meals like broccoli tater tots or fruit smoothies!

Exercise Regularly

It’s no secret that kids like to run amok like they haven’t a care in the world. The important thing to remember is to not let your child immediately plop on the couch or bed and watch TV or play video games from the time they get home to the time they go to bed. Even if your child is active in school sports or playground activities, make sure they remain active outside of school hours. This is especially important as they progress through the year and the weather starts to cool off. 

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, and it puts children and adolescents at risk for poor health. Between 2017-2020, 19.7% of children between the ages of two and 19 were affected by obesity. Obesity prevalence between two- and five-year-olds amounted to 20.7%, and 22.2% among six- to 11-year-olds. Data revealed that obesity prevalence was higher in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children than it was in non-Hispanic White children and non-Hispanic Asian children. Aside from decreased immune function, obesity increases the child’s risk of other health problems. Consult your family doctor if you notice the child’s weight is becoming a problem.

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