Legal Filing Accuses EPA of Unfairly Protecting Monsanto

By Dr. Mercola Glyphosate — the active ingredient in Monsanto's wide-spectrum herbicide Roundup and other pesticides — is the most widely used agricultural chemical in the world, and has been detected in a wide array of samples, including blood, urine, breast milk and drinking water. A German study1 published in 2012 showed that even those with no direct agricultural contact have significant concentrations of glyphosate in their urine — concentrations ranging from five to 20 times the permissible limit for glyphosate in German drinking water. Similarly, tests conducted by the University of San Francisco, published in May last year, showed that 93 percent of Americans have detectable levels of glyphosate in their urine.2 If you believe Monsanto's PR department, this is no cause for concern, as — in their estimation — glyphosate is harmless. However, independent studies suggest otherwise. In March, 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a research arm of
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/03/01/epa-accused-of-colluding-with-monsanto.aspx

New Approved Cancer Drugs Failing Miserably

By Dr. Mercola According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2012 there were 14 million new cases of cancer diagnosed and 8.2 million cancer deaths worldwide.1 They anticipate the number of newly diagnosed cases will rise to over 20 million each year within the next two decades. These statistical trends are used to measure success of efforts to prevent or treat cancers. Mainstream medicine relies on pharmaceutical companies to develop toxins that may kill cancer cells and extend the life of those suffering from the disease. Unfortunately, cancer cells develop in unique and highly variable processes, creating cell overgrowths that do not respond to just one or two types of medication. Pressured by patient advocates who want earlier access to novel medications, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began approving cancer drugs without requisite proof they either extend the life of the patient or kill cancer cells.2 Meanwhile, emerging evidence indicates diets high in healthy fats
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/03/01/cancer-drugs-failing-miserably.aspx

Most People Are Now Flame Retardant

By Dr. Mercola In 1973, the U.S. government passed a law requiring that all children's sleepwear must be fire resistant. Legislators may have believed they were preserving public health, believing such laws help keep citizens safe. But, to borrow a phrase, the medicine is sometimes worse than the disease. Here's why: Fewer than five years later, scientists discovered that the chemical used to make those flame-retardant fabrics — brominated Tris — was responsible for rising incidences of cancer. Brominated Tris was then banned in kids' pajamas. By 1977, other chemicals were being used to render such articles as baby toys, clothing, carpeting, sofas, draperies and even crib mattresses flame resistant. Growing realization that the chemicals were causing even more health problems led to widespread concern. Consumer Reports noted: "In 2004, such concerns led to one of the most commonly used flame-retardant mixtures, called pentaBDE, being voluntarily phased out after it was linked to h
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/03/01/flame-retardant-organophosphates-peoples-urine.aspx

Genital Warts Vaccine Tested on Infants

By Dr. MercolaHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, marketed under the brand names Gardasil and Cervarix, are among the most controversial vaccinations offered in the U.S. — and the controversy, it appears, is only slated to get worse. Gardasil vaccine, manufactured by Merck, was fast-tracked to the U.S. market in 2006, without adequate evidence for safety and effectiveness in children. It was only studied in fewer than 1200 girls under 16 years old, who were followed up for about two years, before it was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).1 The vaccine was originally touted as an anti-cervical cancer vaccine that should be given to all girls and women aged 9 to 26 years old, despite the fact it was rushed to licensure without first proving that it actually prevented cervical cancer, especially when given to pre-adolescent girls.2 Within five years, U.S. public health officials broadened HPV vaccine recommendations to include all pre-adolescent boys as well, in order
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/28/hpv-vaccine-tested-on-infants.aspx

Farmicide

By Dr. Mercola In 1978, farmers (owners and tenants) and farm workers were the most common jobs in eight U.S. states.1 But the number of farmers in the U.S. has been on the decline for a century, and if grain prices continue to fall we could be facing the largest number of farm closures since the 1980s in the years to come. U.S. farms once numbered around 6 million (circa 1945), but in 2015 this number had dropped to just over 2 million — about the same number that existed in the mid-1800s. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that total U.S. acres farmed have also dropped a significant 24 percent, bringing it to just over 900 million acres.2 Farmers that have been working the land for generations are increasingly being forced out of business, unable to make a profit. A worldwide grain glut and rising costs for seeds, fertilizer and equipment have led to some farmers losing more than $120 per acre. Others, particularly grain farmers, are only able to make ends meet by taking on se
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/28/farm-crisis.aspx

Kennedy Challenges Journalists to Balanced Discussion About Vaccine Safety

By Dr. Mercola On February 15, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — chairman of The World Mercury Project, founded in November, 2016 — held a press conference at The National Press Club in Washington D.C., calling for an open and honest discussion about vaccine safety. Actor Robert De Niro, whose son has autism, was also in attendance. During that press conference, Kennedy challenged journalists to do their job rather than simply regurgitate vaccine industry propaganda. He also offered $100,000 to anyone who can find a published study indexed in PubMed proving mercury levels in vaccines are harmless for infants and developing fetuses at the levels given. As reported by Epoch Times:1 "Kennedy … said he's spent years watching the press repeat what public health officials say without critically questioning or citing primary sources and thus the press has failed as watchdog for the vaccine industry. 'We are going to offer a $100,000 reward, it's called The 100K Challenge, to any journalist or an
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/28/kennedy-challenges-journalists-vaccine-safety.aspx

B12 Proven Essential for Every Cell

By Dr. Mercola Practically everybody knows getting the right amount of vitamins is important. Occasionally, new information arises that shows some vitamins to be of greater consequence than previously thought, often because they deal with crucial functions throughout your body. That’s true with vitamin B12, not only because it directly influences metabolism in every one of your cells throughout your brain and nervous system, as it regulates and synthesizes DNA and how your blood is formed, but because of new findings that suggest vitamin B12 may be far more important to microbial life than previously thought. The evidence, revealed by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington, shows that vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, may in fact play a “pivotal” role in cell growth and coordination of cells in complex multicellular systems. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNA
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/27/vitamin-b12-essential-for-every-cells.aspx

Benefits of Homemade Yogurt Versus Commercial

By Dr. Mercola Yogurt has come a long way since it was presumably stumbled upon around 5,000 B.C., during the rise of animal domestication. A by-product of fermented milk, yogurt is widely accepted to have Turkish roots and continues to be referred to by its Turkish name in languages around the world.1 Because yogurt is a milk derivative, it contains many of the same beneficial nutrients as milk: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin and vitamin A. Furthermore, in its traditional form, yogurt is a nutrient-dense food that is rich in high-quality protein, beneficial probiotics and cancer-fighting conjugated linoleic acid. Today, the availability, convenience and healthy properties of yogurt appeal to people worldwide. Sales of yogurt in the U.S. are roughly $8 billion annually, about half of which is attributed to Greek yogurt.2 As you may know, Greek or Greek-style yogurt is the result of a straining process that removes the liquid whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier yogurt. W
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/27/homemade-yogurt-benefits.aspx

Vitamin D Is More Effective Than Flu Vaccine, Study Says

By Dr. Mercola Conventional health authorities claim getting a flu shot each year is the best way to ward off influenza. But where's the actual science backing up that claim? If you've repeatedly fallen for this annual propaganda campaign, you may be surprised to find the medical literature suggests vitamin D may actually be a FAR more effective strategy, and the evidence for this goes back at least a decade. Dr. John Cannell, founder of the Vitamin D Council, was one of the first to introduce the idea that vitamin D deficiency may actually be an underlying CAUSE of influenza. His hypothesis1 was initially published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection in 2006.2 It was subsequently followed up with another study published in the Virology Journal in 2008.3 The following year, the largest nationally representative study4 of its kind to date discovered that people with the lowest vitamin D levels indeed reported having significantly more colds or cases of the flu. In conclusion, lea
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/27/vitamin-d-better-than-flu-vaccine.aspx

Smashed Cucumber Salad With Lemon Herb Dressing and Raw Sheep Milk Feta Recipe

Recipe from My Longevity Kitchen Salads are a staple for people who wish to make positive changes to their health. You can have a salad during breakfast, lunch or dinner using your favorite crisp vegetables. Add in some high-quality protein, fruits, raw nuts and seeds plus a drizzle of flavorful salad dressing, and you’ve got a hearty and wholesome meal. If you’re running out of ideas for your next salad, look no further than this Smashed Cucumber Salad With Lemon Herb Dressing and Raw Sheep Milk Feta from My Longevity Kitchen. Now that summer is in full swing, the cool and refreshing taste of cucumbers will tickle your taste buds. The creamy feta cheese and tangy and rich lemon-olive oil dressing complement the cucumbers very well, too. Ingredients: 1 English cucumber (seedless), peeled 3 ounces sheep milk feta cheese (raw) 1 small handful of fresh parsley, chopped 6 chives or 1 scallion, chopped 2 Tbsp. lemon juice (from organic lemon) Zest from ¼ organic lemon ¼ cup olive oil
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/26/cucumber-salad-lemon-dressing-recipe.aspx

Healing the Body With Photobiomodulation

By Dr. Mercola Photobiomodulation therapy has important implications for health that many are still under-informed about. In this interview, photodynamic therapy researcher Michael Hamblin, Ph.D., who is an expert in this area, sets out to improve our understanding of this important field. Hamblin is a researcher and associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School. He’s also a principal investigator at The Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a member of the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. Infrared therapy is one aspect of photobiomodulation, which covers light of all wavelengths — visible light, and light from spectral regions including ultraviolet, blues through the green, red and into the near-, mid- and far-infrared wavelengths. One of the most commonly used wavelengths of light is the near-infrared, which starts at about 750 nanometers (nm) and goes all the way into 1,200 nm. Near-infrared in the lower ra
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/26/photobiomodulation.aspx

Fight Inflammation and Chronic Disease by Walking Barefoot on the Earth

By Dr. Mercola Through the deceptively simple act of walking barefoot on the Earth — an act known as grounding or earthing — it may be possible to thwart chronic diseases and even slow aging. It’s a crucial topic that has the potential to change lives, from relieving chronic pain to slowing down the silent killer known as systemic inflammation. In the film “Down to Earth,” I speak alongside other experts to shed light on what may be one of the most overlooked yet easiest ways to protect and improve human health: getting grounded to the Earth. The short of “Down to Earth,” above, is up for a number of awards, and in January, 2017, received the IndieFEST Award of Excellence for a documentary short. The full feature-length movie of “Down to Earth” will be available in fall, 2017, with special premiers in theaters in Los Angeles and New York City. Highly respected cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra explains in the film: “In simple terms, grounding is literally putting yo
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/25/grounding-recharge-immune-system-slow-aging.aspx

How to Know When Flax Is Rancid

By Dr. Mercola Flax is a food that many may say wasn't on their shopping list 10 years ago, but because of the healthy benefits it offers, this small oilseed has escalated in the American consciousness. Flaxseeds are much more common in other parts of the world. Cultivated in Babylon as early as 3,000 B.C., Linum usitatissimum (flax) was used to weave strong linen cloth and was ground to add to breads, muffins and cookies. Containing 42 percent fat, 29 percent carbohydrates and 18 percent protein,1 today flaxseeds are acknowledged as a bona fide superfood, primarily due to three key elements: Fiber Omega-3 fats Lignans These and other compounds found in flaxseed are associated with benefits throughout your whole body. Flaxseeds contain more polyphenols than vegetables like olives and fruits like blueberries,2 relating to improved digestion and a lower risk of serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes,3 heart disease and cancer. Being either brown or yellow, flaxseeds are available whol
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/25/how-to-know-when-flaxseed-is-rancid.aspx

Jet Lag Hurts Both Mental and Physical Performance

By Dr. Mercola Jet lag, also known as flight fatigue, time zone change syndrome or desynchronosis, occurs when travel across time zones disrupts your internal body clock, resulting in mental, emotional and physical symptoms such as:1,2 Daytime sleepiness and lethargy followed by nighttime insomnia Anxiety, irritability, confusion and poor concentration Constipation or diarrhea Headache, nausea, indigestion, dehydration and/or general malaise The mental effects are fairly well-established, but recent research suggests jet lag can have a significant effect on your physical performance as well — a finding of particular importance for athletes who travel to participate in games and races.Jet Lag Takes Toll on Physical Performance Looking at Major League Baseball data culled from more than 40,000 games over two decades, including the players' travel schedules, researchers found "subtle but detectable" effects when players traveled across one or two time zones for a game.3,4 As reported b
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/23/jet-lag-hurts-mental-physical-performance.aspx

Can You Make Time Pass More Quickly?

By Dr. Mercola People tend to think of time as moving along a fixed linear pathway, but in reality time, including how fast or slow it moves, is all a matter of perception. This is why watching a movie you love may feel like it flies by, while to another person who finds the movie boring, it moves tediously slow. Other peculiarities have also been observed, such as how time seems to move faster as you get older and it’s possible to lose track of time entirely if you’re engrossed in a task. Likewise, when French geologist Michele Siffre conducted an isolation experiment in the 1960s, it showed that our perception of time can change depending on our circumstances. He lived in a dark cave, alone, for two months, but when his team came to get him he thought he’d only stayed for 35 days.1 Further, when he counted off an estimation of 120 seconds while living in the cave (via a phone that only worked one way), he counted for a full five minutes.2 In an interview with Cabinet magazine,
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/23/perception-of-time.aspx

Ylang Ylang Oil Not Only Soothes Your Skin, but Your Mind as Well

What Is Ylang Ylang Oil? Ylang ylang oil1 is derived from the fresh flowers of the ylang ylang tree (Cananga Odorata),2 which is usually found in the rainforests of Asian and South Pacific islands like Indonesia, Philippines, Java, Sumatra, Comoro and Polynesia. There are several grades of ylang ylang essential oil sold in the market, but ylang ylang extra oil is considered to be the best among other varieties. Because it is the product of the first extraction, ylang ylang extra oil has the highest amount of esters and the sweetest scent.3 Uses of Ylang Ylang Oil Ylang ylang oil helps relax the body and soul and may be helpful for people suffering from insomnia, fatigue and frigidity. This essential oil has been proven to help regulate the production of sebum, an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands, to protect your hair and skin from drying out.4 It has many cosmetic uses, including: • Maintaining skin moisture • Clearing and healing acne • Promoting hair growth •
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/23/ylang-ylang-oil.aspx

Avoid Food and Supplements With This Common Filler

By Dr. Mercola Nothing more than a filler, without nutrient value or necessity in your products, titanium dioxide is used simply to whiten products from paint to sunscreen and food products. When used in food products it is known as E171; when in other products as PW6 or CI 7781.1 Although it is an inorganic compound, titanium dioxide carries significant risk when inhaled, ingested or absorbed.2 Millions of tons of titanium dioxide are produced each year. The compound naturally reflects ultraviolet (UV) light, which is why it is often added to sunscreen. While most of the product is used to pigment paint, it is also added to pharmaceutical drugs, toothpaste, paper and foods. The full extent of the compound's impact on health is still under investigation, even though you can find it in many of the products you may use each day. Topical use has resulted in allergic reactions, some of which may be serious.3 However, while some reactions are still under investigation, recent research has
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/22/avoid-food-supplements-with-titanium-dioxide.aspx

How BPA and BPS Are Making People Sick

By Dr. Mercola Just when you thought you knew how dangerous bisphenol-A (BPA) was to your health, research demonstrates both BPA and substitute chemicals are able to cross the placental barrier, increasing the toxic load on a growing infant.1 When tested, over 200 chemicals were found in umbilical cord blood of newborns.2 First created in 1891 by a Russian chemist, BPA didn't make an appearance in the manufacture of products until the 1950s, when it was used to produce resilient, and often transparent plastics. Despite strong scientific evidence that BPA has a negative effect on health, the industry was valued at over $13 billion in 2013, and is expected to reach $20 billion by 2020.3 Today, BPA is found in countless personal care and plastic products, from the lining in canned goods to plastic wraps, water bottles and cashier receipts. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claims BPA is safe for human consumption, it has been banned from sippy cups and other baby produ
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/22/bpa-bps-making-people-sick.aspx

Diabetes Has Become One of the Most Expensive and Lethal Diseases in the World

By Dr. Mercola Late last year, research1,2,3 showed life expectancy has declined in the U.S. for the first time in two decades, leaving researchers searching for clues as to the cause. While drug overdoses appear to have contributed to the decline, obesity also plays a major role. Now, a follow-up study4 suggests type 2 diabetes is a major factor. As reported by Vox:5 "[R]esearchers have long known that diabetes is an underreported cause of death on death certificates, the primary data source for determining life expectancy trends. That's because people with diabetes often have multiple health conditions, or "comorbidities," such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and even cancer … [According to] Andrew Stokes, assistant professor of global health at Boston University's School of Public Health … '[T]o some extent, deaths that should be attributed to diabetes go to other causes.'" Indeed, the links between diabetes and other lethal conditions
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/22/diabetes-expensive-lethal-disease.aspx

How Clothes Are Polluting the Food Supply

By Dr. Mercola Every day, each and every one of us contribute to the ongoing destruction of the environment simply by participating in modern society. Not only do people inappropriately dispose of drugs by flushing them down the toilet, the cleaning and personal care products we use and the clothes we wear and wash on a daily basis also contribute to the environmental pollution. Indeed, the environmental impacts of our clothing choices are shocking, as studies assessing toxic effects of various fabric treatments (such as dyes,
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/21/clothes-microfiber-polluting-food-supply.aspx

Pharmacies Miss Half of Dangerous Drug Combos

By Dr. Mercola The average American adult took nearly 13 prescription drugs in 2015, according to Kaiser Family Foundation statistics. Seniors (aged 65 and over) took even more; the annual per capita prescription drugs filled at pharmacies was 27 among seniors in 2015, while even U.S. children took an average of 4 prescriptions each.1 The numbers are alarming not only because of the chronic and acute conditions driving such massive prescription drug usage but also because of the risks of the drugs themselves, particularly when taken in combination. In the U.S., 1 in 5 adults take three or more drugs and 1 in 10 takes five or more.2 Many people depend on their doctors and pharmacies to not prescribe or dispense potentially contraindicated drugs, but doctors are not always aware of all the medications their patients are taking (or their potentially dangerous interactions), and any fail-safes in place at pharmacies are also not measuring up. In a recent Chicago Tribune investigation of 2
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/21/pharmacies-sold-dangerous-drug-combinations.aspx

Americans Have a Right to Basic Lab Tests

By Dr. Mercola In the U.S., getting simple blood tests to monitor your health can be a time-consuming and expensive endeavor. Typically, you first must make an appointment with a physician, have the tests ordered by said physician, and then wait for the results to come back, again through your physician. Weeks and hundreds of dollars later, you may finally have your lab results in hand, but in an era where people are increasingly interested in taking control of their health, this physician-driven model has become antiquated and unnecessarily burdensome for patients. No one has greater right to, or interest in, your lab work results than you do, which is why it should be a given that you can access such results directly from the company you pay to run the labs. Beyond that, some companies are taking it a step further and offering direct-to-consumer laboratory tests, which allow you to pick and choose which biomarkers of health you’d like to monitor, no physician’s visit required. T
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/21/basic-lab-tests.aspx

Research on Astaxanthin Demonstrates Significant Whole Body Benefits

By Dr. Mercola Astaxanthin, which is part of the carotenoid family, is thought to be the most potent antioxidant nature has to offer, and mounting research suggests it has broad-spectrum, system-wide health benefits. It's derived from Haematococcus microalgae, which produces astaxanthin as a protective mechanism to shield the fragile algae from harsh ultraviolet (UV) light and other environmental stressors.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/20/astaxanthin-whole-body-benefits.aspx

Do You Know How to Make Bone Broth and Why You Should?

By Dr. Mercola If you've been conditioned from childhood to eat "chicken soup" to tame a cold or soothe a sore throat, you may be surprised to learn that the broth rivals the chicken and the vegetables in providing the nutrients your body needs to fight infection. Due to its medicinal properties, bone broth is one of the foods I highly recommend, and personally use, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. While restaurants and store fronts dedicated to serving broth have popped up in cities such as New York1,2 and Los Angeles3 in recent years, the influence of bone broth on health and disease is nothing new. Well before it was elevated to a trendy health drink by elite professional athletes, such as NBA star LeBron James and retired NBA icon Kobe Bryant,4 bone broth has been recognized, across cultures and for millennia, for its curative properties. In earlier generations, when it was unthinkable to waste any part of an animal carcass, resourceful hunters and cooks mastered the art of simmer
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/20/how-to-make-bone-broth.aspx

Veggies Work Better Than Drugs for Kidneys

By Dr. Mercola Say you're told you have kidney disease. Knowing these vital organs remove waste and toxins from your system, stimulate the production of red blood cells and regulate your blood pressure, you know you need to do something fast. It's very likely that one of the first things your doctor will do is put you on a regimen of medications. But a new, five-year study just emerged revealing that one of the best things you can do for your kidneys is to eat three or four servings of vegetables and fruits daily. Not only can they help you regain your health but also may help save you money on medical costs, including medication. In fact, eating healthy fruits and vegetables could help cut your drug costs by as much as 50 percent.Eating the Right Foods Improves Your Kidney Function You might be wondering how that works. According to the study at the University of Texas, it starts with a shift in nutrition. Certain foods help you manage your blood pressure better than others and, at t
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/20/foods-good-for-kidneys.aspx

Try This Guilt-Free, Antioxidant-Rich Apple Crumble Recipe Today

Recipe by Dr. Mercola
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/19/apple-crumble-recipe.aspx

Medical Cannabis — A Vastly Underutilized Therapeutic Option?

By Dr. Mercola Cannabis is a vastly underutilized therapeutic option that has been wrongly vilified by U.S. regulatory agencies. In this interview, Dr. Margaret Gedde, a Stanford-trained pathologist and award-winning researcher, discusses the therapeutic value of this plant. While initially focused on the conventional medical model, Gedde eventually transitioned over to holistic, drug-free health care in 2004. At present, she runs an alternative medical practice in Colorado, the home of medical marijuana, as it was one of the first states to widely legalize and apply it. Gedde specializes in the use of cannabis, especially for the use of pain, thereby allowing her patients to get off dangerous drugs like opiates, which have created a public health emergency of massive proportions.Drug Enforcement Administration Just Took a Huge Step Backward We've come a long way in the U.S. when it comes to re-normalizing the use of medicinal marijuana. Unfortunately, the Drug Enforcement Administrat
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/19/medical-cannabis-underutilized-therapeutic-option.aspx

How to Remove Water From Your Ear

By Dr. Mercola Have you ever been swimming (or even in the bathtub), tilted your head the wrong way and gotten that uncomfortable sensation of water entering your ear canal? Often the water will drain out on its own, but if it doesn't, it can get trapped and lead to a condition known as swimmer's ear, aka otitis externa. The sensation is uncomfortable at first — a slightly tickling, eye-watering twinge anywhere from your ear to your jawline and throat, and sound might be muffled. But water isn't the only thing that can exacerbate this problem. Trying to fix the problem in the wrong way using all kinds of instruments to help open up the tubes and perhaps get wax out of the way can make the problem worse or even introduce bacteria that can cause infection. You should not use cotton swabs, pens, bobby pins, crochet needles or even your fingers for this purpose. The trouble is, any of these instruments can cause damage to your ear canal's delicate lining. Don't do it! At the very least,
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/18/remove-water-from-ear.aspx

Insulin, Not Cholesterol, Is the True Culprit in Heart Disease

By Dr. Mercola The video above, "The Fat Emperor: Insulin Versus Cholesterol," features Ivor Cummins, a biochemical engineer with a background in medical device engineering and leading teams in complex problem solving. In 2013, Cummins ran into health problems. His serum ferritin was very high (which is a potent risk factor for heart disease), as were his liver enzymes. After consulting with three different doctors, he realized none of them really understood the root cause of these problems, or how to address them. As a result, he delved into the medical literature, found the problem and reversed his abnormal test results. He also dropped 35 pounds in the process. Eventually, he got more involved in health and began giving lectures such as this one, which was presented at the Low Carb USA Keto Getaway1 in Florida this past January. He also has a website, thefatemperor.com,2 where he notes: "I refer primarily to the 'diet-heart' hypothesis, which proposed that dietary
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/18/insulin-resistance-causes-heart-disease.aspx

Tips and Tricks to Help You Fall Asleep Faster

By Dr. Mercola Sleep deprivation has the same effect on your immune system as physical stress or illness, which helps explain why lack of sleep is tied to an increased risk of numerous chronic diseases, and why working the night shift — or shifts lasting 24 hours or longer without sleeping — can be so detrimental. Sleep is also intricately tied to important hormone levels, including melatonin — a potent antioxidant with powerful anti-cancer activity — which is diminished by lack of sleep. Small adjustments to your daily routine and sleeping area can go a long way to ensure uninterrupted, restful sleep and, thereby, better health. One of the worst things you can do to help you fall asleep is to reach for a sleeping pill. Research shows these drugs really do not work and come with a laundry list of side effects, many of which can be quite serious, including amnesia, depression and an increased risk for accidents. One analysis found that sleeping pills like Ambien, Lunesta and So
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/16/tips-tricks-fall-asleep-faster.aspx

Juniper Berry Oil Will Make You Jump for Joy

What Is Juniper Berry Oil? Juniper (Juniperus communis) is a coniferous evergreen shrub that belongs to the pine family (Cupressaceae) and is commonly found on heaths and mountains in North America, Europe and Southwest Asia.1 In the United States, junipers grow abundantly in the mountainous regions of the Appalachians, as well as in western states such as Arizona, California, New Mexico and Utah.2 The juniper tree can be identified by its stiff and needle-like blue-green leaves, short reddish-brown trunks, small yellow flowers and blue or black fruits or berries (produced by the female trees). The tree can grow anywhere between six to 25 feet high.3 The leaves, which grow in whorls of three on the woody twigs, emit a lemon- or apple-like fragrance when crushed.4 Both the branches and the berries of the leaves have been used since ancient times for medicinal and spiritual purposes. The evergreen tree is also popular as a residential ornament plant, often used in wildlife plantings and
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/16/juniper-berry-oil.aspx

The Subtle Early Signals of Dementia in Someone You Love

By Dr. Mercola Worldwide, 47.5 million people are living with dementia. This is expected to increase to 75.6 million by 2030 and more than triple by 2050, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).1 Dementia is not a disease in itself but rather is a term used to describe a number of different brain illnesses that may affect your memory, thinking, behavior and ability to perform everyday activities. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for 60 percent to 80 percent of cases.2 Many people associate dementia with memory loss — and this is a red flag — however, not all memory problems are due to Alzheimer's (and some causes of dementia-like symptoms, including memory loss, can be reversed, such as those related to thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies).3 If you've noticed yourself or a loved one becoming increasingly forgetful or experiencing changes in thinking abilities, you should see a health care provider right away. Oftentimes, howev
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/16/early-dementia-sign.aspx

The Scary Reason Healthy People Die After an ER Visit

By Dr. Mercola Throughout the U.S., there were over 130 million emergency room (ER) visits in 2013, 12.2 million of which resulted in hospital admission, or just over 9 percent.1 These numbers were a reflection of care prior to the Affordable Care Act that went into effect in 2013.2 By 2015 those numbers were rising, contradicting the prediction that ER visits would decrease with greater access to health care coverage.3 What had not been anticipated were the sheer number of people who would struggle to find a physician. Consequently, more people were being seen in the ER, as wait times to get into a doctor's office may be up to two months. ER visits at Baptist Health in Lexington, Kentucky, rose by 10 percent in 2014 and almost 20 percent in the first months of 2015.4 As the number of ER visits rose, the number of patients requiring immediate attention declined, taking a toll on ER staff and equipment across the country. Has this changed patient outcomes after a visit to the ER? Dr. Z
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/15/reasons-people-die-after-er-visit.aspx

Fumigants and Fast Food Packaging Are a Source of Toxic Fluoride

By Dr. Mercola One of the most common sources of fluoride exposure for Americans is their tap water, as many municipalities still fluoridate their water. But did you know your FOOD may also expose you to fluoride on a regular basis? Not only are certain pesticides fluoridated, such as cryolite,1 food processors may also use sulfuryl fluoride as a direct fumigant on certain foods, and for preventing pests in closed storage structures. Fast food wrappers are yet another source of fluoride, scientists warn. Pesticides and Fumigants May Turn Food Into Source of Fluoride Sulfuryl fluoride, a commonly used fumigant, breaks down to fluoride after application.2 As noted by Fluoridealert.org:3 "Unlike virtually every other western country, the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] does not require that food processors remove food prior to the fumigation. As a result, any food that is being stored in the facility during a structural fumigation will be contaminated with fluoride." According to E
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/15/toxic-fluoride-sources.aspx

Warning: Prilosec Can Cause Serious Stomach Infection

By Dr. Mercola Heartburn medications in the class of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. Once available only by prescription, Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium are three of the PPIs now available over-the-counter. Commonly prescribed to relieve symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion, they have a number of unintended consequences that negatively impact your health. Heartburn occurs when acid refluxes up your esophagus, burning tissue not designed to withstand the lower pH fluid in your stomach. Acid is necessary for digestion, and protects you against bacteria. There are a variety of reasons acid may pass the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and trigger heartburn, but most are related to a hiatal hernia or an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Simple lifestyle changes will often treat occasional heartburn effectively, but chronic pain over many weeks may require making a few more changes. It's important to realize that PPIs may
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/15/ppis-cause-stomach-infection.aspx

CDC Seeks Quarantine Powers

By Dr. Mercola The federal government’s legal authority to detain and quarantine persons infected with certain highly communicable and deadly infectious diseases historically primarily has involved detaining people entering the U.S. by boats and airplanes or traveling across state lines. Federal government officials have long had the authority to apprehend, isolate and quarantine people for a limited number of infectious diseases on the U.S. quarantine list.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/14/cdc-seeks-quarantine-powers.aspx

Monsanto’s Roundup Must Carry Cancer Warning Label, Judge Decrees

By Dr. Mercola In March, 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), reclassified glyphosate as a "probable carcinogen" (Class 2A).1,2 The decision was based on "limited evidence" showing the weed killer can cause non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and lung cancer in humans, along with "convincing evidence" linking it to cancer in animals. The IARC is considered the global gold standard for carcinogenicity studies, so its determination was of considerable importance. It's also one of the five research agencies from which the OEHHA — the California agency of environmental hazards — gets its reports to declare carcinogens under Prop 65. Monsanto has vigorously pursued a retraction of the IARC's damning report,3 to prevent California from pursuing a cancer warning on Roundup and other, newer weed killers in the pipeline, designed for use on the company's latest genetically engineered (GE) crops. Monsanto Forced to Put Cance
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/14/monsantos-roundup-cancer-warning-label.aspx

EPA Sued for Mercury Policy

By Dr. Mercola Many people are not aware that, in the U.S., dental offices are the single largest source of mercury at sewage treatment plants.1 When dentists discharge mercury from amalgam fillings (also known, misleadingly, as “silver” fillings) down the drains in their offices, it accumulates in the environment, including in seafood intended for human consumption. As a neurotoxin, mercury in the environment is dangerous for everyone, but poses a particularly grave risk for pregnant women, babies and children, in whom it can seriously disrupt brain function and harm the nervous system. There was a ray of hope, however, when, in December, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that would restrict dentists' mercury discharges. After more than a decade of debating the issue and an additional five years of delays, the EPA finally finalized requirements for dentists placing or removing amalgam to install amalgam separators to reduce their mercury discha
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/14/epa-sued-mercury-policy.aspx

Fermented Foods May Be a Key Component of an Anti-Cancer Diet

By Dr. Mercola Slowly but surely, scientists are increasingly starting to focus on the influence of nutrition on cancer. Mounting evidence supports the notion that a diet high in healthy fats and low in net carbohydrates (total carbs minus fiber, i.e. non-fiber carbs) may significantly lower your risk by improving mitochondrial and metabolic function. Fermented foods are also gaining recognition as an important anti-cancer adjunct. The beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods have been shown particularly effective for suppressing colon cancer, but may also inhibit cancers of the breast, liver, small intestine and other organs. For example, butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid created when microbes ferment dietary fiber in your gut, has been shown to induce programmed cell death of colon cancer cells,1 and cultured milk products may reduce your risk of bladder cancer by about 29 percent.2Cultured Raw Milk Does Your Body Good In the case of cultured dairy, lactobcillus and bifidobacte
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/13/fermented-foods-anti-cancer-diet.aspx

Cold Soup Can Enhance Your Health

By Dr. Mercola If you live in much of the U.S., a warm bowl of soup is wonderfully warming and heartening in the chilly months of fall and winter, but when spring and summer arrive, something lighter and cooler seems much more appealing. Soups contain numerous vitamins, minerals and valuable micronutrients contained in the veggies, fruits, nuts, herbs and spices that nourish your body. The perfect way to resolve the lack-of-soup dilemma is easy: cold soup. Fresh ingredient blends can liven up traditional gazpachos and ho-hum vichyssoises to pique your imagination. Cold soups (usually) incorporate raw vegetables that can be diced or otherwise put together using a blender or food processor without heating your stovetop, oven or kitchen. It's one of the most nutritious and convenient aspects of cold soup; these modern contraptions render produce the ultimate "fast food." Soups of any temperature are a nutritious way of preparing vegetables because the entire essence is consumed rather th
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/13/cold-soup.aspx

Get the Most From Your Green Tea

By Dr. Mercola If you’ve ever found it curious how devoted the English, Chinese and East Indians seem to be about keeping their tea times (not tee times), you might be interested to know that it often goes far beyond simple enjoyment and R & R. It’s often just as much about the health benefits, which can relate to better health and longer life. One of the most interesting paradoxes regarding tea, especially matcha green tea, is that it can soothe, calm and relax you while simultaneously intensifying your alertness. One reason green tea is so good for you is because of its incredibly potent antioxidants. Like many fruits and berries, green tea contains high amounts of polyphenols, particularly a catechin known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). This most predominant antioxidant offers 25 to 100 times more antioxidant activity than even vitamins C and E.1 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA),2 Alzheimer’s disease3 and cancer, particularly prostate cancer,4 for instance, are all diseases t
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/13/green-tea-remarkable-benefits.aspx

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

By Dr. Mercola
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/12/spaghetti-squash.aspx

The Healing Platform: Build Your Own Cure

By Dr. Mercola Cancer is a disease that most people either have personal experience with, or know someone who does. In this interview, Annie Brandt — herself a 16-year cancer survivor and author of "The Healing Platform: Build Your Own Cure!"— shares some of the support detailed in her book, which can give anyone challenged with cancer access to valuable resources. We first met last year at Dr. Lee Cowden's ACIM Conquering Cancer conference in Orlando. Brandt is also the coordinator of the Answers for Cancer Summit, an international cancer conference that will include many great speakers. It's scheduled for April 27 through April 29, 2017, in San Diego, California. You can purchase tickets on bestanswerforcancer.org. From my perspective, a foundational strategy for anyone concerned about cancer is to address your diet. That's my passion, and it got reignited once I understood that cancer is not a genetic, but a metabolic disease, primarily rooted in mitochondrial dysfunction. In f
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/12/cancer-build-your-own-cure.aspx

10 Things You Should Never Put Down the Drain

By Dr. Mercola Your kitchen sink consistently rates as one of the dirtiest places in your home. According to NSF International, a public health and safety organization, your dishrag and kitchen sink top the list of places in your home with the most germs.1 Even worse than the bathroom or toilet seat, your sink is the ideal place for illness-causing microbes to thrive. Your kitchen sink may be a source of frustration when it becomes clogged, or may be an area through which you inadvertently are polluting the environment. The plumbing in your home may seem like a mystery since it's usually hidden behind walls and under the sink. However, once you understand how it works in your home, and how it's treated when it leaves your house, you'll have a greater ability to maintain your plumbing pipes and reduce your impact on environmental pollution.How Plumbing Works The plumbing in your home is a little like the arteries and veins that transport nutrients and oxygen around your body. The term
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/11/never-put-these-10-items-down-the-drain.aspx

Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts

By Dr. Mercola Alzheimer’s disease has grown to be one of the most pressing and tragic public health issues facing the U.S. With no known cure and the number of people affected expected to triple by 2050, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that by mid-century someone in the U.S will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds.1 In the documentary above, “Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts,” you can see firsthand the steep social and economic consequences of this disease, along with its ability to completely overwhelm not only the patient but also their caregivers. Families dealing with this disease are families in crisis. “This ‘tsunami’ of Alzheimer’s will not only be a profound human tragedy, but an overwhelming economic one as well. Due to the length of time people live with the illness and need care, it’s the most expensive medical condition in the U.S.,” the film’s website explains, adding:2 “Future costs for Alzheimer’s threaten to bankrupt Medica
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/11/alzheimers-every-minute-counts-documentary.aspx

Meditation Actually Alleviates Stress

By Dr. Mercola Stress is one of the biggest challenges facing U.S. adults, with many reporting that stress has a negative impact on their mental and physical health. The American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2015 Stress in America survey further revealed that a sizable portion of adults do not feel they are doing enough to manage their stress.1 Nearly half of Americans said they engage in stress-management activities just a few times a month or less (and 18 percent said they never do). Others (nearly 40 percent) report overeating or eating unhealthy foods as a result of stress, while 46 percent said they lie awake at night because their stress levels are so high.2 Needless to say, a simple, inexpensive tool to help manage stress would be invaluable for stress-out adults in need of a reprieve — especially one that can be practiced virtually anytime, anywhere. Such tools do exist — they’re called meditation and mindfulness — and now we have new research affirming their si
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/09/meditation-alleviates-stress.aspx

Cleanse Your Mind, Body and Soul With the Fragrance of Frangipani Oil

What Is Frangipani Oil? Frangipani oil comes from frangipani, also known as plumeria, a member of the Apocynaceae (Dogbane family). The plant is related to oleander (Nerium oleander) and has different species that can be distinguished by their differently shaped leaves and growing habits. The tree is native to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America — a beautiful but fast and easy growing plant that is commonly seen in gardens and temples.1 Plumeria flowers are large, fragrant and red and bloom during summer and fall. Other varieties produce flowers that are yellow and white.2 Frangipani oil has a strong, rich, heady and exotic fragrance that makes it valuable in perfumery. Some may even describe the scent as “romantic.” The oil is either clear or pale yellow and is slightly viscous. Uses of Frangipani Oil Frangipani flowers, and the tree itself, are known for their beauty and the decorative appeal they add to yards and gardens. In Hawaii, plumeria blooms are popularly used to
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/09/frangipani-oil.aspx

Sauna Therapy May Reduce Risk of Dementia and Boost Brain Health

By Dr. Mercola When it comes to improving your health, some of the simplest strategies can have a tremendous impact. Sweating in a sauna, for example, has many great health benefits, including expelling of toxins, improving blood circulation, killing disease-causing microbes and improving mitochondrial function. Research has even shown that regular sauna use correlates with a reduced risk of death from any cause, including lethal cardiovascular events, and may help stave off Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Sauna Bathing Promotes Brain Health Most recently, researchers in Finland — a country where most homes come equipped with a sauna — found that men who used a sauna four to seven times a week for an average length of 15 minutes had a 66 percent lower risk of developing dementia, and 65 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s, compared to men who used the sauna only once a week.1 More than 2,300 middle-aged men were followed for more than two decades in this study, and the results
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/09/benefits-of-sauna-therapy.aspx

The Case Against Charred Foods and Why Potato Salad May Be the Healthiest Way to Eat Potatoes

By Dr. Mercola In 2002, researchers discovered a cancer-causing and potentially neurotoxic chemical called acrylamide is created when carbohydrate-rich foods are cooked at high temperatures, whether baked, fried, roasted, grilled or toasted. Acrylamide is the byproduct of a chemical reaction between sugars and the amino acid asparagine, which occurs at high temperatures. While the chemical can form in many foods cooked or processed at temperatures above 250 degrees F (120 degrees C), carbohydrate-rich foods are by far the most vulnerable.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/08/acrylamide-in-food-cancer-risk.aspx

Gout: Why You Need to Be Careful of Conventional Medical Advice

By Dr. Mercola Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis, more commonly diagnosed among men. The prevalence of the condition is growing in the U.S. today. What used to be found almost exclusively in men over 40 now affects both young and old, men and women, thin and overweight people. The nickname, “disease of kings” was given to the condition as it usually affected men who overindulged in rich foods and alcohol. King Henry VIII of England, Alexander the Great, Michelangelo, Christopher Columbus and Benjamin Franklin are just some of the historical figures who suffered from gout. The prevalence of the condition has risen over the past two decades, now affecting 4 percent of Americans or 8.3 million people.1 Researchers associate rising prevalence to the increasing number of people who are overweight and hypertensive. However, while it is a common condition, doctors and researchers have not come to a consensus about treatment. Confounding the issue is the relationship between doctor
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/08/gout-treatment.aspx