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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About 12.4% of older adults today exhibit signs of ultraprocessed food addiction, with the highest rates in those ages 50 to 64 Ultraprocessed means industrial formulations — not just "anything packaged." Think sweetened cereals, instant noodles, snack bars, sodas, flavored yogurts, and many "healthy" frozen entrées The hook is by design — hyper-palatable combos of refined carbs, industrial fats, salt, and additives hit reward circuits fast, driving cravings, overeating, and repeat use High intake of ultraprocessed foods is tied to obesity, insulin resistance, cardiovascular problems, and cognitive decline, even in people who otherwise eat "healthy" Stocking smarter food choices, anchoring meals with protein and fiber, reading nutrition labels, and leaning on support groups when needed can help you break free from addiction
Antidepressant use during pregnancy disrupts fetal brain development and increases the risk of long-term mental health problems in children Babies exposed to SSRI antidepressants in the womb often suffer withdrawal symptoms at birth, including weak muscle tone, poor feeding, and breathing difficulties Research shows counseling for depression lowers the risk of preterm birth, while antidepressant use increases it, highlighting the importance of non-drug approaches Major medical organizations and media outlets continue to downplay these risks, leaving many mothers unaware of safer alternatives Natural strategies like proper nutrition, exercise, sunlight, and stress management provide effective ways to support your mental health during pregnancy without harming your baby
PM2.5 particles increase dementia risk by 8% for every 5 micrograms per cubic meter increase. These ultrafine particles travel directly to the brain through nasal pathways Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter doubles brain aneurysm rupture risk, with damage accumulating over three to six months rather than causing immediate effects Air pollutants trigger chronic brain inflammation by activating microglia cells, disrupting the blood-brain barrier and promoting harmful amyloid plaque buildup over time Vehicle exhaust fumes such as nitrogen dioxide and black carbon from soot show stronger associations with vascular dementia compared to Alzheimer's disease in population studies Using indoor air purifiers with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, limiting outdoor exposure during high pollution periods, and eliminating household chemical sources help improve indoor air quality to protect brain health
Beyond visible weight gain, hidden fat can build up in organs and muscles, quietly influencing long-term health A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that where fat collects in your body is closely tied to how quickly your cardiovascular system ages The study showed that visceral fat, liver fat, and fat infiltrating muscles were strongly linked with premature cardiovascular aging Researchers also uncovered gender-specific patterns. Men tended to accumulate more visceral and abdominal fat, while women carried more subcutaneous and thigh fat To protect your heart, shift from focusing only on weight loss to improving metabolic health. Check your metabolic markers, eat the right carbs, cut seed oils, and build strength through daily movement
Osteoporosis affects 10 million Americans, and research shows resistance training effectively builds bone density by creating mechanical stress that signals bone-building cells to strengthen skeletal structure Weightlifting (80% to 85% of your 1 rep max) performed two to three times weekly produces the greatest bone density gains, while walking and swimming provide insufficient force for bone strengthening Essential exercises include squats, deadlifts, incline pushups, hip rotations, and chair squats, progressing gradually in intensity while maintaining proper form to minimize injury risk Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, also known as KAATSU in Japan, enhances bone formation markers even at low intensities, allowing effective muscle and bone strengthening without heavy weights or pain Consistency matters most. Research shows that training for one year or more significantly improves bone mineral density, cortical thickness, and overall bone geometry across all ages and genders
Overactive bladder affects about 1 in 6 U.S. adults and disrupts sleep, focus, and confidence in daily life Low magnesium levels are strongly linked to higher rates of overactive bladder, with risk climbing steadily as depletion worsens Magnesium helps calm bladder muscles and reduce nerve overactivity, making sudden urges and leaks less frequent Inflammation triggered by magnesium deficiency further irritates bladder tissue and worsens symptoms Restoring magnesium through the right supplements and pairing it with bladder-friendly habits offers a natural, evidence-backed path to relief
Your gut lining renews itself on a precise daily schedule controlled by your circadian rhythm, and disruptions to this clock weaken your intestinal barrier and slow repair Irregular sleep, late-night eating, and travel throw your gut and brain clocks out of sync, leading to digestive issues, nutrient absorption problems, and higher risk of leaky gut Gut microbes directly shape stress responses, mood, and sleep by signaling through nerves, hormones, and immune pathways, proving that a healthy microbiome steadies both mind and body Alcohol and ultraprocessed foods multiply the damage of circadian disruption, raising long-term risks of obesity, diabetes, and chronic inflammation Simple daily choices — steady sleep, regular meal timing, morning light exposure, and whole-food nutrition — reset your body's rhythm and strengthen your gut's natural defenses
Lithium levels in the brain drop in people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's, fueling memory loss, brain inflammation, and the buildup of toxic proteins Low-dose lithium has been shown to preserve memory, improve attention, and stabilize mood without the kidney and thyroid risks tied to prescription-strength doses A clinical trial found that lithium slowed progression from early memory problems to Alzheimer's, lowering key disease markers and improving daily functioning Whole foods, mineral-rich water, magnesium, and zinc all support healthy lithium balance and give your brain the nutrients it needs to resist decline Removing vegetable oils, lowering excess iron, and boosting antioxidants like glutathione work alongside lithium to protect brain cells and preserve long-term memory
Carbadox, a drug given to pigs in U.S. farms, is a known carcinogen that international experts declared unsafe at any level of exposure Even though the FDA has acknowledged carbadox's risks for decades, industry pressure and regulatory delays have allowed it to remain on the market Other countries, including Canada, Brazil, the U.K., Australia, and the entire European Union, banned carbadox years ago, leaving American consumers exposed to risks considered unacceptable elsewhere A study found no carbadox residues in limited pork samples tested, but most producers refused to disclose whether they still use the drug, highlighting a lack of transparency and oversight You can protect yourself by avoiding pork due to its linoleic acid content, or by choosing responsibly raised pork, supporting humane farming, and signing petitions to pressure regulators and companies to end carbadox use
Many people mistake groin or knee pain for local strain or joint issues when the real source is the hip, delaying proper treatment The brain sometimes misinterprets signals from shared nerve pathways, causing hip pain to be felt in the knee, thigh, or groin. This phenomenon is known as referred pain Bone density loss and early signs of osteoarthritis are affecting people in their 20s and 30s due to sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition. This increases their risk of hip problems later in life Many people push through pain rather than seeking help, leading to more severe joint damage over time Combining medical treatments, physical therapy, proper nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes leads to more sustainable healing and pain relief
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain and fever medications are widely used despite having marginal efficacy and significant side effects that hospitalize hundreds of thousands of Americans each year While a widespread practice, using these medications to reduce fevers has long been controversial, both due to their toxicity and the notion that fevers are essential for health During the 1918 Influenza pandemic, one of the most critical lessons was that avoiding fever suppression was vital for protecting patients from dying While considered the "safest" option, Tylenol has a wide range of issues, including liver damage, gastrointestinal issues, blood cancers, and kidney injuries An extensive body of data connects using Tylenol during pregnancy or in infancy to the development of neurological injuries (e.g., autism). Many of these tragic cases illustrate a longstanding observation within natural medicine — suppressing superficial reactions (e.g., fevers) can transform illnesses into chronic ailments that can cause far more issues
Some beef labels that simply say "grass fed" often still involve grain finishing; only "100% grass fed" and "grass-finished" with certification ensure a lifetime forage diet The American Grassfed Association (AGA) sets the strongest standard, requiring pasture raising, no feedlot confinement, and independent audits Organic beef is not the same as grass fed — organic animals can still be finished on organic grain Grass-finishing improves nutrient density, boosting omega-3s, CLA, and phytochemicals, while grain finishing reduces these health-promoting compounds Shoppers can avoid fake grass fed beef by using a 10-point checklist, asking butchers direct questions, and checking the AGA producer directory
Women face far higher rates of autoimmune conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis because of their double set of X chromosome immune genes and the effects of hormones such as estrogen Men experience more severe viral infections, higher cancer risks, and age-related immune decline in part due to testosterone's suppressive effects and the gradual loss of Y chromosomes in immune cells Hormones shift immunity across life stages, meaning puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and andropause all create unique windows of higher or lower disease risk that you can plan around Environmental factors such as diet, toxin exposure, and gut health interact with your genetic and hormonal makeup, shaping how your immune system handles inflammation and infection Precision strategies based on sex-specific biology allow you to lower risks — women can focus on reducing autoimmune triggers, while men benefit from strengthening defenses against severe infections and cancer
Low vitamin D levels are strongly linked to fatty liver severity, with deficiency tied to more fat buildup, higher liver enzymes, and worse metabolic problems like insulin resistance Fatty liver disease often progresses silently until serious damage like cirrhosis or liver failure has already taken hold Supplementing with vitamin D has been shown to lower blood sugar, reduce liver enzymes, improve cholesterol balance, and even help shrink waistlines Cutting out vegetable oils and alcohol removes two of the biggest drivers of liver stress, giving your body the best chance to reverse damage and restore function Simple, everyday steps like eating choline-rich foods, getting regular sun exposure, and testing your vitamin D levels will help you protect your liver and keep it working at full strength
Egg yolk proteins influence bone health by reducing bone breakdown and encouraging new bone growth, offering natural support against osteoporosis Research shows that certain egg yolk compounds shut down harmful "switches" in bone-destroying cells, helping prevent fractures and bone fragility The smallest protein fragments in eggs were found to be the most powerful, easily entering cells to trigger bone-building activity One egg yolk compound not only protected bones but also repaired fractures and improved strength in models of age-related bone loss and brittle-bone disease Choosing pasture-raised, low-linoleic acid eggs and combining them with collagen-rich foods and key nutrients like vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K2 helps build stronger bones and maintain independence as you age
Colon cancer often develops silently without early symptoms, making prevention through diet and lifestyle one of the most effective ways to protect yourself Eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts lowers your risk of colon cancer by about 17% The strongest protection is reached with just 40 to 60 grams a day — about half a cup of cooked broccoli — making prevention simple and realistic Compounds in cruciferous vegetables detoxify harmful chemicals, trigger cancer cell death, strengthen your colon lining, and support healthy gut microbes Combining a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables with lifestyle steps such as reducing vegetable oils and environmental toxins, eating the right carbs, and exercising builds a strong daily shield against colon cancer
The Adam's apple is the visible ridge of thyroid cartilage at the front of your larynx (voice box). Everyone has one, though its size and visibility vary by sex, hormones, body fat, and genetics The Adam's apple isn't bone or muscle — it's made of firm yet flexible hyaline cartilage, which helps shield the vocal cords and anchor muscles that control pitch and tone During puberty, testosterone enlarges the larynx in many males, making the Adam's apple more prominent and lowering the pitch of the voice. Females also experience laryngeal growth, but usually to a lesser degree Its role goes beyond voice: the Adam's apple helps protect the airway during swallowing by lifting the larynx so food and liquid go into the esophagus rather than the lungs Pain or soreness in this area is rarely due to the cartilage itself but can stem from nearby structures. Common causes include muscle or throat tension, infections, thyroid disorders, acid reflux, or — in rare cases — laryngeal cancer
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, requiring no special equipment, and supports your health whether you stroll around your neighborhood or simply walk to run errands While many people track daily step counts or minutes of activity, new evidence suggests that the speed of your walking may play an even greater role in health outcomes A large U.S. study revealed that brisk walking, even as little as 15 minutes daily, reduced overall mortality risk by nearly 20%. It delivered the strongest protection to cardiovascular health Beyond longevity, walking supports nearly every system in your body, from improving blood sugar control to boosting mood, strengthening bones, and enhancing immune resilience Other ways to maximize the benefits of walking include incorporating interval walking training, using a weighted vest or Nordic poles, having a walking buddy, and choosing outdoor routes for sunlight and stress relief
An analysis showed that 78.5% of neurologists received payments from pharmaceutical companies, with doctors receiving more money prescribing more multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs from those companies Payment amounts create dose-dependent effects. Even $50 payments slightly influenced prescribing patterns, while $5,000 payments nearly doubled likelihood of favoring specific company drugs Non-consulting fees like speakership appearances accounted for two-thirds of total payments, creating ongoing relationships and brand familiarity among physicians A combination of smart sun exposure and vitamin D3 supplementation can help manage MS. For best results, you'll need to minimize vegetable oil intake and maintain levels between 60 and 80 ng/mL Optimizing gut microbiota through proper carbohydrate intake, gradual fiber increases, and minimizing processed foods also supports MS management without pharmaceutical intervention
Salmonella causes over 1.35 million infections annually in the U.S., and when paired with Candida yeast in your gut, infections become more aggressive and harder to control Research from the University of Illinois Chicago showed Candida releases arginine when triggered by Salmonella, fueling bacterial invasion while suppressing your immune system's natural defense signals Candida colonization is common, found in over 60% of healthy people, but when combined with antibiotics or poor gut health, it worsens Salmonella's spread to vital organs Other studies reveal Salmonella sometimes suppresses Candida, blocking its filament growth and weakening biofilms, proving gut microbes don't always cooperate — they also compete for survival You can defend yourself by limiting antibiotics, avoiding seed oils, restoring nutrient balance with lysine-rich foods, supporting digestion, and strengthening circadian rhythms through sunlight and sleep
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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