Fibromyalgia and widespread pain

Getting to the root cause to find relief.

New Genetic Lifehacks article:

Fibromyalgia: Underlying Causes and Genetic Connections

This new member-requested article covers the recent research on the underlying causes of fibromyalgia as well as the genetic variants that increase susceptibility. 

While the article is specific to fibromyalgia, I have also included a section on all similar pain and fatigue-related conditions that may be of interest to anyone dealing with fatigue, pain, or joint problems.

New on Longevity Lifehacks:

Mitigating Microplastics Risks

New human studies now show that microplastics are incorporated into atherosclerotic plaque, brain tissue, prostate tumors, and more. It's a problem, and I think we're just at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding how big the problem is. In the article, I explain what the studies published in recent months show, and then try to quantify how you can reduce your own exposure to microplastics by making a few lifestyle changes.

If you enjoy the article, be sure to sign up for the Longevity Lifehacks substack newsletter.

Coming next week:

Next week's newsletter will explain current options for genetic testing. Several companies, including 23andMe and AncestryDNA, have already started their holiday sales.  

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I Hear You!

Many members have shared that they need help with figuring out what is most important to focus on. 

You’re looking for a quicker way to identify and understand the most effective supplement and lifestyle solutions, so you can focus your time and energy where it matters most.

In the works: A bigger, better, and more beneficial cheat sheet.

Stay tuned for an announcement in the next few weeks!

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What I've been reading:

1) A Rutgers Health study reveals the presence of aerosolized plastics in neonatal tissue following exposure in utero

Microplastics from the womb to the tomb... 

This new animal study found that maternally inhaled microplastic particles passed through the placenta and ended up in the offspring's lungs, liver, kidney, heart, and brain. A lot of new research shows that nanoplastics are being stored in those organs, but this is the first study I've seen showing that they can pass through the placenta and are incorporated into the developing baby. 

2) Epstein Barr Virus and lupus, Sjögren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis

A new study out of Stanford explains the mechanism by which EBV may promote autoimmune diseases - including lupus, Sjögren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and MS. The study explains the links to the reactivation of EBV in autoimmune diseases. It also goes into how EBV may reprogram B cells and how host genetic factors are involved.

Graphical overviews for the new article (for all the visual learners):