News From Dr. Joseph Mercola DO, Page 3

RSS

  • The Mitochondrial Roots of Fatty Liver — and How Choline Helps

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 23rd 2026 11:34pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Fatty liver disease has become one of the most widespread chronic liver conditions, now affecting 47.8% of U.S. adults, yet it remains largely misunderstood and improperly treated Emerging research reveals that fatty liver is not simply about fat buildup. It stems from deeper mitochondrial dysfunction driven by toxic byproducts of linoleic acid (LA) […]

  • Sauna Bathing Can Help You Fight Off Infections Faster — Here’s Why

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 22nd 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE A single sauna session raises your body temperature to a fever-like range, which activates your immune system and moves defensive cells into circulation where they can respond faster to infections Your immune system reacts immediately during heat exposure, with key immune cells increasing right after a session and some staying elevated afterward, giving […]

  • Sauna Bathing Can Help You Fight Off Infections Faster — Here’s Why

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 22nd 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE A single sauna session raises your body temperature to a fever-like range, which activates your immune system and moves defensive cells into circulation where they can respond faster to infections Your immune system reacts immediately during heat exposure, with key immune cells increasing right after a session and some staying elevated afterward, giving […]

  • Can You Prevent the Hunched Back of Kyphosis?

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 21st 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE A hunched back develops gradually as weak muscles, poor posture, and declining bone strength allow gravity to pull your spine forward over time Up to 40% of adults over 60 experience significant spinal curvature, and the angle worsens steadily with each decade if you don’t intervene Simple daily habits like sitting hunched over […]

  • Can You Prevent the Hunched Back of Kyphosis?

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 21st 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE A hunched back develops gradually as weak muscles, poor posture, and declining bone strength allow gravity to pull your spine forward over time Up to 40% of adults over 60 experience significant spinal curvature, and the angle worsens steadily with each decade if you don’t intervene Simple daily habits like sitting hunched over […]

  • Study Reveals Bile as Reservoir for Microplastics in Humans

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 20th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Microplastics have been found in every human bile sample tested, showing that your body is likely actively storing them in a key digestive fluid Higher levels of microplastics are linked to gallstones, meaning everyday plastic exposure connects directly to a condition that causes pain, inflammation, and digestive disruption These particles are large enough […]

  • Can Spending Time in Nature Improve Your Diet?

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 19th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Spending time in nature shifts your food preferences so you naturally choose healthier, whole foods without relying on willpower Even short, daily exposure to natural environments improves diet quality, making simple habits like walking outside highly effective Nature doesn’t reduce how much you eat but changes what you want to eat, steering you […]

  • Can Spending Time in Nature Improve Your Diet?

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 19th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Spending time in nature shifts your food preferences so you naturally choose healthier, whole foods without relying on willpower Even short, daily exposure to natural environments improves diet quality, making simple habits like walking outside highly effective Nature doesn’t reduce how much you eat but changes what you want to eat, steering you […]

  • Glycine: A Foundational Molecule in Human Health

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 18th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Glycine is the simplest amino acid, yet it plays essential roles in sleep, detoxification, glutathione synthesis, collagen production, creatine synthesis, and neurotransmission Research suggests that 3 grams of glycine taken before bed may activate receptors in the brain’s master clock, associated with peripheral vasodilation and a drop in core body temperature that supports […]

  • Ozempic’s Dark Side: 45% Increased Risk of Suicidal Ideation

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 17th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Studies show a 45% increased risk of suicidal ideation in patients taking semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) compared to other medications, with even higher risks for those with pre-existing mental health conditions Analysis of adverse event reports reveals higher rates of psychiatric issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, associated with GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs used […]

    1

  • Geranylgeraniol for Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw — A Second Critical Application

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 16th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a serious complication affecting patients taking osteoporosis and cancer medications like Fosamax, Boniva, and Zometa, and once the jaw bone dies, there is currently no effective treatment Bisphosphonates work by the same mechanism as statins — they inhibit the mevalonate pathway — which means they cause […]

  • The Differences Between Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 15th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE The relationship between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics is symbiotic, meaning they work together to support and maintain optimal gut health Prebiotics are nondigestible food components that promote the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms in your intestines Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that directly contribute to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome Postbiotics are […]

  • Study Finds Linoleic Acid May Directly Influence Cancer Growth

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 14th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Linoleic acid (LA), a ubiquitous omega-6 fat in Western diets, may directly influence aggressive cancer growth by activating specific cellular pathways, according to recent animal research High levels of LA, found predominantly in ultraprocessed foods, vegetable oils, and many packaged snacks, may contribute to cancer risk The research shows that triple-negative breast cancer […]

  • High Use of Anticholinergic Drugs Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Disease Risk

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 13th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Common medications with anticholinergic effects — including certain allergy drugs, sleep aids, and antidepressants — interfere with acetylcholine, a chemical your nervous system uses to regulate heart rhythm, blood pressure, and other automatic body functions A large study following 508,273 adults for about 14 years found that higher use of these medications was […]

  • Dipeptides and Tripeptides: The Emerging Frontier of Collagen Science

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 12th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Standard collagen supplements get broken down to individual amino acids during digestion, but specific di- and tripeptides resist digestive enzymes, enter your bloodstream intact, and may act as signaling molecules that stimulate collagen production, fibroblast activity, and hyaluronic acid synthesis German company Gelita produces target-specific bioactive collagen peptide formulations for joints, skin, and […]

  • Just Like Cigarettes, Vaping Likely Causes Cancer, Major Study Finds

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 11th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE A 2026 scientific review concludes vaping is likely to cause lung and oral cancer, shifting the conversation from uncertainty to clear concern The damage from vaping starts at the cellular level, where DNA injury, oxidative stress and inflammation build long before symptoms appear E-cigarette aerosol contains a mix of cancer-linked chemicals, including nitrosamines, […]

  • The Alzheimer’s Gut-Brain Link: How Butyrate Curbs Amyloid-Beta Buildup and Inflammation

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 10th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Animal models suggest Alzheimer’s disease begins in your gut years before memory loss appears, which means early digestive symptoms like constipation may be a warning sign you can act on now Amyloid-beta builds up in your gut first, damages nerve signaling there, and then spreads to your brain, linking gut health directly to […]

  • Optimizing Brain Biology Through Near-Infrared-Induced Mitochondrial Melatonin Synthesis

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 9th 2026 11:34pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Near-infrared (NIR) light absorbed by mitochondria triggers local melatonin production, creating an antioxidant cascade that offers neuroprotective benefits independent of the sleep-related melatonin system The brain is especially vulnerable to oxidative damage due to high energy demands, fragile cell membranes, limited cleanup mechanisms, and age-related decline in melatonin levels Two coordinated defense systems […]

  • Research Reports Link Between Higher Dietary Inflammatory Index and Prostate Enlargement

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 8th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that causes urinary problems such as frequent urination and weak urine flow, now affects millions of men worldwide and continues to rise as populations age Research published in Frontiers suggests diets that promote inflammation may be associated with a significantly higher risk of […]

  • New Research Highlights Male and Female Differences in Cardiometabolic Drivers of Liver Fibrosis

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 7th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Liver fibrosis develops silently and worsens when metabolic stress builds, meaning early lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of progressive damage Women experience a sharper increase in liver damage once metabolic risk factors appear, suggesting that the same health issues may lead to faster progression depending on your biology Research suggests that […]

  • Dietary Fat Ratios Impact the Strength of Immune Cells and Ability to Fight Disease

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 6th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Research published in the journal Nature found that the fats built into immune cells may influence whether those cells survive or self-destruct, meaning your everyday food choices directly influence how well your immune system fights infections and cancer Immune cells become much more fragile when their membranes contain large amounts of polyunsaturated fats […]

    1

  • Some Antibiotics Alter Gut Microbiome Composition for Up to 8 Years

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 5th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE A single course of antibiotics reshapes your gut microbiome for years, altering digestion, immune function, and metabolic health long after the prescription ends Stronger antibiotics like clindamycin and fluoroquinolones remove large numbers of beneficial bacteria, leaving your gut less resilient and more prone to imbalance Most gut recovery happens within the first two […]

  • Molecular Hydrogen May Reduce Fatigue and Support Physical Function in People with Long COVID

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 4th 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE In a 14-day pilot trial, hydrogen-rich water was associated with reduced fatigue and gains in strength, endurance, and sleep among 32 adults with long COVID Participants increased their walking distance by about 42 to 62 meters (138 to 203 feet), showing measurable gains in stamina that translate into real-world movement and energy Within […]

  • Hidden Ingredient in GLP-1 Tablets Raises New Gut Health Questions

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 3rd 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Oral versions of semaglutide rely on a chemical absorption enhancer called SNAC, and because only about 0.4% to 1% of the drug reaches the bloodstream, most of this compound travels through your digestive tract where it directly interacts with your gut microbiome In a 21-day study using healthy rats, repeated exposure to SNAC […]

  • Are You Taking Any of These Collagen Products?

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - May 2nd 2026 11:33pm EDT

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Many collagen supplements use low-grade “tannery” scraps, lack third-party testing, and contain undisclosed amounts of actual collagen. Some also harbor heavy metal contaminants and cheap filler amino acids Choose products that clearly disclose their collagen form (such as hydrolyzed peptides or whole-food bone broth collagen), avoid vague proprietary blends, verify ingredient sources, and […]