Diarrhea Lettuce & Wildfire Smoke Update For Your health episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 2, 2026 · 1H 6M

Diarrhea Lettuce & Wildfire Smoke Update For Your health

from The Soil Matters With Leighton Morrison · host Ken Somerville

“Diarrhea lettuce” is all over social media—but what is actually happening?A major Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce has caused nearly 2,000 reported illnesses, including persistent watery or “explosive” diarrhea. At the same time, wildfire smoke and poor air quality are increasing the toxic load placed on our lungs, immune systems and bodies.Does anybody else feel like we can’t breathe the air—and now we can’t even eat a damn salad?In this episode, we’re separating facts from fear and talking about how to reduce the exposures we can, nourish the systems that protect us and build a body that adapts.We’re covering:What “diarrhea lettuce” actually meansThe latest Cyclospora outbreak and lettuce recall informationCyclospora symptoms—including persistent or recurring watery diarrheaWhy routine stool testing may not automatically test for CyclosporaWhether washing lettuce can remove CyclosporaWhy recalled produce should never be washed and eatenWhether locally grown produce is saferWhat wildfire smoke and PM2.5 can do inside the bodyHow to reduce smoke exposure when air quality is poorFoods that support the gut, liver, immune system and antioxidant defensesWhy broccoli sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in sulforaphaneWhere vitamin C, NAC, glutathione, omega-3s, magnesium and electrolytes may fitHow a healthier microbiome and well-nourished body may provide more resources to respond, recover and adaptBut consistently nourishing your gut, intestinal barrier, liver and immune system may help your body approach an exposure with a stronger foundation. That does not make contaminated food safe or guarantee that you won’t get sick—it means your body may have more of the resources it needs to respond and recover.At the time of recording, the Cyclospora outbreak had been associated with:1,947 reported illnesses98 hospitalizationsNine states, including MichiganNo reported deathsThe goal isn’t to become afraid of lettuce, fresh produce or the air outside.Check the AQI. Filter your indoor air. Avoid recalled food. Wash your produce. Eat colorful plants. Include cruciferous vegetables. Get enough protein and fiber. Support your microbiome. Grow what you can, know your farmer and buy local when you can.Reduce what you can. Support what you can. Strengthen the foundation. Build a body that adapts.FDA Cyclospora investigation and lettuce recall detailsThis content is provided for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat or replace individualized medical care.📝Join my newsletter for up to date health tips: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/gQMdLE5/drpaulashealthtips For high quality supplements:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/drruffinDisclaimer: The contents of this video are for entertainment and informational purposes only and are not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor to replace medical care. The information presented herein is accurate and conforms to the available scientific evidence to the best of the author's knowledge as of the time of posting. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding any medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information contained in video content by Dr. Paula Ruffin DC!---⏱ TIMESTAMPS0:00 Intro13:00 [section 1]26:00 [section 2]39:00 [section 3]52:00 [section 4]64:00 Final thoughts🛒 STOREStore: https://www.itsallaboutthebiology.ca/discountcodes🌿 CONNECTCommunity: https://itsallaboutthebiology.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthebiologytour/Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@itsallaboutthebiology?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsallaboutthebiologytourLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-somerville-6b9945239/#gardening #seedstarting #raisedbeds #growyourown #itsallaboutthebiology

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