Happy Wednesday my friend,

Happy birthday to my incredible wife Riana, whom you’ve probably heard me mention in the newsletter. She is the best cook I know, and understands how to weave healing nutrient dense foods into every meal she prepares, without unnecessary inflammatory ingredients. I look forward to sharing more of Riana’s recipes with the newsletter soon.

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🐿️ CREATURE FEATURE 🐿️

The Hoatzin (aka the Stinkbird)

The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), also known as the "stinkbird," is one of the Amazon’s most bizarre and fascinating birds. Found in the swampy forests and mangroves along slow-moving rivers of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, this pheasant-sized species is instantly recognizable by its spiky orange crest, blue face, and maroon eyes. Despite its striking appearance, the Hoatzin is best known for its unique-and pungent-digestive system.

Unlike any other bird, the Hoatzin is a strict leaf-eater and digests its food through foregut fermentation, much like a cow. Its oversized crop is filled with bacteria that break down tough plant material, producing methane and a manure-like odor-hence the nickname "stinkbird" (World Land Trust). This digestive adaptation makes the Hoatzin slow and awkward in flight, as the large crop displaces its flight muscles, but it allows the bird to thrive on a leafy diet that few other animals can stomach.

The Hoatzin has even more surprises: chicks are born with claws on their wings, a prehistoric trait that helps them climb branches and escape predators by dropping into the water and swimming to safety (Britannica). Social and noisy, Hoatzins nest in colonies over water, where adults and older siblings help feed the chicks with regurgitated, fermented leaves. With its ancient lineage, unusual habits, and unforgettable aroma, the Hoatzin is truly one of South America’s most remarkable birds.

🌎 INTO THE…🌎

Into the Human Microbiome

Let’s be honest: a few years ago, barely anyone was talking about the human microbiome. Now, it feels like it’s everywhere – podcasts, health blogs, even the yogurt aisle at the grocery store. And for good reason! The microbiome is basically the bustling community of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in and on us-especially in our gut. These tiny residents help us digest food, support our immune system, and even influence our mood and brain health.

What’s wild is that each of us has a totally unique microbiome, kind of like a microbial fingerprint. When things are in balance, our bodies hum along. But if our microbiome gets out of whack (hello, antibiotics, stress, or a junk food binge), it can throw off everything from digestion to immunity. Scientists are even calling it a “hidden organ” because it’s so crucial for keeping us healthy.

The coolest part? Research on the microbiome is booming right now, with new discoveries popping up all the time. There’s a reason the microbiome is trending: understanding and nurturing it could be the key to better health, more energy, and even a happier mind. So next time you hear someone talking about gut health, you’ll know-it’s not just a fad, it’s a revolution happening right inside us.

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🍎 NUTRITION 101 🍎

APIGENIN: A natural flavonoid found in foods like parsley, chamomile, celery, and oregano and these other foods. It’s best known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress and supporting healthy aging. Research suggests apigenin may also promote relaxation, improve sleep, and support brain and heart health. Most people get apigenin through a varied diet, especially by enjoying chamomile tea and fresh herbs. While supplements are available, apigenin from food sources is considered safe and well-tolerated for most people.

📝 ROB’S PICKS 📝

1. Let Them Be Naked
   A film I personally Co-Produced, this eye-opening new documentary exposes the hidden toxins in everyday clothing and the impact of fast fashion on our health and the environment. Directed by Jeff Garner, Let Them Be Naked challenges us to rethink what we wear and choose safer, more sustainable options. A must-watch for anyone interested in conscious living and wellness.

🔎 EARTH CONSCIOUS DEEP DIVE 🔍

(Preview, full article for ECL Members)

The Microplastics Crisis: Invisible Pollution in Our Food, Water, and Bodies

You might be swallowing a credit card’s worth of plastic every week without even realizing it. Microplastics-tiny plastic particles smaller than a grain of rice-have infiltrated everything from Arctic ice to human placentas. These invisible invaders are now so pervasive that scientists find them in 90% of bottled water, 80% of tap water, and even in the air we breathe. Let’s unpack how we got here, why it matters, and what we can do about it.

Where Are These Microplastics Coming From?

Microplastics aren’t just broken-down soda bottles or grocery bags. They’re shed from synthetic fabrics like polyester (think: yoga pants and fleece jackets), worn off car tires as dust, and rinsed down drains in personal care products like exfoliating scrubs. Even opening a plastic wrapper releases thousands of microplastic particles into your immediate environment.

But the biggest culprit? Single-use plastics. Every year, over 400M tons of plastic are produced globally, and less than 10% gets recycled. The rest degrades into microplastics that linger for centuries, infiltrating soil, waterways, and food chains.

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