The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement has brought American health into the spotlight, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing women's health. Dr. Austin Lake, a functional medicine specialist in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who focuses on treating women with hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, and chronic illnesses, shared his insights in an interview.
Dr. Lake noted that before MAHA, he encountered numerous women struggling with chronic health issues, along with concerned mothers and grandmothers worried about their children's well-being. He believes the MAHA movement provides a crucial framework to address these concerns, citing statistics and evidence that highlight the urgent need for such an initiative.
Dr. Lake highlighted several key women's health issues that the MAHA movement is poised to address:
Pesticide Exposure
Glyphosate, a common herbicide, may hinder the body's cancer-fighting abilities, according to Dr. Lake. He explains that glyphosate not only depletes essential nutrients from food but also removes vital healing components that could prevent cancer formation. He suggests that local farmers adopt safer crop protection methods.
Fluoride in Water
Dr. Lake suggests that fluoride in U.S. water sources could disproportionately affect women's health. Recent studies indicate that fluoride ingestion can lower children's IQs and harm the thyroid, a common concern for women. He points out that fluoride reduces iodine absorption, potentially contributing to thyroid issues, and that thyroid medication, while frequently prescribed, doesn't address the root cause.
Infertility and Reproductive Health
Dr. Lake anticipates a continued rise in infertility among American women unless significant steps are taken to protect their health. He notes that severe PMS symptoms, often considered normal, can be indicative of underlying issues. He connects many women's health problems to lifestyle factors like inflammatory foods and chronic stress. He also highlights the increasing prevalence of PCOS, linking it to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, often exacerbated by diet, environment, sleep, stress, and nutritional deficiencies.
Unhealthy Food Choices
Dr. Lake advocates for improved food choices in schools and hospitals, prioritizing nutritional value over cost. He believes many people have been misled about the impact of diet on health and emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the positive consequences of healthy choices.
Dr. Lake underscores the body's inherent capacity to heal and emphasizes the importance of hope and support from both governmental and corporate entities in facilitating healthier lifestyles.
