Q: As a consumer who decides for her family what food products are truly healthy and beneficial versus those that are contaminated with an assortment of hidden ingredients, who can I count on to be a “watchdog” for manufacturers—as it doesn't seem the FDA is up to snuff these days. (Just look at the FDA's approved products from China!)

A: This is one loaded question! Personally I suggest counting on your own tenacity first, second, and third. Corporate contamination has leaked into our lives and affects our health on many fronts. Corporations are powerful and driven by their connections in Washington and the almighty buck. The consumer only enters into the equation as part of the bottom line, which is how to seduce you into spending your hard-earned dollars on their product—again and again and again. Up to 30% (sometimes more) of each dollar your spend for a product goes towards getting you to buy it.

Sadly, most “food” products are overly processed, highly preserved, allergy-promoting, gut-distressing empty calorie, nutrient-depleting, inert and dead. On top of that, they have a ridiculously long shelf-life, have a seductive taste, and are beautifully packaged (often with confusing and misleading labels). That said, follow this lead. Look for products with VERY short ingredient lists. Keep in mind if you cannot pronounce a word on the list, you should not give it to yourself or your family. Try to avoid cow dairy, gluten, corn and corn byproducts. These are fattening and cause your body to produce mucous, which often constipates the body. These foods are loaded with estrogen-based hormones and pesticides as well. YOU are the watchdog, kiddo. Remember: the savviest consumers will pass on their gene pool!

Q: My twin and I did a hair analysis. She presented with very high copper, while I presented with very low copper. Which is better, which is a problem, and what should we do to correct our highs and lows?

A: Copper is a trace element. Low copper impedes your white blood cells from fighting infection. Too low or too high levels of copper can both be problematic. Without ample copper, iron cannot be absorbed efficiently. Hence, your hemoglobin can drop, increasing fatigue in the body. Copper is a catalyst for protein utilization, oxygen transport, and metabolism of essential fatty acids. Deficiencies can cause diarrhea and can stunt growth in children. Copper and zinc work together to balance the thyroid. Too much or too little can lead to mental and emotional problems as well. Copper toxicity can be more concerning. Copper pipes, oral contraceptives and tobacco use can be contributors to excess stored copper in the body. Fragile blood vessels, eczema, high blood pressure, autism, schizophrenia, insomnia, moodiness, loss of smell and taste, nervousness, emotional and mental imbalances can all stem from excess copper.

Copper sources can be found in beer, copper cookware, industrial wastes, insecticides on your lawn, pasteurized milk, tap water, swimming pool chemicals, and copper tubing in fridges. Copper levels increase to twice the normal level during pregnancy and can take up to three months to regulate, often causing postpartum depression. Some foods high in copper are soybeans, avocados, legumes, organic meats, salmon, and oysters. You need these foods, while your twin needs to avoid them. I suggest DMSA, a chelating product, which will help to pull your twins copper down while supplementing with at least 50 to 75 mg of zinc and vitamin c daily.