News From Dr. Joseph Mercola DO, Page 42

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  • Mixed Emotions — How Your Brain Processes Complex Feelings

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 25th 2024 10:32pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Scientists using fMRI scans discovered that brain regions like the insula and amygdala have distinct neural signatures for processing mixed emotions, rather than simply switching between happy and sad states Each person’s emotional experience is unique, with the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex working together to create coherent experiences from conflicting […]

  • EPA’s Controversial Pesticide Rule Sparks Health Concerns

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 25th 2024 10:31pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Despite its known risks, chlorpyrifos (CPF), a pesticide linked to neurodevelopmental harm in children, is still permitted for use on 11 crops under a recently proposed rule by the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) The EPA’s decision follows a court ruling that overturned a complete ban on chlorpyrifos, allowing its use on crops like […]

  • Light Therapy Might Help Ease ‘Dry’ Form of Macular Degeneration

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 24th 2024 10:33pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Light therapy (photobiomodulation) shows promise as an effective noninvasive treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration, with 53% of patients gaining improved visual acuity over two years The therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to enhance retinal cell function, protecting vision without injections or medications, and reduced new cases of geographic atrophy by 73% […]

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  • The Best Nontoxic Toasters and Toaster Ovens of 2024 (A Guidebook)

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 24th 2024 10:32pm EST

    By: Mamavation STORY AT-A-GLANCE Many toasters and toaster ovens contain toxic PFAS chemicals in their nonstick coatings, which can leach harmful substances into food and disrupt hormones when heated When evaluating toaster safety, examine food contact surfaces, interior wall materials, and California Prop. 65 warnings to determine potential exposure to harmful chemicals Stainless steel is […]

  • Fluoride’s Hidden Danger — Lower IQ in Children Exposed

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 24th 2024 10:31pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Recent studies indicate that fluoride exposure is linked to lower IQ scores in children, with prenatal exposure being particularly harmful. This has led to recommendations against water fluoridation due to neurotoxic risks Florida’s Surgeon General has advised against water fluoridation, citing neuropsychiatric risks, especially for pregnant women and children, aligning with recent scientific […]

  • Metabolism in US Is Declining

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 23rd 2024 10:33pm EST

    By: Ashley Armstrong STORY AT-A-GLANCE Americans today have significantly lower metabolic rates than their ancestors did, despite similar calorie consumption. In the 1940s Minnesota Starvation Experiment, lean men maintained their weight on 3,500 calories per day with moderate activity, while modern calculators suggest they should need only 2,000 to 2,400 calories Research by Dr. John […]

  • Toxic Legacy — How Lead Exposure Silently Fueled America’s Mental Health Crisis

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 23rd 2024 10:32pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Lead exposure, primarily from leaded gasoline in the 20th century, has been a significant factor in the mental health crisis in the U.S., contributing to millions of cases of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression and ADHD Childhood exposure to lead is linked to long-term mental health issues, with studies estimating 151 million additional […]

  • The Dangers of Inhaling Petrochemical Fragrances and Scented Products

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 23rd 2024 10:31pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Perfumes and scented products often contain undisclosed synthetic compounds due to regulatory loopholes, leaving consumers unaware of the harmful chemicals labeled simply as “fragrance” Many scented products release chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution and increase your risk of health issues like allergies and respiratory problems Some fragrance chemicals act as endocrine […]

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  • The Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in Mental Illness

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 22nd 2024 10:33pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Vitamin D receptors exist throughout your brain, affecting mental health by regulating neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation. Deficiency is linked to depression, anxiety and psychosis Mental health patients show higher rates of vitamin D deficiency, caused by reduced sun exposure, obesity and other factors Studies show vitamin D supplementation improves depression symptoms, particularly in […]

  • Can Puzzles and Games Prevent Alzheimer’s?

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 22nd 2024 10:32pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Regular engagement in puzzles, games and mentally stimulating activities reduces dementia risk by 9% to 11%, with crossword puzzles showing particular effectiveness compared to computerized cognitive games Participating in reading, puzzles, educational classes and strategic games three to four times a week helps maintain memory and processing speed, especially in people with mild […]

  • Benzodiazepines — A Prescription for Dependency and the Fight for Change

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 20th 2024 10:33pm EST

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  • When Is the Best Time to Take Your Supplements?

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 20th 2024 10:32pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE When using supplements, choosing the right ones for your need is only a part of the equation — taking them at the right time, with or without food, is also essential to maximize their effectiveness Water-soluble vitamins are best taken with food during daytime, while fat-soluble vitamins need to be taken with meals […]

  • Environmental Toxins and Poor Health Trends Threaten Fertility Worldwide

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 20th 2024 10:31pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Infertility is becoming more prevalent, affecting millions of people worldwide. In women, infertility rates have reached 122.38 million cases in 2019, representing an 86% rise since 1990 Environmental toxins like endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), microplastics and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) significantly impact reproductive health and fertility in both men and women Lifestyle and health factors […]

  • The Reason Why Your Favorite Pillow Gets Yellow Stains, and How to Clean Them

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 19th 2024 10:32pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Pillows commonly develop yellow stains from sweat, drool, oils and beauty products Studies show that yellowed pillows harbor harmful pathogens, including bacteria that survive up to 206 days, causing respiratory issues and allergic reactions Natural cleaning methods for yellow pillows include white vinegar, lime juice for new stains and baking soda paste mixed […]

  • Unlocking the Secrets of Centenarian Longevity

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 19th 2024 10:31pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Centenarians consistently maintain lower levels of glucose, creatinine and uric acid from their 60s, with very few having glucose levels above 6.5 mmol/L or creatinine levels above 125 µmol/L earlier in life The study highlights that biomarker differences appear long before death, indicating that genetics and lifestyle choices significantly influence longevity A large […]

  • New Autism Statistics Are Out, and They’re Shocking

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 18th 2024 10:33pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Recent data shows autism rates increased 26% from 2018 to 2020, with 1 in 30 children ages 3 to 17 diagnosed, and higher prevalence among Black, Hispanic and Asian children The economic burden of autism is staggering, with lifetime social costs per individual at $3.6 million and total U.S. costs projected to reach […]

  • What’s the Difference Between Vitamin D, D2 and D3?

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 18th 2024 10:32pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Vitamin D3 is significantly more effective than D2 at raising blood vitamin D levels, showing a 40% greater increase in total vitamin D concentrations through supplementation Natural sunlight exposure remains the optimal source of vitamin D, but factors like skin color, geographical location and body composition affect individual vitamin D synthesis Global vitamin […]

  • Microplastics Continue to Threaten Public Health

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 18th 2024 10:31pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Microplastics mimic hormones like estrogen, leading to health issues such as infertility and breast cancer due to their endocrine-disrupting properties These particles are linked to increased risks of heart attack and stroke, highlighting their broader impact on cardiovascular health Plastic production is projected to increase by 70% by 2040, exacerbating pollution and human […]

  • Melatonin — A ‘Nighttime Guardian’ Against Alzheimer’s

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 17th 2024 10:33pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Alzheimer’s disease affects over 50 million people worldwide, with poor sleep being a significant risk factor Disrupted circadian rhythms are common in Alzheimer’s patients and exacerbate cognitive decline; when your melatonin levels are balanced, you support the synchronization of your brain’s internal clocks, which enhances overall brain function and resilience Clinical studies show […]

  • Blenders with the Safest BPA-Free Food Contact Surfaces

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 17th 2024 10:32pm EST

    By: Mamavation STORY AT-A-GLANCE Modern blenders have moved away from BPA plastics, but many now use Tritan plastic, which studies suggest may still leach hormone-disrupting chemicals when exposed to heat, fat, or UV light When choosing a blender, look for transparent material disclosure. Many manufacturers don’t specify their plastic types, which could indicate unsafe materials […]

  • Unveiling the Hidden Dangers of Irregular Bowel Movements

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 17th 2024 10:31pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Abnormal bowel movement frequency is linked to changes in gut microbiota and health risks, with irregular patterns leading to the production of harmful toxins like indoxyl sulfate, which are associated with reduced kidney function and other health issues Optimal bowel movement frequency is once or twice a day, which supports the production of […]

  • Healthy Sizzle: Choosing the Best Fats for Cooking

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 16th 2024 10:33pm EST

    By: Ashley Armstrong STORY AT-A-GLANCE Modern Western diets have shifted dramatically from traditional saturated fats to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from vegetable oils, triggering metabolic slowdown and increased fat storage A higher ratio of saturated to unsaturated fats (like in butter) is metabolically favorable, while oils high in PUFAs are unstable and produce toxic compounds […]

  • Blood Pressure Influences Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 16th 2024 10:32pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE High blood pressure affects nearly half of American adults. A study shows that it increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 42% in untreated cases compared to people without hypertension Blood pressure damages brain capillaries when elevated, causing blood clots, leakage and restricted blood flow, which leads to cognitive issues and stroke Normal […]

  • Wash Your Potatoes First to Avoid Contamination

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 16th 2024 10:31pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Washing potatoes before peeling is necessary to prevent contamination from bacteria and pesticides, which transfer from the skin to the edible parts during preparation Proper washing techniques involve soaking potatoes in cold water and scrubbing them under running water with a vegetable brush, which effectively removes dirt and bacteria Avoid using soap or […]

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  • The Surprising Link Between Your Gut Microbiome and Cholesterol Level

    Dr. Joseph Mercola DO - Dec 15th 2024 10:34pm EST

    STORY AT-A-GLANCE Recent Framingham Heart Study research shows your gut microbiome significantly impacts cholesterol levels, with bacteria like Oscillibacter helping break down cholesterol through specific enzymes and metabolic processes Scientists identified cholesterol dehydrogenase enzymes (ismA genes) in gut bacteria that convert cholesterol to coprostanol, a form less easily absorbed by the body Specific gut bacteria […]