MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) is at the top of everyone’s minds – and if it isn’t, it probably should be.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was recently confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). He has placed a huge emphasis on fighting the nation’s growing health crisis, specifically chronic diseases and environmental toxins.
The Link Between Environmental Toxins and Chronic Disease
Kennedy has always been vocal about the effects of environmental toxins on public health. In his inaugural address at HHS, he emphasized his commitment to “combat the chronic disease epidemic in America.”
He has consistently linked the surge in chronic illnesses to environmental pollutants. In a speech at the Nixon Library, Kennedy said, “We know what’s causing it. It has to be an environmental toxin. Genes don’t cause epidemics.”
Kennedy’s concerns include “pesticides, antidepressants, and electromagnetic waves,” which he plans to investigate for possible links to chronic illnesses. He has voiced his intention to identify and mitigate their potential contributions to diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Movement
The MAHA movement, spearheaded by Kennedy, is an initiative targeting the root causes of America’s health challenges. During his confirmation hearing, he described the movement’s significance as “one of the most powerful and transcendent movements” he has encountered.
A cornerstone of MAHA is promoting transparency within the food and pharmaceutical industries. Kennedy advocates for clear labeling and eliminating harmful substances from consumer products.
He has criticized ultra-processed foods, particularly in school programs, and has called for educational reforms to prioritize healthier options. Kennedy has also expressed concerns about the widespread use of certain pharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). He has questioned their safety and potential over prescription. In his view, addressing the root causes of mental health issues is preferable to reliance on medications, and he has initiated efforts to reevaluate current medical practices.
Why I Support the MAHA Movement
Firstly, let me clarify something for those who do not know me: I support issues, not candidates, and this is not my endorsement of any party or person. Now, onto the fun part…
Kennedy’s approach is controversial because of this stance on other topics like vaccination and oversimplifying health, but there is enormous value in bringing all of this to the forefront.
Environmental factors have been scientifically proven to shift epigenetics and be the root causes of symptoms that, when mistreated, turn to diseases. Because of this, one of the foundational offerings at Elixir Health and Wellness is a Health Optimization program that tests things like heavy metal toxicity, vitamin deficiencies, gut imbalance, and absorption issues. We also go through an in-depth health habit questionnaire. We test all this and start making changes to your environment before making recommendations.
An environmental “toxin” most people don’t think about is their sleep environment. Sleep is the most important thing you can improve for weight loss, immunity, and overall health. Sleeping pills act as a numbing agent for the brain and, for the majority of people, negatively affect sleep quality and recovery.
GLP-1 is another hot topic that is tied to MAHA’s pharmaceutical transparency piece. Many practitioners who prescribe and administer these do not discuss the side effects with their clients in-depth, do not help clients make the necessary habit changes to make their weight loss sustainable, nor make a holistic plan for how to wean off the medication.
On the note of transparency, did you know that the same food brands on our supermarket shelves have completely different ingredients overseas? The same cereal you feed your child with Red-40, Blue-1, and Yellow 5 used to create colors kids are drawn to in food, have beets, blueberries, and sweet potatoes for those same colors in other countries. The additives, colors, and preservatives in most packaged food destroy our gut bacteria and immunity.
Because of how the medical system is designed, doctors have very little time to interact with patients, and the priority is relieving symptoms instead of getting to the root cause of the problem. The MAHA Movement gives me hope that more people will be able to understand how to prevent or even reverse certain conditions by having toxins removed from their food sources.
Even with having access to tech and supplements that give me unlimited energy, I would prefer to live in a country where I don’t have to read every label. As these initiatives unfold, their impact will be closely monitored, potentially setting new precedents in the pursuit of a healthier America.
