Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Available Episodes

5 of 1082

Hip Fractures from Osteoporosis Predicted to Double by 2050
Osteoporosis affects one in three women and one in five men over 50 globally, with hip fracture rates projected to double by 2050 due to aging populations and inadequate treatment Fewer than half of hip fracture patients worldwide receive osteoporosis treatment, despite evidence that coordinated fracture liaison services effectively prevent secondary fractures and reduce mortality rates Calcium and vitamin D3 work synergistically for bone strength, but many people struggle to convert vitamin D3 into its active form due to impaired enzyme function within cells Bones require collagen for elasticity and flexibility, not just calcium. Ideally, one-third of protein intake should come from collagen sources like bone broth or gelatinous meats Resistance training two to three times weekly significantly strengthens bones, particularly at the hip and spine, while low-impact activities like walking provide insufficient stimulus for bone growth
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7:58
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7:58
Study: Dramatic Increase in Percentage of US Adults Who Meet New Definition of Obesity
Nearly 70% of U.S. adults now qualify as obese under a new definition that goes beyond body mass index (BMI) to include waist and hip measurements, exposing millions with hidden fat linked to higher disease risk The new standard, developed by an international panel and endorsed by dozens of medical organizations, identifies both clinical obesity — where fat is already harming organs — and preclinical obesity, where fat-driven dysfunction is just beginning Using the expanded criteria, researchers found a 60% surge in obesity prevalence, revealing that about 1 in 4 adults were reclassified as obese — mostly from the overweight group — while roughly 1 in 17 with a "normal" BMI carried hidden visceral fat that raises the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and early death BMI alone fails to distinguish between fat and muscle or between safe subcutaneous fat and harmful visceral fat, meaning many healthy people are misclassified while those at real metabolic risk go undiagnosed Measuring your waist-to-hip or waist-to-height ratio provides a far clearer picture of your metabolic health, empowering you to take early action — through healthy eating, reduced toxin exposure, and daily movement — to restore energy and prevent chronic disease
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7:55
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7:55
Cocoa Extract Supplement Reduces Key Marker of Inflammation and Aging, Study Finds
A new clinical analysis based on the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) found that older adults taking a daily cocoa extract supplement saw an 8.4% annual drop in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a key marker of chronic inflammation The supplement provided 500 milligrams of cocoa flavanols daily, including 80 milligrams of (-)-epicatechin, which is the same bioactive compound found naturally in cacao Researchers said this anti-inflammatory effect may help explain a 27% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality previously observed in the larger COSMOS trial Taking a cocoa flavanol supplement appears to support vascular and immune health by calming NF-κB signaling and improving endothelial function Unlike dark chocolate, standardized cocoa extract supplements are free of sugar and fat, delivering clinically studied doses in capsule form
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7:26
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7:26
Understanding Butyrate — The Key to Optimal Health and Well-Being
Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria when they ferment fiber, serving as the primary energy source for colon cells and maintaining gut barrier strength Healthy butyrate levels support weight management, blood sugar control, and brain health, with studies linking butyrate-producing bacteria to reduced Alzheimer's risk and lower cancer risk A diverse diet rich in various fiber sources, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, promotes butyrate production, but increases should be gradual if your gut health is compromised The gut barrier weakens with insufficient butyrate, allowing undigested food, bacteria, and toxins to enter your bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and widespread health problems Gradually increasing fiber intake and reducing mitochondrial toxins for increased cellular energy supports gut health and beneficial gut microbes, enhancing butyrate production and overall health
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7:46
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7:46
Exercise Rewires Your Biology to Improve Energy and Metabolic Health
Exercise switches on waves of genes, proteins and metabolites that boost energy production, repair tissues and stabilize blood sugar, helping you feel more focused and resilient Endurance and strength training activate different molecular pathways, allowing you to choose routines that match your goals for stamina, fat burning or metabolic control Movement improves the signals your bloodstream uses to coordinate immunity, inflammation and stress responses, which supports steadier moods and better overall health Your muscles release tiny molecular "packages" during activity that influence distant organs like your brain and liver, creating whole-body benefits you can't get from sitting still Short, consistent bouts of movement throughout the day reinforce healthier cellular signaling, making it easier to maintain energy, manage weight and stay metabolically flexible
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6:35
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6:35