Marlton Optimal Health

06/01/2026

What is Glyphosate?
This is the key ingredient in Roundup, the most widely used herbicide in the world. Glyphosate also seems to exert a significant toxic effect on neurotransmission and induces oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. In 2015, The World Health Organization classified glyphosate as probably carcinogenic to humans. Many crops in the US are routinely sprayed with glyphosate right before harvest. Water run-off can contaminate lakes and streams. I referenced an article on the neurotoxic affects of glyphosate. For more information on foods and water contamination with glyphosate see WebMD "Glyphosate Herbicides and Your Health" or Ewg.org

J Mol Sci. 2022 Apr 21;23(9):4605. doi: 10.3390/ijms23094605

05/26/2026

Toxins in Personal Care Products
Did you know that about 10,000 chemicals are allowed in skin care products. Forty countries including the European union have banned about 1,400 of those chemicals and the US has banned only 11. To find out which are better, try the Environmental working group website and download there app for your phone so you can make an informed decision about the products you purchase.

Eur. Comm’n, Annex II: List of Substances Prohibited in Cosmetic Products (last update: 24/04/2018),http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/pdf/COSING_Annex%20II_v2.pdf Mar. 8, 2019).
Nat’l Inst. of Envtl. Health Sci., Endocrine Disruptors, https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm (last visited Apr. 2, 2019).

Endocrine disruptors are natural or man-made chemicals that may mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones, known as the endocrine system. These chemicals are linked with many health problems in both wildlife and people.

05/20/2026

I had a wonderful time meeting people interested in functional medicine and acupuncture at the Evesham Wellness Festival on May 2, 2026. Also, thanks to Joyce and Maryann, my receptionists for their support!

10/28/2025

Sleep, we all know it's important but few Adult Americans get the recommended 7 hours a night. More important is What the brain does during sleep. Researchers have coined the term glymphatic system. This is the clean up crew (Astroglial Cells) that gets rid of debris and toxins over night to prepare you for the next day. If this waste system is not functioning correctly there is a build up Amyloid in the brain. Over time this can have a significant impact with developing Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. We can help you find the cause of your insomnia and treat with acupuncture, supplements or both.

10/23/2025

PANS/PANDAS
I thought this was only a pediatric disease, but I actually have a 28 year old patient that has PANS. His main issue is vocalization tics since age 7. He was worked up completely by GI, ENT and Allergist with no improvement. He responded to acupuncture in two treatments and now we are adding supplements and checking his gut and tick-borne pathogens. He is seeing noticeable improvement in the frequency of his vocalizations. Yes PANS/PANDAS can persist into adulthood, but the key is to recognize it when it first occurs.

10/23/2025

Intermittent fasting- It's not really that difficult. There is an abundance of clinical studies that all point to the same conclusion. We aren't meant to be grazing all day. Our ancestors had to hunt for their food. There were many times when food wasn't available due to weather or competing animals. Our bodies were designed to go without food for a couple days without any ill effects. In fact studies show that the brain does best with at least a 12 hr fast. Our brain cleanses unwanted debris while we sleep which is also while we fast. We still need to drink water daily, and that is usually more accessible. So try not to eat 3 hours before bed. Then if you sleep at least 8 hours, you already have 11 hours of a fast. As always please consult your Doctor before trying to change your diet, as this way of eating may not apply to pregnant, nursing or diabetic, or cancer patients.
Effects of intermittent fasting on health, aging and disease. NEJM December 2019
Metabolic Effects of intermittent Fasting. Annual Review of Nutrition, August 2017.

10/08/2025

Today is Take your Teddy Bear to Work day. Here is Honey Bear to make your day!

09/26/2025

Nitrites and Nitrates link to colon cancer was suggested by research in 2015 from the World Health Organization. This was also confirmed by France in 2022. They vowed to reduce the additive in ham and cured meats. Read your label when purchasing any processed or deli meat.
://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/12/charcuterie-link-colon-cancer-confirmed-french-authorities

09/23/2025

The World Health Organization guidelines in 2023 advised not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control. A review of available evidence suggests that the use of NSS(non-sugar sweeteners) does not confer any long term benefits in reducing body fats in adults or children. Results suggest that there may be potential undesirable effects from long-term use of NSS, such as increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults.
://www.who.int/news/item/15-05-2023-who-advises-not-to-use-non-sugar-sweeteners-for-weight-control-in-newly-released-guideline
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS), which recommends against the use of NSS to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

09/17/2025

Environmental Working Group's 2025 Guide for Produce. This year potatoes are on the list. As usual, spinach and strawberries top the list of the Dirty Dozen foods that have the most toxins and should be purchased organically. They have a free app that is also very helpful for personal care items, and household cleaners.
Dirty Dozen
1. Spinach 7. Nectarines
2. Strawberries 8. Pears
3. Kale, Collard Mustard greens 9. Apples
4. Grapes 10. Blackberries
5. Peaches 11. Blueberries
6. Cherries 12. Potatoes