Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Available Episodes

5 of 1062

Dry Cleaning Chemical Found to Harm Brain Cells and Raise Parkinson's Risk
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
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6:54
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6:54
Visceral Fat Activity Drives Aggressive Endometrial Cancer
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
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8:08
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8:08
Type 2 Diabetes Found to Double the Risk of Sepsis
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
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8:37
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8:37
This Savory Herb Helps Relieve Muscle Cramps and Improve Digestion Naturally
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
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7:15
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7:15
Rates of Postmenopausal Low Back Pain Have Nearly Doubled in 30 Years
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
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8:01