Dr. Ben Kim's blog

Lead poisoning has become less of a health threat to the general population since lead-based paint and leaded gasoline were phased out in the 1970s. Still, those who work around lead, pregnant women, infants, and young children continue to be at significant risk of suffering from mild to moderate cases of lead poisoning. Unborn babies, infants, and young children are especially at risk because exposure to even small amounts can lead to permanent damage. Lead can be absorbed through the placenta and breast milk. Read more

Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 cups of washed baby spinach leaves
1 fennel bulb
1/2 cup of green lentils
5 tablespoons of cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil
1 clove of garlic, unpeeled
4 tablespoons of lemon juice or red wine vinegar, whichever you prefer
Sea salt and black pepper
Small handful of roughly chopped parsley, basil, or mint

Directions: Read more

In the summer of 2005, I wrote a short book that details how I went from being an average university student to the top of my class.

The book is called 8 Essential Strategies For Academic Success.

Changing the momentum of my academic career didn't happen overnight. Read more

Ingredients:

3/4 cup of beet juice (~3-5 small to medium beets)
1 and 1/2 cups of celery juice (~6-8 ribs)
3/4 cup of carrot juice (~4-6 medium carrots)
1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 small cloves of garlic
1 and 1/2 teaspoons of sea salt
Handful of fresh dill

Directions:

Use a juicer to juice beets, celery, and carrots.

Use a strong blender to combine all ingredients - blend for approximately 30 seconds or until smooth. Read more

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of raw pecans, soaked in water for 5 hours, then dried in a towel
1/2 cup of raw almonds, soaked in water for 5 hours, then dried in a towel
1/2 cup of raw pine nuts
1 cup of medjool dates
2 tablespoons of raw carob powder
1 teaspoon of high quality vanilla extract
1 cup of shredded coconut

Directions:

Use a food processor to grind pecans, almonds, and pine nuts together. Read more

While I am a strong proponent of not becoming obsessed with living a 100 percent, toxin-free life, at least to a point where the obsession itself contributes to significant emotional stress, I am starting to believe that regardless of financial cost, it is necessary to avoid personal care products that contain chemicals that we know are extremely harmful to health. Read more

A new study out of the Yale University School of Medicine indicates that exposure to ultrasound waves during routine ultrasound scanning can affect fetal brain development.

Lead researcher Pasko Rakic encourages pregnant women to avoid unnecessary ultrasound scans until more research is done. Read more

If you live in an area that experiences tornados and/or electrical storms from time to time, I hope that the following safety tips, courtesy of Environment Canada, prove to be useful for you and your loved ones someday.

Safety Tips For Thunderstorms and Lightning

1. Before the storm hits, unplug all non-essential electrical appliances such as computers, cordless phones, and television sets.

A joint analysis performed by researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, the University of California at Davis, the University of California at San Francisco, and the University of Pittsburgh indicates that most women at high risk for developing breast cancer do not experience an increase in life expectancy by taking the drug, tamoxifen. Read more

Ingredients:

1 cup of cooked garbanzo beans (chick peas)
1 cup of cooked brown rice
1/2 cup of rolled oats
1 rib of celery, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of naturally brewed soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
Whole grain bread/buns of your choice
Mustard of your choice
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices Read more