Dr. Ben Kim's blog

A new study published in the journal Annals of Surgery indicates that for three complicated surgical procedures - heart bypass, removal of the pancreas, and unblocking carotid arteries - older surgeons have higher rates of patient death within 30 days of surgery than younger surgeons.

Specific findings of this study are as follows: Read more

Researchers at the University of California at Riverside are set to publish a paper in the journal Free Radical Biology & Medicine that indicates that sunscreens may actually be harmful to the health of your skin and make it age faster than normal.

Sunscreens contain special molecules called ultraviolet (UV) filters that are supposed to prevent ultraviolet radiation in the sun's rays from reacting with molecules in your skin and creating compounds called reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are unstable molecules that can damage your skin from the inside out and accelerate its natural aging process. Read more

Ingredients:

1 small to medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and chopped into bite-size chunks
2 medium leeks, washed and chopped into big slices
2 carrots, cut into thick chunks
1 medium to large parsnip, chopped into big chunks
1 yellow onion, quartered
6 cups of vegetable broth or organic chicken broth
3-6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and ground black pepper (optional)

Directions: Read more

Michael Jackson and I both have a skin condition called vitiligo, a condition that results in loss of skin color in patches throughout one's face and body. Read more

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