The state of our environment is never far from a pulmonologist’s thoughts, particularly when it comes to air pollution. As with all our organs, a variety of external and internal factors impact lung health. One of the most important factors is the role environmental toxicants play in causing often-serious health complications.

Vitamin D is one of the most overlooked components of a healthy immune system. In fact, before the development of antibiotics and advanced medical care, healthcare professionals unknowingly treated patients that had infectious diseases using vitamin D, achieving better outcomes in the process.

Most reporting done on the immune system has focused on ways to strengthen or stimulate immunity. The hope is if you bolster the immune system you can fight off illnesses better or avoid getting sick altogether. Especially during cold and flu season. The full story on immunity is more complex.

Toxic chemicals. Rising cases of sickness. A shocking cover up. It has the makings of a Hollywood movie. Indeed, the release of the blockbuster film Dark Waters had all of these gripping plot points, based on the true story of how a toxic chemical called PFOA contaminated a West Virginia town’s water supply.

When you’re buying food for yourself and your family, you probably glance over the Nutrition Facts panel to make sure you’re making a healthy choice. You may even look at the fine print in the ingredients list, to see if there are any artificial additives or preservatives you want to avoid. What you won’t see listed on the label however, is how much toxic heavy metals you may consume per serving. Yet that is exactly what may be inside.

It’s estimated that the average adult has around 100,000 miles of blood vessels traveling throughout the body. To put this in perspective, the circumference of the earth is just under 25,000 miles. This vast network of blood vessels works in unison with your heart and lungs. Collectively, they are the machinery of the circulatory system.

Inflammation plays a hidden role in almost every disease imaginable. Chronic inflammation can also magnify pain, damage healthy cells, cause joints to ache, cripple your digestive system, and even make you gain weight (1). That makes calming inflammation one of your top priorities when it comes to taking care of your body.

Your liver is responsible for over 500 different functions in the body (1). It plays a role in blood clotting, produces cholesterol, stores important vitamins, and makes bile which is an essential component of your digestive system. Your liver also works around the clock to eliminate toxins.

Home to an estimated 70% of your immune system, and the site of your enteric nervous system—your so-called “second brain”—the gut is a vital part of your well-being. From start to finish, your entire intestinal tract covers more than 4,000 square feet of surface area.