Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Listen to Dr. Mercola’s Weekly Podcast, as the legendary natural health pioneer continues to lead you on your journey towards optimal health.
info_outline
Dry Cleaning Chemical Found to Harm Brain Cells and Raise Parkinson's Risk
11/29/2025
Dry Cleaning Chemical Found to Harm Brain Cells and Raise Parkinson's Risk
A study of more than 1.3 million Americans found that people living in areas with high trichloroethylene (TCE) levels had a 10% greater risk of Parkinson’s disease than those in cleaner regions TCE, a solvent once used in dry cleaning and degreasing, persists in air, soil, and groundwater for decades, exposing people through contaminated water and indoor air — even far from industrial sites Laboratory research revealed that TCE damages dopamine-producing neurons, disrupts mitochondrial energy production, and causes toxic protein buildup like that seen in Parkinson’s patients The studies show that chronic, low-level exposure to environmental toxins silently erodes brain health over time, especially in older adults with weakened cellular repair systems Reducing exposure through clean water, good ventilation, and low-toxin household choices — while supporting your cells through restorative sleep, regular movement, and whole, unprocessed foods — helps protect mitochondrial energy production and strengthen long-term neurological resilience
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148960
info_outline
Visceral Fat Activity Drives Aggressive Endometrial Cancer
11/29/2025
Visceral Fat Activity Drives Aggressive Endometrial Cancer
Visceral fat — the deep fat around your organs — acts like a hormone-producing organ that fuels inflammation, disrupts metabolism, and increases the risk of aggressive endometrial cancer New research shows that fat activity, not fat amount, predicts cancer severity, meaning even women with moderate weight face higher risk if their fat is metabolically active Chronically inflamed visceral fat releases cytokines, fatty acids, and signaling molecules that promote tumor growth, insulin resistance, and immune suppression, creating a biological environment where cancer thrives You can calm overactive fat by eliminating seed oils, lowering stress hormones like cortisol, and supporting mitochondrial function through healthy carbs, restorative sleep, and natural progesterone balance Restoring metabolic health through consistent, daily habits helps deactivate inflammatory fat, lower cancer risk, and rebuild your body’s natural resilience and energy production
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148950
info_outline
Type 2 Diabetes Found to Double the Risk of Sepsis
11/29/2025
Type 2 Diabetes Found to Double the Risk of Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening overreaction of your immune system to infection, causing widespread inflammation and organ failure when not treated quickly A large Australian study found people with Type 2 diabetes were twice as likely to develop sepsis, with the highest risk seen in men, smokers, and younger adults aged 41 to 50 Chronic high blood sugar and insulin resistance weaken immune defenses, impairing white blood cell function, slowing wound healing, and allowing common infections like urinary or skin infections to escalate into sepsis Managing diabetes through blood sugar control, physical activity, sunlight exposure, and eliminating vegetable oils and refined sugar restores insulin sensitivity and lowers the likelihood of severe infection You can further reduce infection and sepsis risk by maintaining wound hygiene, treating infections promptly, eating nutrient-rich foods, managing chronic conditions, and avoiding habits like nail-biting
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148930
info_outline
This Savory Herb Helps Relieve Muscle Cramps and Improve Digestion Naturally
11/28/2025
This Savory Herb Helps Relieve Muscle Cramps and Improve Digestion Naturally
Dill is a powerful herb rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help ease muscle cramps, improve digestion, and support heart health Flavonoids in dill protect your muscles and blood vessels from oxidative stress, helping you stay strong, active, and mentally sharp as you age Drinking dill tea or adding fresh dill to meals calms digestive discomfort, reduces bloating, and promotes smoother digestion Research shows dill helps balance blood sugar and hormones, easing menstrual cramps and supporting steady energy throughout the day Using dill regularly in food or drinks fights inflammation and provides everyday support for muscle recovery and circulation
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148895
info_outline
Rates of Postmenopausal Low Back Pain Have Nearly Doubled in 30 Years
11/28/2025
Rates of Postmenopausal Low Back Pain Have Nearly Doubled in 30 Years
Low back pain is projected to affect over 800 million people worldwide by 2050. Among women over 55, cases nearly doubled from 89.9 million in 1990 to 176.8 million in 2021 Aging populations are the main driver of this increase, but postmenopausal women face a greater risk due to bone loss, muscle decline, fat redistribution, and immune and inflammatory changes Hormonal shifts during and after menopause alter bone density, disc health, and tissue repair, making the spine more vulnerable to stress and chronic pain Persistent low back pain is linked to multiple chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, mental health issues, and long-term functional decline Regular movement, stronger core and pelvic floor muscles, improved posture, quality sleep, and stress management are among the most effective ways to lower pain risk and protect your spine
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148875
info_outline
From Sharper Night Vision to Curing Lifelong Blindness — How DMSO Heals Each Level of Vision Loss
11/28/2025
From Sharper Night Vision to Curing Lifelong Blindness — How DMSO Heals Each Level of Vision Loss
DMSO is a proven “umbrella remedy” that treats dozens of “incurable” conditions and protects delicate tissues (especially brain and eyes) from otherwise fatal injuries such as a complete loss of blood flow DMSO has a unique, almost magnetic affinity for the eyes, routinely restoring vision in disorders conventional medicine considers untreatable — including decades-long and lifelong blindness DMSO shields the retina from ischemic strokes, intense light damage (e.g., staring directly at the sun), and progressive degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and many others covered below Clinical studies and dozens of reader reports confirm DMSO halts or reverses macular degeneration — often returning eyesight that patients believed was gone forever. Beyond severe disease, DMSO dramatically improves everyday vision: sharper focus, better contrast and night vision, fewer floaters, and many people reduce or eliminate their need for glasses In extreme but meticulously documented cases — including a man blind from birth for 75 years and others blind for decades after severe trauma — DMSO has rapidly restored functional sight that modern medicine had declared impossible
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148835
info_outline
Resistance Training May Help Preserve Aging Nerves
11/27/2025
Resistance Training May Help Preserve Aging Nerves
Resistance training for aging nerves helps older adults improve steadiness, reaction time, and daily movement confidence by strengthening communication between nerves and muscles A four-week hand-grip training program from Syracuse University showed that simple, consistent resistance exercise helps speed up how quickly nerves send signals to muscles, even in older adults While the approach supports nerve health, it’s not a cure for neuropathy or a guaranteed fall-prevention solution. Evidence remains early and based on short-term trials Do two to three resistance sessions each week at a moderate effort level. Include a short, five-minute grip routine to strengthen nerve signaling and improve coordination Pair your training with balanced, protein-rich meals to support muscle recovery and nerve function. Make sure to also prioritize safety — use proper form and stop if you feel pain, dizziness, or unusual tingling
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148805
info_outline
Your Neck Size Can Reveal Your Risk for Heart Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes
11/27/2025
Your Neck Size Can Reveal Your Risk for Heart Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes
A thick neck is more than a cosmetic issue — it’s one of the clearest physical signs of metabolic stress, indicating higher risks for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke Research shows neck circumference predicts disease risk more accurately than BMI or waist size because it reflects harmful visceral fat stored around vital organs Fat around the neck and upper torso releases inflammatory chemicals and stress hormones that disrupt blood sugar, blood pressure, and heart rhythm Visible changes in your neck, such as swelling, lumps, bulging veins, or sagging tissue, offer early clues about thyroid dysfunction, heart strain, or oxygen deprivation during sleep Tracking your neck size each month is an easy, no-cost way to monitor your metabolic health, helping you take early action before serious conditions develop
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148770
info_outline
Simple Exercises Help You Recover from Sciatica Faster
11/27/2025
Simple Exercises Help You Recover from Sciatica Faster
Sciatica pain stems from irritation of your sciatic nerve, the long nerve running from your lower back to your foot, and causes sharp pain, numbness, or tingling that makes even simple movements difficult Movement — not rest — is the key to recovery, because gentle activity increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps the nerve heal faster Short walks, swimming, and simple stretches like knee-to-chest or the cobra pose relieve pressure on the nerve and prevent stiffness during flare-ups Daily habits such as limiting sitting time, improving posture, strengthening your core, and supporting your spine during sleep help stop sciatica from returning Most people recover within weeks when they stay active, use heat and cold strategically, and build strength in their hips and core to protect their lower back
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148760
info_outline
The Mind-Body Skills That Help You Stay Active Through Chronic Pain
11/26/2025
The Mind-Body Skills That Help You Stay Active Through Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects over 50 million U.S. adults, but research shows that pain resilience — your ability to adapt and stay active despite discomfort — matters more than pain severity itself Pain resilience acts as a mental shock absorber, helping people maintain physical activity even with significant pain, while fear of movement has weaker influence when resilience is present Five components define pain resilience. These are emotional self-regulation, psychological flexibility, self-care behaviors, religion and spirituality, and internal strengths like optimism, persistence, and problem-solving skills Building resilience requires practical daily habits, including consuming healthy carbohydrates for energy, training your brain toward optimism through reframing challenges, and learning new skills or hobbies Physical activity and quality sleep strengthen resilience. Walking around 8,000 steps daily improves metabolic health and pain management, while good sleep helps you handle stress
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148750
info_outline
California Moves to Eliminate Ultraprocessed Foods from School Lunches — by 2035
11/26/2025
California Moves to Eliminate Ultraprocessed Foods from School Lunches — by 2035
California became the first state in the U.S. to ban ultraprocessed foods from public school lunches under the “Real Food, Healthy Kids Act,” but the full phase-out won’t take effect until 2035 Ultraprocessed foods — packed with vegetable oils, additives, and refined sugars — are engineered to trigger cravings and disrupt metabolism, contributing to childhood obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease A study in JAMA Network Open found that preschoolers who ate the most ultraprocessed foods had higher body fat, larger waistlines, elevated blood sugar, and lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol The delayed timeline leaves millions of children unprotected for nearly a decade, underscoring the urgent need for parents to remove ultraprocessed foods and vegetable oils from their homes now You can protect your child’s long-term health by replacing processed snacks with real foods, eliminating vegetable oils, cooking at home, reducing exposure to junk food ads, and teaching kids how to spot marketing tricks
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148720
info_outline
The Surprising Role of Cortisol in Alzheimer's
11/26/2025
The Surprising Role of Cortisol in Alzheimer's
New research shows that people with Alzheimer’s have higher cortisol levels and a skewed cortisol-to-DHEA-S ratio, revealing that chronic stress drives early brain degeneration long before memory loss appears Cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone, damages neurons and disrupts energy metabolism when it stays elevated, while DHEA-S acts as a protective neurosteroid that helps your brain resist inflammation and oxidative stress Bioenergetic researcher Georgi Dinkov connected these findings to thyroid and metabolic health, showing that when your cells don’t produce enough energy, cortisol rises and accelerates cognitive decline Tracking your cortisol-to-DHEA-S ratio offers a powerful early warning sign for chronic stress and neurodegeneration, allowing you to take preventive action years before symptoms develop You can rebalance these hormones naturally by fueling your metabolism with adequate healthy carbohydrates, improving sleep and light exposure, reducing overtraining, practicing calming breathwork, and using natural progesterone to help quiet cortisol
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148695
info_outline
Common Dry-Cleaning Chemical Linked to Liver Damage
11/25/2025
Common Dry-Cleaning Chemical Linked to Liver Damage
A widely used grease remover and dry-cleaning chemical called tetrachloroethylene (PCE) has been linked to liver fibrosis, a condition that causes scarring and loss of liver function even in people who don’t drink alcohol or have obesity Researchers found that people with measurable levels of PCE in their blood were three times more likely to have liver fibrosis, and for every tiny one-nanogram-per-milliliter increase in PCE, the risk increased fivefold PCE exposure often occurs through inhaling fumes from dry-cleaned clothes, contaminated air, or drinking water, and the chemical can also enter through the skin, affecting the liver, kidneys, heart, and nervous system Long-term exposure to PCE has been linked not only to liver disease but also to nerve damage, reproductive issues, and several cancers, including those of the bladder and liver, prompting the EPA to begin phasing it out Lower your risk of liver damage by switching to solvent-free wet cleaning, letting dry-cleaned clothes air out before use, replacing household products that contain PCE, and supporting liver repair through clean nutrition, hydration, and sun exposure
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148685
info_outline
Pickleball Boom Brings Unexpected Surge in Eye Trauma
11/25/2025
Pickleball Boom Brings Unexpected Surge in Eye Trauma
Pickleball’s explosive growth has led to a surge in serious eye injuries, with emergency room cases increasing by 405 each year between 2021 and 2024 Most eye injuries occur in players over 50, whose slower reflexes and vision changes make them more vulnerable to high-speed impacts and falls The sport’s modern paddles can launch balls over 60 miles per hour at the kitchen line — just 14 feet apart — leaving players less than half a second to react Despite the sharp rise in injuries, there are still no universal safety rules requiring protective eyewear in recreational or professional play Wearing shatterproof glasses, warming up, and improving balance are simple steps that protect your eyesight and keep pickleball fun, safe, and injury-free
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148675
info_outline
A Call to Congress — Advancing the MAHA Legislative Agenda
11/25/2025
A Call to Congress — Advancing the MAHA Legislative Agenda
President Trump’s Executive Order 14212 established the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address the nation’s escalating childhood chronic disease crisis The MAHA Commission identified four key drivers of illness — poor diet, chemical exposure, chronic stress, and overmedicalization. It also introduced a coordinated national strategy built on research, systems reform, public awareness, and accountability In a recent report by Dr. Robert Malone, one of RFK Jr.’s appointed vaccine advisers, he explains that Congress must turn MAHA’s executive directives into law to ensure the reforms become lasting national policy Malone categorized the MAHA legislative agenda into five areas of reform — addressing food standards, medical accountability, agricultural freedom, agency coordination, and government transparency To show your support, call or write your representatives directly, because real reform starts when your voice reaches the people writing the laws that shape your family’s future
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148660
info_outline
Exposure to Bright Light at Night Increases Heart Disease Risk
11/24/2025
Exposure to Bright Light at Night Increases Heart Disease Risk
Exposure to artificial light at night disrupts your body’s natural sleep-wake rhythm, raising your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure A large-scale study found that adults living in the brightest nighttime environments had up to a 56% higher risk of heart failure and a 47% higher risk of heart attack compared to those in the darkest settings When combined with air pollution, bright night environments amplify cardiovascular risk even more — nighttime light accounted for up to 39% of the extra heart failure risk linked to polluted air Nighttime light not only harms your heart but also increases the risk of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, while reducing exposure to bright daylight worsens these effects Restoring a natural light-dark cycle — bright days and truly dark nights — helps regulate your hormones, protect your heart, improve mood, and reduce your risk of chronic disease
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148640
info_outline
Antidepressants (SSRI) Trigger Hyponatremia, Which Causes Severe Anxiety
11/24/2025
Antidepressants (SSRI) Trigger Hyponatremia, Which Causes Severe Anxiety
Antidepressants like SSRIs are strongly linked to hyponatremia, a dangerous drop in blood sodium that disrupts nerve and muscle function The risk is highest in the first two weeks of treatment, when sodium levels plummet to life-threatening lows that trigger confusion, seizures, or fainting Older adults, especially women over 80, are among the most vulnerable, with nearly 1 in 15 experiencing profound sodium loss after starting these drugs Symptoms of drug-induced low sodium often mimic worsening anxiety or depression, leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary increases in medication Natural strategies like optimizing nutrition, restoring key vitamins and minerals, daily movement, sunlight exposure, and restful sleep offer safer ways to support mood and energy without creating sodium imbalances
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39148630
info_outline
Science Finds Your Brain and Judgment Peak Around Age 60
11/22/2025
Science Finds Your Brain and Judgment Peak Around Age 60
New research shows that overall human performance — combining intelligence, emotional balance, and judgment — peaks between ages 55 and 60, making midlife a time of strength, not decline While mental processing speed slows with age, emotional intelligence, wisdom, and decision-making power continue to grow, helping you handle stress and relationships more effectively Your brain adapts by strengthening networks that regulate emotion and memory, allowing smoother coordination between thought and feeling for wiser, more integrated choices Eliminating seed oils high in linoleic acid (LA) and eating about 250 grams of healthy carbohydrates daily supports cellular energy and protects brain function Staying physically active, prioritizing sleep, and pursuing lifelong learning help maintain focus, clarity, and vitality — proving that your 50s and 60s can be your most productive, fulfilling decades
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39059055
info_outline
Saline Farming Offers a Sustainable Way to Revive Salt-Damaged Soils
11/22/2025
Saline Farming Offers a Sustainable Way to Revive Salt-Damaged Soils
Rising salt levels in soil and water are destroying farmland worldwide, with 16.6 million square kilometers now salt-affected — an area roughly the size of South America Saline agriculture offers a powerful solution by using salt-tolerant crops, smart irrigation, and natural soil restoration methods to turn degraded land back into productive farmland Research shows countries like China, India, Pakistan, Argentina, and the U.S. have millions of acres suitable for saline farming, which could help feed hundreds of millions of people without relying on scarce freshwater Techniques such as gypsum treatment, drip irrigation, and phytoremediation — using plants themselves to absorb and redistribute salt — is helping restore soil fertility and protect food supplies These same principles apply beyond farms; by managing salt, adding organic matter, and choosing resilient plants, even home gardeners can help revive soil health and contribute to global food resilience
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39059035
info_outline
Niacinamide Found to Reduce the Risk of New Skin Cancers
11/22/2025
Niacinamide Found to Reduce the Risk of New Skin Cancers
Skin cancer affects one in five Americans, with nonmelanoma types like basal and squamous cell carcinoma making up most cases. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is found to offer a strong preventive effect A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology associated niacinamide use with a 14% lower overall risk of developing additional nonmelanoma skin cancers, with the greatest benefit seen after the first cancer diagnosis Earlier research showed that taking 500 milligrams of niacinamide twice daily reduced new nonmelanoma skin cancers by 23% and precancerous lesions by up to 15% Niacinamide protects your skin by restoring NAD+ for DNA repair, reducing inflammation, supporting immune defenses, and strengthening the barrier that maintains moisture and resilience against environmental stress For long-term use, smaller daily doses of 50 milligrams three times per day are safe and sustainable. Combining niacinamide with sensible sun exposure habits and good nutrition strengthens skin defense naturally
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39059015
info_outline
What Different Types of Coughs Say About Your Health
11/21/2025
What Different Types of Coughs Say About Your Health
A cough isn’t just a symptom — it’s your body’s built-in alarm system, warning you about irritation, infection, or hidden lung problems that need attention Different types of coughs — dry, wet, tickly, or chronic — reveal unique clues about your health, helping you identify whether you’re dealing with allergies, pollution, or something more serious Air pollution, smoke, and chemical exposure age your lungs faster, reduce breathing capacity, and trigger chronic coughs even in nonsmokers, but removing these irritants allows your lungs to heal Nebulized hydrogen peroxide offers a powerful, research-backed way to stop viral respiratory infections at the source, often improving symptoms within hours when used early and correctly Natural remedies such as raw honey, steam inhalation, and hydration support your body’s healing process better than cough syrups, which suppress the reflex your lungs need to clear infection
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39058970
info_outline
Rhythmic Yoga Breathing Trains Your Brain to Relax and Focus
11/21/2025
Rhythmic Yoga Breathing Trains Your Brain to Relax and Focus
Rhythmic breathing techniques like Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) create measurable changes in brain activity that mirror deep relaxation and meditative awareness while keeping you fully awake and alert EEG scans show that SKY breathing increases theta and delta brain waves — patterns linked to restorative rest and emotional balance — while reducing alpha waves tied to sensory distraction and stress These brain shifts demonstrate how controlled breathing helps your nervous system move from “fight-or-flight” stress to a calm, parasympathetic state, supporting focus, better sleep, and improved mood Even beginners experience these benefits, as rhythmic breathing immediately quiets your brain’s background “noise,” promoting mental clarity, energy conservation, and emotional stability Practicing rhythmic breathing for just 10 to 20 minutes a day trains your brain to enter relaxation faster, giving you a free tool to manage anxiety, sharpen focus, and restore balance anytime you need it
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39058945
info_outline
DMSO — The Remarkable Compound That Heals the Eye from the Inside Out
11/21/2025
DMSO — The Remarkable Compound That Heals the Eye from the Inside Out
DMSO is an “umbrella remedy” capable of treating a wide range of challenging ailments. It has a unique affinity for the eyes, resulting in DMSO frequently treating a wide range of visual disorders that frequently cannot be treated with conventional therapeutic options — including blindness DMSO’s potent anti-inflammatory properties allow it to treat a variety of challenging inflammatory eye conditions throughout the eye, including uveitis, iridocyclitis, and iritis, along with releasing the troublesome adhesions (synechia) associated with them DMSO’s ability to restore fluid circulation and protect compromised nerves allows it to rapidly reduce intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerves of glaucoma patients DMSO’s unique ability to stabilize proteins and solubilize misfolded ones allows it to eliminate a variety of pathologic protein deposits in the eyes, such as floaters and cataracts. Likewise, users often report that their eyes become much sharper and clearer as less obvious deposits are eliminated DMSO’s ability to normalize the shape of the eyes also frequently results in users reporting their eyes regain the ability to focus and glasses no longer being needed (particularly for nearsightedness). This article will review how DMSO can treat these conditions and how those healing properties allow it to treat many other challenging eye conditions, such as eye strain, dry eyes, vision loss, and macular degeneration
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39058900
info_outline
Breakthrough Blood Test Achieves 96% Accuracy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
11/20/2025
Breakthrough Blood Test Achieves 96% Accuracy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A groundbreaking blood test identified myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) with up to 96% accuracy, using 3D genomic mapping to detect immune and metabolic disruptions in blood cells ME/CFS, a chronic, multisystem illness that can devastate daily life, affects an estimated 17 to 24 million people worldwide Research points to the gut-brain-immune axis as a key driver, linking post-infectious inflammation, leaky gut, and microbial imbalance Excess serotonin activity, often triggered by SSRIs, may worsen fatigue by slowing cellular energy production and increasing inflammation True recovery means restoring balance: calming the nervous system, repairing the gut, cutting inflammatory seed oils from the diet, and rebuilding cellular energy so the body can heal itself
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39058875
info_outline
Stressed? It Could Be a Sign You're Not Drinking Enough Water
11/20/2025
Stressed? It Could Be a Sign You're Not Drinking Enough Water
Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University found that drinking less than 1.5 liters of water daily raised stress hormones by 50%, suggesting that dehydration can add to your stress load When you’re dehydrated, hormones like vasopressin quietly kick in, signaling stress and triggering cortisol Signs of dehydration go beyond thirst. Fatigue, headaches, sugar cravings, and dry skin are your body’s early warning signs that it’s running low on water and energy It’s also possible to drink too much water. Overhydrating dilutes minerals like sodium, causing fatigue, confusion, or nausea Aside from drinking when you’re thirsty, you can stay hydrated by consuming water-rich foods like watermelon. Adding a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon or organic juice to plain water helps improve electrolyte absorption
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39058865
info_outline
Alcohol Raises Dementia Risk at Every Level of Drinking
11/20/2025
Alcohol Raises Dementia Risk at Every Level of Drinking
A study found that alcohol raises dementia risk at every level of drinking, overturning decades of claims that moderate use protects your brain Even light drinking damages neurons, disrupts mitochondrial energy production, and accelerates brain aging, showing there is no safe dose for cognitive health Genetic data revealed that for every measurable increase in alcohol consumption, dementia risk rose by about 15%, with the danger extending across all age and ancestry groups Alcohol and linoleic acid (LA) from seed oils follow the same toxic pathway in your liver, creating harmful aldehydes that cause mitochondrial damage and fatty liver disease, both of which impair brain function Reducing or eliminating alcohol and cutting seed oils to under 5 grams per day — ideally 2 grams — support liver recovery, restore mitochondrial function, and protect long-term brain health
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39058855
info_outline
Is Paternal Age an Issue in Reproductive Planning?
11/19/2025
Is Paternal Age an Issue in Reproductive Planning?
In the U.S., the average age for first-time fathers has climbed to about 31, and men aged 50 and older now make up 1.3% of all fathers, signaling a shift toward later fatherhood A 2025 Nature study found that sperm accumulate genetic mutations with age, including “selfish” mutations that expand within the testes and increase risks of neurodevelopmental and childhood disorders A companion analysis of over 54,000 families confirmed these mutations are passed to children. This shows that paternal age directly shapes genetic inheritance through natural selection within sperm-producing cell Modern factors like endocrine disruptors, microplastics, obesity, stress, alcohol, smoking, and EMF exposure are accelerating sperm decline across all ages and contributing to the global drop in sperm counts Simple, preventive actions, including maintaining a healthy weight, minimizing toxins, managing stress, and considering early sperm screening or preservation, can help protect fertility
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39058830
info_outline
How's Your Pancreas? Subtle Signs of Problems You Should Not Ignore
11/19/2025
How's Your Pancreas? Subtle Signs of Problems You Should Not Ignore
Pancreatic problems often develop silently, showing up first as subtle digestive issues like greasy stools, fatigue after meals, or nausea when eating fatty foods Early warning signs such as upper abdominal pain, back pain, or unexpected weight loss signal that your pancreas is struggling and needs immediate attention to prevent lasting damage Experts warn that even mild, persistent changes in stool color, texture, or frequency can reveal enzyme deficiencies that, if untreated, lead to malabsorption, diabetes, or cancer Everyday habits like eating processed foods, consuming seed oils, and drinking alcohol overwork your pancreas and trigger chronic inflammation that slowly impairs its function Supporting your pancreas with simple dietary changes, steady blood sugar habits, and early detection of symptoms allows your body to heal naturally and maintain long-term digestive and metabolic health
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39058825
info_outline
Endotoxin/LPS Is a Major Driver of Blood Clotting, Sepsis, Heart Attacks, and Strokes
11/19/2025
Endotoxin/LPS Is a Major Driver of Blood Clotting, Sepsis, Heart Attacks, and Strokes
Endotoxin, a toxic molecule released by bacteria in your gut, enters your bloodstream and directly triggers blood clot formation — even in people with no signs of infection or heart disease Researchers have shown that certain bacterial types, such as E. coli, are especially effective at setting off your body’s clotting response, mimicking what happens during sepsis and other life-threatening events Everyday habits that weaken your gut barrier — including eating seed oils, ultraprocessed foods, and alcohol, or living under chronic stress — make endotoxin exposure common, keeping your blood in a “primed” state to clot Chronic, low-grade exposure to bacterial toxins links gut health to cardiovascular problems, explaining why heart attacks, strokes, and clotting disorders often strike people who appear healthy Supporting your gut with easy-to-digest foods, antioxidants like niacinamide and vitamin E, and natural binders such as raw carrot salad or activated charcoal helps neutralize endotoxin and keep your blood flowing freely
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39058810
info_outline
Studies Raise Questions About Keto’s Impact on Liver and Heart Health
11/18/2025
Studies Raise Questions About Keto’s Impact on Liver and Heart Health
While short-term ketogenic diets may aid weight loss, new research links prolonged ketosis to liver stress, impaired insulin secretion, and cardiovascular problems Long-term fat reliance increases circulating free fatty acids, burdening the liver, disrupting glucose regulation, and weakening metabolic flexibility — key factors in overall energy stability and heart health Elevated liver enzymes and triglyceride levels on keto indicate hepatic overload. This signals that the body is struggling to manage excess fat turnover and oxidation Treat keto as a short-term metabolic intervention, not a lifestyle diet. Gradually reintroduce whole-food carbohydrates to support steady energy, hormonal balance, and overall metabolic health To support balanced metabolism and long-term liver and heart health, keep total fat below 30% of daily calories, eliminate seed oils from your diet, and consume sufficient dietary fiber
/episode/index/show/mercola/id/39058770