DiscoverDr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Claim Ownership

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Author: Dr. Mercola

Subscribed: 3,422Played: 240,000
Share

Description

Listen to Dr. Mercola's Weekly Podcast, as the legendary natural health pioneer continues to lead you on your journey towards optimal health.
1075 Episodes
Reverse
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 seconds, while manufacturers are pressured to eliminate or reduce harmful ingredients like added sugars and seed oils The most damaging ingredients found in packaged foods include vegetable oils high in linoleic acid (LA), high-fructose corn syrup, phosphates, carrageenan, and artificial colors and sweeteners — all of which disrupt metabolism, gut health, and energy production You can take control today by eliminating seed oils, reading ingredient lists, and rebuilding meals around whole foods and natural fats like grass fed butter, ghee, tallow, and coconut oil — a shift that restores mitochondrial function, reduces inflammation, and strengthens long-term metabolic health
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 daytime alertness Keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and consistent with your body's natural temperature rhythm supports melatonin release and stabilizes your circadian clock Simple strategies — like cooling your room, using breathable bedding, and developing a nightly wind-down routine — help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake feeling more refreshed
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 became the "miracle" the superiority of modern medicine is based upon Because of this faith and the relentless propaganda accompanying it, a series of absurd and contradictory arguments have been established to assert vaccines are "safe" which would never be accepted anywhere else As a result, all vaccine research is designed around the assumption vaccines must be safe, and all regulatory decisions sharing this bias — thereby making it nearly impossible to prove a vaccine is harmful, regardless of how many people it kills or injures This article will review the absurd fallacies used to defend mass vaccination, the unsound mindsets that produce them, and the incredible opportunity we have to at last shift this dysfunctional dynamic
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 living microbes that recycle nutrients, support plant immunity, and strengthen your own microbiome If you choose hydroponics, use organic nutrient sources like compost tea or seaweed extract, maintain airflow, limit LED exposure, and place it near natural sunlight to support plant vitality and your own well-being For immunocompromised individuals, strict cleanliness is essential when using hydroponics to prevent harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria
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 helps maximize the benefits of exercise A slow-digesting protein before bed, such as casein from milk, helps sustain overnight muscle repair and supports recovery while you sleep Prioritize whole-food proteins like pastured eggs, grass fed beef, wild-caught fish, and grass fed dairy, and use protein powders only when whole meals aren't practical
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 how your cells make energy and promote chronic inflammation, while replacing them with stable fats like grass fed butter or ghee supports recovery Simple strategies such as taking niacinamide, eating nutrient-dense whole foods, reducing stress, and getting regular sunlight help recharge your metabolism and rebuild strength from the inside out
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 too deeply or too often disrupts the natural balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2), narrowing blood vessels and lowering brain oxygen levels — the opposite of what most people intend when they "breathe deeply" Relearning to breathe lightly, rhythmically, and through your nose retrains your diaphragm, balances your CO2 levels, and builds both physical strength and mental stability for lasting energy and control
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 works best when paired with magnesium, vitamin D3, and vitamin K2, which ensure calcium strengthens bones instead of depositing in arteries or soft tissue Keeping your calcium-to-phosphorus ratio near 1:1 is key for both skeletal and cognitive health, since excessive phosphorus from processed foods, soda and meat-heavy diets forces calcium out of bones and contributes to arterial calcification The safest way to protect your brain and bones is through whole-food calcium sources such as raw grass fed cheese, yogurt, and eggshell powder, paired with balanced sun exposure and nutrient cofactors that keep calcium working where it should
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 among Black, Hispanic, and Asian women, where participation averages just 10% to 12% Automatic referrals, flexible scheduling, home-based or hybrid options, and women-only programs are powerful, research-backed strategies that dramatically increase enrollment and completion rates Cardiac rehab isn't just exercise — it's a personalized recovery plan that rebuilds heart strength, lowers stress, and restores confidence, giving women a structured way to take back control of their health and their future
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, controlled intake at lower concentrations helps inhibit amyloid aggregation and reduce disease risk Leptin resistance from obesity prevents this protective hormone from reaching the brain, disabling the cleanup process that normally breaks down amyloid proteins while worsening inflammation and cognitive decline Cellular health restoration requires eliminating four key factors — excess linoleic acid from vegetable oils, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, electromagnetic fields, and endotoxins in the gut
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 Lifestyle and hormonal balance — not medication — are the real keys to preserving bone strength, with weight-bearing exercise, sunlight exposure, and nutrient-rich foods leading the way Bone-supportive nutrients like vitamins D and K2, magnesium, collagen, and creatine help your body rebuild strong, flexible bone tissue naturally while protecting against fractures
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 doubled the risk of delirium and tripled the likelihood of blood clots or infections, underscoring how mood disorders influence physical outcomes Depression triggers systemic inflammation and disrupts hormonal balance, particularly through chronically high cortisol levels, which slow wound healing and increase blood pressure — key drivers of poor recovery Addressing depression before surgery — through dietary changes, gut support, regular movement, sunlight exposure, and consistent rest — helps restore your body's energy systems, reduces inflammation, and supports faster, more complete healing
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 deficient Regular exercise, even without supplements or weight loss, helps activate and protect stored vitamin D, making it a natural way to sustain healthy levels during winter months To restore and maintain optimal vitamin D, focus on sunlight exposure, avoid seed oils that make your skin more sensitive to UV damage, and supplement wisely with vitamin D3, balanced with magnesium and vitamin K2
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
loading
Comments (30)

Dingus

this ai nonsense is such a shame. used to love to listen but cannot bear the ai

May 12th
Reply

Morlin Buchnor

I don't like the AI voices.

Apr 26th
Reply

J D

what happened to DR mercola?

Mar 26th
Reply

Christina Mancini

these shorts stink. mindless and useless. if we can't know that a podcast us actually Dr. mercola speaking, I will unsubscribe altogether.

Mar 11th
Reply

Christina Mancini

well, these folks seem nice, but I wouldn't bother listening to their drivel again.

Mar 4th
Reply

L K

synchronization leads to motivation, etc.

May 25th
Reply

L K

light exposure 100-1000x differential

May 25th
Reply

George Scott

So 7KetoDHEA is bad for you??

Dec 22nd
Reply

Christina Mancini

brilliant!!!

Dec 12th
Reply

Christina Mancini

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.

May 12th
Reply (3)

Brenda Montgomery

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.

Feb 27th
Reply

Christopher Czech

Mr Kennedy's audio is terrible. I could barely understand him.

Dec 16th
Reply

Patricia Caroca

Thank you so much for this podcast! Seeds of Hope and Truth!We don't have the luxury of being hopeless. Thank you both!

Dec 4th
Reply

sara

LinoleicAcid-wise🥴

Dec 3rd
Reply

📩 Raymond J. Negron💎

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...

Nov 3rd
Reply

Paul Bass

this is amazing

May 4th
Reply (1)

Chris Greive

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

Jan 12th
Reply

George Scott

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...

Sep 23rd
Reply

Bekki Boo

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!! 😀

Jul 8th
Reply

Niclas Daniels

20:13 #mushrooms can be used as a treatment for #neuropathy 22:15 #blueOcean

Jun 23rd
Reply