Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Depression affects how your body heals after surgery by increasing inflammation and weakening your immune defenses, which lead to longer recovery times and higher complication rates Older adults with cancer who also have depression experience significantly higher post-surgical costs — nearly $25,000 compared to about $17,500 for patients without depression — showing that untreated mental health directly impacts both recovery and finances In patients undergoing spine surgery, depression nearly doubled the risk of delirium and tripled the likelihood of blood clots or infections, underscoring how mood disorders influence physical outcomes Depression triggers systemic inflammation and disrupts hormonal balance, particularly through chronically high cortisol levels, which slow wound healing and increase blood pressure — key drivers of poor recovery Addressing depression before surgery — through dietary changes, gut support, regular movement, sunlight exposure, and consistent rest — helps restore your body's energy systems, reduces inflammation, and supports faster, more complete healing

Taking vitamin D2 instead of D3 can actually lower your body's levels of active vitamin D, leaving you more vulnerable to fatigue, poor immunity, and calcium imbalance A 2025 meta-analysis confirmed that vitamin D2 triggers faster breakdown of vitamin D3, causing average blood concentrations to drop by about 18 nanomoles per liter Vitamin D3, the same form your body makes from sunlight, is far more effective at raising and maintaining healthy vitamin D levels than D2, especially in those who are deficient Regular exercise, even without supplements or weight loss, helps activate and protect stored vitamin D, making it a natural way to sustain healthy levels during winter months To restore and maintain optimal vitamin D, focus on sunlight exposure, avoid seed oils that make your skin more sensitive to UV damage, and supplement wisely with vitamin D3, balanced with magnesium and vitamin K2

A study of more than 1.3 million Americans found that people living in areas with high trichloroethylene (TCE) levels had a 10% greater risk of Parkinson's disease than those in cleaner regions TCE, a solvent once used in dry cleaning and degreasing, persists in air, soil, and groundwater for decades, exposing people through contaminated water and indoor air — even far from industrial sites Laboratory research revealed that TCE damages dopamine-producing neurons, disrupts mitochondrial energy production, and causes toxic protein buildup like that seen in Parkinson's patients The studies show that chronic, low-level exposure to environmental toxins silently erodes brain health over time, especially in older adults with weakened cellular repair systems Reducing exposure through clean water, good ventilation, and low-toxin household choices — while supporting your cells through restorative sleep, regular movement, and whole, unprocessed foods — helps protect mitochondrial energy production and strengthen long-term neurological resilience

Visceral fat — the deep fat around your organs — acts like a hormone-producing organ that fuels inflammation, disrupts metabolism, and increases the risk of aggressive endometrial cancer New research shows that fat activity, not fat amount, predicts cancer severity, meaning even women with moderate weight face higher risk if their fat is metabolically active Chronically inflamed visceral fat releases cytokines, fatty acids, and signaling molecules that promote tumor growth, insulin resistance, and immune suppression, creating a biological environment where cancer thrives You can calm overactive fat by eliminating seed oils, lowering stress hormones like cortisol, and supporting mitochondrial function through healthy carbs, restorative sleep, and natural progesterone balance Restoring metabolic health through consistent, daily habits helps deactivate inflammatory fat, lower cancer risk, and rebuild your body's natural resilience and energy production

Sepsis is a life-threatening overreaction of your immune system to infection, causing widespread inflammation and organ failure when not treated quickly A large Australian study found people with Type 2 diabetes were twice as likely to develop sepsis, with the highest risk seen in men, smokers, and younger adults aged 41 to 50 Chronic high blood sugar and insulin resistance weaken immune defenses, impairing white blood cell function, slowing wound healing, and allowing common infections like urinary or skin infections to escalate into sepsis Managing diabetes through blood sugar control, physical activity, sunlight exposure, and eliminating vegetable oils and refined sugar restores insulin sensitivity and lowers the likelihood of severe infection You can further reduce infection and sepsis risk by maintaining wound hygiene, treating infections promptly, eating nutrient-rich foods, managing chronic conditions, and avoiding habits like nail-biting

Dill is a powerful herb rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help ease muscle cramps, improve digestion, and support heart health Flavonoids in dill protect your muscles and blood vessels from oxidative stress, helping you stay strong, active, and mentally sharp as you age Drinking dill tea or adding fresh dill to meals calms digestive discomfort, reduces bloating, and promotes smoother digestion Research shows dill helps balance blood sugar and hormones, easing menstrual cramps and supporting steady energy throughout the day Using dill regularly in food or drinks fights inflammation and provides everyday support for muscle recovery and circulation

Low back pain is projected to affect over 800 million people worldwide by 2050. Among women over 55, cases nearly doubled from 89.9 million in 1990 to 176.8 million in 2021 Aging populations are the main driver of this increase, but postmenopausal women face a greater risk due to bone loss, muscle decline, fat redistribution, and immune and inflammatory changes Hormonal shifts during and after menopause alter bone density, disc health, and tissue repair, making the spine more vulnerable to stress and chronic pain Persistent low back pain is linked to multiple chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, mental health issues, and long-term functional decline Regular movement, stronger core and pelvic floor muscles, improved posture, quality sleep, and stress management are among the most effective ways to lower pain risk and protect your spine

DMSO is a proven "umbrella remedy" that treats dozens of "incurable" conditions and protects delicate tissues (especially brain and eyes) from otherwise fatal injuries such as a complete loss of blood flow DMSO has a unique, almost magnetic affinity for the eyes, routinely restoring vision in disorders conventional medicine considers untreatable — including decades-long and lifelong blindness DMSO shields the retina from ischemic strokes, intense light damage (e.g., staring directly at the sun), and progressive degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and many others covered below Clinical studies and dozens of reader reports confirm DMSO halts or reverses macular degeneration — often returning eyesight that patients believed was gone forever. Beyond severe disease, DMSO dramatically improves everyday vision: sharper focus, better contrast and night vision, fewer floaters, and many people reduce or eliminate their need for glasses In extreme but meticulously documented cases — including a man blind from birth for 75 years and others blind for decades after severe trauma — DMSO has rapidly restored functional sight that modern medicine had declared impossible

Resistance training for aging nerves helps older adults improve steadiness, reaction time, and daily movement confidence by strengthening communication between nerves and muscles A four-week hand-grip training program from Syracuse University showed that simple, consistent resistance exercise helps speed up how quickly nerves send signals to muscles, even in older adults While the approach supports nerve health, it's not a cure for neuropathy or a guaranteed fall-prevention solution. Evidence remains early and based on short-term trials Do two to three resistance sessions each week at a moderate effort level. Include a short, five-minute grip routine to strengthen nerve signaling and improve coordination Pair your training with balanced, protein-rich meals to support muscle recovery and nerve function. Make sure to also prioritize safety — use proper form and stop if you feel pain, dizziness, or unusual tingling

A thick neck is more than a cosmetic issue — it's one of the clearest physical signs of metabolic stress, indicating higher risks for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke Research shows neck circumference predicts disease risk more accurately than BMI or waist size because it reflects harmful visceral fat stored around vital organs Fat around the neck and upper torso releases inflammatory chemicals and stress hormones that disrupt blood sugar, blood pressure, and heart rhythm Visible changes in your neck, such as swelling, lumps, bulging veins, or sagging tissue, offer early clues about thyroid dysfunction, heart strain, or oxygen deprivation during sleep Tracking your neck size each month is an easy, no-cost way to monitor your metabolic health, helping you take early action before serious conditions develop