🎧Health Brief: Contaminated Water Threatens Millions, Perfectionism May Be a Silent Health Danger, the Silent Crisis Crushing Parents

Water flows from a tap. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Good morning, and welcome to The Epoch Times Health Brief for Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024.

I’m Bill Thomas, we have several intriguing stories to share with you right now, and here’s what’s going on.

A new study says millions of Americans are drinking water contaminated with chemicals that may be cancer-causing. Instead of being a positive trait, perfectionism might be making you sick. And recent evidence suggests that gratitude may be an alternative medicine for anger and depression.

Also, we’ll take a look at a mental health crisis involving parents who are breaking under the pressure of modern-day parenting; and we’ll dive into curcumin, the super ingredient that fights inflammation, reduces pain, and lowers the risk of vision loss in people over 50.

We'll break down each of these stories one by one, but we begin with some new findings that might make you think twice before drinking tap water. Here’s what we know.

Up to 95 Million Americans Exposed to Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Tap Water: Study

New research published in the journal Science suggests that up to 95 million people in the United States may be drinking water containing something called “forever chemicals.”

This is very concerning because these “forever chemicals” have been linked to very serious chronic health conditions, including several types of cancer, immune system problems, and reproductive issues.

These man-made chemicals are virtually everywhere: they’re used in things like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and in personal care products like shampoos, cosmetics, and even some dental floss.

Here’s where things get even more complicated. These “forever chemicals” simply do not break down in the body or the environment, and that’s how they got their nickname.

Researchers found that up to 27 percent of the U.S. population is potentially drinking water with detectable levels of these chemicals. When the researchers looked at different types of water wells across the country, they found “forever chemicals” in 42 percent of production wells and 17 percent of domestic wells. So you know, production wells are typically larger and deeper and are used for commercial purposes, while domestic wells are smaller and more shallow and are used to provide water for household use.

These chemicals have been found in tap water, with Florida and California having the highest number of people affected through public water supplies.

It turns out that removing these chemicals from our drinking water is both complicated and expensive. The study also points out that people who have private wells often don’t test or treat their water and may be unaware of the risk.

It’s a health issue that concerns all of us and some big changes are on the way. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new rules earlier this year to set limits on “forever chemicals” in our water supply. By 2027, public water systems will be required to monitor the level of “forever chemicals” in water supplies and they’ll be responsible for informing their customers about the safety of their water.

It’s important to point out that moving forward, researchers are worried that the problem could actually get worse before it gets better. The researchers say that since these chemicals are already in our air, rain, and soil, they will continue to be in our groundwater for some time.

It’s a story that we’re all concerned about and one that we’ll be keeping a very close watch on.

We’ll switch topics now to a different kind of health concern that affects a substantial number of people—the mental and physical toll of trying to be perfect.

Is Perfectionism a Symptom of Underlying Illness?

Dr. Jonathan Yang, a psychiatrist who’s worked with many overachievers, says the perfectionist tendencies so many people have might be more than just a personality trait—they could be pointing to some underlying health issues.

He’s talking about people who are highly successful on the outside but are quietly dealing with chronic anxiety, stress, and physical health problems on the inside.

One of the big revelations Yang makes is that perfectionism often goes hand in hand with something called “undermethylation,” which means that your body isn’t processing certain chemicals properly, and that can interfere with important functions like mood regulation and stress response.

Yang points to a case of a thriving 42-year-old executive who was suffering from terrible anxiety and insomnia and it turns out, her biochemistry was part of the problem.

Yang also references something called pyrrole disorder that shows up a lot in overachievers. It’s where your body is depleted of zinc and vitamin B6, which can make some people feel impulsive, anxious, and irritable. He shares an example of a 35-year-old woman who had been struggling with these symptoms for years until doctors figured out that this biochemical imbalance was the problem.

Yang also says there’s the personality disorder angle where some perfectionists might be dealing with conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), narcissistic personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder.

These mental health conditions can drive people to achieve what appear to be impossible goals, but that could lead to serious health complications including everything from heart problems to digestive issues, to isolation and loneliness.

The good news is that negative thought patterns associated with perfectionism can be addressed. Yang takes a very comprehensive approach, combining traditional therapy with some alternative treatments. He uses acupuncture, which he says helps with everything from stress to sleep, nutritional supplements to fix those chemical imbalances, and conventional talk therapy to help patients develop healthier attitudes and strive for excellence rather than perfection.

A really interesting takeaway here is that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your physical and emotional health. Yang suggests that by addressing underlying issues—whether they’re biochemical, emotional, or both—overachievers can still reach their goals without compromising their overall health.

We’ll change things up just a bit now and talk about a really fascinating medicine called gratitude—it’s just what the doctor ordered.

Gratitude: An Alternative Medicine for Anger and Depression

Research published in the journal, Social Psychological and Personality Science, shows that people who practice gratitude actually have lower levels of aggression.

In one particular case, an individual was having a really tough time with anger issues, particularly after yelling at an intern during a meeting. Instead of prescribing pills, her doctor handed her something unexpected: a blank journal and instructions to write down three things she’s grateful for every day.

At first, she was skeptical, but she kept up with her gratitude journaling. Her constant irritation began to fade, and she started noticing little things to appreciate – from helpful colleagues to her reliable old car.

A study published in another journal called American Psychologist shows that this kind of gratitude practice can boost happiness in some people by up to 10 percent and reduce depression by up to 35 percent, and these good vibes can stick around for up to six months after writing just one thank-you letter.

And here’s where it gets even more interesting: Gratitude isn’t just about feeling good mentally—it actually has some serious physical benefits as well. Research shows that people who practice gratitude tend to sleep better (even if they have sleep disorders), experience less pain, and are more likely to exercise. It even helps lower stress levels and boost your immune system.

You may be wondering how all this works in your brain, and it’s quite fascinating. When you’re grateful, that feeling activates the part of your brain that controls your mood and pleasure. So the more you practice gratitude, the more your brain gets used to these good feelings, creating a positive feedback loop that can transform your whole outlook on life.

It’s amazing how something as simple as writing down what you’re thankful for can have a lasting and meaningful impact on your life.

We’ll continue now with a story regarding the mounting pressures of 21st-century parenthood.

How Some Parents Struggle With Realities of Modern-Day Parenting

A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that one in three parents experienced elevated stress levels in 2023, marking the highest figures we’ve seen since 2015. Additionally, almost half of parents with kids under 18 say they feel stressed to the point where they simply can’t function.

Looking at the bigger picture, it gets even worse. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 14 children has a parent or caregiver dealing with mental health challenges.

Rosanna Breaux, a clinical psychologist, says we’re living in a world that can be anxiety-inducing and where modern-day pressures are weighing heavily on the minds of parents.

For example, many parents are dealing with what can be serious financial strains. With child care costs skyrocketing and unlike back in the day when grandma and grandpa lived next door, the burden on dual-income households has never been heavier.

Another complication of modern-day parenting is the so-called “mom brain.” One minute you’re a sharp professional, the next minute, you’re putting your phone in the toaster.

The term “mom-brain” is used to describe neurological changes that many women experience during and after pregnancy. The female brain physically changes during those nine months to prepare the mom for parenthood, prioritizing her protective instincts over self-preservation, and this is why these changes often manifest as brain fog, forgetfulness, and difficulty multitasking.

Then, there’s social media. Everyone’s posting their picture-perfect family moments while you’re just trying to get your kid to put their shoes on. The pressure to look like you’ve got it all together can be utterly exhausting for so many people.

But here’s the thing—Breaux says that there’s not much support out there specifically for parents dealing with their own mental health battles while they’re trying to raise their children.

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that really help, like self-care tactics including exercise, mindfulness, or even taking a hot shower—all of which can truly make a difference in managing the pressures of overwhelming feelings.

Put simply, being a parent today is a bit like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—on a tightrope. It’s not easy, but at least knowing you’re not alone in this journey makes it a little more manageable.

We have just enough time to squeeze in one more story and this one is about a particular super ingredient found in a spice that you may already have in your kitchen cabinet. It’s the one behind the salt, pepper, sage, rosemary, and all the rest.

Curcumin: The Firefighter That Tames Inflammation, Easing Pain and Joint Problems

Many of us know that turmeric gives curry that gorgeous yellow color, and now, it turns out the compound behind that color, curcumin, might be a total game-changer regarding your health.

A massive new Stanford study that followed almost 2 million people over the age of 50 found that those who took curcumin supplements cut their risk of age-related vision loss by more than half.

But curcumin isn’t only about protecting your eyes. Think of it as your body’s personal protector, rushing in to put out inflammation wherever it pops up. A number of studies have shown that whether it’s helping with joint pain, boosting brain power, or even fighting depression, this little compound seems to do quite a bit.

Now, before you rush to sprinkle turmeric on everything, there’s something you need to know. Curcumin is actually terrible at getting absorbed by your body on its own.

Research says that if you simply add a pinch of black pepper, then boom—your absorption shoots up by 2,000 percent. That’s why you'll often see these two spices blended together when people are preparing Indian dishes.

By the way, when using turmeric to season certain foods, try adding some fat, like coconut oil, which will help your body soak up all that curcumin.

So you know, there are also curcumin supplements you can purchase, and while the FDA considers them generally safe, you'll want to choose high-quality products that have been tested for heavy metals and other contaminants.

As with anything health-related, prior to making any changes in your diet, it’s always smart to check with your doctor first, especially if you’re taking other medications since curcumin can interact negatively with some prescription drugs. Just doing our best to try to keep you healthy.

And now, it looks like our time is just about up for today, so we’re gonna call it a wrap for this edition of the Epoch Times Health Brief.

Just a reminder—you can reach out to us anytime via email at [email protected] and you can also leave comments for us on the Epoch Times app which you can download for free.

And don’t forget the Health Brief Motto: We’re portable, affordable, and always on-demand.

And finally, as we do each and every week on this program, we share with you a very notable quote and this one comes to us from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said:

“The first wealth is health.”

Emerson was a legendary American writer, essayist, lecturer, and poet.

We wrap everything up with our health tip of the day: Create a relaxing pre-sleep routine. Dim the lights, read a book, or take a warm bath, all of which signal your body that it’s time to wind down.

For all of us here at the Epoch Times Health Brief, I’m Bill Thomas.

The Epoch Times Health Brief program was written today by Hristina Byrnes.

Thank you for making us your one-stop source for a concise, accurate, and unbiased weekly synopsis of many of the health stories you need to know about.

Enjoy the remainder of your day and we'll see you right back here next time for another edition of the Epoch Times Health Brief.

For now, let’s all continue to watch out for one another and have an absolutely superb day today. Bye for now.