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

Author: Dr. Mercola

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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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Your genetics influence which fungi grow in your gut, and these fungi directly affect your risk for chronic conditions like heart disease Researchers discovered 148 genetic variants linked to nine groups of gut fungi, proving that your DNA helps shape your gut health Antibiotics kill bacteria but leave fungi untouched, allowing harmful fungal strains to overgrow and increase disease risk Two people eating the same foods can have very different health outcomes because genetic differences decide which fungi thrive in their gut Gut microbiome patterns, including fungi and bacteria, are strong predictors of cardiovascular disease risk, yet most clinics still ignore this critical factor
Spirulina, a blue-green algae once used by ancient cultures as food, has been proven in modern research to significantly lower blood pressure Consuming at least 3 grams of spirulina daily for eight to 12 weeks reduces both systolic and diastolic pressure, with whole spirulina working better than extracts People over 50, those who are overweight, and adults already dealing with high blood pressure experience the strongest benefits from regular spirulina use Spirulina works by improving blood vessel flexibility, boosting nitric oxide production, and protecting arteries from oxidative stress and inflammation Safe and natural, spirulina is generally well tolerated, but it should be avoided if you’re allergic to seafood or iodine, pregnant, or nursing
Acetaminophen is the leading cause of acute liver failure in developed countries, and even normal doses have been shown to stress the liver in otherwise healthy adults Tylenol PM combines acetaminophen with diphenhydramine, creating risks not only for liver damage but also for memory loss and dementia Long-term acetaminophen use in older adults is linked to gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease The drug harms your body by depleting glutathione, your master antioxidant, and disrupting protective systems that safeguard your stomach, heart, and kidneys Safer pain relief strategies include natural options like curcumin, magnesium, and lifestyle practices, along with boosting glutathione levels through foods and, in emergencies, N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
The CFIA ordered a full ostrich cull after H5N1 was detected, even though wild migratory birds likely contaminated the farm’s pond — making the ostriches victims, not disease spreaders New studies from California dairy farms show H5N1 in air and wastewater, suggesting industrial livestock operations are aerosolizing and recycling the virus back into the environment through waste systems Despite evidence of natural immunity, CFIA’s policy mandates culling all birds on an exposed site, ignoring science and logic by killing healthy survivors that pose less risk Factory farms generate billions of pounds of untreated manure annually, with open-air lagoons and runoff creating ideal conditions for virus transmission — yet regulatory focus remains on small farms A smarter policy would target the real sources — contaminated air, lagoons, and waste — not small farms. Testing, environmental controls, and accountability must come before destroying healthy animals
Poor sleep traits were tied to 172 diseases, including Parkinson’s, diabetes, and liver fibrosis, with many showing doubled or tripled risk Keeping a consistent sleep rhythm mattered more for disease prevention than simply getting a set number of hours Chronic inflammation was identified as a key pathway connecting disrupted sleep to widespread health problems Simple lifestyle changes such as earlier bedtimes, reduced evening light, and no late-night meals significantly improve sleep quality Eliminating electromagnetic clutter in your bedroom helps your nervous system fully relax, allowing for deeper and more restorative rest
Knee popping, also called crepitus, is common and not always linked to arthritis, so hearing sounds alone does not mean your joints are deteriorating A five-year study of young adults recovering from ACL surgery found that noisy knees were associated with early cartilage stress but did not predict long-term decline in function or pain Exercise is one of the most effective ways to protect noisy knees, as strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves helps stabilize the joint and reduces strain Lifestyle strategies like stretching, weight management, and modifying high-impact movements are often more effective than surgery, which is rarely needed for crepitus Collagen from high-quality supplements or bone broth supports cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, offering an extra layer of protection for long-term knee health
Bread differs significantly between the U.S. and Europe due to wheat type, fermentation time, and chemical use, which shape not only taste and texture but also how your body digests it American bread often uses hard wheat with high gluten, shorter fermentation, and chemical additives. This leads to denser loaves that strain digestion and trigger discomfort in sensitive individuals Traditional European-style breads typically ferment for 12 to 48 hours, allowing microbes to break down gluten and sugars while enhancing mineral absorption, flavor, and digestibility without chemical shortcuts Glyphosate residues are more common in U.S. wheat, where the herbicide is sprayed before harvest, disrupting gut microbes and increasing health risks Choosing or making bread with simple ingredients, like with real sourdough, lets you enjoy loaves that support digestion, provide nourishment, and carry forward traditions of food craftsmanship
Planting disease-resistant vegetables helps you harvest longer and avoid losing entire crops to common problems like blight, mildew, and viral infections Hybrids such as Mountain Merit tomato and Emerald Delight zucchini are bred to block or slow pathogens, giving you more reliable yields Heirlooms like Black Cherry tomato and Homemade Pickles cucumber show natural resilience, allowing you to save seeds while keeping your garden productive Seed catalogs and databases provide easy codes and guides so you can choose the varieties that match the disease pressures in your region Combining resistant plants with smart practices — like mulching, crop rotation, and removing infected leaves — further protects your harvest and reduces stress
Weighted blankets, which are much heavier than regular blankets, deliver deep, steady pressure that helps calm the nervous system and makes it easier for you to relax and fall asleep A study in China found that adults with diagnosed insomnia who used weighted blankets slept longer, fell asleep faster, and woke up less during the night compared to those using regular blankets Research on psychiatric patients showed that weighted blankets not only improved insomnia but also reduced daytime fatigue, anxiety, and depression, giving people more energy and better functioning during the day Real-world hospital studies confirmed that weighted blankets are safe for people under significant stress, with most participants reporting they felt calmer almost immediately after use While results vary, consistent use of weighted blankets offers a drug-free option to improve both nighttime rest and daytime well-being, especially if you struggle with severe sleep problems or stress
Soursop, also known as graviola or guanabana, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat conditions ranging from arthritis and infections to digestive issues and fevers Research shows that compounds in soursop disrupt cancer cell growth, balance blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support immune function Drinking soursop tea provides calming effects, supports digestion, boosts skin health, and delivers antioxidants that protect your body from oxidative stress Overconsumption of soursop, especially daily use in large amounts, raises your risk of neurological problems, so moderation is key for safety The safest way to benefit from soursop is to enjoy the fresh fruit or tea a few times per week, always removing the seeds, and combining it with other healthy lifestyle habits for maximum effect
Obesity is not caused by lack of exercise, as people in wealthier nations burn more calories daily yet still gain more fat Eating ultraprocessed foods is strongly linked to higher body fat because they disrupt hunger signals and make calories easier to store Body fat percentage, not BMI, is the most accurate way to measure obesity and related health risks Modern ultraprocessed diets and lower immune demands in industrialized countries lower resting energy needs, making fat storage more likely You can restore your metabolism by removing vegetable oils, eating the right carbs for your gut health, reducing estrogen and EMF exposure, and avoiding ultraprocessed foods
Obesity is not caused by lack of exercise, as people in wealthier nations burn more calories daily yet still gain more fat Eating ultraprocessed foods is strongly linked to higher body fat because they disrupt hunger signals and make calories easier to store Body fat percentage, not BMI, is the most accurate way to measure obesity and related health risks Modern ultraprocessed diets and lower immune demands in industrialized countries lower resting energy needs, making fat storage more likely You can restore your metabolism by removing vegetable oils, eating the right carbs for your gut health, reducing estrogen and EMF exposure, and avoiding ultraprocessed foods
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation and pressing. This process captures the aromatic compounds responsible for the oils’ fragrance and therapeutic effects The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designates some oils as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), meaning food-grade oils are safe to ingest in tiny amounts GRAS essential oils like peppermint, lemon, ginger, cinnamon, and basil can be used to flavor foods and beverages. This reflects their culinary value when used sparingly Other essential oils, such as lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary, chamomile, wintergreen, and camphor, are best suited for aromatic or topical use Whether in food, through scent, or applied to the skin, essential oils support wellness when used with care and intention
Type 2 diabetes directly damages your heart’s ability to make energy, leaving you more vulnerable to fatigue, swelling, and heart failure Human heart tissue studies show that mitochondria — the power plants of your cells — lose key components in diabetic hearts, forcing the heart to beat with less fuel Fat and sugar metabolism both become inefficient, and backup fuels fail to provide support, leaving your heart stranded without reliable energy sources Structural changes inside the heart, including scar-like collagen buildup and weaker calcium-handling proteins, make each heartbeat less coordinated and less powerful You can take action by cutting linoleic acid (LA) from your diet, choosing the right carbohydrates, limiting environmental toxins, using sunlight strategically, and tracking your insulin resistance with HOMA-IR to protect your heart’s energy systems
Weighted stretching combines mobility and strength training, making your joints more stable and flexible at the same time Even very light weights, such as 1 to 2 pounds, are enough to activate stabilizing muscles and expand your range of motion Holding stretches under load for 20 to 30 seconds creates lasting improvements in flexibility and muscle growth Weighted stretching can be done with everyday items like soup cans or books, making it easy to start at home without special equipment Progressing from simple moves to advanced drills like Turkish get-ups keeps your body challenged and builds confidence in daily movement
More than 1 billion people worldwide and 12% of Americans live with migraines, a disabling neurological condition that disrupts sleep, work, and daily life Melatonin does more than regulate sleep; it also shields your brain at a cellular level by neutralizing damaging free radicals and reducing inflammation linked to migraines Research shows melatonin reduces headache frequency by 51%, intensity by 53%, and duration by 46%, offering a powerful natural alternative to standard pharmaceutical drugs Adults with episodic migraines taking 3 mg of melatonin before bed experienced the strongest improvements, often cutting their migraine frequency by half or more Melatonin’s safety profile is superior to common drugs like amitriptyline, with fewer and milder side effects, making it a well-tolerated option for migraine prevention
For over a century, vaccination has been repeatedly linked to severe neurological injuries including brain damage — with many modern studies showing a 3 to 7 fold increase in common chronic illnesses To dodge this massive liability, all research into vaccine injuries (and many other catastrophes like Agent Orange) was suppressed so that health authorities could claim there was “no evidence” of vaccine harm Another scheme was to redefine the brain injury as “autism” rather than encephalitis (which the U.S. government was legally required to provide injury compensation for) Previously, children with significant vaccine brain damage were referred to as “mentally retarded.” However, after a multi-decade campaign cancelled “retarded” they were instead diagnosed as autistic — a vague term which blurs severe and minor disability together, thereby effectively concealing the severe cases from the public’s awareness This article will reveal the manipulative techniques and wordplay that have been used to conceal vaccine injuries from the public’s awareness, as now is the time when we can at last end this atrocity
When it comes to a child’s backpack, 10% to 15% of body weight is the maximum safe range, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). For example, a backpack that weighs 6.6 to 10 lbs. (3 to 4.5 kg) is recommended for a child weighing 66 pounds (30 kilograms) 5% to 10% of body weight is recommended for smaller children, those who have longer walks or commute, or if pain is already present Weigh, don’t guess — use a bathroom scale to check. If the pack exceeds the range, remove items or split the load The way a backpack fits is just as important as its weight. Always use two straps, keep the pack high and snug, and place heavier items close to the spine Watch for warning signs that a backpack is too heavy, including leaning forward, red strap marks, tingling or numbness, or frequent complaints of back, neck, or shoulder pain
ADHD affects more than 7 million children in the U.S., with many experiencing moderate to severe symptoms; yet nearly a third receive no treatment, highlighting the need for broader, integrative solutions Research shows children with ADHD are more likely to have magnesium deficiency, which disrupts neurotransmitters, stress response, and brain signaling. This worsens hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, and emotional instability Clinical trials demonstrate magnesium supplementation improves behavior, focus, and social interactions in children with ADHD, with the strongest benefits observed in those correcting underlying magnesium deficiencies Food alone is often not enough to restore optimal magnesium levels due to soil depletion and poor absorption. Supplementation with forms like glycinate, malate, or L-threonate is a valuable tool Environmental and lifestyle strategies, like reducing pesticide and chemical exposure and improving gut health, help manage or reduce ADHD symptoms naturally
Whole body vibration (WBV) therapy uses a vibration plate to trigger rapid muscle contractions, enhancing muscle activation, coordination, and circulation in a short, low-impact session Studies show WBV helps reduce total and visceral fat, though results are modest and most effective when paired with healthy eating and regular exercise Research highlights additional benefits, including improved bone density, muscle strength, balance, cognitive function, and reduced chronic pain in certain populations Not all vibration plates are the same — movement patterns, frequencies, and amplitudes vary, with devices like the Power Plate offering advanced tri-planar vibration technology WBV is generally safe for healthy adults but should be avoided without medical clearance in cases of pregnancy, recent surgery, cardiovascular issues, or severe osteoporosis
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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
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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
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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