Claim OwnershipDr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
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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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Almost 80% of Americans take supplements — and that number keeps growing. It's no surprise supplements are everywhere. Herbal products alone bring in more than $12 billion a year The U.S. supplement industry is raising safety standards without banning trusted herbs. Experts advocate for clearer rules, improved testing, and consumer protection while maintaining access to beneficial natural products Europe is reversing course, with new European Union (EU) rules possibly requiring reformulations, restricting online sales, and limiting access to ingredients like ashwagandha Supplements have an exceptional, long-standing safety record, with serious adverse effects being rare compared to many medications In contrast to pharmaceuticals, which carry FDA-mandated "black box" warnings for known lethal risks, there has never been a confirmed death recorded as the direct result of taking a dietary supplement as intended
Americans are rediscovering calisthenics — simple, equipment-free exercises like squats, pushups, and planks — as an effective way to build strength, endurance, and mobility without relying on a gym Bodyweight training activates multiple muscle groups at once, improving balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health while also supporting joint stability and posture Calisthenics delivers measurable gains in strength and power, often matching conventional gym workouts when done consistently and with proper form Real-world examples highlight dramatic transformations — some gaining 40 pounds of muscle in a year — proving that progressive calisthenics and discipline build a lean, powerful, and functional physique The revival of the Presidential Fitness Test and nationwide interest in functional fitness reflect a growing return to natural movement and self-reliance — helping people get stronger, leaner, and more confident using just their own bodyweight
Heavy alcohol use accelerates bleeding strokes by more than a decade, causing brain hemorrhages to occur around age 64 instead of 75 and leaving survivors with greater disability and cognitive decline MRI scans show that heavy drinkers develop more severe white matter damage, a sign of accelerated brain aging and small vessel disease, even before a stroke occurs Alcohol and seed oils both damage your mitochondria through toxic aldehydes that weaken blood vessels, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of brain bleeds and liver disease Eliminating alcohol and seed oils, while rebuilding your diet around nutrient-dense, low-linoleic acid foods, helps restore vessel integrity and reduce oxidative stress throughout your brain and liver Melatonin, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) support mitochondrial repair and antioxidant defenses, helping protect your brain and blood vessels from long-term oxidative damage
Early smartphone ownership at age 12 is linked to higher risks of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep, placing your child on a riskier long-term developmental path Each year earlier a child receives a smartphone increases the odds of obesity and insufficient sleep, showing just how much the timing of that first phone shapes their health Children who acquire a smartphone between ages 12 and 13 face sharply higher rates of emotional symptoms and poor sleep compared to peers who remain phone-free Receiving a smartphone before age 13 is linked to lower self-worth, weaker emotional resilience, and greater psychological distress in young adulthood Simple steps like delaying smartphone access, keeping devices out of bedrooms, and reducing wireless exposure support healthier sleep, emotional steadiness, and long-term well-being
Industrial farming has weakened soil biology, reduced food quality, and contributed to chronic disease, prompting renewed focus on soil health as a foundation for human health and agricultural resilience Regenerative agriculture rebuilds soil without reliance on heavy chemical inputs. This approach improves water retention, nutrient density, and long-term farm productivity In December 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program to support farmers transitioning to soil-building practices The program uses existing conservation funds, public-private partnerships, and a unified application process to reduce administrative burden and make regenerative practices more accessible You can support regenerative agriculture through your daily food choices by prioritizing food from regenerative farmers, choosing pasture-raised meat and dairy, and avoiding ultraprocessed foods
GLP-1 drugs trigger rapid metabolic stress that shuts down hair growth, leading to thinning, reduced density, and delayed-onset shedding Dermatologists report a consistent pattern of telogen effluvium in GLP-1 users, a condition in which stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting-and-shedding phase, showing that hair loss reflects internal stress rather than aging or genetics Multiple studies and national safety databases show rising reports of alopecia linked to semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications, signaling a broader health concern GLP-1 drugs are tied to muscle loss, bone loss, emotional blunting, depression, gastroparesis, and fat regain, highlighting deeper metabolic disruption that affects hair health Avoiding GLP-1 drugs, restoring nutrient intake, stabilizing metabolism, and supporting natural GLP-1 pathways through gut repair give you a clear path to stopping the shedding and rebuilding hair growth
Parcopresis, or "shy bowel syndrome," is a condition that makes having a bowel movement outside your home feel impossible. Meanwhile, paruresis, or "shy bladder," causes similar difficulty with urinating in public restrooms A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that about 14% of 714 university students avoided public toilets because of anxiety, and the analysis showed this behavior is driven by fear of judgment and social anxiety A Current Psychology study of 316 undergraduates revealed that bathroom-related anxiety shares cognitive roots with social anxiety Using the bathroom feels easier at home because familiar surroundings act as a psychological "safety signal," lowering stress hormones and allowing normal bowel and bladder reflexes to resume Practical strategies such as staying hydrated, avoiding trigger foods, and using breathing exercises can help manage anxiety when using public toilets
Sorbitol, a common sugar alcohol in sugar-free and "diet" products, drives liver fat buildup even when your gut bacteria are healthy, making it a hidden contributor to fatty liver disease When your microbiome is weakened from antibiotics, stress, or ultraprocessed foods, sorbitol slips through your gut unchanged and reaches your liver, where it triggers rapid fat production Sorbitol is converted into fructose inside your liver, bypassing normal metabolic controls and overwhelming your ability to process sugar safely Strengthening your gut bacteria, eliminating vegetable oils and alcohol, and increasing choline-rich foods help protect your liver from sorbitol-driven damage Simple daily steps — removing sorbitol-containing products, restoring gut balance, supporting vitamin D metabolism, and using whole-food carbs — give you direct control over your liver health
As you age, your thymus produces fewer newly formed cells responsible for responding to unfamiliar pathogens, reducing your immune system's adaptability. This shift, combined with persistent inflammation, defines the core features of immune aging Urolithin A, a postbiotic compound, stimulates mitochondrial renewal in aging immune cells. A recent study shows it can increase naïve-like T cells and strengthen immune surveillance in just four weeks of supplementation Clinical findings show that urolithin A boosts mitochondrial renewal pathways, increases markers linked to mitochondrial biogenesis, and improves immune cell metabolism Beyond immune health, studies reveal that urolithin A influences cancer pathways, enhances muscle strength and endurance, improves fatty liver markers, and reshapes metabolic signaling involved in obesity and insulin resistance Beyond using urolithin A, you can also support your mitochondria by lowering linoleic acid intake, eating the right carbohydrates, limiting environmental toxins, and supporting NAD⁺ production with niacinamide
The Achilles tendon, the body's longest and strongest connective tissue, links your calf muscles to the heel. It supports walking and jumping, withstands extreme loads, yet faces rising injury rates across populations National U.S. data from 2001 to 2020 show Achilles ruptures are the most common tendon injury, increasing about 3% annually, with higher risk in men and Black patients Research indicates Achilles ruptures develop from long-term overload and silent degeneration, worsened by sudden training changes, poor foot mechanics, limited recovery, and metabolic conditions like obesity and insulin resistance Certain medications, especially fluoroquinolone antibiotics and corticosteroids, directly weaken tendon collagen, sharply increasing rupture risk soon after use, particularly with higher or repeated doses Prevention focuses on gradual training progression, adequate rest, supportive footwear, metabolic health, and sufficient collagen intake from sources like bone broth to strengthen tendon structure before pain appears
High-glycemic index foods push your insulin and IGF-1 into ranges linked to lung cancer, raising risk across multiple tumor types, including small cell and adenocarcinoma High-glycemic load diets, when built from fiber-rich whole fruits, vegetables, and grains, showed a lower lung cancer risk because they produced steadier blood sugar responses rather than sharp spikes Both smokers and nonsmokers experienced significantly higher lung cancer odds when eating high-GI diets, showing that carbohydrate quality influences risk regardless of smoking history Fast-absorbing carbs and ultraprocessed foods often combine high-GI starches with high linoleic acid seed oils, creating an inflammatory, insulin-resistant environment that supports abnormal cell growth Simple dietary shifts — such as reducing ultraprocessed foods, choosing slower-digesting carbs, repairing your gut before increasing fiber, and stabilizing meal timing — help you lower metabolic patterns linked to lung cancer
A 2013 Science paper claimed beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the primary ketone body produced during ketosis, was a potent histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor with powerful epigenetic benefits — this claim became the foundation of the keto movement's health narrative A devastating 2019 head-to-head comparison in Scientific Reports found that BHB shows no detectable HDAC inhibition in vitro or in vivo, while butyrate (a different molecule produced by gut bacteria) demonstrates robust HDAC-inhibiting activity The bitter irony: ketogenic diets actually reduce colonic butyrate production by depleting fiber intake and diminishing butyrate-producing gut bacteria — the very diet designed to boost the "HDAC-inhibiting ketone" may be depleting the actual HDAC inhibitor While BHB has legitimate benefits as an alternative fuel source and GPR109A receptor activator, the widespread claim that ketosis provides "epigenetic therapy" through HDAC inhibition appears to be scientifically unfounded
Everyday chemicals from pesticides, plastics, and flame retardants act like hidden antibiotics in your gut, killing beneficial bacteria that support digestion, immunity, and metabolic health Researchers identified 168 common industrial and agricultural chemicals that slowed or stopped the growth of healthy gut microbes, including key species that protect your gut lining and reduce inflammation Some gut bacteria exposed to these chemicals became more resistant to antibiotics, which weakens your future ability to fight infections when antibiotics are truly needed Even low, daily exposures from food, water, air, and household items were enough to disrupt gut bacteria, meaning chronic symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and food sensitivities often trace back to environmental sources, not just diet Reducing chemical exposure while actively supporting gut bacteria helps restore microbial balance, strengthen your gut barrier, and improve energy, immune resilience, and overall health from the inside out
Chronic insomnia affects millions worldwide and raises risks for cardiovascular disease, mental illness, and cognitive decline. Effective nondrug treatments are essential for restoring sleep and protecting long-term health Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the leading behavioral treatment for chronic insomnia. It uses structured therapy to change sleep-disrupting thoughts and habits A study directly compared tai chi with CBT-I for chronic insomnia, using the same treatment length, standardized instruction, and identical measures to evaluate sleep outcomes CBT-I led to faster improvements early on, while tai chi reached similar results by 12 months and showed higher rates of continued practice after the formal intervention ended Both approaches improved sleep duration, reduced nighttime awakenings, and eased anxiety and depression, offering different but sustainable options for managing chronic insomnia without medication
Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber. It provides energy for colon cells and offers health benefits beyond basic nutrition Research suggests butyrate helps manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by reducing inflammation, improving symptoms and strengthening gut barrier integrity Laboratory studies show butyrate helps inhibit cancer cell growth and trigger cell death in colorectal cancer cells, with clinical trials exploring its use alongside traditional treatments Butyrate has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in metabolic disorders, while also influencing appetite-regulating hormones Studies show butyrate protects against neurodegenerative diseases by reducing brain inflammation and enhancing neuronal repair and survival
Big Food now supplies over half of U.S. adults' at-home calories through ultraprocessed foods and, according to a study in The Lancet, these foods are now a major global health threat driving chronic disease The NOVA food classification groups foods by processing. Group 4 (ultraprocessed products) are industrial formulations that displace healthy diets and seriously harm health Across 104 studies, higher ultraprocessed food intake was consistently linked to poorer metabolic health, faster weight gain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and long-term exposure to harmful additives and endocrine-disrupting chemicals Most governments rely on weak, nutrient-focused policies and voluntary programs, while industry interference and trade challenges block stronger rules that reduce availability, marketing, and additives in ultraprocessed foods Transnational food giants shape laws, research, and public opinion to protect profits, so personal control starts with awareness, cleaning your pantry, smarter swaps, limiting vegetable oils, and strong social support
My newest book, "Gut Cure: Stop the Rot, Restore Your Body From the Inside Out," which comes out tomorrow, puts the spotlight on the modern epidemic of invisible gut dysfunction, and offers you a roadmap to true restoration Your gut microbiome acts as a command center for digestion, immunity, metabolism, and brain health; when microbial diversity drops, symptoms often go beyond digestion Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyrate, are essential compounds made by healthy gut bacteria that help repair your gut lining, calm inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, and support mental clarity Modern diets heavy in seed oils (including linoleic acid), emulsifiers, and ultraprocessed foods disrupt beneficial bacteria and reduce butyrate production, leaving your gut undernourished even if you eat "healthy" foods Simple changes, such as replacing seed oils with stable fats like butter, ghee, or coconut oil, can lower inflammation, rebalance your microbiome, and help your body begin healing from the inside out
Only one in four adults meets the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise, but even a few minutes of movement each day can still improve heart health, metabolism, and strength A single high-intensity workout session each week — just 30 minutes — is linked to a 39% lower risk of heart-related death in men and a 51% lower risk in women Short, intense efforts are more effective than long, drawn-out routines, and pushing past four high-intensity sessions per week offers no added benefits Activities like mopping floors, scrubbing counters, and gardening raise your heart rate enough to build strength and support metabolic health when done consistently Tools like walking pads, trampolines, jump ropes, and vibration plates offer low-cost, time-efficient ways to stay active — even while working or relaxing at home
Nearly half of U.S. adults have undiagnosed hypertension, which increases risks for stroke, heart attack, and early brain impairment due to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to neural tissue Early hypertension triggers rapid cellular damage, including endothelial aging, neuronal energy loss, myelin disruption, and blood-brain barrier leakage, all of which accelerate inflammation and cognitive decline even before symptoms appear Long-term high blood pressure leads to changes such as white matter hyperintensities, microbleeds, and brain volume loss. These findings are strongly linked to slower processing, stroke risk, and dementia Dementia risk rises with midlife hypertension, and older adults with high blood pressure show accelerated brain aging; regular monitoring beginning around age 40 helps reduce long-term cognitive decline Treatment can reverse some early damage, while lifestyle strategies such as diet changes, exercise, and better sleep significantly lower blood pressure and help protect long-term brain health
Leucine, an essential amino acid found in foods like grass fed beef, eggs, and dairy, triggers a cellular pathway that boosts mitochondrial performance and energy output New research from Nature Cell Biology shows leucine prevents the breakdown of key mitochondrial proteins, allowing your cells to generate more adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the fuel that powers every function in your body The study revealed that leucine's effects appear within hours, not weeks, improving mitochondrial respiration and helping your cells burn fuel more efficiently Unlike other amino acids, leucine uniquely stabilizes the mitochondrial membrane, helping your body maintain energy balance, enhance endurance, and recover faster from stress or exertion Eating high-quality protein from whole foods supplies the leucine your cells need to keep mitochondria performing at their best, supporting steady energy, mental clarity, and resilience throughout the day
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this ai nonsense is such a shame. used to love to listen but cannot bear the ai
I don't like the AI voices.
what happened to DR mercola?
these shorts stink. mindless and useless. if we can't know that a podcast us actually Dr. mercola speaking, I will unsubscribe altogether.
well, these folks seem nice, but I wouldn't bother listening to their drivel again.
synchronization leads to motivation, etc.
light exposure 100-1000x differential
So 7KetoDHEA is bad for you??
brilliant!!!
just about everything he says about nutrition is nonsense. I wasted my $ on his book. no, I won't eat soy and veg based proteins.
This guest didn’t say anything different than what you and others have already said. He was worthless. I would never buy his book. Disappointed.
Mr Kennedy's audio is terrible. I could barely understand him.
Thank you so much for this podcast! Seeds of Hope and Truth!We don't have the luxury of being hopeless. Thank you both!
LinoleicAcid-wise🥴
ONE OF THE TOP PODCASTS I LISTEN TO - TO KEEP ME TRULY INFORMED 🙌 ABOUT LIFE & HEALTH. THE SAYING GOES SOMETHINT LIKE " THE RICHEST MAN IN THE 🌎 WORLD HAS JUST ONE WISH." WHAT DO YOU THINK HE WANTED? DR. JOE IS SPOT ON WITH YOUR HEALTH-- LISTEN IN. GRAB A PEN AND PAPER TO TAKE NOTES AND EXTEND YOUR LONGEVITY... AS WHAT YOU LEARN IS BELOW THE SURFACE...
this is amazing
It's interesting to see this supplement, having used Megahydrate before and accidentally stopped my eczema after 40yrs of bother, and look fwd to more 'simple' medicine alternatives
Thanks for Considering individuals who travel alot or who live in an apartment... Most cant implement systems.. But a shower filter can be applied in most cases...
Really enjoyed your podcast on KetoFast Q&A, so informative. I've bought your book and looking forward to trying the KetoFast program. Thanks and keep up your amazing work!! 😀
20:13 #mushrooms can be used as a treatment for #neuropathy 22:15 #blueOcean