Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Story at-a-glance Black mold’s toxic reputation stems from a debunked 1990s study that falsely linked it to infant deaths — subsequent reviews exposed major flaws in the study’s data and methods Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) rarely becomes airborne and doesn’t grow well in the human body, making it unlikely to cause lung toxicity or systemic infections in healthy individuals While it does not directly cause deaths, black mold still causes significant health issues, especially allergies, asthma, respiratory irritation, and fungal infections in sensitive or immunocompromised individuals Mold thrives in damp indoor environments like wallpaper, drywall, and insulation — detecting it often requires inspecting hidden spots, checking for musty smells, or using moisture meters Effective mold remediation involves more than cleaning — avoid using bleach or ammonia (use vinegar and baking soda instead) and call certified professionals for serious infestations to prevent regrowth and contamination

Story at-a-glance Varicose veins affect over 40 million Americans and are often mistaken for a cosmetic issue, even though they signal deeper problems in circulation that worsen silently over time These enlarged, twisted veins usually appear on the legs. They form when blood begins to flow backward and collect in the veins, increasing pressure and causing the vessel walls to stretch and swell Risk increases with age, hormonal shifts, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, sedentary behavior, connective tissue disorders, and a family history of vein problems or clotting disorders Treatment options for varicose veins include the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to reduce swelling and support healing, and inclined bed therapy to restore circulation overnight Prevention focuses on daily walking, regular leg elevation, proper footwear, weight control, hydration, and avoiding prolonged sitting, standing, or restrictive clothing that places unnecessary pressure on the lower body

Story at-a-glance Vitamin D deficiency is widespread, especially in northern regions with limited sunlight. At Vibra Hospital in North Dakota, 44% of patients had dangerously low levels below 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) To correct vitamin D deficiency, Vibra Hospital implemented a structured vitamin D protocol that significantly improved patient recovery, reduced complications, and supported better overall outcomes Maintaining vitamin D levels between 60 and 80 ng/mL supports immune function, cardiovascular health, cognitive performance, hormone balance, and blood sugar regulation, as well as lowers risk of certain cancers Sun exposure is the most natural vitamin D source. Make sure to detox vegetable oils from your diet before spending time under peak sunlight hours, as they increase your risk of sunburn and skin damage If you need to take vitamin D3, start by testing your blood levels to find the right dose. Take it with a meal rich in healthy fats, and balance with magnesium and vitamin K2 to help your body absorb and use it properly

Story at-a-glance Sepsis affects over 1.7 million U.S. adults annually, causing 350,000 deaths. It is characterized by an overwhelming immune response leading to widespread inflammation and organ failure An Iranian study of 66 ICU patients showed curcumin (500 mg) plus piperine (5 mg) reduced inflammation markers by 34.29% to 37.36% within seven days A meta-analysis revealed curcumin alone dramatically increased survival rates up to 90% and protected multiple organs including lungs, liver, and kidneys Adding black pepper to golden milk, a traditional turmeric-based drink, increases curcumin’s bioavailability by 2,000% and effectively addresses metabolic syndrome symptoms through anti-inflammatory action Dr. Paul Marik's combination of vitamin C, hydrocortisone, and thiamine protocol is another life-saving option for those suffering from sepsis

Story at-a-glance People with the highest consumption of ultraprocessed foods had a 23% higher risk of developing psoriasis compared to those who ate the least, based on a 12-year study of 121,019 participants Replacing just 5% of UPFs with unprocessed foods lowered psoriasis risk by 14%, and replacing 20% dropped it by 18%, making this a powerful prevention strategy Seed oils and additives in UPFs fuel chronic inflammation and increase body mass index (BMI) — two factors that significantly raise your chances of developing autoimmune skin disorders like psoriasis If you’re genetically at risk for psoriasis, eating a high-UPF diet increases your likelihood of developing the condition by 2.7 times compared to those with low genetic risk and low UPF intake Reducing seed oil intake and restoring vitamin D levels through safe sun exposure or supplementation helps repair immune function and strengthens your skin’s natural defenses

Story at-a-glance Residents within a mile of golf courses have 126% higher chance of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those living farther away Golf course chemicals infiltrate groundwater supplies and drift through the air, creating multiple exposure pathways for nearby residents Stricter pesticide regulations in Europe result in dramatically lower chemical hazard scores compared to American golf courses, especially in southern states Dense residential areas near golf courses lack natural barriers, concentrating airborne pesticides and increasing your vulnerability to chemical exposure Regular exercise helps eliminate accumulated pesticides, while water filtration and air purifiers reduce ongoing chemical exposure at home

Story at-a-glance Used since 1406 CE in Chinese medicine, jiaogulan enhances stamina, lowers cholesterol, and supports metabolism, earning it the nickname “immortality herb” for its powerful benefits With an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value eight times higher than green tea, jiaogulan protects against cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, which are key factors in aging and chronic disease Jiaogulan activates 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), your body’s energy switch, to enhance insulin sensitivity, block fat storage, and support cholesterol clearance — making it an effective ally in weight and blood sugar control This herb detoxifies the liver, improves circulation, and lowers inflammation through different flavor compounds, offering relief for conditions like fatty liver, high blood pressure, and chronic inflammation Studies show jiaogulan can shrink tumors, block cancer cell growth, and boost immunity — while sparing healthy tissue. Its natural compounds work across more than 30 cancer types, making it a promising adjunct therapy

Story at-a-glance Your body is surrounded by an “oxidation field” made of reactive hydroxyl molecules (OH). This protective layer helps break down harmful pollutants in the air before they reach your lungs or enter your body through the skin Nearly 90% of U.S. adults use personal care products daily, but these items release airborne compounds that disrupt your body’s natural chemical shield Even "fragrance-free" lotions contain chemicals that make the skin's natural ozone shield become less than half as effective Personal care product chemicals concentrate around your face and chest, creating highly reactive zones that rapidly deplete protective radicals in your breathing space To reduce your exposure to these compounds, switch to safer alternatives like essential oil-based scents, natural deodorizers like baking soda, and single-ingredient moisturizers such as coconut oil

Story at-a-glance Krill oil lowered liver fat, deep belly fat, and triglyceride levels in obese mice, showing it helps reverse the core drivers of fatty liver disease Krill oil reduced oxidative stress and activated natural antioxidant enzymes, helping cells protect themselves from damage caused by fat overload Krill oil improved insulin sensitivity by lowering insulin levels and boosting adiponectin, a hormone that helps your body burn fat and use sugar properly Unlike fish oil, krill oil’s omega-3s are bound to phospholipids, making them easier to absorb and more effective at targeting inflammation and fat buildup Krill oil outperformed a prescription cholesterol drug in several key markers and did so without side effects, offering a safer way to restore metabolic health

Story at-a-glance Type 5 diabetes is a newly recognized form of diabetes caused by lifelong malnutrition that damages the pancreas and prevents it from making enough insulin This condition affects lean individuals, typically young men with a BMI under 19, who have no excess fat, no autoimmune markers and no signs of insulin resistance, but still have dangerously high blood sugar Because it doesn’t fit the standard profiles for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, Type 5 is often misdiagnosed and mistreated, leading to severe complications or death Metabolic studies show these patients absorb sugar efficiently and respond to insulin well, but their pancreas cannot produce enough of it due to early protein deficiency Addressing the root causes, like poor mitochondrial health, toxin exposure, and low carb tolerance, helps improve insulin production and blood sugar regulation, especially for the more common Type 2 diabetes