Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Story at-a-glance Not all sudden chest pain signals a heart attack — less than 6% of emergency room visits for chest pain are life-threatening, according to a 2016 JAMA studyPrecordial catch syndrome, often triggered by poor posture or growth spurts, causes short, stabbing chest pain but is harmless and usually resolves on its own within minutesDigestive issues like gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cause chest discomfort that mimics heart conditions; triggers include spicy food, alcohol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and stressOther non-cardiac causes include panic attacks, rib strain, or costochondritis —these are painful but generally self-limiting and improve with rest, posture correction, or over-the-counter medicationsLife-threatening causes like pulmonary embolism or aortic dissection require urgent care; if chest pain radiates or includes fainting or breathlessness, seek emergency help immediately

Story at-a-glance Your scalp hosts a dense microbial ecosystem that protects against inflammation and disease. When disrupted, it can lead to flaking, itching, thinning hair, and inflammatory scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitisThe scalp microbiome is dominated by key bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. These microbes help protect your skin barrier, manage inflammation, and regulate other harmful organismsScalp dysbiosis can be triggered by overwashing, harsh shampoos, excessive oil production, and even genetic factors like hair density or dandruff-prone skin. These disrupt the balance of good and bad microbesDandruff is linked to reduced microbial diversity and fungal overgrowth. Studies show healthy scalps have more protective bacteria, while dandruff-prone scalps are overrun with inflammatory microbes like Malassezia restricta and Malassezia globosaLong-term relief comes from restoring beneficial microbes, not just killing fungi. Using microbiome-safe natural products, avoiding daily shampooing, and consuming foods that promote the growth of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are effective ways to rebalance your scalp naturally

Story at-a-glance Magnesium deficiency is widespread despite its key role in 600+ bodily functions; modern farming has depleted soil minerals and most people absorb only 30% to 40% of dietary magnesiumDifferent forms of magnesium target specific health needs: glycinate for sleep and anxiety, malate for energy, citrate for digestion, threonate for brain function and taurate for heart healthCommon magnesium-rich foods like nuts and seeds aren’t recommended because they contain inflammatory linoleic acid, which worsens metabolic healthMagnesium deficiency contributes to serious health issues including insulin resistance, high blood pressure, poor glucose control and mitochondrial dysfunctionSupplementation strategy matters: determine your ideal dose using magnesium citrate — once your dose causes loose stools, dial back slightly — then switch to glycinate or malate based on symptoms of tension/sleep issues or energy/focus problems

Story at-a-glance Tulsi, or holy basil, has been used for over 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine to treat infections, fevers, and respiratory conditions, and promote overall vitality and balanceModern studies show tulsi supports stress recovery, lowers cortisol, improves memory, and boosts focus, with noticeable benefits in just weeks of consistent useTulsi helps shield your body from toxic exposures like pesticides, radiation, and heavy metals by activating antioxidant enzymes and supporting liver detox pathwaysTulsi supports immune health by improving macrophage activity, natural killer cell function, and immune signaling, even under high stress or chronic inflammationYou can reap the benefits by drinking tulsi tea or taking supplements, but make sure to take caution if you’re taking medications, pregnant, or breastfeeding, unless advised by a healthcare provider

Story at-a-glance Children who participate in multiple sports develop significantly better motor skills than those who specialize in just one sport or remain inactiveResearch shows children in multisport programs outperformed single-sport participants by up to 14.5% in coordination, balance and movement testsUnstructured outdoor play for 30 to 60 minutes daily particularly benefits girls, improving their coordination by 8.4% to 14.5% compared to less active peersEarly movement patterns establish a foundation that influences physical abilities into adolescence, with coordination advantages persisting over timeParents should prioritize variety over intensity, avoid year-round specialization in one sport and choose programs that teach fundamental movement skills

Story at-a-glance Florida became the second U.S. state to ban water fluoridation after Governor DeSantis signed legislation calling it "forced medication" without informed consent; the ban takes legal effect July 1, 2025 — that’s when public water systems must stop adding fluoride and state regulators can begin enforcementA National Toxicology Program review of 72 studies found consistent evidence that fluoride exposure lowers children's IQ scores and impairs cognitive developmentMultiple states including Ohio and Texas are considering similar bans while federal agencies reevaluate fluoride recommendations under new leadershipResearch links fluoride to thyroid dysfunction and neurological harm, with doses as low as 2 to 5 milligrams daily affecting hormone regulationMany European countries rejected water fluoridation decades ago; 98% of Western Europeans now drink non-fluoridated water

Story at-a-glance Exercise headaches affect up to 26% of adults and occur even when properly hydrated, often due to how the brain manages heat during physical exertionYour brain cools itself by increasing blood flow, which raises pressure in your skull that triggers headaches, especially if you're new to exercise or increase intensity too quicklyWarning signs include vision problems, nausea or thunderclap headaches that come on suddenly; these require medical evaluation to rule out serious conditionsPrevention strategies include warming up slowly, staying well-hydrated before and during workouts, exercising in cool environments and gradually building fitness levelsMost exercise headaches are harmless and typically improve over time as your cardiovascular system adapts to physical stress

Story at-a-glance Despite limited scientific evidence supporting vitamin B1 as a mosquito repellent, many people report fewer bites when taking it. As a water-soluble vitamin with minimal risk, there’s no harm in trying itEssential oils from Russian sage, tangerine peel and wild mint have demonstrated strong mosquito-repelling capabilities in studies, with Russian sage matching DEET's effectiveness for up to 135 minutesTraditional remedies like oils from Hatkora fruit and Anchiri root provide impressive protection lasting over six hours; this makes them viable natural alternatives to chemical repellentsEliminating standing water around your home is key for mosquito control, as these insects need water to breed and typically don't travel far from their hatching sitesNatural mosquito control strategies include wearing light-colored clothing, installing bat houses and planting repellent herbs like citronella, lavender and marigold near entryways

Story at-a-glance Corticosteroids shut down natural cortisol production; even short-term use as brief as 14 days suppresses adrenal function, creating dangerous dependency on synthetic hormonesA European study reveals widespread risk; over 500,000 patients showed six times higher adrenal insufficiency rates with oral steroids; even "safe" inhaled versions increased risk by 55%Sudden steroid withdrawal triggers emergency situations requiring immediate medical care due to collapsed fluid and electrolyte balanceNearly half (48.7%) of oral steroid patients develop adrenal suppression, yet most aren’t warned about or tested for this serious conditionRecovery requires metabolic repair; focus on reducing inflammation, fixing insulin resistance, optimizing sleep cycles and supporting natural cortisol rhythms rather than more medications

Story at-a-glance Bone issues were once seen only among the elderly, but now young adults are also developing osteopenia, stress fractures, arthritis, and other signs of skeletal declinePoor sleep, chronic stress, sedentary habits, ultraprocessed diets, and harmful habits like smoking and alcohol use are key drivers behind the rising rates of bone loss in younger populationsCalcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K2 are all essential for bone health. Without proper balance, calcium can’t be absorbed, used effectively, or kept out of arteriesDiets high in ultraprocessed foods strip the body of key nutrients and promote inflammation. Excess iron also damages bone cells and increases fracture riskWeight-bearing exercises like resistance training, walking, and jumping stimulate bone growth and strengthen the skeletal structure at the molecular level

Story at-a-glance Homemade puppy meals using affordable ingredients like rice, ground beef, liver, and eggs are healthier and more cost-effective than commercial kibbleDogs need balanced nutrition, which includes protein for muscle development, healthy fats for energy and cell function, and minimal carbohydrates from rice for basic glucose requirementsGround eggshells provide essential calcium for bone development, while egg yolks contribute vitamins A, B, and KDr. Mercola’s "Puppy Power Meal" recipe serves 1 cup per 10 pounds of body weight and can be batch-cooked, portioned, and frozen for convenient feedingProper preparation includes rendering tallow in a pressure cooker, cooking ingredients separately, and combining with essential supplements like fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids

Story at-a-glance More than 85% of high ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumers meet clinical criteria for food addiction, including symptoms like cravings, withdrawal and loss of controlPeople who eat more UPFs report higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress, confirming that these foods worsen mood and emotional healthUPFs hijack your brain’s reward system, overstimulating feel-good chemicals like dopamine, opioids and endocannabinoids, which makes quitting feel nearly impossibleDamage to the gut microbiome caused by UPFs alters how your brain handles cravings and stress, increasing emotional eating and reducing impulse controlCutting out vegetable oils, which are high in linoleic acid, going cold turkey for five days and rebuilding gut health with whole foods helps break the addiction cycle and restore mood balance

Story at-a-glance Sitting more than 10.6 hours daily increases heart failure risk by 45% and cardiovascular death risk by 62%, even for those who regularly exerciseBreaking up sedentary time is important; even reallocating 30 minutes of sitting to light activity reduces heart failure risk by 7%Prolonged sitting impairs blood circulation, decreases insulin sensitivity and reduces mitochondrial activity, which damages cardiovascular health over timeRegular movement throughout the day is necessary to protect your heart health and metabolic functionSimple strategies like standing for 10 minutes every hour and integrating more walking into your daily routine significantly lower cardiovascular risks

Story at-a-glance Natural light is an essential nutrient many of us lack within our bodies. When ultraviolet light is introduced into the bloodstream, remarkable health benefits emergeThe dermatology industry created hysteria about benign sun-induced cancers while ignoring that deadly melanoma actually results from sunlight deficiency, not excess exposureOnce ultraviolet blood irradiation (UVBI) was discovered in the 1930s, it produced miraculous results for patients on the verge of death and was quickly adopted by hospitals throughout America, demonstrating remarkable efficacy for a wide range of diseasesTo neutralize this competition, the American Medical Association published a doctored study that "debunked" UVBI, and it became a forgotten therapy. Russians and Germans recognized its value and have produced decades of research showing UVBI's remarkable utilityThis article explores UVBI's remarkable history, systematic suppression, and scientific foundation, demonstrating why this therapy represents one of medicine's lost opportunities

Story at-a-glance Pepcid (famotidine) uniquely blocks serotonin activity unlike other H2 blockers, helping interrupt chronic pain, inflammation and fatigue caused by elevated serotonin levelsA 70-year-old patient's life-threatening serotonin syndrome was rapidly reversed within 15 minutes using intravenous famotidine, demonstrating its powerful anti-serotonin effectsElevated serotonin impairs mitochondrial energy production and drives chronic inflammation, depression and pain, contrary to the popular "feel-good chemical" misconceptionPepcid is safer than recalled Zantac (ranitidine) and more potent than older H2 blockers, with fewer drug interactions and decades of proven safetyUnlike proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with serious long-term risks, Pepcid offers a safer approach by targeting serotonin overload while providing effective heartburn relief

Story at-a-glance Bleeding, painful, or swollen gums could be an early warning sign of deeper health issues, including heart disease, depression, and diabetes, even before other symptoms show upIn a study of over 500,000 people, those with painful gums had a 54% higher risk of living with multiple chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and alcohol-related illnessPain is the strongest predictors of poor health, making it essential to take gum discomfort seriously and not brush it offResearchers found that harmful oral bacteria escape through inflamed gums, enter the bloodstream, and trigger inflammation in distant organs including the brain, heart, and lungsAddressing gum disease early by reducing inflammation, improving diet, and adopting a better oral care routine could lower your risk for serious long-term health problems

Story at-a-glance Research shows starch-based "biodegradable" plastics break down into microplastics that accumulate in organs, causing significant tissue damage in the liver, intestines and ovariesEven at low doses similar to human environmental exposure, these microplastics disrupt blood glucose levels and trigger metabolic problems within just three monthsStarch-based microplastics disturb gut microbiome balance and circadian rhythms, leading to long-term health issues including weight gain and compromised immunityThe damage occurs through oxidative stress mechanisms and severity increases at higher exposure levels, challenging the assumption that biodegradable means safePractical protection strategies include using glass or stainless steel containers, filtering drinking water, avoiding plastic food packaging, choosing natural fiber clothing and making smart everyday swaps

Story at-a-glance People managing multiple chronic illnesses are nearly twice as likely to develop depression, even if they’ve never had mental health issues before, according to a decade-long studyLiving with both heart disease and diabetes drastically increases your future depression risk, making cardiometabolic combinations among the most dangerous for emotional health outcomesChronic illnesses like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease, and bowel disorders sharply increase your risk of depression by overwhelming your body’s ability to regulate mood and energyWomen with joint and bone issues like arthritis face a higher depression risk than men with the same diagnosis, revealing a serious and often ignored gender vulnerabilityDepression doesn’t just follow disease — it drives it. Left untreated, it speeds up illness progression, weakens your immune system, and increases your chances of hospitalization

Story at-a-glance People managing multiple chronic illnesses are nearly twice as likely to develop depression, even if they’ve never had mental health issues before, according to a decade-long studyLiving with both heart disease and diabetes drastically increases your future depression risk, making cardiometabolic combinations among the most dangerous for emotional health outcomesChronic illnesses like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease, and bowel disorders sharply increase your risk of depression by overwhelming your body’s ability to regulate mood and energyWomen with joint and bone issues like arthritis face a higher depression risk than men with the same diagnosis, revealing a serious and often ignored gender vulnerabilityDepression doesn’t just follow disease — it drives it. Left untreated, it speeds up illness progression, weakens your immune system, and increases your chances of hospitalization

Story at-a-glance The MAHA Commission’s new report identifies food toxins, overmedication and environmental stressors as core drivers behind the surge in childhood chronic illnessCDC data show that 87% of U.S. children have glyphosate in their urine, pointing to daily exposure through common foods like wheat, oats and corn-based snacksFederal agencies are now being mobilized to close research gaps, overhaul outdated food safety laws and launch real-time tracking of toxic exposuresChronic illness isn’t just about genetics; it’s the result of daily inputs like poor food quality, artificial light, lack of movement and excess screen timeRemoving inflammatory foods, restoring sleep and sunlight routines, and cleaning up your home environment gives your child’s biology the conditions it needs to heal