In this episode of the Enjoy Life Healthier™ podcast, host Jason Kam speaks with Linda S.Birnbaum PhD, a distinguished American toxicologist and microbiologist with a career spanning over four decades in environmental health research. They discuss the pervasive impact of environmental pollutants on human health, the reasons behind the increased incidence of cancer, and what individuals can do to minimize their health risks.

Dr. Birnbaum, who served as the director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, explains her hypothesis that environmental factors play a role in the increased incidence of cancer, which is largely a disease associated with aging. She shares how her work led her into the areas of endocrine disruption, noting that while effects in adults may be relatively reversible, disruptions during development are not.

Takeaways

• Cancer is largely a disease associated with aging, and environmental factors may be playing a role in its increased incidence.

• During development, the endocrine system is essential, and any disruption is not reversible.

• Since the 1950s, nearly 400,000 unique chemicals have been synthesized and entered the environment.

• Chemicals like PCBs and DDT, banned decades ago, are still present in the bodies of every person.

• Heating food in plastic should be avoided, as it causes chemicals to migrate into the food at a much higher rate.

• Drinking bottled water can lead to ingesting microplastics, which can release chemicals into the bloodstream.

• As a society, we should ask what chemicals we really need, considering that many non-essential products contain them.

• Chronic, low-level exposure to environmental chemicals is associated with chronic diseases, and the overall health of our country may not be improving despite a longer life expectancy.

• The effects of chemical mixtures are a key area for future research, as people are exposed to a "soup of chemicals," not just one at a time.

• Society needs a better communication approach to help people understand the impact of chemical exposures on their health, including cancer, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

In this episode of the Enjoy Life Healthier™ podcast, host Jason Kam speaks with Dr. Tim Stockwell, a renowned professor and scientist at the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research. They discuss the latest scientific research on alcohol's health risks, why common beliefs about "moderate" drinking are being debunked, and the alcohol industry's powerful influence on public policy.

Dr. Stockwell shares insights from his long career, explaining how mainstream scientific opinion on alcohol has completely flipped. He reveals why the World Health Organization now advises there is no safe level of consumption and classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, in the same category as asbestos and tobacco. Dr. Stockwell breaks down the "French Paradox," explaining how biased comparisons in older studies created the false impression of health benefits and why, when corrected, these benefits "evaporate" for wine, beer, and spirits alike.

Takeaways

• Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, putting it in the same category as asbestos and tobacco.

• The "French Paradox"—the idea that red wine is good for heart health—has been debunked by newer, more accurate research.

• The cancer mortality risk from a single alcoholic drink is roughly equivalent to that of a single cigarette.

• Previous studies showing health benefits were flawed because they compared moderate drinkers to "unhealthy abstainers."

• When study flaws are corrected, the apparent health benefits disappear for all types of alcohol, including wine, beer, and spirits.

• Binge drinking is significantly more harmful than steady, moderate consumption and cancels any potential minor benefits.

• The new, science-backed approach to alcohol consumption is that "less is best," as risks begin even at low levels of drinking.

• Younger generations are drinking less, with theories pointing to changes in socialization due to the internet and economic pressures.

• The alcohol industry actively lobbies against public health policies like warning labels, standardized drink information, and price increases.

• A person's genetic makeup, such as having the "flushing response," can significantly increase their cancer risk from alcohol.

In this episode of the Enjoy Life Healthier™ podcast, host Jason Kam speaks with Sabrina McKenzie, a seaweed biochemistry expert and founder of SeaChange Biochemistry. They discuss the untapped potential of marine-based compounds in human health, the science behind brown seaweed’s unique bioactives, and how Sabrina’s patented extraction method is revolutionizing the supplement and skincare industries.

Sabrina shares her journey from working in Canada’s National Research Council to launching her own company focused on sustainable seaweed innovation. She highlights breakthrough clinical research on PolyC®, a seaweed-derived ingredient that’s shown rapid immune activation, antioxidant protection, and even stem cell stimulation when taken orally. Topically, the compound has led to dramatic improvements in wrinkles, hydration, and age spots—offering a powerful, all-natural solution in the anti-aging space.

Takeaways

• Brown seaweed contains powerful compounds like unique polyphenols and fucoidan that offer immune and skin benefits.

• Sabrina’s team developed a green chemistry extraction process that preserves the potency of marine bioactives.

• PolyC® begins working in as little as two hours after ingestion, offering fast-acting immune and antioxidant effects.

• Clinical trials showed over 200% improvements in skin smoothness and reduction in crow’s feet with topical use.

• The compound activates the body’s own stem cells to support tissue repair and regeneration.

• Early data suggests potential benefits for smokers due to its ability to combat free radical damage.

• The topical formulation was originally an accident—sparked by anecdotal evidence from a factory worker with eczema.

• Seaweed’s survival in extreme intertidal conditions makes it uniquely suited to help human skin retain moisture.

• Participants in clinical studies reported highly specific, positive results—demonstrating both scientific and real-world efficacy.

• Seaweed-based ingredients are poised to become game-changers in both the wellness and skincare markets.