051: Environmental toxins: their impact on fertility, hormonal health, & more

"Non-Toxic Living" – when you hear it, what do you think of? Organic food, green juice, maybe drinking filtered water? (Teaser: The health of that water may actually depend on more than its source – it could also be influenced by the container it comes in!)

Today, we're delving into environmental toxins and toxicants: what are they, where are they hidden (cookware, makeup, even yoga pants?), and how do they impact your hormones, fertility, overall health – and even the health of future generations?

I have the privilege of speaking with Jenna Hua, a registered dietitian, environmental health scientist, and Founder & CEO of Million Marker. Jenna is a staunch advocate for understanding how our daily consumption habits affect our well-being. Jenna's journey, from studying food environments in China to founding a health tech startup, is as inspiring as it is informative.

Our discussion navigates the murky waters of toxins, often concealed in products we use every day, and their significant impact on health and fertility. Jenna sheds light on both persistent and transient toxins, explaining their intricate effects on our bodies. She also opens up about her personal fertility struggles and how they led her to establish Million Marker, underscoring the heart-wrenching reality that these toxins can harm unborn children and echo through generations. Jenna's insights into the regulatory measures taken by the government to manage these toxins are as illuminating as they are thought-provoking.

But it's not all gloom and doom. Jenna equips us with practical advice on detoxing from toxins and making lifestyle changes that can protect our health. From the importance of choosing organic products and reducing plastic use to selecting the right cookware, Jenna provides actionable insights for a healthier life. Tune in for an eye-opening exploration into the world of toxins, their impact, and the steps we can take to safeguard our health. Uncover the dangers lurking in your non-stick pans, the fragrances you love, and even your everyday receipts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their health.

Jenna's Bio:

Dr. Jenna Hua, an environmental health scientist and dietitian by training, is passionate about the environment, public health, and everything food. Jenna holds a BS in Nutrition and an MPH and PhD in Environmental Health Sciences from UC Berkeley, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford Medicine.

Frustrated by the lack of data regarding how harmful chemicals (like BPA, phthalates, and parabens) from plastics and everyday products affect our health and clinical outcomes, and the absence of a personalized approach to mitigate harmful chemical exposures, Jenna set out on a mission to change this.

She founded Million Marker, a health-tech startup dedicated to empowering everyone with the data and tools to determine how the products they use, the food they eat, and the water they drink negatively or positively influence their health. Million Marker helps people understand what chemicals are inside of them—and then provides simple solutions for quickly reducing harmful chemicals through mail-in test kits, lifestyle audits, product recommendations, and counseling.

To connect with Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/million_marker/

To learn more about Million Marker: https://www.millionmarker.com/