Wellness Matters

11/11/2025

The Truth About Mouthwash and Heart Health

Research suggests that there may be an association between an unhealthy oral microbiome and adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Specifically, poor dental hygiene practices, periodontal disease, dental caries, or tooth loss may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Daily brushing, flossing, and annual dental examinations support optimal oral health and may potentially promote heart health. However, could twice-daily mouthwash also play a role?

Unmasking the potential hidden risks of mouthwash

Over-the-counter (OTC) mouthwashes are commonly used to freshen breath or leave a pleasant taste. Most contain antibacterial ingredients, such as chlorhexidine, triclosan, cetylpyridinium chloride, alcohol, essential oils, fluoride, and peroxide. Depending on the concentration, these ingredients may be either bacteriostatic or bactericidal. They target a broad spectrum of bacteria rather than specific pathogens. Cosmetic mouthwashes offer only temporary benefits with no known chemical or biological applications beyond freshness. While antibacterial mouthwashes may support those with dental plaque or gingivitis, their effectiveness against severe forms of periodontal disease and dental caries is unclear.

The oral microbiome comprises over 700 bacterial species. In addition to targeting pathogenic bacteria, mouthwashes may harm beneficial commensal bacteria vital for local and systemic health. One of the major roles of commensal oral bacteria for systemic health is supporting healthy nitric oxide (NO) production and bioavailability.

Nitric oxide is needed for normal blood pressure and circulation. During what is known as the “enterosalivary pathway,” the body is able to convert dietary intake of nitrates from food or supplements into NO. However, a crucial step in the enterosalivary pathway requires a healthy oral microbiome, allowing the reduction of salivary nitrate to nitrite by nitrate reductases found in certain commensal oral bacteria. Even with ample dietary nitrate intake, this pathway can only proceed with the presence of these commensal oral bacteria. Although the body has an alternative NO production pathway (endogenously in the endothelium), this pathway may be insufficient in certain individuals due to increased age, cardiovascular health conditions, or endothelial dysfunction.

The silent microbiome destroyer

An in vitro study shows that mouthwashes containing 0.12% chlorhexidine may destroy over 90% of the oral-nitrate-reducing bacteria, leading to an 85% reduction in reduced nitrate. Several small clinical studies have observed an association between frequent mouthwash use (containing chlorhexidine or alcohol-free mouthwash) with increased blood pressure and decreased nitrite levels.

A longitudinal 3-year study (n = 1,206) observed that participants who used OTC mouthwash more than twice daily at baseline had a 55% significantly elevated risk of prediabetes and diabetes compared to less frequent users and non-mouthwash users. Interestingly, mouthwash use less than twice daily had no association, suggesting a potential threshold effect. However, the study lacked details on mouthwash types or antibacterial agents, necessitating further investigation.

Conclusion and other related articles

Current research suggests that indiscriminate use of antibacterial mouthwashes may cause more harm than good regarding heart health, as it may disrupt the oral microbiome and healthy NO production and bioavailability. However, further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Learn more about the growing connection between the oral microbiome and cardiovascular health

Find out how the oral microbiome is necessary for healthy NO status and blood pressure

Explore the dual pathways and nutrients needed for enhanced NO production

By Danielle Moyer Male, MS, CNS, LDN

11/06/2025

Vascanox!!

Cardiovascular disease might be the leading cause of death, but after my conversation with Dr. Mark Houston, I'm more convinced than ever that we have the power to change that narrative. We delved int

11/05/2025

We have some fantastic products from Quicksilver Scientific! Stop by and let’s chat!

11/05/2025

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When your gut barrier is compromised,
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11/05/2025

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5HFIe9JOSv2nTJNyAGryxZ?si=Aiarv9k6SZqzwJpodEZdXQ

Learn Something with Thaena · Episode

11/05/2025

Thaena Post Biotic
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Come by the store and let’s talk about whether this supplement could be beneficial in your health journey !!

11/04/2025

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11/03/2025

Why should I care about inflammation?

David Roberts
Oct 27, 2025
5 min read

Inflammation isn’t always bad. In fact, it’s one of the body’s most sophisticated survival systems - your immune system’s way of healing wounds, fighting infections, and clearing out damaged cells.

The problem is that many of the stressors and dietary insults of modern life flip the “inflammation switch” on (sometimes unnecessarily) and rarely let it turn off. What used to be a short-term response has become constant background noise - and sometimes escalates to chronic disease. This is the difference between acute inflammation (short-term responses to actual fires) and chronic inflammation (a dumpster fire).

Let’s look at why that’s happening and how to get back to balance.

Chronic Stress

What's wrong: Our bodies were designed for short bursts of stress like running from danger, meeting a challenge, and then recovering.

Today, that recovery rarely happens. Constant stress from work, finances, notifications, and lack of rest keeps cortisol and adrenaline elevated. Over time, this suppresses immune function, raises blood sugar levels, and triggers inflammatory signals such as IL-6 and TNF-α.

What helps:

Prioritize 7–9 hours of true rest (not just sleep).
Build rythms of rest into your normal days - don't live for vacations.
Support your nervous system with breathwork or tools like TruVaga®.
Take short, tech-free breaks during the day. Your nervous system resets faster than you think. Stepping outside to look at nature and take 5 minutes to breathe could literally save your life when it's a consistent habit.

Processed Foods and Sugar Fan the Flames

What's wrong: Ultra-processed foods (refined grains, industrial oils, and sugar) disrupt blood sugar balance and promote oxidative stress.

When glucose and insulin are consistently elevated, inflammatory molecules accumulate. Seed oils (especially soybean, corn, and sunflower) are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which your body converts into pro-inflammatory compounds when omega-3s are too low.

What helps:

Swap processed oils for olive, avocado, or coconut oil.
Eat omega-3-rich foods like wild salmon, sardines, chia, or flax.
Consider a supplement like BodyBio's Balance Oil.

Focus on carbs with low glycemic load: sweet potatoes, lentils, and quinoa.
Consider wearing a CGM to understand your body's glucose/insulin patterns.

Hidden Toxins Create Cellular Stress

What's wrong: From pesticides and microplastics to heavy metals and household cleaners, we’re surrounded by low-level toxins that our grandparents didn’t face.

These compounds activate the same immune pathways that respond to infection. Over time, the liver and kidneys get overworked, and detox slows down - leaving inflammation simmering beneath the surface.

What helps:

Support detox with a stabilized sulforaphane supplement like BrocElite®.
Stay hydrated and move daily to keep the lymphatic system flowing. Consider adding rebounding to your daily routine.
Filter drinking water and minimize plastic exposure when possible. If you're worrked about microplastics, here is a great resource.

Gut Health: The Inflammation Gatekeeper

What's wrong: About 70% of the immune system lives in the gut. When the microbiome is imbalanced—due to antibiotics, stress, or processed food—the gut barrier weakens.

This allows bacterial fragments (like LPS, or lipopolysaccharide) to slip into the bloodstream, where the immune system treats them as invaders. The result? Low-grade, whole-body inflammation.

What helps:

Eat a variety of fiber-rich foods: greens, garlic, onions, and fermented vegetables.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics and added sugars.
Consider adding probiotics or fermented foods daily.

Poor Sleep Fuels Inflammation

What's wrong: Even one night of poor sleep can raise inflammatory markers. Chronically short or fragmented sleep reduces melatonin—a natural antioxidant—and impairs your body’s ability to repair cells.

What helps:

Keep a consistent bedtime and limit light exposure after dark.
Avoid caffeine after noon.
Try a magnesium or glycine supplement if you struggle to unwind.
Add SleepElite for melatonin precursors and more deep sleep

Nutrient Deficiency and Mitochondrial Fatigue

What's wrong: Modern soil depletion, processed food, and chronic stress leave most people low in magnesium, zinc, selenium, and B-vitamins - all of which are needed for antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase.

When those enzymes fall, oxidative stress rises, and the mitochondria (your cells’ powerhouses) send distress signals that trigger inflammation.

What helps:

Eat mineral-dense foods: pumpkin seeds, leafy greens, and grass-fed beef.
Support glutathione production with sulforaphane, curcumin, and alpha-lipoic acid.
Consider periodic lab testing to check nutrient levels.

Disconnection from Nature

What's wrong: Research now shows that time in nature lowers inflammatory markers like CRP and boosts the microbiome through soil-based microbes.

Yet most people spend 90% of their day indoors, breathing indoor air and touching artificial surfaces.

What helps:

Get 10-20 minutes of natural light in the morning.
Walk barefoot on grass or soil when possible.
Bring live plants into your workspace - they filter the air and improve mood.

Bringing It All Together

Healthy inflammation is meant to heal you, so the goal is not to turn it off completely. Ideally, you'll help your body close the cycle so it can resolve naturally.

Supporting your detox pathways, calming your nervous system, improving sleep, and nourishing your microbiome all make that possible.

If you want a place to start, supporting your Nrf2 pathway with sulforaphane is one of the most researched ways to help your body clean up inflammation from the inside out.



Referencias

Slavich GM, Irwin MR. (2014). From stress to inflammation and major depressive disorder. Psychol Bull.140(3):774–815.
Moretti S, et al. (2024). Chronic stress and inflammatory cytokines: Molecular and clinical implications. Biology (Basel). 14(1):76.
Black PH. (2006). The inflammatory consequences of psychologic stress. Med Hypotheses. 67(4):879–891.
Fiolet T, et al. (2022). Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of chronic inflammation. Nutrients. 14(17):3601.
Kang Y, et al. (2022). Added sugar intake and chronic low-grade inflammation. Nutrients. 14(18):3826.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Quick start guide to an anti-inflammatory diet. Harvard Health Publ.
Renu K, et al. (2021). Environmental toxicants and chronic inflammation: Mechanistic insights. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 87:103684.
Schyns G, et al. (2021). Microplastics and human health: Hazard and exposure. Environ Int. 146:106240.
Yang Y, et al. (2021). Sulforaphane mitigates oxidative stress via Nrf2 pathway activation. Oxid Med Cell Longev.2021:8853052.
Fasano A. (2020). Zonulin-mediated intestinal permeability and chronic disease. F1000Res. 9:69.
Zhang Y, et al. (2023). Lipopolysaccharide–gut microbiota interactions in low-grade inflammation. Front Immunol.14:1187283.
Nagpal R, et al. (2020). Gut microbiome–immune system interactions. Front Immunol. 11:2836.
Irwin MR. (2019). Sleep and inflammation: Partners in sickness and in health. Nat Rev Immunol. 19(11):702–715.
Benedict C, Cedernaes J. (2021). Sleep, circadian rhythm, and cellular repair. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 17(3):133–134.
Gröber U, Holick MF. (2019). Micronutrients and inflammation: An evidence-based approach. Int J Mol Sci.20(16):3765.
Wessels I, Maywald M, Rink L. (2017). Zinc as a gatekeeper of immune function. Nutrients. 9(12):1286.
Nunn AV, et al. (2020). Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and chronic disease. Antioxidants. 9(10):1058.
Hansen MM, et al. (2017). Health benefits of nature exposure: A systematic review. Environ Health Perspect.125(9):096003.
Li Q. (2019). Effect of forest bathing on human immune function. Environ Health Prev Med. 24(1):70.
Cuadrado A, et al. (2019). Therapeutic targeting of Nrf2 and NF-κB in chronic diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov.18(4):295–317.
Fahey JW, Kensler TW. (2021). Role of sulforaphane in activation of Nrf2 and resolution of inflammation. Antioxid Redox Signal. 35(1):47–70.

11/02/2025

If you're looking to increase your risk of contracting a C. difficile, Campylobacter, or Salmonella infection...or bone fractures...or kidney disease...or stomach cancer...or subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus...
..or dementia, bone fractures, heart disease, pneumonia,...or just plain die sooner...
..then you should definitely be taking a PPI.

PPIs are "Proton Pump Inhibitors" and they're the most commonly used class of drugs in the U.S. You may know them by the names "Prevacid", "Prilosec", "Nexium", and "Protonix" - and they're used to reduce stomach acid, treat heartburn, ulcers, and acid reflux.

But for the 15 million Americans who've been prescribed PPIs from their doctor, and the millions more who buy them over the counter - none of whom, I'm assuming, actually want to die sooner - those pesky li'l side effects are a bit of a problem.

By the way...you know what else is a proton pump, and thus, also effectively gets shut down by PPIs?

Your mitochondria. The place where you make energy. The energy you use for literally every facet of life.

And all of these things have been known for a very long time.

There are many reasons for acid reflux/heartburn - namely NOT ENOUGH stomach acid due to infections (I'm looking at you, H. Pylori), stress, and malnutrition (which can also be caused by many other reasons)...and they're all things that are well within your control.

If you have acid reflux, heartburn, GERD, etc...you owe it to yourself to get to the root cause of your issues and heal your body. There's no reason to suffer.

The "remedy" should never be worse than the "dis-ease".

11/01/2025

Who knew?

10/31/2025

Bisphenols, Gut Microbiome & Cardiovascular Toxicity

The journal Frontiers in Microbiology published a study that examined the influence of bisphenols on vascular calcification, including data from humans and an animal-based experiment. Given its widely recognized role as an endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A (BPA) has been replaced in many plastic products with other bisphenols, including bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol AF (BPAF), though they too have been shown to have similar mechanisms of action as well as a magnitude of effect. Yet because most toxicity data exists for BPA, the other bisphenols do not receive as much public attention, and are below the radar of many individuals who look for “BPA-free” products. This study attempted to specifically evaluate BPF’s role in vascular calcification.

Fifty-seven consecutive patients presenting with chest pain were enrolled in the study, 30 of whom had vascular calcification as determined by diagnostic CT imaging. Although bisphenols are typically measured in the urine, this study measured f***l bisphenol levels. Unfortunately, very little is known about the f***l elimination of BPF in humans; in animal studies, only 15-20% is eliminated in f***s (variation exists between animals and humans as well as bisphenols), and it is unclear why the researchers did not include measurement of urinary bisphenol levels. Nonetheless, in this study, BPA, BPS, and BPF were all found in significantly higher levels among patients with vascular calcification compared to those without. Other significant differences include older age, higher rates of smoking, and a lower eGFR among people with vascular calcification. It’s certainly possible that these variables may also be relevant to bisphenol exposure; for example, to***co smoke has previously been linked to higher urinary BPA levels. Of the bisphenols, BPF was the most predictive of calcification in this study.

Analysis of the gut microbiome was also done, which found significant differences between those with calcification and those without, such as a higher abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, Anaerovibrio, Prevotella, etc., among those with calcification, with abundance also associated with all 3 bisphenols and inversely with short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate levels).

An animal experiment was also conducted, which found that BPF could induce vascular calcification in healthy animals and exacerbate it among animals with previously induced calcification. BPF disrupted the gut microbiota, including enrichment of Escherichia-Shigella, and was associated with an increase in several inflammatory signals, including LPS (endotoxin), IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Next, the researchers performed a f***l transplant from animals with calcification (also exposed to BPF) to those with calcification but not BPF exposure, and found an exacerbation in calcification. This and related experiments prompted the authors to conclude that BPF promotes vascular calcification through its effects on the gut microbiota.

Currently, the effects of BPF on the human microbiome are unknown. This is despite an NHANES 2013–2014 study which found that roughly 2/3 of urine samples of adults and children in the U.S. had detectable levels of BPF, while 96% had detectable BPA, and almost 90% had detectable BPS. Given how underappreciated the hazards of BPF are compared to BPA, it’s likely this exposure has only increased since then.

A 2024 review of bisphenols and phthalates suggested that the weight of the evidence favors their playing a role in the obesity epidemic, mediated through at least 6 mechanisms, including dysregulating the gut microbiome and promoting a pro-inflammatory milieu. While primarily focused on BPA, this review describes a disruption of gut microbiota and increases in intestinal permeability and inflammation, as well as alterations in glucose and lipid homeostasis from exposure.

A 2023 review of BPA cardiovascular toxicity concluded that BPA may induce dysfunction in multiple tissues, including blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, and liver. It points to a growing body of evidence suggesting that urinary or blood levels of BPA are associated with the incidence of heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease. This review included a 2020 analysis published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, which cited a 73% higher risk for myocardial infarction, 61% higher risk for stroke when comparing quintiles of exposure, as well as positive associations with heart failure, coronary heart disease, and angina pectoris. It also included mention of a 2021 analysis of young adults, which found that higher BPA levels were associated with pro-inflammatory signals, including higher C-reactive protein levels, blood pressure, and pro-inflammatory gene expression. Another study with nearly 900 participants found a higher risk of subclinical atherosclerosis (thicker carotid artery intima-media thickness) and endothelial dysfunction among young adults (aged 12-30) with greater BPA exposure.

While the vascular toxicity of BPF is not conclusively shown in humans, the suggestion that its toxicity is mediated by changes to gut microbiota may influence possible therapeutics. For example, Akkermansia muciniphila has emerged as a likely beneficial probiotic and was shown to remove approximately 48% of BPF via biotransformation; similarly, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii removed up to 87% of tetramethylbisphenol F (TMBPF) in vitro. Regardless of mechanism, it may be warranted to at least occasionally screen for elevated bisphenol exposure (not just BPA), and identify contributing sources

10/30/2025

Cartigenix HP is the product we have in store that they’re speaking about in this podcast.

Osteoarthritis affects millions—chronic pain, limited mobility, and a dramatically reduced quality of life.