PLATEFUL HEALTH BY DR. VIV
Live well and low-tox with simple, science-backed steps.
If you're grappling with symptoms that your doctors cannot explain, or you are seeking solutions that tackle the root of health conditions rather than band-aids, you've come to the right place.
Here, we dive into important root causes often overlooked by conventional medicine: diet, lifestyle, and environmental toxins - 3 key contributors to chronic diseases that not enough doctors are talking about.
I'm Dr. Viv, a UK-trained MD (MRCP, MRCGP which means UK boards in internal medicine and family practice), and environmental toxin expert based in California.
I've walked in your shoes—I've experienced the frustration of being dismissed by doctors for chronic fatigue, brain fog, cystic acne, anxiety, and bloating. But through my own journey of reading, research and adopting changes, I found healing. Now, I'm here to guide you on your path to optimal health. Together, we'll navigate the maze of everyday toxins we can no longer avoid, review the science of #foodasmedicine and important lifestyle strategies that can transform your health. Welcome aboard!
HOW PLATEFUL HEALTH STARTED
I didn’t realize how unwell I was. Though not serious, my symptoms dimmed my light. I suspect many of you reading this may be in the same boat.
You might have less energy than you’d like, a tad anxious for no obvious reasons, carrying some extra weight, noticing your brain isn't as sharp as it used to be, or dealing with breakouts or skin issues. This was me. My doctor attributed these symptoms to 'stress' and 'genes' because my labs were a ‘clean bill of health’.
It wasn’t until my daughter was hospitalized at just 8 weeks old that I received my wake-up call. There she was, a helpless baby crying out for me, every tear like a sharp knife cutting me open—I had failed her as both a mom and a doctor. She had stopped feeding, and none of the esteemed physicians at the top St Mary’s Hospital in London could tell me why. I had to take matters into my own hands. So I donned my doctor hat, dove into extensive reading and research, and eventually got her out of the hospital by advocating for her.
Uncovering the truth left me seething - why hadn’t I been taught any of this at medical school?
Over the following years, I began to overhaul our diet, lifestyle, and everyday product choices. My daughter completely healed and I also feel like a veil had been lifted. What I had done to save her ended up saving me.
I now have the energy, mental clarify, and motivation to step into my life’s purpose - and I want everyone to experience this too. That's why I'm so deeply passionate about this journey. I have created Plateful Health to help others heal and thrive with science-backed educational content and practical steps to improve health.
The most powerful thing you can do is equip yourself with the right knowledge, and start taking baby steps one at a time.
WHY SUBSTACK?
Navigating the complexities of environmental toxins can be daunting, and sadly, there's a lot of misinformation and quick fixes out there that simply don't deliver long-term benefits.
Environmental toxins lurk everywhere in our day-to-day lives, including in the food we eat, the products we use at home, and the air we breathe. I have dedicated the last 10 years of my life looking at the scientific research behind the profound effects of environmental toxins on our health. The problem is real and unfortunately, these impacts are often overlooked by conventional medical doctors because we were not taught this at medical school.
This was what left me, and now many of you, searching for real answers and solutions to your health issues.
Substack provides the perfect platform to share my findings fully, with nuance, unlike on social media which rewards fear-mongering. In fact, I think social media can be a dangerous place to get your information.
Here, you can read about the subtle nuances that makes all the difference between getting real results, or being stuck in the same rut years later.
Wherever you are in your health journey, here are subscription options that take away the overwhelm of scrolling endlessly for answers.
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Unpaid Subscription
A great way to get started with your health journey with valuable insights and advice to optimize your health.
You will get:
1 free newsletter per month, where I share my research, expert insights, and tips on how to avoid environmental toxins and how to detoxify from toxins.
You will also get 2 limited preview newsletter each month.
Should you find these newsletters useful, the next step is to become a Paid or Founding member.
Paid Subscription (there are 3 options)
Get full access to all of my research so that you make the best decision on how to pursue your goals. You will also be helping support my work 😍
Pay monthly
Full access to 3 newsletters per month, including Pro Tips, where I share my expert opinions and how you can take immediate actionable steps.
Comment and join chat discussions with me and like-minded members of my community here. This journey can feel lonely, and I wish I had a support group like this when I was going through it.
Unlimited access to my full archive of over 60 past articles, offering a wealth of knowledge and insights.
$6 / month (cancel any time)
Pay yearly
All the benefits of a pay-monthly subscription but save 18%.
$60 for the whole year ($5/month).
Founding member
For those passionate about supporting and contributing to the growth of Plateful Health, you can join as a Founding Member.
All of the benefits above
PLUS my Detox Your Home Guide and Personal Care Swaps Guide (worth $30).
Choose to pay what you want as a Founding Member, starting at $75. Your support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to continue delivering impactful health content as well as expanding community resources.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
If you're ready to stop settling for being less than your best and want to embrace a vibrant, low-tox lifestyle, you are in the right place. Together, we'll explore how simple, everyday changes can make a long-lasting, profound impact on your health and those who matter to you.
Let’s welcome the best version of you.
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