RJ Hamster
A new “forever chemical” just got approved for your…
| December 2, 2025Morning! Today’s send is packed with all the good stuff. First up: the EPA just approved a new PFAS-containing pesticide–here’s what you need to know. And since we’re officially in holiday mode, I’m sharing four ways to keep your cool and genuinely enjoy the season (because I know I need the help, too). Today marks the last month of 2025 (!), what is one goal you have for yourself to finish the year on a high note? Reply to this email to share!—Ava Durgin, assistant health editorA new “forever chemical” just got approved for your produceThe EPA just approved a PFAS-containing pesticide for use on dozens of common crops, from potatoes and citrus to tomatoes, almonds, and leafy greens.¹ While the agency says the pesticide is safe when used as directed, many scientists are sounding the alarm about long-term exposure. Here are a few ways to lower your exposure:Prioritize organic for high-risk crops like potatoes, citrus, tomatoes, almonds, broccoli, kale, and cabbage. Organic standards prohibit PFAS-containing pesticides.Shop from local farmers using regenerative or low-input practices. Ask growers how they handle pests; many avoid synthetic chemicals entirely.Wash produce strategically. Rinse under cool running water and gently scrub edible skins. A baking soda soak can help reduce surface residues.Filter your water. PFAS exposure adds up across sources. Look for filters certified under NSF/ANSI standards for PFAS removal.Reduce other PFAS sources at home (think nonstick pans, stain-resistant sprays, certain food packaging) to keep your overall load lower.These small shifts add up. While you can’t control everything that lands on your plate, you can make informed choices that meaningfully reduce exposure and push the system toward safer standards. + More to knowThe hidden cancer risk lurking in your tap waterPFAS raise diabetes risk—how to protect yourself3 MD-approved ways to lower toxin exposure on a budgetThis science-backed device hits pause on stressThe vagus nerve is your body’s built-in calm switch. It connects your brain to nearly every major organ to regulate stress, digestion, and inflammation. When your vagus nerve functions well, your body thrives. But a “well-toned” vagus nerve isn’t a given. Cold plunges, yoga, and breathing can all tone your vagus nerve—or you can opt for a vagus nerve stimulator like Truvaga Plus. Gentle electrical pulses activate this critical nerve pathway and trigger your parasympathetic nervous system. The research-backed benefits include:Reduced cortisol levels: Helps lower your body’s primary stress hormone²Improved heart rate variability: A key marker of nervous system resilience and cardiovascular health³Enhanced sleep quality: Supports deeper, more restorative rest by activating relaxation pathways⁴Better emotional regulation: Reduce anxiety & improve mood stability⁵Sharper mental clarity: Boost focus and cognitive performance⁶A tester’s take: “I love that it only takes two minutes withTruvaga Plus per day to tone your vagal nerve. The biggest changes were in my sleep quality and focus—both improved drastically.”— Ava Durgin, assistant health editorTry Truvaga PlusTake a deep breathImage by Valentina Barreto / StocksyThe holidays come with plenty of joy—and just as much stress. Here are a few science-backed ways to help you exhale.Is chronic stress reversible?5 ways to naturally decrease cortisolThe easiest way to squash stress asap8 relaxation techniques for when life gets stressfulA pocket-sized calm buttonResearch shows vagus nerve stimulation can lower cortisol, improve heart rate variability, and support emotional regulation. Truvaga Plusbrings this clinical tool into your daily routine, just two minutes at a time.Try it nowBrain imaging, inflammation & the mind-body connectionDaniel Amen, M.D., a physician, double board-certified psychiatrist, award-winning researcher, and 20-time national bestselling author, joins the mindbodygreen podcast to dive into the neuroscience behind brain health, emotional regulation, and supporting healthier minds across every age group.How your brain shapes chronic painStrengthening the frontal lobe—the brain’s command centerWhat marijuana actually does to the brainPlus, breaking free from the brain’s Doom LoopTune in and be sure to hit follow to get the latest episodes onApple Podcasts, or watch the interview and subscribe to our channel on YouTube. That’s it for the long game—thanks for playing. Have a great week ahead!Want more from mindbodygreen? Find us here:✍️The latest articles on mindbodygreen📱️Join 1M+ others on Instagram and TikTok🎧️Listen to The mindbodygreen Podcast for health deep dives🛍️Support your well-being with supplements & personal care🌱Enroll in our best-in-class Functional Nutrition course📚Become a board-certified health coach todayCredential Check  Ava DurginAssistant Health EditorEmma Engler, M.S.Expert ReviewForwarded this email? CLICK HERE to subscribe for free!Citations1 Environmental Protection Agency2 Springer3 Sage Journals4 Nature5 Communications Biology6 Neurogastroenterology & Motility Just a heads-up: Everything in this newsletter is for general info only—not medical advice. We always recommend checking in with a healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Our product picks and reviews reflect our editors’ opinions unless we say otherwise. We sometimes link to other sites, but we’re not responsible for their content.*These statements haven’t been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.© 2024 mindbodygreen, All rights reserved. 2980 McFarlane Road, Miami, FL 33133 UNSUBSCRIBE |
