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.
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Episodes

Cocoa Extract Supplement Reduces Key Marker of Inflammation and Aging, Study Finds

A new clinical analysis based on the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) found that older adults taking a daily cocoa extract supplement saw an 8.4% annual drop in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a key marker of chronic inflammation The supplement provided 500 milligrams of cocoa flavanols daily, including 80 milligrams of (-)-epicatechin, which is the same bioactive compound found naturally in cacao Researchers said this anti-inflammatory effect may help expl...

Dec 08, 20257 min

Understanding Butyrate — The Key to Optimal Health and Well-Being

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria when they ferment fiber, serving as the primary energy source for colon cells and maintaining gut barrier strength Healthy butyrate levels support weight management, blood sugar control, and brain health, with studies linking butyrate-producing bacteria to reduced Alzheimer's risk and lower cancer risk A diverse diet rich in various fiber sources, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, promotes butyrate production, but increa...

Dec 08, 20258 min

Exercise Rewires Your Biology to Improve Energy and Metabolic Health

Exercise switches on waves of genes, proteins and metabolites that boost energy production, repair tissues and stabilize blood sugar, helping you feel more focused and resilient Endurance and strength training activate different molecular pathways, allowing you to choose routines that match your goals for stamina, fat burning or metabolic control Movement improves the signals your bloodstream uses to coordinate immunity, inflammation and stress responses, which supports steadier moods and better...

Dec 06, 20257 min

The Immunomodulatory and Therapeutic Effects of Ginseng

Ginseng has been prized for centuries as an "all-healing" root, and modern science now confirms its ability to restore energy, sharpen focus, and strengthen immunity In just 30 days, daily ginseng use helped 85% of young adults improve energy, mood, and mental clarity, showing how quickly it can shift you out of a low-functioning state Large-scale reviews link ginseng to better stamina, reduced fatigue, improved metabolic markers, fewer menopausal symptoms, enhanced sexual function, and stronger...

Dec 06, 20258 min

Creativity Can Be a 'Fountain of Youth' for Your Brain

Engaging in creative activities like music, dance, art, or gaming helps your brain stay up to seven years biologically younger than your actual age Even short periods of creative learning, such as 30 hours of focused practice, improve brain function and reduce biological brain age by about three years Creativity strengthens communication between brain regions responsible for attention, coordination, and problem-solving, helping maintain clarity and focus as you age You don't need to be an artist...

Dec 06, 20258 min

Mandatory Nutrient Warning Labels Could Save More Than 100,000 Lives

Mandatory front-of-pack nutrient warning labels could prevent or delay more than 110,000 obesity-related deaths in England over the next two decades by helping people instantly identify and avoid unhealthy ultraprocessed foods Clear, mandatory warning symbols are nearly twice as effective as the U.K.'s current voluntary "traffic light" labels and driving widespread product reformulation by food companies Nutrient warnings work because they remove confusion — consumers make better choices in seco...

Dec 05, 20258 min

The Science Behind Temperature and a Good Night's Sleep

Your body cools down naturally before sleep, and even a one-degree difference in temperature helps determine how quickly you fall asleep and how deeply you rest Exposing one foot from under the blanket helps your body release heat more efficiently, triggering your brain's sleep signal and promoting faster, deeper sleep A large study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that people with steady 24-hour skin temperature rhythms enjoyed longer, more restorative sleep and better ...

Dec 05, 20257 min

Why Have Vaccines Become a Religion

As more people awaken to the dangers of vaccines, they discover a persistent problem vaccine safety advocates have faced for decades: talking to vaccine zealots is like speaking to a brick wall. Regardless of the evidence presented, you cannot reach them — sometimes it feels like speaking to religious fanatics unwilling to consider the "blasphemy you're spewing forth" This is deliberate, as vaccines have been enshrined as the holy water which baptizes you into the faith of Western medicine and b...

Dec 05, 20257 min

Growing Wellness Indoors — What to Know About Hydroponic Gardening

A recent pilot study conducted by researchers from Texas A&M University introduced small indoor hydroponic gardens to cancer patients to assess their effects on mood, nutrition, and overall well-being Over eight weeks, participants showed measurable improvements in emotional health, reduced depression, and higher quality-of-life scores, with notable gains emerging as early as week four of the program Hydroponics offers accessibility but lacks the biological richness of soil, which contains l...

Dec 04, 20257 min

When Is the Best Time to Eat Protein?

Meeting your daily protein goal is the foundation of good nutrition. Once your needs are met, spacing protein evenly throughout the day supports steady metabolism and consistent amino acid availability Eating protein at breakfast replenishes amino acids after an overnight fast, supports metabolism and hormone balance, and helps you stay full longer through the morning Post-workout protein provides the amino acids your muscles need for repair and recovery. Eating within two hours of training help...

Dec 04, 20258 min

Low Metabolism and NAD+ Deficiency Implicated in Wasting Syndrome

Muscle wasting in cancer and chronic illness is driven by a breakdown in cellular energy production, not just poor appetite or inflammation Low levels of NAD+, the molecule that powers your cells' mitochondria, cause muscles to weaken and shrink even when calorie intake is sufficient Researchers found that restoring NAD+ with niacin (vitamin B3) helps rebuild muscle mass, improve strength, and stabilize energy metabolism — even during chemotherapy Seed oils high in linoleic acid interfere with h...

Dec 04, 20258 min

How Proper Breathing Builds Better Strength and Lasting Power

The way you breathe directly determines how efficiently your body stabilizes your core, aligns your spine, and generates strength during movement Coordinating your breath with each lift or motion activates deep core muscles, improving posture, balance, and injury prevention while keeping your nervous system calm and focused Faulty breathing habits such as chest breathing or breath-holding restrict oxygen flow, tighten neck and back muscles, and reduce your power output and endurance Breathing to...

Dec 03, 20258 min

Calcium Supplements and Dementia — Major Study Busts Long-Held Myth

Calcium supplements were long feared to increase dementia risk, but new long-term research found no connection between calcium use and cognitive decline, even among women with heart disease or prior strokes The 14.5-year study published in The Lancet Regional Health showed that calcium carbonate supplements did not raise dementia-related hospitalizations or deaths, dispelling decades of concern about vascular calcification or brain damage Your brain and bones rely on nutrient synergy — calcium w...

Dec 03, 20258 min

Few Women Participate in Cardiac Rehabilitation, Despite a Slew of Benefits

Fewer than 20% of women take part in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs, which is one of the most proven ways to recover and prevent another heart event Women who complete cardiac rehab lower their risk of hospitalization by up to 42% and reduce their risk of death from heart disease by as much as 58%, gaining both longer life and better quality of life Referral bias is a major reason for low participation — women are referred for cardiac rehab less often than men, and rates are even lower amo...

Dec 02, 20256 min

Obesity Drives Alzheimer's Through Fat Vesicles and Leptin

Obesity increases Alzheimer's risk by altering how fat-derived vesicles communicate with the brain, causing amyloid proteins to misfold and form toxic plaques that damage neurons and impair cognition Specific lipids from obese individuals, including sphingolipids and ceramides, create oxidative stress in brain cells, reduce mitochondrial energy production, and accelerate the formation of sticky amyloid aggregates Excessive fat consumption promotes Alzheimer's development, though balanced, contro...

Dec 02, 20259 min

Why Brittle Bones Aren't Just a Woman's Problem

Osteoporosis is not just a women's disease — 1 in 5 men over 50 will experience a bone fracture from thinning bones, yet few are ever screened or treated for it Men are more likely than women to die after a hip fracture, largely due to slower recovery, complications, and missed diagnoses that leave bone loss untreated until it's too late International guidelines now use a unified bone density standard for both sexes, ensuring men receive accurate diagnoses and proper treatment for low bone mass ...

Dec 02, 20257 min

Depression Strongly Influences Surgical Recovery and Healing Outcomes

Depression affects how your body heals after surgery by increasing inflammation and weakening your immune defenses, which lead to longer recovery times and higher complication rates Older adults with cancer who also have depression experience significantly higher post-surgical costs — nearly $25,000 compared to about $17,500 for patients without depression — showing that untreated mental health directly impacts both recovery and finances In patients undergoing spine surgery, depression nearly do...

Dec 01, 20258 min

How Taking the Wrong Vitamin D Actually Lowers Your Levels

Taking vitamin D2 instead of D3 can actually lower your body's levels of active vitamin D, leaving you more vulnerable to fatigue, poor immunity, and calcium imbalance A 2025 meta-analysis confirmed that vitamin D2 triggers faster breakdown of vitamin D3, causing average blood concentrations to drop by about 18 nanomoles per liter Vitamin D3, the same form your body makes from sunlight, is far more effective at raising and maintaining healthy vitamin D levels than D2, especially in those who are...

Dec 01, 20258 min

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 pr...

Nov 29, 20257 min

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, a...

Nov 29, 20258 min

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 uri...

Nov 29, 20259 min

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...

Nov 28, 20257 min

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 stres...

Nov 28, 20258 min

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),...

Nov 28, 20258 min

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 re...

Nov 27, 20258 min

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 y...

Nov 27, 20258 min

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...

Nov 27, 20258 min

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 behavi...

Nov 26, 20258 min

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 ...

Nov 26, 20257 min

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 t...

Nov 26, 20257 min
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