Author: Joseph Mercola

By Dr. Mercola Pau d’Arco — made from the bark of a large evergreen tropical tree found in the rainforests of the Amazon, South America and Latin America1 — is a potent antiparasitic remedy with a long history of use by indigenous populations. It also has antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as analgesic, antioxidant, astringent and laxative effects. It’s one of the supplements I take on a daily basis for its mitochondrial, immune-boosting and antiaging benefits. Uses and Benefits of Pau D’Arco Traditional and indigenous medicine has used Pau d’Arco for at least 1,500 years for the … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola Pau d’Arco — made from the bark of a large evergreen tropical tree found in the rainforests of the Amazon, South America and Latin America1 — is a potent antiparasitic remedy with a long history of use by indigenous populations. It also has antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as analgesic, antioxidant, astringent and laxative effects. It’s one of the supplements I take on a daily basis for its mitochondrial, immune-boosting and antiaging benefits. Uses and Benefits of Pau D’Arco Traditional and indigenous medicine has used Pau d’Arco for at least 1,500 years for the … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola Pollen is one of the most common allergens in America. Nearly 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from nasal allergies and as many as 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children are affected. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.1 The AAFA released a list of the worst cities to live in when you suffer from spring allergies.2 The report uses pollen scores, allergy medication use and the number of board-certified allergists who practice in the area as some of … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola Have you ever been so busy you neglected to drink even a sip or two of water for an extended period, then suddenly realized you were incredibly thirsty and in need of a long drink? By replenishing your body’s water supply when it tells you you’re thirsty, you can often stave off dehydration. In fact, typically your body’s physiologic thirst mechanism is triggered before you’re dehydrated, giving you a chance to rehydrate before it’s too late. There are exceptions to this rule, however, with the elderly and young children being at particular risk of becoming dehydrated. It’s … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),1 approximately 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year. Nearly 735,000 Americans have a heart attack each year. Of these, 525,000 are a first heart attack and 210,000 are repeat heart attacks. Knowing the risk factors, symptoms and taking early action increases the chances of survival. There are a number of risk factors associated with heart attack. Data published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology2demonstrates that by following six lifestyle guidelines, women may lower their risk of heart disease by 92 … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola The opioid epidemic — which between 2002 and 2015 alone claimed an estimated 202,600 Americans’ lives1 — shows absolutely no signs of leveling off or declining. On the contrary, recent statistics suggest the death toll is still trending upward, with more and more people abusing these powerful narcotics. The most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths include2 methadone, oxycodone (such as OxyContin®) and hydrocodone (such as Vicodin®). This dangerous class of drugs promises relief from pain and is filling a hole in human hearts and souls everywhere. According to the most recent data3 from the U.S. Centers for … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola Nitrate-rich plant foods are a valuable part of your diet as they help promote heart health. Meanwhile, the nitrates in cured and processed meats such as bacon and hotdogs are known to be carcinogenic. So, what’s the deal? Why are plant-based nitrates healthy and animal-based nitrates harmful? The answer to that question has to do with biochemistry — how the nitrates are processed in your body based on cofactors found in their source. Plant- Versus Animal-Based Nitrates In a recent Nutrition Action article on this topic, Gunter Kuhnle, professor of food and nutritional sciences at the University of Reading, U.K., explains … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola Because dozens of diseases and illnesses are known to show symptoms in your eyes, ophthalmologists and optometrists are often among the first to help you recognize certain medical conditions.1 An internal study of 120,000 patients by insurance company VSP Vision Care highlights the value of vision care. Their data suggests an eye exam was the first indicator of problems in:2 62 percent of imbalanced cholesterol cases 39 percent of high blood pressure cases 34 percent of diabetes cases If you are unsure what your body might be trying to tell you with respect to changes in your eye … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola In the vaccination debate, what happens all too often is notan open, scientifically based discussion but, rather, inappropriate name-calling and threats. It has been suggested by doctors and attorneys promoting forced vaccination policies that experienced and enlightened physicians who question vaccine safety be stripped of their medical licenses, that parents who oppose vaccine mandates be imprisoned and that online discussions of vaccine risks and failures be censored. It’s also not unusual for doctors to criticize, belittle or refuse to see children whose parents question the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) one-size-fits-all approach to vaccination. … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola Late last year, Internet Brands, a company under the global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR & Co.) umbrella, announced its acquisition of WebMD Holdings. Purchase price: $2.8 billion.1,2,3 The company also bought the wellness company Nature’s Bounty Co. last year,4 and already owns a number of other health-related internet brands, including DentalPlans.com, eHealthForum.com, HealthBoards.com, AltMD.com and FitDay.com.5 And, since WebMD owns Medscape and MedicineNet.com, these sites now belong to KKR’s Internet Brands as well.6 Internet Brands’ CEO Bob Brisco told Forbes:7 “WebMD and Medscape are the market leaders in online health with unparalleled reach to consumers and health care … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola Magnesium deficiency is extremely common, and recent research shows even subclinical deficiency can jeopardize your heart health. Magnesium is also important for brain health, detoxification, cellular health and function, and the optimization of your mitochondria. In short, magnesium has enormous potential to influence your health and general well-being, especially the prevention of heart diseaseand cancer, but also for general energy and athletic performance. Why You Need Magnesium Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body and is involved in more than 600 different biochemical reactions. For example, magnesium plays an important role in: Even Subclinical Magnesium … Continue reading →

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Don’t be fooled by the name, but red cedarwood oil comes from a type of juniper tree (Juniperus virginiana),1 a member of the Cupressaceae or cypress family. These trees, which grow 30 to 65 feet tall, can be found in the U.S.,2 where they are commonly known as the Eastern red cedar. Essential oils made from cedar trees grown in the U.S., such as red cedarwood oil, are primarily used in making perfumes. These oils are high in both cedrol and thujone as well, the latter often being used to “falsify” sage oil. Red cedarwood oil has a fresh and soft, but … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola Even though your brain affects everything you do, you probably don’t give it — literally — much thought. Clever pun aside, how often do you actually consider what your brain may need to stay healthy? Given the fact your brain impacts all aspects of your life — from happiness and health, to relationships and rest — it’s important you understand how to take care of it. While aging and genes have some effect, they may not have the final word about the fate of your brain. Your brain’s lifelong neuroplasticity enables you to have continual influence over … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola Your immune system is your first-line defense against all types of infections, be they bacterial or viral, so the most effective way to prevent infectious illness — including influenza — is a robust immune system. Your diet and other lifestyle factors are foundational for good immune function, but certain supplements can also be quite helpful. One such supplement is quercetin,1 an antioxidant flavonol found naturally in apples, plums, red grapes, green tea, elder flower and onions, just to name a few. For a more exhaustive list, see Superfoodly’s ranking of the top 100 quercetin-packed foods.2 Quercetin has been shown to combat inflammation … Continue reading →

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By Dr. Mercola Sweating is a biological imperative that has a wide range of health benefits. In fact, unless you have untreated hypothyroidism, sweating is one of the indicators that will tell you that you are effectively doing a high-intensity exercise. Science has shown sweating it out in a sauna can also help:1,2  How Sauna Bathing Benefits Your Heart and Cardiovascular System Research has even shown that regular sauna use can help improve athletic performance, and correlates with a reduced risk of death from any cause, including sudden death from a cardiac event.7 Among the most notable benefits associated with … Continue reading →

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