Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Tinnitus isn't just a ringing in your ears — it can interfere with memory, mood, and sleep, affecting your overall well-being when left unmanagedA Phase II clinical trial found that low-intensity sound therapy (LINTS) can reduce tinnitus symptoms without blocking out real-world sounds, helping the brain tune out the ringing naturallySound therapy works by helping your brain reclassify tinnitus as background noise, reducing its emotional and cognitive impact over timeFor best results, work with a professional — sound therapy is most effective when guided by a trained audiologistSupporting your body with antioxidant-rich foods, magnesium, deep sleep, and a low-stress lifestyle can also reduce tinnitus intensity and help protect your hearing

Butyrate is an essential short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that fuels colon cells, supports gut barrier function and promotes a balanced microbiome. Colon cells rely on butyrate for up to 80% of their energy needs, helping maintain normal gut function and a healthy intestinal liningYour gut bacteria produce butyrate by fermenting fiber from whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grainsButyrate supports gut barrier integrity by regulating tight-junction proteins and contributing to mucus production, which protects the colon wallDiet and lifestyle significantly impact butyrate production — a high-fiber diet, exercise, hydration, sleep and avoiding processed fats all support SCFA productionCommon misconceptions about butyrate include the idea that fiber supplements alone suffice — whole foods provide a wider variety of fiber, nutrients and benefits. If gut health is compromised, gradual fiber introduction is key — eliminating gut-damaging factors first allows for better microbial balance and butyrate production

A groundbreaking study of over 300,000 adults found that smoking just two to five cigarettes daily raises your risk of heart failure by 50% and death by 60%They also found that dropping from 20 cigarettes to two per day did not produce a proportional drop in danger, concluding that there is no safe limit when it comes to smokingSmoking damages nearly every system in your body, accelerating disease, weakening immunity, and increasing your risk of cancer, oral disease, inflammation, and chronic lung damageVaping is just as harmful as cigarettes, as it raises your risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious lung condition that makes breathing difficultQuitting smoking can be easier by preparing your body in advance — build resilience through a healthy diet, regular movement, and stress management tools, and seek professional help if needed

Information overload crisis — Today's endless data flood overwhelms the mind, triggering instability and reliance on simplistic narratives — ancient meditation practices build the inner stability needed to navigate this chaos clearlyFilters create reality — The mind adopts filters to simplify reality into something the conscious mind can process, inevitably removing many critical details while creating a biased and inaccurate perception of realityRigid divisions — In politics, this filtering causes people on both sides to be rigidly convinced their truth is correct. Likewise, it makes doctors worship vaccines and be unable to recognize the harms of pharmaceuticals, even when their own patients are injuredPatient-focused healing — In medicine, many diagnoses can only be made if a physician works to move beyond the filters they were trained in and instead directly see the complexity that each patient brings to the encounterPath to clear perception — Cultivate intuition for key data, recognize source biases, drill to core truths, and expand awareness through nervous system health — all of which are essential for discerning reality in our hyper-connected, impactful era

Eye washing with preservative-free sterile saline removes pollen from the eye surface, easing itching, tearing, and redness throughout the allergy seasonPeople who wash their eyes experience steadier symptom control, more symptom-free days, and better daily comfort compared to those who do notYounger allergy sufferers use eyewash more often than older adults, reflecting higher exposure to digital health guidance and quicker adoption of simple self-care habitsLifestyle factors such as short sleep, smoking, higher stress, and contact lens use increase the likelihood of turning to eyewash for reliefSupporting your body with vitamin C, quercetin, whole foods, quality sleep, and stress reduction lowers histamine load and strengthens your defenses against seasonal allergies

Emerging research shows that human egg cells resist mitochondrial aging, challenging the idea that menopause is irreversibleScientists have successfully reactivated dormant ovarian follicles in women with premature ovarian insufficiency using stem cell strategies and metabolic interventionsMitochondrial health, not egg depletion, may be the key to reversing menopause symptoms and restoring reproductive functionHormones like DHEA, T3, and progesterone, along with nutrients like vitamin A and E, are being studied for their role in rejuvenating ovariesThese findings suggest menopause may be a reversible metabolic state — not a permanent shutdown

A new JAMA Network Open study found that cutting down social media use to roughly 30 minutes per day had measurable effects on mental health, reducing anxiety by about 16%, depression by about 25%, and insomnia symptoms by 15%Loneliness scores did not change much, which shows that social media can be a lifeline for connection as well as a source of stressEarlier randomized trials from the University of Bath and others also found that a one-week break from platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook improved wellbeing, depression, and anxietyA short reset is not a cure for depression or anxiety, and does not replace therapy, medication, or crisis care. Still, it can be a realistic experiment that helps you see how specific apps affect your mood, sleep, and focusIf you already struggle with your mental health, or if you rely on online communities for support, it makes sense to plan your week carefully and to talk with a trusted health professional about how this kind of experiment fits into your overall care

Fluoridated water has shaped U.S. dental policy since the 1940s, when officials began adding fluoride to public water supplies in an effort to reduce childhood cavities.1 As of 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 72.3% of Americans on community water systems (about 62.8% of the entire population) received fluoridated water,2 making systemic exposure nearly unavoidable. Mounting evidence now shows that fluoride offers little measurable benefit for dental health while introducing significant risks, particularly for children. Many countries, including Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, have already abandoned water fluoridation.3 In the U.S., Utah and Florida recently became the first states to ban the practice, and similar bills are emerging elsewhere.4 However, in places where fluoride is not added to tap water, fluoride supplements are prescribed for infants and children. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is taking action to restrict the use of these prescription fluoride supplements, following a directive from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission to reassess their safety and effectiveness.5

Your gut's nervous system directly influences whether you tolerate foods or react to them, making it a key factor in food sensitivities and allergy riskA tiny nerve messenger called the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) tells your gut stem cells how to rebuild the intestinal lining; when VIP drops, your gut produces too many tuft cells that trigger allergy like inflammationEveryday exposures — like microplastics, seed oils, and emulsifiers found in processed foods — damage tight junction proteins, weaken your gut barrier, and increase the flow of irritants into your bloodstreamLow vitamin D, disrupted sleep, and high stress interfere with your gut's ability to maintain barrier integrity and calm immune activity, raising your vulnerability to allergic reactionsYou can lower your allergy risk by supporting mitochondrial function, removing gut damaging triggers, restoring healthy carbs in the right order, and improving the nerve-gut connection that regulates intestinal healing

About 24.2% of U.S. men today screen positive for erectile dysfunction (ED), while global rates range from 3% to 76.5%, showing it's a common health problem that affects men of all agesA 2025 study in the American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Urology found that ED is influenced by genes that also raise risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and addiction, tying erection problems to long-term heart healthED is usually multifactorial, with vascular, neurogenic, hormonal, and psychogenic forms, and is strongly associated with conditions like heart disease, obesity, sleep apnea, and depression, making it a powerful early warning sign that something deeper is wrongWhile drugs like Viagra can temporarily improve erections, they don't work for everyone and may be unsafe for men taking heart and lung medicationsInstead of relying solely on pills, addressing root causes with a heart-focused check-up, a metabolic-friendly diet, pelvic floor training, restorative sleep, enough sunlight and mindful supplementation can help restore sexual function without more drugs

Nearly 1 in 5 urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by E. coli strains that originated in contaminated meat, confirming what earlier research has shownPoultry is the main source of these dangerous bacteria, with chicken and turkey accounting for more than 74% of meat-linked UTI cases, while all retail meats showed high contamination levelsThese bacteria, known as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), survive processing and cooking to enter your body, where they colonize your urinary tract and can spread to your bloodstreamOveruse of antibiotics in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) fuels the growth of drug-resistant E. coli, creating infections that are harder to treat and more likely to require hospitalizationYou can protect yourself by avoiding CAFO meats, choosing grass fed and regeneratively raised options, improving food and personal hygiene, and supporting urinary health with methylene blue, cranberries, and D-mannose

A 2025 analysis of over 13,500 knee MRI scans revealed that men have more anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears overall, including ACL plus meniscus combinations, contrary to earlier data focused on female athletesMen under 40 were more likely to have trauma-driven medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus injuries, while women over 40 had a higher rate of degenerative MCL and meniscus damageThese patterns suggest trauma dominates in male injuries, while age-linked tissue breakdown plays a bigger role in older female patientsThese results can aid clinicians and radiologists in recognizing patterns of injury so they can tailor imaging protocols, risk assessments, and early intervention strategies for patientsResearchers say these gender-specific patterns may change the screening, prevention, and rehabilitation for knee injury across lifespans

Cold weather worsens arthritis symptoms by thickening joint fluid, slowing blood flow, and tightening muscles, which amplifies pain and stiffnessDrops in barometric pressure cause tendons and muscles to expand, adding extra pressure to already inflamed joints and increasing discomfortReduced sunlight during winter lowers vitamin D levels, weakening bones and increasing inflammation, while inactivity further restricts circulationEliminating seed oils, boosting vitamin K2, optimizing vitamin D, and sipping warm bone broth help reduce inflammation, strengthen cartilage, and restore flexibilityDaily movement, heat therapy, and sunlight exposure keep joints lubricated, improve circulation, and help you stay active and pain-free all winter long

Low-fat protein after exercise delivers amino acids into your bloodstream faster, giving your muscles a stronger signal to repair and growHigh-fat meals slow digestion and weaken your muscle-building response, even when the total amount of protein is the sameA stronger and faster leucine surge from lean protein helps activate muscle repair more effectively, improving your recovery windowHigher daily protein intake — around 0.8 grams per pound of ideal body weight — supports better muscle gain, fat loss, bone strength, and metabolic stabilitySimplifying your post-workout meal and choosing low-LA, low-fat protein sources help you recover more quickly and get better results from every training session

Metformin is a widely prescribed Type 2 diabetes drug that works by lowering liver glucose production and improve insulin sensitivityA 16-week Rutgers trial in 72 adults found that metformin dulled exercise benefits, reducing the usual improvements in aerobic fitnessLong-term risks for prolonged metformin use include vitamin B12 deficiency, rare lactic acidosis, and hypoglycemiaSkipping breakfast, not getting enough sleep, consuming too much alcohol, and social isolation can greatly disturb glucose regulation and increase the risk of developing diabetes over timeLifestyle strategies such as consistent movement, and a bioenergetic, nutrient-dense diet can support insulin sensitivity. Berberine may also help to slowly wean you off metformin medication

Butyrate, produced by gut bacteria when they ferment dietary fiber, acts as a signaling molecule in the gut-brain axis, influencing stress, pain tolerance, immunity, and brain healthThrough multiple mechanisms, including specific enzyme inhibition and NF-κB pathway regulation, butyrate reduces neuroinflammation and protects against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseaseButyrate influences key neurotransmitters including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, while also increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuronal growth and cognitive functionThe vagus nerve serves as a communication highway between the gut and the brain, transmitting signals about butyrate levels that affect mood regulation, stress response, and immune functionOptimizing gut health through dietary fiber and homemade fermented foods helps promote butyrate production and maintain a healthy gut-brain connection

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 declineNeurorehabilitation — including physical, occupational, cognitive and speech therapy — strengthens your brain's ability to reorganize itself, improving recovery and long-term function at any ageActing 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 followDMSO used in the early hours after injury helps blunt inflammation and protect vulnerable brain tissue, supporting a more stable neurological recoveryAdditional 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 intensifyYellow 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 quicklySudden 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 wrongTexture 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 strainNebulized 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 restUsing 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 elevatedConsistent post-workout infrared sauna sessions over several weeks increase muscle thickness, explosive strength, and power output more effectively than training alone, especially for intermediate liftersFar-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 costsWhen 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 mostThymoquinone, black cumin's most active compound, drives strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory actions that help stabilize energy, immunity, and cellular functionResearch shows black cumin improves blood sugar, strengthens antioxidant defenses, and lowers inflammatory markers, offering support for diabetes, immune imbalance, and chronic fatigueBlack cumin's wide-ranging effects extend to brain health, cardiovascular markers, and male reproductive function, making it a versatile tool for whole-body wellnessRegular 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