Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Early treatment within the first week after a moderate or severe head injury sharply lowers your long-term risk of Alzheimer's disease and related cognitive decline Neurorehabilitation — including physical, occupational, cognitive and speech therapy — strengthens your brain's ability to reorganize itself, improving recovery and long-term function at any age Acting quickly after a head injury reduces the chances of developing mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and the need for Alzheimer's-related medications in the years that follow DMSO used in the early hours after injury helps blunt inflammation and protect vulnerable brain tissue, supporting a more stable neurological recovery Additional therapies such as flotation therapy, curcumin, photobiomodulation, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, and CBD-rich formulations offer added support by lowering inflammation, boosting cellular energy and enhancing brain repair

Phlegm color shifts give you immediate clues about what's happening in your airways, helping you judge whether irritation, inflammation or infection is building before symptoms intensify Yellow and green tones reflect immune activity, while pink, red, brown or black phlegm signal bleeding, long-standing lung issues or fungal infection, giving you clear markers for when to act quickly Sudden changes from your normal phlegm pattern matter more than the color itself, allowing you to use your personal baseline as a reliable guide for when something is wrong Texture changes — such as thick, sticky or chunky phlegm — often point to uncontrolled airway inflammation, giving you another early sign that your respiratory system is under strain Nebulized hydrogen peroxide, when properly diluted, helps lower viral load in your nasal passages, sinuses and lungs, easing phlegm triggered by viral irritation and helping you recover faster

Athletes using infrared saunas post-workout experience faster reductions in soreness, improved strength recovery, and better neuromuscular performance within 24 hours compared to passive rest Using infrared saunas immediately after exercise yields stronger results than delayed sessions, as it extends the body's natural repair window when circulation and metabolic signaling are elevated Consistent post-workout infrared sauna sessions over several weeks increase muscle thickness, explosive strength, and power output more effectively than training alone, especially for intermediate lifters Far-infrared saunas provide safer, more practical detoxification and circulation benefits, while near-infrared units risk burns and don't effectively deliver photobiomodulation benefits despite higher costs When using a sauna, begin at 120 degrees Fahrenheit three times weekly, gradually increasing temperature by two degrees weekly. Avoid overuse — start with daily sessions for 10 to 11 days initially, then every two to three days for maintenance

Black cumin supports several root causes of chronic illness — including oxidative stress, inflammation, and poor metabolic control — giving your body broad protection where it needs it most Thymoquinone, black cumin's most active compound, drives strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory actions that help stabilize energy, immunity, and cellular function Research shows black cumin improves blood sugar, strengthens antioxidant defenses, and lowers inflammatory markers, offering support for diabetes, immune imbalance, and chronic fatigue Black cumin's wide-ranging effects extend to brain health, cardiovascular markers, and male reproductive function, making it a versatile tool for whole-body wellness Regular use of black cumin paired with movement, anti-inflammatory foods, and supportive herbs such as ginger and turmeric helps reinforce metabolic balance, immune strength, and long-term resilience

Inulin is a naturally occurring, non-digestible fiber stored in many plants. It acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria that influence how the body handles sugar, fat, and inflammation A 2025 animal study found that inulin helped reverse fatty liver disease by prompting small-intestinal microbes to clear fructose and redirect liver metabolism toward the production of the antioxidant glutathione Inulin supports insulin sensitivity, lowers triglycerides, and improves liver markers. However, high doses, especially from supplements, can cause bloating Onions, garlic, asparagus, chicory, and Jerusalem artichoke are among the richest natural sources of inulin Restoring liver health isn't about quick fixes. Adopt consistent habits, such as regular movement, mindful eating, restorative sleep, and a diet centered on fiber-rich foods

Modern children's content (especially fast-paced YouTube shows like CoComelon) is engineered to maximize watch time through rapid cuts and constant dopamine triggers, creating addictive patterns in toddlers that lead to overstimulation, irritability, and severe tantrums, and when screens are removed This deliberate design exploits the brain's orienting response, rewiring developing nervous systems toward novelty-seeking while impairing sustained attention, executive function, and emotional regulation — effects supported by studies linking fast-paced media to ADHD-like symptoms and long-term attentional deficits These same dopamine-hijacking tactics have permeated broader society, from addictive processed foods to social media and pornography, shifting us from sustained serotonin-based happiness and presence to fleeting, hollow spikes that leave people feeling disconnected, depleted, and perpetually unsatisfied This engineered addiction is especially damaging in romantic relationships, where the cultural push for intense dopamine highs and excitement erodes the capacity for deep, stable, and truly nourishing intimate bonds built on genuine connection and contentment A healthy, non-depleted nervous system naturally resists the pull of these artificial dopamine spikes, allowing us to appreciate subtler and more authentic sources of joy; ultimately, escaping this trap and reclaiming a vivid connection to life requires restoring nervous system health and vitality — a key focus of this article

Early signs of brain damage linked to obesity are already showing up in young adults, decades before symptoms like memory loss or confusion begin Having low levels of choline, a nutrient most people don't get enough of, is strongly connected to inflammation, liver stress, and neuron injury in people with obesity Women are especially vulnerable to brain-related effects of metabolic stress, as they tend to have significantly lower choline levels than men A major brain imaging study confirmed that obesity directly causes brain shrinkage, white matter damage, and reduced cognitive performance — not just a correlation Simple lifestyle shifts like eating more choline-rich foods, cutting seed oils, moving daily, and prioritizing sleep can help repair and protect your brain long before problems show up

Exercise trains your immune system to respond faster and recover more efficiently, helping you stay energized and more resistant to illness Years of consistent moderate training reshape how your immune cells produce and manage energy, keeping them youthful and resilient as you age Active adults maintain steadier inflammation and bounce back quicker from stress, reducing fatigue, soreness, and lingering symptoms after illness Daily walking with short, high-quality strength sessions builds immune stability without overwhelming your system or spiking stress hormones Training your immune cells through repetition — not intensity — gives you lasting protection, better recovery, and steadier energy throughout your life

A ketogenic diet improves weight loss, insulin sensitivity, and blood sugar control initially, but these gains typically level off after six to 12 months of adherence Long-term keto can elevate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, particularly during rapid weight loss, raising cardiovascular concerns especially in healthy young adults following this diet Restricting carbohydrates eliminates healthy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins (B-complex, A, E, K) and minerals like magnesium and potassium Extended ketogenic diet use increases risks of kidney stones, reduced bone mineral density, thyroid dysfunction, and harmful gut microbiome changes linked to cancer risk The keto diet works better as a short-term therapeutic strategy for metabolic inflexibility and diabetes, but requires transitioning to balanced carbohydrate intake for long-term health

A recent Osteoporosis International review summarized multiple studies showing that microplastics have been detected in human bone tissue, where they disrupt bone cell activity, trigger inflammation, and weaken structural integrity Laboratory and animal studies show microplastics accelerate osteoclast activity and alter bone microarchitecture, linking environmental plastic exposure to rising rates of bone fragility and dysplasia Microplastics are not limited to bone; previous research has also detected them in the bloodstream, brain, placenta, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and reproductive tissues Ultrafine combustion particles (UFPs), which are smaller than microplastics, pose an even greater threat due to the vastly higher levels of exposure you face each day Lower your daily microplastic exposure by switching to natural fabrics, filtering your air and water, avoiding plastic containers, and replacing plastic kitchen tools with safer materials

More than one in 10 adults experience dysfunctional breathing symptoms like air hunger and chest tightness, even without having diagnosed lung disease People who currently smoke, or have a history of smoking and respiratory illness, face a dramatically higher risk of developing dysfunctional breathing patterns Dysfunctional breathing leads to overuse of neck and chest muscles, creating tension, fatigue, and shallow breathing that feeds a vicious cycle of stress and exhaustion Poor breathing habits interfere with heart function by reducing heart rate variability and disrupting the body's natural balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide Smoking worsens immune function, promotes oxidative stress, and triggers long-term biological changes that increase your risk for cancer, chronic illness, and dysfunctional breathing

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder where people severely restrict food due to fear, sensory sensitivities, or low interest — not body image concerns — causing significant health and social problems Unlike normal picky eating, ARFID involves intense distress, extremely narrow food choices, nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and serious disruption to daily life and social activities Prevalence ranges from 0.35% to 6.4% depending on region, primarily affecting children and teens, with average diagnosis at age 11 and higher male representation than other disorders Treatment approaches include parental control strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy, family-based treatment, food therapy, and sequential oral sensory methods to gradually reduce food-related fear and anxiety A specialized protocol combining psychology, hypnosis, and neuro-linguistic programming shows 90% success for adults and 65% for children, often achieved in single session

A new Intermountain Health study presented at the American Heart Association's 2025 Scientific Sessions found that adults with heart disease who optimized their vitamin D levels cut their risk of another heart attack by 52% Most participants began the trial with low vitamin D levels, showing that deficiency is common in people with cardiovascular disease and silently increases the risk of recurring heart problems More than half of the patients needed over 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily — six times the FDA's recommended intake — to reach protective blood levels between 40 and 80 ng/mL Vitamin D acts as a hormone that helps lower inflammation, maintain proper calcium balance, improve blood vessel function, and reduce oxidative stress — all key to preventing heart damage Regular testing, personalized dosing, sunlight exposure, and daily exercise are simple, measurable ways to restore vitamin D, strengthen your heart, and reduce your risk of another cardiac event

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder where people severely restrict food due to fear, sensory sensitivities, or low interest — not body image concerns — causing significant health and social problems Unlike normal picky eating, ARFID involves intense distress, extremely narrow food choices, nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and serious disruption to daily life and social activities Prevalence ranges from 0.35% to 6.4% depending on region, primarily affecting children and teens, with average diagnosis at age 11 and higher male representation than other disorders Treatment approaches include parental control strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy, family-based treatment, food therapy, and sequential oral sensory methods to gradually reduce food-related fear and anxiety A specialized protocol combining psychology, hypnosis, and neuro-linguistic programming shows 90% success for adults and 65% for children, often achieved in single session

Researchers have identified 168 everyday chemicals, including pesticides, flame retardants, and plastic additives, that are toxic to beneficial gut bacteria and may disrupt essential body functions Certain banned or restricted substances, like hexachlorophene and DDT, were also shown to damage gut microbes and promote inflammation and metabolic dysfunction Pesticides such as glyphosate, chlorpyrifos, and atrazine alter gut microbial balance and reduce protective species, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive and weakening your immune defenses Gut bacteria exposed to pesticides not only change how they grow but also how they process nutrients, interfere with detox pathways, and trigger inflammation in the gut, liver, and other organs Practical solutions like choosing organic produce, eating probiotic and prebiotic foods, filtering drinking water, and avoiding plastic containers can help protect and restore gut health

Flavanols are plant compounds in cocoa, berries, and tea with low bioavailability, meaning only a small portion enters the bloodstream A new animal study found that oral flavanol doses of 25 to 50 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) activated the subjects' brains within minutes Flavanols are a type of flavonoid within the polyphenol family. This hierarchy clarifies their differences and explains why foods have unique combinations that offer specific health benefits If you choose cocoa flavanol supplements, don't fall for flashy marketing; whenever possible, stick to a nutritious food-first approach Along with consuming flavanol-rich foods, pairing them with regular physical activity and a nutrient-dense, plant-focused diet helps support long-term brain health and cardiovascular resilience

Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria that ferment dietary fiber, helps improve metabolic health by enhancing insulin function, regulating glucose levels and supporting healthy body composition Unlike most cells that use glucose, colonocytes (the epithelial cells that line your colon) prefer butyrate for energy, converting 70% to 80% through beta-oxidation to maintain gut barrier health Promoting butyrate production through fiber intake is beneficial, but only if your gut is healthy. If your gut is compromised, starting with dextrose water before transitioning to whole foods is recommended Lifestyle factors significantly impact butyrate production, with chronic stress, smoking, excessive drinking and antibiotic overuse reducing beneficial gut bacteria and SCFA production Excessive linoleic acid consumption, common in processed foods and vegetable oils, reduce beneficial gut bacteria, negatively affecting gut and metabolic health

People with long COVID experience persistent fatigue, breathlessness, and brain fog. Research links these effects to fibrin microclots intertwined with neutrophil extracellular traps that obstruct microvessels and impair oxygen delivery SARS-CoV-2 pushes blood into a hypercoagulable state, damaging endothelium, activating platelets, and inflammatory cytokines. This causes clot risk to persist for months, even after mild infections and hospital discharge Long COVID essentially boils down to mitochondrial dysfunction. Management includes proteolytic enzymes to help clear spike protein, while the I-RECOVER protocol guides detoxification, inflammation control, and mitochondrial repair to restore overall function Protecting cardiolipin, the mitochondrial membrane fat, requires limiting easily oxidized linoleic acid (LA) from seed oils, processed foods, nuts, seeds, and grain-fed meats Methylene blue may enhance mitochondrial respiration at low doses. Additionally, correcting copper deficiency and lowering excess iron through blood donation support energy production

A preliminary American Heart Association (AHA) study linked long-term melatonin use to increased heart failure risk, but a closer analysis shows serious flaws, including lack of peer review and failure to account for confounding variables The study found melatonin users had 90% higher heart failure rates, but data mixed together prescription-only countries with over-the-counter markets, misclassifying many actual users as non-users Moreover, the study failed to account for insomnia severity, psychiatric conditions, other medications, and dosing details, making it impossible to determine if melatonin caused the observed outcomes Decades of peer-reviewed research demonstrates melatonin's cardioprotective effects, including reducing blood pressure, protecting heart tissue, and mitigating oxidative damage, contradicting the study's alarming headlines While supplementation is unlikely to pose serious risks, there are natural ways to optimize your melatonin production, such as getting morning sunlight exposure, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, limiting evening blue light, eating earlier, and practicing stress-reduction techniques

A recent study reveals that bedroom ventilation plays an essential role in sleep quality. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels need to remain below 1,000 ppm, ideally under 800 ppm, for deeper, uninterrupted sleep Opening windows can help with airflow, but it's not always ideal due to outdoor pollutants, noise, or security risks. In such cases, a ventilation system is a safer and more reliable option Air purifiers filter indoor air but do not introduce fresh air. To maintain optimal air quality, pair filtration systems with proper ventilation rather than relying on one system alone Monitoring CO₂ levels in your bedroom helps ensure proper air exchange. Using a reliable CO₂ meter provides insight into ventilation efficiency and allows adjustments to improve sleep quality To further improve indoor air quality, regularly clean or replace air filters, minimize the use of synthetic air fresheners, scented candles, and harsh cleaning chemicals, opt for natural, nontoxic alternatives, and air out your home safely