Can you prevent preeclampsia? In this deep dive, we look at the root causes, proposed mechanisms, and holistic support strategies for one of the most serious complications of pregnancy. We are learning more about what may contribute to preeclampsia, including placental development, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endothelial health, genetics, nutrient status, paternal factors, the microbiome, environmental toxins, and long-term cardiovascular risk.

Aspirin is one of the most recommended prevention tools, and in this episode we get into why it is used, what it actually does, and where its benefits seem strongest. But it turns out, there may be a lot more to the prevention conversation.

In this episode, we cover:

• What preeclampsia is and how it is diagnosed
• The two-stage model of preeclampsia: abnormal placental development and maternal vascular dysfunction
• Oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, platelet activation, and endothelial health
• Genetic factors: MTHFR, homocysteine, methylation issues
• Epigenetics: how lifestyle may influence gene expression in pregnancy
• Environmental toxins, including BPA, phthalates, PFAS, heavy metals, air pollution, and placental health
• The paternal factor: semen exposure, paternal antigens, sperm health, obesity, and immune tolerance
• Gut, vaginal, oral, and urinary microbiome research
• COVID infection, COVID vaccination data, and preeclampsia risk
• Why preeclampsia is linked to future cardiovascular disease
• What the evidence actually says about baby aspirin
• Supplements that may help with prevention: Calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, lycopene, omega-3s, CoQ10, NAC, and more
• Nutrition: the DASH diet, Mediterranean diet, fiber, probiotics, and food-first nutrition strategies
• Exercise in pregnancy and what we know about hypertensive disorders
• Sleep, obstructive sleep apnea, and preeclampsia risk
• Mind-body medicine, stress physiology, mindfulness, yoga, acupuncture, and blood pressure regulation
• How to think about prevention without fear, blame, or over-supplementing

The full episode transcript with citations for all studies mentioned can be found at: drmaryellawood.com

In this episode I’m joined by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Asmi Berry for a deep dive into integrative dermatology, acne, hair loss, pregnancy skincare, postpartum hair loss, anti-aging skincare, Ayurveda, hormones, nutrition, supplements, and the gut-skin axis.

In addition to being a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Berry has advanced training in integrative dermatology and Ayurvedic culinary medicine.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Integrative dermatology and whole-person skin health (including nutrition, supplements, conventional treatments and more)
• Acne, hormones and the gut-skin axis
• Hair loss, including postpartum hair loss
• Pregnancy skincare and pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients
• Anti-aging skincare and skin longevity
• Inflammatory skin conditions
• Ayurveda, including a dive into doshas and how they relate to skin health
• How conventional dermatology and holistic medicine can work together

Learn more about Dr. Asmi Berry:

Website: https://www.drasmiberry.com/

Clinic: https://bhskin.com/about-us/asmi-berry/

Instagram: @drasmiberry

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drasmiberry

In Part 5 of Detox in a Toxic World, we explore digital detox and the new age of toxins. From screens, social media, and overstimulation to light pollution, red light therapy, EMFs, grounding, and nature therapy, this episode looks at how modern life may be shaping the nervous system, sleep, circadian rhythm, inflammation, and overall health.

This is a grounded, evidence-based look at what the research does and does not show, along with practical ways to reduce digital burden and support a more regulated, resilient body in a world that is not just chemically toxic, but cognitively and energetically overwhelming.

Companion Guide: drmaryellawood.com/guides