Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Story at-a-glance Obesity is not just about weight — it's a chronic condition that impacts organ function and metabolic health, requiring more precise diagnostic tools than body mass index (BMI) alone Many people with a normal BMI still suffer from severe metabolic dysfunction due to hidden fat accumulation Researchers are now pushing for definitions of “preclinical” and “clinical” obesity. Clinical obesity refers to instances where excess fat is actively harming organs or limiting daily function Effective strategies that will help address obesity include eliminating vegetable oils, improving insulin sensitivity with the right carbohydrates and fixing micronutrient deficiencies Strength training and walking help restore metabolic function by improving mitochondrial efficiency, reducing inflammation and shifting your body’s energy balance toward muscle instead of fat storage

Story at-a-glance Childbirth is one of the most important life events, but over the last two hundred years, it has become highly medicalized and is no longer viewed as a natural life event. That shift has greatly harmed us Routine hospital interventions have many real risks that will be covered here The overuse of interventions often results in needing more interventions, including C-sections, all of which can be harmful to both the mother, the mother’s bond to the child, and the long-term health of the child Immediate post-birth practices like skin-to-skin contact and delayed cord clamping provide significant benefits, yet hospitals often prioritize quick procedures over these evidence-based approaches The article will explore some of the most critical things to know about the home and hospital birthing process so that you can make the best decision for your family's health

Story at-a-glance A study in the journal Nutrients examined how juicing affects gut and oral microbiomes, finding that removing fiber significantly decreases beneficial microbial diversity and increases inflammation-linked bacteria Participants who consumed whole foods with higher fiber showed increased beneficial microbes that protect gut lining and reduce inflammation, while the juice-only group experienced negative microbial changes within three weeks Removing fiber through juicing disrupts SCFA (short-chain fatty acid) production and weakens gut barrier integrity, which can lead to leaky gut syndrome where harmful substances enter the bloodstream The oral microbiome is particularly susceptible to rapid changes from juicing, as the sudden increase in simple sugars without fiber's buffering effects promotes harmful bacterial growth Instead of juicing, consider eating whole fruits and vegetables, blending produce to retain fiber, adding pulp to juices and gradually increasing fiber intake to support your gut microbiome

Story at-a-glance Research has found that even mild hearing impairment significantly increases Parkinson's disease risk, suggesting hearing problems could be an early warning sign of neurodegeneration Parkinson's patients experience difficulties with both basic hearing and complex auditory processing, impacting their ability to understand speech and process sounds effectively in daily life Scientists discovered strong connections between hearing loss, dementia and Parkinson's disease severity, with hearing impairment being more prevalent in individuals with severe Parkinson's and dementia The relationship between hearing loss and neurodegeneration could be due to shared underlying mechanisms, including mitochondrial dysfunction and protein changes that affect both conditions Protecting cellular health through diet, toxin reduction and lifestyle modifications helps prevent neurodegenerative conditions by supporting mitochondrial function

Story at-a-glance A 2006 landmark Alzheimer’s study published in the journal Nature has been retracted after investigators uncovered manipulated images, calling into question nearly two decades of research and treatment strategies The study introduced Aβ*56, a specific form of amyloid beta, as a cause of memory loss. However, independent forensic analysis revealed that key data were fabricated, raising doubts about whether this protein even exists As a result of this data manipulation, billions of dollars in research funding and drug development have been wasted on treatments targeting amyloid plaques, while other potential causes of Alzheimer’s, such as metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, were largely ignored The University of Minnesota, where the fraudulent research was conducted, failed to find misconduct in an internal review, highlighting serious concerns about institutional bias and the need for independent oversight in scientific investigations Patients and families must take an active role in questioning studies, funding sources and treatment claims to identify reliable research

Story at-a-glance Research found that higher levels of harmful bacteria (Prevotella intermedia) in the mouth are linked to cognitive impairment, while beneficial bacteria (Neisseria and Haemophilus) support better brain function Nitric oxide production by beneficial oral bacteria plays a crucial role in maintaining blood flow to the brain. Nitrate-rich vegetables help boost the population of these healthy bacteria People with the APOE4 gene show a distinct oral microbiome composition. Research shows they have lower levels of Neisseria bacteria and higher amounts of Prevotella, which is associated with increased dementia risk Harmful oral bacteria have the ability to enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to brain inflammation that results in cognitive decline Maintaining oral health through proper diet, regular brushing and flossing, nose breathing, avoiding antibacterial mouthwash and practicing oil pulling are effective strategies against cognitive decline

Story at-a-glance Negative ions are electrically charged molecules that concentrate naturally in areas like beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and forests, that help cleanse the air of unhealthy particles Scientists have found that high-density negative air ionization may help counter symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) The ocean's negative ions are created when water molecules gain electrons, while mountain air can be rich in negative ions due to mineral content like magnesium and calcium from limestone Taking a shower can generate negative ions at home through the "Lenard effect," where the shearing forces of fast-flowing water create friction that adds electrons to molecules Negative ions form when oxygen in the air (O2) takes on a negative electrical charge to become O2⎺, which then gets enveloped by microdroplets of moisture to create what we know as "fresh air"

Story at-a-glance Osteoarthritis results from cartilage deterioration due to genetic, metabolic and inflammatory factors, causing bone friction, pain, stiffness and bone spur formation that impair joint function Studies show boosting vitamin K2 intake supports joint health by regulating calcium metabolism, reducing inflammation, boosting cartilage integrity and activating proteins like GPX4 to protect cartilage cells from damage Elevated levels of vitamin K-dependent proteins like Gla-rich protein (GRP) and matrix Gla protein (MGP) in osteoarthritic joints suggest their protective role against harmful calcium deposits and their use as diagnostic markers Insufficient vitamin K impairs protein activation, allowing calcification, inflammation and cartilage damage to progress unchecked, exacerbating osteoarthritis symptoms and joint degeneration Increasing vitamin K2 intake through foods, supplements and healthy lifestyle changes offers a powerful approach to preserving joint health, reducing inflammation and slowing osteoarthritis progression

Story at-a-glance Walking 5,000 or more steps daily reduces depressive symptoms, while 7,000 or more steps significantly lower your risk of developing depression over time Just 2,600 steps daily reduces all-cause mortality risk by 8%, with optimal heart health benefits at 7,200 steps per day Walking boosts mood by releasing endorphins, lowering stress hormones, improving sleep and enhancing mental clarity and energy levels Even light-intensity walking offers significant health benefits, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels without requiring special equipment Consistency, not perfection, is key. Gradually increasing step counts benefits physical and mental health with minimal time and financial investment

In this interview, Dr. Patrick Gentempo, a longtime friend and respected chiropractor, discusses the importance of knowing your own health philosophy with Dr. Mercola