Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Available Episodes

5 of 1100

First Recorded Fatality from Tick-Driven 'Red Meat Allergy' Reported in New Jersey
A healthy 47-year-old man from New Jersey suddenly died after delayed allergic reactions to red meat; it was later confirmed to be caused by alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), marking the first documented fatality linked to tick-driven mammalian meat allergy His symptoms began hours after eating beef following a recent camping trip, during which he sustained 12 to 13 suspected lone star tick bites — exposure to this tick is now known to trigger the immune sensitization that leads to AGS AGS occurs when the lone star tick introduces the alpha-gal sugar molecule into the bloodstream, causing the body to form antibodies and react severely, sometimes fatally, upon future consumption of mammalian meat or byproducts Cases of AGS are rising explosively across the United States, with documented diagnoses climbing from 12 in 2009 to more than 110,000 by 2022; estimates suggest over 450,000 Americans may be affected Experts warn that expanding tick ranges, misdiagnoses, and lack of awareness among healthcare providers are fueling this hidden public health threat, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive tick-bite strategies and proper tick removal techniques
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7:55
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7:55
PFAS in Drinking Water Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of synthetic compounds built around extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds. They're used to make products nonstick, waterproof, and stain-resistant A California biomonitoring study of 563 adults found that even low, detectable PFAS levels in public water systems were linked to 30% to 80% higher PFAS in blood PFAS aren't just in water — testing has found very high PFAS markers in soft contact lenses, wild freshwater fish, and some activewear leggings Health concerns linked to PFAS exposure include liver toxicity, immune and hormone disruption, cancer, high cholesterol, and developmental and reproductive effects You can reduce your personal exposure to PFAS by filtering your tap water, steering clear of most nonstick and stain-resistant products, and selecting PFAS-free personal care items
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8:24
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8:24
This Unknown Deadly Health Syndrome Affects Nearly 90% of US Adults — Could You Have It?
Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a newly named but long-standing health crisis that links heart, kidney, and metabolic dysfunction The American Heart Association warns that CKM often goes unnoticed until a major event like a heart attack occurs, yet most cases are reversible if identified early and addressed at the metabolic level Critics in PLOS Medicine argue that CKM is less a medical breakthrough and more a rebranding of what's already known — that mitochondrial failure, poor diet, and chronic stress drive the same interconnected diseases True recovery starts by repairing energy production in your cells: lowering linoleic acid intake, restoring magnesium balance, eating real carbohydrates, and supporting hormonal and circadian health through sunlight and rest By fixing mitochondrial function rather than chasing new labels, you help your organs work in sync again — stabilizing blood pressure, improving kidney filtration, and reigniting your metabolism from the inside out
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7:57
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7:57
Circadian System Disruptions in Sleep Apnea Increase the Risk of Nighttime Cardiac Events
New research shows that people with untreated sleep apnea experience a sharp nighttime drop in blood vessel function driven by the circadian system, increasing vulnerability to heart attacks and other cardiac events In a tightly controlled sleep-lab study, participants' arteries showed their worst ability to dilate around 3:00 a.m., revealing an 82% decline in vascular function during the biological night This impairment persisted even after adjusting for blood flow, sleep quality, and apnea severity, confirming the circadian system — not behavior or breathing events — directly weakens vascular health at night The findings help explain why people with sleep apnea experience more nighttime cardiac events, contrasting with the general population's morning peak in heart attacks and sudden cardiac death Researchers emphasize that understanding circadian timing may help refine cardiovascular treatments for sleep apnea patients, including optimizing medication schedules to enhance nighttime vascular protection
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3:00
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3:00
Gum Disease and Cavities Strongly Linked to Higher Stroke Risk
People with both gum disease and cavities have nearly double the risk of suffering an ischemic stroke compared to those with healthy teeth and gums Chronic oral inflammation allows harmful bacteria and toxins to enter your bloodstream, damaging arteries and increasing blood clot formation that blocks blood flow to your brain MRI brain scans show that gum disease alone causes silent brain injuries known as white matter lesions, which are early signs of stroke and cognitive decline Regular cleanings, good oral hygiene, and biological dental care dramatically reduce stroke risk by preventing infection, lowering inflammation, and protecting the health of blood vessels Healing your mouth through better nutrition, natural oral care, and toxin-free dentistry strengthens your gums, restores circulation, and supports long-term brain and heart health
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8:06
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8:06