Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health - podcast cover

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Dr. Mercolawww.mercola.com
Listen to Dr. Mercola’s Weekly Podcast, as the legendary natural health pioneer continues to lead you on your journey towards optimal health.

Episodes

Microplastic Inhalation: Are Your Lungs at Risk? - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, found everywhere in the environment, and capable of accumulating in human and animal lung tissues A 2025 study found microplastic particles in every lung sample from 51 bird species, with an average of 221 particles per bird's lungs. These findings suggest similar widespread contamination in humans Previous research has shown that microplastics are present in human lung tissues, with particles from common...

May 17, 20259 min

Knee Pain No More: Simple Exercises for Lasting Relief - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Knee pain affects one in four U.S. adults and often stems from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition that causes stiffness, swelling, and pain — especially when you’re inactive or avoid movement Falling into inactivity worsens the problem, as muscle weakness adds stress to the knee joint, making everyday movements like walking or standing more painful over time A March 2024 NIH-backed study found strength training throughout life cuts knee arthritis risk, with up to 23...

May 17, 20258 min

The Link Between Snacking and Stunted Growth - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Research shows constant snacking disrupts children's growth hormone rhythms, reducing bone development by up to 17% compared to structured mealtimes Regular meals trigger natural surges of growth hormone that strengthen bones, while grazing produces flat, ineffective hormone levels In studies with both rats and humans, those eating structured meals had three times more growth hormone bursts compared to those snacking continuously The body's hunger hormone (ghrelin) works proper...

May 17, 20258 min

The Overlooked Cancer Cure the Medical Establishment Forgot - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a potent compound known for treating a wide range of "incurable" musculoskeletal, neurological, infectious, and autoimmune conditions due to its unique properties DMSO properties also transform cancer care as it causes cells to stop being cancerous, significantly increases the potency of many cancer treatments (hence improving their safety and efficacy,) and protects normal tissue from their toxicity Many natural treatments are also dramatically mor...

May 16, 202510 min

Protect Your Brain from Cognitive Decline With Vitamin K2 - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Low vitamin K intake damages brain function and memory by reducing brain cell growth and increasing inflammation, especially in the brain region responsible for learning and memory Vitamin K2 is important for directing calcium to bones instead of arteries, supporting brain health and reducing inflammation, but most Western diets lack sufficient K2 In a study, mice fed a diet low in vitamin K showed significantly poorer performance in memory tests and had fewer new brain cells f...

May 16, 20258 min

Slow Down! Why Your Fast Eating Habit Might Be Hurting You - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Research shows eating slower increases meal length through more chews and bites, not by changing chewing tempo; this gives your brain more time to register fullness signals The study found following a slow rhythm of 40 beats per minute while eating significantly extended meal length by 47 seconds, adding 29 more chews and almost five more bites Taking smaller bites, using smaller utensils and choosing whole foods that require more chewing naturally extends your mealtime without...

May 16, 20258 min

Quiet Your Mind, Sleep Soundly: The Cognitive Shuffling Solution - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Cognitive shuffling helps transition your mind to sleep by mimicking your brain's natural shift from focused thinking to random, dreamlike patterns Instead of trying to clear your mind, choose a simple word and think of other words starting with each letter to gently redirect overthinking The technique works by providing just enough mental distraction without stimulation, making it ideal for people with racing bedtime thoughts Adding visualization and coordinated breathing enha...

May 15, 20258 min

Lupus Lifestyle Fix: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that most often affects your skin, joints, kidneys and heart Lupus causes inflammation and a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes and fever Lupus can affect connective tissues in the body, which are largely composed of collagen Inadequate vitamin D levels are common in people with systemic lupus Addressing cellular energy deficiency and estrogen dominance may help you overcome and manage lupus...

May 15, 202510 min

4 Lifestyle Shifts for Lower Cholesterol and Better Heal- AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Nearly 40 million Americans take statins daily, yet these drugs don’t fix the root cause of high cholesterol and often cause serious side effects like muscle pain and insulin resistance Dr. Adriana Quinones-Camacho, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Health, recommends lifestyle changes — like eating clean fats, exercising, and losing weight — as first-line treatments before resorting to risky cholesterol-lowering medications Eliminating processed seed oils and consuming whole-food ...

May 15, 202510 min

Fermented Dairy: The Unsung Hero in Osteoporosis Prevention - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Fermented dairy like kefir helps rebuild bone by boosting osteocalcin and lowering bone breakdown markers, which results in stronger bones The probiotics in fermented dairy actively balance bone-building and bone-resorbing cells, helping prevent and even reverse the progression of osteoporosis Research shows that regular kefir consumption increased hip bone density by 5.5% in just six months, offering real gains in areas most vulnerable to life-altering fractures Beneficial bac...

May 14, 20259 min

Crave, Eat, Repeat: How Processed Foods Rewire Your Brain - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Just five days of ultraprocessed food consumption disrupts brain insulin function and appetite regulation, even without weight gain or blood sugar changes Brain scans revealed damage persisted after returning to a normal diet and affected memory, decision-making and reward centers similarly to patterns seen in obesity Environmental cues like food marketing, smells and packaging train your brain to eat regardless of actual hunger, overriding natural satiety signals Ultraprocesse...

May 14, 20257 min

The Natural Approach to Sinusitis Recovery - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Sinusitis affects 31 million Americans annually, with many seeking treatments that cause side effects. Natural remedies will address the inflammation and provide relief without the adverse effects of pharmaceuticals Your sinuses are eight cavities located in your head that filter and humidify the air you inhale, removing irritants and providing protection from head impacts Effective home remedies include saline nasal irrigation, steam therapy, staying hydrated, warm compresses,...

May 14, 202510 min

Why More Potassium, Not Less Salt, Lowers Blood Pressure - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance New research confirms that the sodium-potassium ratio, not just sodium alone, is essential for blood pressure regulation. Increased potassium intake significantly lowers blood pressure, even when sodium remains high Potassium lowers blood pressure by helping your body get rid of excess sodium, activating early kidney responses, and reducing hormones that raise blood pressure Studies have also challenged universal salt restriction guidelines and showed that there’s no clear bene...

May 13, 20259 min

4 in 10 Cardiovascular Deaths Linked to What You Eat - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Nearly 38% of cardiovascular deaths in Canada are linked to ultraprocessed foods. These products contribute to 96,000 new heart disease cases and 17,400 deaths each year Eating just one additional daily serving of ultraprocessed food raises your risk of obesity by 7%, abdominal fat by 5%, and Type 2 diabetes by 12% Ultraprocessed foods increase cognitive decline risk by 16% and stroke risk by 8%, with the strongest effects seen in Black participants Processed meat products like...

May 13, 20259 min

Ghost Poop Goals: Practical Steps to Transform Your Digestion - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Ghost poops — bowel movements that leave no residue when wiping and sink in the toilet — are indicators of excellent gut health and proper digestion, showing your body is efficiently processing nutrients Many digestive issues that prevent ghost poops stem from poor diet, stress, dehydration or insufficient physical activity, all of which disrupt your gut microbiome Contrary to popular belief, healing your gut often requires increasing digestible carbohydrates (200 to 350 grams ...

May 13, 20259 min

Is Your Body Begging for More Sleep? Decoding the Signs - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Sleep deprivation manifests in subtle ways beyond feeling tired, including mood swings, poor concentration and food cravings that many don't connect to lack of sleep Research shows others easily identify sleep-deprived individuals through facial cues like puffy eyes, pale skin and drooping mouth corners Poor sleep disrupts hormones regulating hunger and stress, leading to increased cravings for junk foods and emotional eating During sleep, your body performs essential repair an...

May 12, 20258 min

Your Gut & Stress: It's Connected! - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Gut microbiome composition may influence stress resilience. Research shows a connection between the brain-gut microbiome (BGM) system and mental health, offering new insights into stress management and psychiatric disorders A study found that highly resilient individuals had unique gut bacteria characteristics, including more active bacteria in key areas like environmental adaptation and inflammation reduction, as well as distinct brain structure patterns Gut dysbiosis (microbi...

May 12, 202511 min

How Your Immune System Impacts Your Feelings - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance New research shows inflammation directly influences mood and behavior by sending chemical signals that activate anxiety circuits in the brain, helping to explain emotional aftereffects of illness Specific inflammatory cytokines stimulate neurons in brain regions responsible for processing fear, while anti-inflammatory signals calm these same neural pathways Scientists discovered that certain immune molecules function like neurotransmitters in the brain, influencing social behav...

May 10, 20259 min

Why Obesity Rates Are Exploding and What We Can Do - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Global obesity rates have skyrocketed, with over 3.8 billion adults projected to be overweight or obese by 2050, making this a worsening crisis that no country has successfully reversed People are gaining excess weight at younger ages than ever before, increasing their lifetime exposure to obesity-related diseases like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers The obesity epidemic is no longer limited to wealthy nations — low-income and developing countries are experie...

May 10, 20259 min

Liver Damage Before Birth: The Shocking Impact of Mom's Diet - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance A 2025 study found that babies whose mothers consumed a Western diet high in unhealthy fats and refined sugar during pregnancy showed signs of liver damage, including scarring and bile acid problems, even before birth This early liver damage, linked to the mother's diet, contributes to a growing condition affecting many children, characterized by fat buildup, inflammation and long-term liver damage if not addressed Even when mothers switched to a healthier diet after the baby's...

May 10, 20258 min

How Your Favorite Anger Coping Tricks Can Sabotage You - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Research shows that "blowing off steam" through intense physical activity doesn't reduce anger and may actually increase it, contradicting popular belief about anger management Calming techniques like meditation, mindfulness, relaxation and yoga are significantly more effective at reducing anger, hostility and aggressive behavior Combining cognitive strategies with physical calming practices produces stronger results than either approach alone, suggesting both body and mind nee...

May 09, 20259 min

Sudden Infant Death: Unmasking the Vaccine Connection - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Multiple doctors have linked the DPT vaccine to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), noting that SIDS peaks coincide with vaccination schedules at 2, 4, and 6 months Since at least 1933, the medical community has known that vaccines cause infant deaths. To conceal this, those deaths were renamed “crib death” and then “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” (SIDS), eventually being attributed to infants not sleeping on their backs This revisionism is not supported by the existing evidenc...

May 09, 202511 min

The Link Between Hearing and Heart Health - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Hearing loss increases heart failure risk by up to 28%, even after adjusting for lifestyle and genetic factors, according to research following over 164,000 adults The inner ear's high blood flow needs make it vulnerable to circulatory problems, which serve as an early warning sign of vascular issues affecting the heart Psychological distress from hearing difficulties accounts for nearly 17% of the increased heart failure risk due to resulting inflammation, oxidative stress and...

May 09, 20258 min

The Tinnitus Diet: Foods That Can Quiet the Ringing - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance A recent large-scale meta-analysis found that people who ate more fruit had significantly lower odds of developing tinnitus than those with low fruit intake Dairy, fiber, and caffeine showed protective benefits as well. Moderate intake of these foods improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and supported inner ear stability A separate study also found that consuming butter and legumes helped calm tinnitus symptoms and stabilize auditory nerve activity MSG and aspartame aggra...

May 08, 202511 min

The Gut-Anxiety Connection: Decoding Your Second Brain - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Anxiety is directly linked to gut health, with imbalances in gut bacteria increasing inflammation and disrupting brain chemistry People with social anxiety have specific bacterial imbalances, including an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a lack of beneficial strains that regulate mood and stress Diet plays a major role in mental health. Processed foods, high sugar intake, and unhealthy fats from vegetable oils fuel gut dysfunction, while fiber-rich and fermented foods help re...

May 08, 20258 min

Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally: The Power of Relaxation - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Tai chi, yoga, and mindfulness techniques lowered blood pressure by 5 to 10 mm Hg in just eight to 12 weeks, delivering results similar to low-dose medications when practiced consistently Stress reduction methods like deep breathing and meditation worked in the short term but lost effectiveness when people stopped practicing them, showing the importance of daily commitment A large study found that tai chi was more effective than aerobic exercise at lowering systolic blood press...

May 08, 20259 min

Red Flags in Your Food: The Truth About Artificial Dyes - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Over 36,000 U.S. processed foods contain Red 40, a petroleum-based dye, while 8,000 products include Red 3, a known carcinogen that causes thyroid tumors in animals Artificial food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Blue 1 are linked to behavioral issues in children, including hyperactivity, restlessness and attention difficulties The FDA banned Red 3 from cosmetics in 1990 but only banned it from food in January 2025; food manufacturers have until 2027 to remove it compl...

May 07, 20258 min

One in Three: The Childhood Chronic Health Crisis - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance One in three children in the United States now lives with a chronic health condition that will follow them into adulthood Asthma, ADHD, autism, and prediabetes are rising steadily each year, making it harder for children to succeed in school and life Children from low-income families face the highest risk, with poverty and lack of stable employment directly tied to chronic health problems Environmental toxins, poor diet, and stress are major drivers of these conditions Early de...

May 07, 202511 min

The Link Between Poor Oral Health and Chronic Pain in Women - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Women with chronic migraines and body-wide pain were far more likely to have poor oral health, with over half falling into the lowest oral health categories in a new study Specific oral bacteria, including Mycoplasma salivarium and Gardnerella vaginalis, were significantly more common in women who reported frequent migraines and widespread pain Harmful oral microbes don’t stay in your mouth; once gum tissue is inflamed, these bacteria enter your bloodstream, disrupt the immune ...

May 07, 202511 min

Aspirin and Cancer: The Breakthrough You Need to Know - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Aspirin helps prevent cancer metastasis by boosting your immune system's T cells, which attack cancer cells that try to spread throughout your body Metastasis causes 90% of cancer deaths as cancer cells travel through blood or lymph systems to form new tumors in organs like lungs, liver or bones Aspirin blocks a substance in your body that normally slows down T cells, allowing them to move and attack cancer cells more effectively Low doses of aspirin (75 to 300 milligrams daily...

May 06, 20259 min
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