Artificial sweeteners, also known as non-nutritive sweeteners or sugar substitutes, are substances that are used as a replacement for sugar in food and drinks. These sweeteners are often much sweeter than sugar and are used in much smaller quantities to achieve the same level of sweetness. Artificial sweeteners can be
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that are found in virtually every environment on Earth. They are among the simplest forms of life and are often referred to as prokaryotes, as they lack a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria are capable of carrying out a wide range of biochemical
Candida albicans is a type of fungus that is commonly found in the human body, particularly in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract. Under normal circumstances, the presence of Candida albicans in the body does not cause any harm. However, when the balance of microorganisms in the body
A toxin is any substance that causes harm in the body. Never before in human history have we been exposed to as many toxins as we are now. If your body’s ability to process these toxins—detoxification—is compromised, the dominoes will fall on your core functional systems and your health will
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are a combination of both electric and magnetic fields that travel in waves. They come from natural and man-made sources. The most familiar form of electromagnetic radiation is sunshine, consisting primarily of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. Higher frequencies of electromagnetic radiation include x-rays and gamma rays,
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are a combination of both electric and magnetic fields that travel in waves. They come from natural and man-made sources. The most familiar form of electromagnetic radiation is sunshine, consisting primarily of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. Higher frequencies of electromagnetic radiation include x-rays and gamma rays,
Food additives are substances added to food products to improve their taste, texture, appearance, or shelf life. Some examples of food additives include preservatives, which help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in food; colorings, which improve the appearance of food products; flavor enhancers, which improve the taste of
Mold is a non-scientific term for many types of unwanted fungi found both indoors and outdoors. “Mold” and “fungus” have many connotations, most of them unpleasant: musty odors, damp basements, moldy carpets, water leaks, soggy drywall, athlete’s foot, and poisonous mushrooms, among others. On the positive side, molds are also
A toxic heavy metal is any relatively dense metal or metalloid that is noted for its potential toxicity, especially in environmental contexts. The term has particular application to cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic, all of which appear in the World Health Organization’s list of 10 chemicals of major public concern.
Herbicides are a type of pesticide used in farming and gardening to control unwanted plants. A major issue with herbicide use is that these chemicals don’t just go away after they are applied to a plant. Residues from the herbicides actually end up on the fruits, vegetables, and grains that
A mycotoxin is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by certain types of fungi, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium. These fungi can grow on a variety of food and feed crops, including grains, nuts, spices, and dried fruits, under favorable environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Mycotoxins can be
Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism (known as the host) and obtain nutrients from it. They can be found in a wide range of living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. There are many different types of parasites, including protozoa, helminths (worms), and arthropods (such as
Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone that is produced by the body naturally. It is a precursor to other hormones, such as progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen. Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal gland, liver, and brain. Pregnenolone plays an important role in the body’s stress response, as it can
A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of an organism. It consists of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, wrapped in a protein coat called a capsid. Some viruses also have an outer envelope made of lipids. Viruses are not considered living
Water contaminants are any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substances or agents present in water that can pose a threat to human health or the environment. Water contaminants can be naturally occurring or the result of human activities, such as industrial processes, agricultural practices, or household use. Some common examples