Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Story at-a-glance A French government study found that glass bottles contain five to 50 times more microplastics than plastic bottles, mostly from the painted caps that seal them Researchers discovered that the microscopic plastic fragments in glass-packaged drinks matched the chemical makeup of the bottle cap paint, not the glass itself When bottle caps were pre-cleaned with filtered air and ethanol, microplastic levels dropped by over 60% — showing this problem is avoidable with simple changes Many people now consume roughly 5 grams of plastic per week — the weight of a credit card — from foods, drinking water, and even from breathing polluted air Microplastics accumulate in your organs, especially the brain, where they trigger inflammation, obstruct blood flow, and accelerate cognitive decline and neurodegeneration

Story at-a-glance Stress is one of the most powerful disruptors of sleep. However, recent research shows it also paradoxically triggers sleep instead of insomnia Acute stress sometimes activates brain circuits that promote non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep as recovery This stress-induced sleep is short-lived. With repeated stress, sleep becomes fragmented or suppressed, reflecting patterns seen in stress-related disorders Specific brain regions like the ventral tegmental area orchestrate stress-induced sleep by activating GABAergic neurons that promote sleep while suppressing stress hormones While stress may sometimes trigger sleep, true restorative rest is better achieved through consistent routines like daily exposure to morning sunlight, blocking blue light after sunset, and improving your sleep environment

Story at-a-glance Common medications like NSAIDs, antibiotics, acid blockers, and laxatives quietly damage your kidneys, even when used as directed Kidney symptoms often show up late, so damage is underway before you feel anything, especially if you're older or taking multiple prescriptions NSAIDs reduce blood flow, antibiotics clog, or inflame kidney filters and proton pump inhibitors trigger immune reactions that harm kidney tissue Imaging contrast dyes used in CT or MRI scans sharply reduce kidney function in vulnerable people, particularly those with diabetes or dehydration Reviewing your medications regularly, leading a healthy lifestyle and using natural alternatives help reduce your kidney burden and prevent long-term harm

Story at-a-glance Linoleic acid (LA), once a trace nutrient in the human diet, now makes up as much as 25% of daily calories for many Americans, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and long-term metabolic stress LA transforms into harmful byproducts called OXLAMs that damage DNA, impair cellular energy production, and drive inflammation linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and neurodegeneration This polyunsaturated fat embeds in your body for years; it requires up to six years of low-LA eating to replace 95% of what’s already stored in your tissues Common sources of LA include vegetable oils, processed foods, poultry, pork and even many products marketed as healthy, like organic nut butters and salad dressings Reducing your LA intake by eliminating vegetable oils and switching to stable animal fats gives your mitochondria a chance to recover and helps lower your chronic disease risk over time

Explore the surprising dual nature of taurine, a common ingredient in energy drinks. While it can boost energy and promote healthy aging, new research reveals its unsettling link to enhanced leukemia cell growth. Discover how blocking taurine entry into cancer cells dramatically slows the disease. Learn the optimal sources for taurine, favoring whole foods like grass-fed beef and pastured eggs. Caution is advised against synthetic supplements and energy drinks, especially for those at risk of cancer.

Story at-a-glance A study found that just three 30-minute walking sessions a week significantly reduced repetitive negative thinking and improved brain function in adults with depression Movement stimulates brain chemicals like dopamine, helping you feel calmer, more focused, and less reactive to everyday stressors Mindful forms of movement, such as walking, cycling, or swimming while focusing on breath and body, shut down looping thoughts and promote mental clarity Harvard researchers confirm that regular aerobic activity helps rewire your stress response system, making it easier to bounce back from emotional triggers Sitting too much slows brain oxygenation and worsens mood, so daily movement — not just formal exercise — is key to protecting your mental health

Story at-a-glance The “caveman method” is a viral TikTok trend that involves skipping all skincare, including water, to let your untouched skin restore its natural balance While the skin is naturally self-regulating, its design evolved in a world without air pollutants, cosmetic residues, or synthetic chemicals. Today, a simple rinse or gentle cleanse helps reduce exposure to these toxins Trends like the “caveman method” may suit individuals with minimal daily exposure to pollutants or products, but in most modern environments, it allows external inputs to interact with the skin for longer than ideal Cleansing too often or too aggressively also has consequences. It weakens the skin’s barrier, disrupts microbial balance, and leaves your skin more reactive over time An ancestral-friendly approach to cleansing includes a once-daily evening wash with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to clear makeup, and daily buildup

Story at-a-glance Chronic respiratory diseases remain profitable but poorly treated, subjecting patients to expensive healthcare, impaired stamina, and painful decline DMSO is an "umbrella remedy" treating diverse ailments through therapeutic properties including reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and reviving dying cells These properties uniquely address underlying causes of chronic respiratory diseases by reducing fibrosis and inflammation, restoring damaged organs, and improving circulation DMSO addresses respiratory infections through antimicrobial activity, reduced lung inflammation, and potentiation of antimicrobial therapies Extensive published data and user reports demonstrate DMSO's remarkable results for asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia, including cases in which transplant was no longer necessary due to significant organ recovery

Story at-a-glance Fabric softeners and dryer sheets release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your indoor air and laundry, exposing your lungs and skin to hormone-disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals Chemicals like benzene, acetaldehyde, quaternary ammonium compounds, and synthetic musks are common in scented laundry products and have been linked to asthma, migraines, reproductive harm, and nervous system damage These toxic substances don’t wash away; instead, they cling to your clothes, build up inside your washer and dryer, and continue releasing harmful vapors long after the laundry is done Vague ingredient labels allow manufacturers to hide thousands of chemicals under terms like “fragrance,” leaving you unknowingly exposed to compounds that accumulate in your body and the environment Safer, nontoxic alternatives like wool dryer balls, vinegar rinses, and DIY fabric softener recipes offer the same softness and freshness without compromising your health or polluting your home and the environment

Story at-a-glance Micro workouts are brief, high-intensity exercise sessions that last 10 to 15 minutes. They’re accessible for people with busy schedules or limited exercise options Research shows that doing just one high-intensity workout per week lowers cardiovascular death risk by 39% in men and 51% in women A Danish study found that just 10 minutes of workplace exercise reduced long-term sick leave, preventing 13% of extended absences The benefits of high-intensity workouts level off after a point. Doing more than one to two sessions per week doesn’t offer added protection and may slightly reduce cardiovascular gains To begin structuring your micro workout routine, aim for two to three short cardio sessions and two strength workouts per week, focusing on core and large muscle groups