Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Florida's new law banning water fluoridation raises critical questions about consent and health. A revealing study links fluoride to lower IQ and thyroid issues in children, igniting discussions about its safety. Interestingly, many European countries rejected fluoridation long ago, favoring non-fluoridated water. As similar bans emerge in states like Ohio and Texas, practical tips for reducing fluoride exposure while maintaining dental health are also shared, highlighting the growing movement for informed choices in public health.

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 it Essential 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 minutes Traditional remedies like oils from Hatkora fruit and Anchiri root provide impressive protection lasting over six hours; this makes them viable natural alternatives to chemical repellents Eliminating 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 sites Natural 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 Exercise headaches affect up to 26% of adults and occur even when properly hydrated, often due to how the brain manages heat during physical exertion Your 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 quickly Warning signs include vision problems, nausea or thunderclap headaches that come on suddenly; these require medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions Prevention strategies include warming up slowly, staying well-hydrated before and during workouts, exercising in cool environments and gradually building fitness levels Most exercise headaches are harmless and typically improve over time as your cardiovascular system adapts to physical stress

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 kibble Dogs need balanced nutrition, which includes protein for muscle development, healthy fats for energy and cell function, and minimal carbohydrates from rice for basic glucose requirements Ground eggshells provide essential calcium for bone development, while egg yolks contribute vitamins A, B, and K Dr. 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 feeding Proper 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 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 decline Poor 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 populations Calcium, 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 arteries Diets high in ultraprocessed foods strip the body of key nutrients and promote inflammation. Excess iron also damages bone cells and increases fracture risk Weight-bearing exercises like resistance training, walking, and jumping stimulate bone growth and strengthen the skeletal structure at the molecular level

Explore the hidden dangers of corticosteroid use and how even short-term usage can lead to adrenal shutdown. A European study reveals alarming rates of adrenal insufficiency linked to both oral and inhaled steroids. Discover the critical need for medical supervision during tapering to avoid life-threatening crises. Learn practical strategies for restoring adrenal health through metabolic repair, focusing on lifestyle changes and diet to optimize your body's natural cortisol production.

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 exercise Breaking 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 time Regular movement throughout the day is necessary to protect your heart health and metabolic function Simple 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 emerge The dermatology industry created hysteria about benign sun-induced cancers while ignoring that deadly melanoma actually results from sunlight deficiency, not excess exposure Once 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 diseases To 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 utility This article explores UVBI's remarkable history, systematic suppression, and scientific foundation, demonstrating why this therapy represents one of medicine's lost opportunities

Ultraprocessed foods are linked to addiction-like symptoms, negatively impacting mood and mental health. Over 85% of heavy consumers face cravings and loss of control. These foods hijack the brain's reward system, stimulating dopamine and opioids, making quitting challenging. Damage to the gut microbiome further affects cravings and emotional eating. Strategies like cutting out certain vegetable oils and focusing on whole foods can help restore mood balance and break the addiction cycle.

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 ovaries Even at low doses similar to human environmental exposure, these microplastics disrupt blood glucose levels and trigger metabolic problems within just three months Starch-based microplastics disturb gut microbiome balance and circadian rhythms, leading to long-term health issues including weight gain and compromised immunity The damage occurs through oxidative stress mechanisms and severity increases at higher exposure levels, challenging the assumption that biodegradable means safe Practical 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