Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Available Episodes

5 of 1045

Science Finds Your Brain and Judgment Peak Around Age 60
New research shows that overall human performance — combining intelligence, emotional balance, and judgment — peaks between ages 55 and 60, making midlife a time of strength, not decline While mental processing speed slows with age, emotional intelligence, wisdom, and decision-making power continue to grow, helping you handle stress and relationships more effectively Your brain adapts by strengthening networks that regulate emotion and memory, allowing smoother coordination between thought and feeling for wiser, more integrated choices Eliminating seed oils high in linoleic acid (LA) and eating about 250 grams of healthy carbohydrates daily supports cellular energy and protects brain function Staying physically active, prioritizing sleep, and pursuing lifelong learning help maintain focus, clarity, and vitality — proving that your 50s and 60s can be your most productive, fulfilling decades
--------
6:41
--------
6:41
Saline Farming Offers a Sustainable Way to Revive Salt-Damaged Soils
Rising salt levels in soil and water are destroying farmland worldwide, with 16.6 million square kilometers now salt-affected — an area roughly the size of South America Saline agriculture offers a powerful solution by using salt-tolerant crops, smart irrigation, and natural soil restoration methods to turn degraded land back into productive farmland Research shows countries like China, India, Pakistan, Argentina, and the U.S. have millions of acres suitable for saline farming, which could help feed hundreds of millions of people without relying on scarce freshwater Techniques such as gypsum treatment, drip irrigation, and phytoremediation — using plants themselves to absorb and redistribute salt — is helping restore soil fertility and protect food supplies These same principles apply beyond farms; by managing salt, adding organic matter, and choosing resilient plants, even home gardeners can help revive soil health and contribute to global food resilience
--------
7:28
--------
7:28
Niacinamide Found to Reduce the Risk of New Skin Cancers
Skin cancer affects one in five Americans, with nonmelanoma types like basal and squamous cell carcinoma making up most cases. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is found to offer a strong preventive effect A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology associated niacinamide use with a 14% lower overall risk of developing additional nonmelanoma skin cancers, with the greatest benefit seen after the first cancer diagnosis Earlier research showed that taking 500 milligrams of niacinamide twice daily reduced new nonmelanoma skin cancers by 23% and precancerous lesions by up to 15% Niacinamide protects your skin by restoring NAD+ for DNA repair, reducing inflammation, supporting immune defenses, and strengthening the barrier that maintains moisture and resilience against environmental stress For long-term use, smaller daily doses of 50 milligrams three times per day are safe and sustainable. Combining niacinamide with sensible sun exposure habits and good nutrition strengthens skin defense naturally
--------
7:51
--------
7:51
What Different Types of Coughs Say About Your Health
A cough isn't just a symptom — it's your body's built-in alarm system, warning you about irritation, infection, or hidden lung problems that need attention Different types of coughs — dry, wet, tickly, or chronic — reveal unique clues about your health, helping you identify whether you're dealing with allergies, pollution, or something more serious Air pollution, smoke, and chemical exposure age your lungs faster, reduce breathing capacity, and trigger chronic coughs even in nonsmokers, but removing these irritants allows your lungs to heal Nebulized hydrogen peroxide offers a powerful, research-backed way to stop viral respiratory infections at the source, often improving symptoms within hours when used early and correctly Natural remedies such as raw honey, steam inhalation, and hydration support your body's healing process better than cough syrups, which suppress the reflex your lungs need to clear infection
--------
7:15
--------
7:15
Rhythmic Yoga Breathing Trains Your Brain to Relax and Focus
Rhythmic breathing techniques like Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) create measurable changes in brain activity that mirror deep relaxation and meditative awareness while keeping you fully awake and alert EEG scans show that SKY breathing increases theta and delta brain waves — patterns linked to restorative rest and emotional balance — while reducing alpha waves tied to sensory distraction and stress These brain shifts demonstrate how controlled breathing helps your nervous system move from "fight-or-flight" stress to a calm, parasympathetic state, supporting focus, better sleep, and improved mood Even beginners experience these benefits, as rhythmic breathing immediately quiets your brain's background "noise," promoting mental clarity, energy conservation, and emotional stability Practicing rhythmic breathing for just 10 to 20 minutes a day trains your brain to enter relaxation faster, giving you a free tool to manage anxiety, sharpen focus, and restore balance anytime you need it
--------
6:50
--------
6:50