When Motherhood Leads to Depression

By Dr. Mercola The video above shares a tragic story of a new mother, Allison Goldstein, with a seemingly picture-perfect life, who took her own life after losing a battle with postpartum depression. The story is particularly poignant because she was otherwise a happy, normal and healthy woman, one who gave her family and friends no red flags or cause for concern after her daughter was born. While regularly checking in with her parents and sister, and showing no outward signs of her inner turmoil, she checked her 4-month-old daughter into day care and then committed suicide — the No. 1 cause of death among women in the first year postpartum, according to an NBC 12 News report. If it could happen to Allison, her mother said, it could happen to anyone, which is why it’s so important to be aware of postpartum depression and what to do if you or a loved one is struggling. What Is Postpartum Depression? While up to 80 percent of new moms experience what’s known as the “baby blues
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/01/motherhood-depression.aspx

Tips and Tricks to Resolve Common Sleep Problems

By Dr. Mercola The importance of sleep is widely ignored and the cost rarely considered, even though it includes everything from reduced work productivity and increased risk of serious accidents to psychological deterioration and physiological dysfunction. The proof is quite clear: You destroy your health if you regularly ignore your body's need for sleep to repair and recharge. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that lack of sleep is a public health epidemic, noting that insufficient sleep has been linked to a wide variety of health problems. Skyrocketing rates of insomnia among service members in the U.S. military could even affect operational readiness, a recent study warns.1 Over the past decade, insomnia among military service members has quadrupled, and sleep apnea has risen fivefold. As for how much sleep you need, research shows most adults need right around eight hours of sleep each night for optimal health and disease prevention. Children and teen
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/01/tips-tricks-to-address-common-sleep-problems.aspx

Carry Your Stress Away With Caraway Oil

Legend has it that tucking a caraway seed with any valuable object will help prevent it from being stolen from you. Another belief is that the plant helps keep lovers from losing interest in each other. These are interesting superstitions, but if you want to take full advantage of caraway's properties here's a great idea: Use caraway oil. Read on to learn more about this essential oil's uses and benefits. What Is Caraway Oil? Caraway essential oil comes from the seeds of the caraway plant or carum (Carum carvi or Apium carvi), a member of the Umbelliferae family, which also includes anise, dill, cumin and fennel. It is a biennial herb that originated in Asia Minor, but is now cultivated widely in Africa, Northern Europe, and Russia.1 Caraway can be identified by its smooth, furrowed stems that grow 1 1/2 to 2 feet high, tender-soft, fern-like leaves and white or pink flowers that bloom in June. The fruits, which are actually called "seeds," are curved and laterally compressed, with a
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/01/caraway-oil.aspx

Why Screening and Commonly Prescribed Thyroid Drugs Often Fail to Relieve Symptoms

By Dr. Mercola Your thyroid gland, located in the front of your neck, influences almost every cell in your body. Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, and are required for growth and development in children and nearly every physiological process in your body. When your thyroid levels are unbalanced, it can spell trouble for your overall health and wellness. Evidence suggests nearly 60 percent of people with suboptimal thyroid function are unaware of their condition.1 While prevalent, it is often easily treatable and may reverse symptoms of other health conditions. Poor thyroid function is linked to health conditions such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, gum disease and autoimmune disorders. Symptoms of low function and the health conditions affected by low levels are varied, as the hormone is used throughout your body. Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have low thyroid function and 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder in her lifetime.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/31/screening-thyroid-drugs-often-fail-to-relieve-symptoms.aspx

Buyer Beware: Soaps and Sanitizers May Increase Absorption of Dangerous BPA

By Dr. Mercola Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical found in countless personal care and plastic products, including the lining of canned goods, nonstick food containers, water bottles and even cashier's receipts. It was first created in 1891, but didn't appear in manufactured products until the 1950s. Although the American Chemistry Council, an industry trade group, has consistently insisted BPA is safe,1,2 this is contrary to the weight of evidence. The chemical has been banned from use in sippy cups and other baby products due to potential health risks to infants.3 Manufacturers prize BPA as an additive to plastics as it makes the final product more resilient and often transparent. BPA resins are also used to keep metal from corroding. It's used in an estimated 75 percent of canned goods sold in the U.S. Despite strong scientific evidence of negative health effects, and relentless health advocacy group work to remove the chemical, the industry was valued at over $1
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/31/soaps-sanitizers-may-increase-bpa-absorption.aspx

Why Managing Your Iron Level Is Crucial to Your Health

By Dr. Mercola Iron is essential for human life, as it:1 Forms hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells), as iron binds to oxygen and provides it to tissues for their metabolic needs Is a key component of various proteins, as well as enzymes that catalyze cellular oxidation reactions Helps regulate cell growth and differentiation Helps maintain your brain function, metabolism and endocrine function Is involved in energy production and immune function Having either too much or too little iron can have serious health consequences and, while iron-deficiency anemia is commonly checked for, many doctors are still seriously misinformed about the dangers of iron overload, which is actually a far more common problem. In fact, most men and postmenopausal women are at risk for iron overload due to inefficient iron excretion, since they do not bleed on a regular basis and blood loss is the primary way to lower excess iron, as the body has no active excretion mechanisms. There's also an inherit
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/31/managing-iron-levels.aspx

Shocking New Low in Vaccine Debate — Boston Herald Calls for Violence Against Those Who Question Vaccine Safety

By Dr. Mercola The vaccine industry, public health organizations and many media outlets parroting the pre-established talking points insist that the science on vaccines is settled: Vaccines are safe and the childhood vaccination schedule is scientifically sound. End of story. According to some, the matter is so settled that anyone questioning the data or pointing out inconsistencies and/or research showing harm should be executed as punishment for “lying.” This despicable call for violence came from editorial staff at the Boston Herald. The whole nasty mess started with a measles outbreak in Minnesota, the blame for which has been placed on a large Somali community where vaccination rates have declined in recent years due to parents’ concerns about vaccine safety.Measles Outbreak Blamed on Unvaccinated Somalis According to reports, of the 51 documented measles cases in Minnesota, 47 were unvaccinated; 46 were Somali. In all, only 42 percent of the Somali population in Minnesota
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/30/boston-herald-calls-for-violence-against-vaccine-safety.aspx

Antibiotic Resistance Is Accelerating Near Pharmaceutical Factories

By Dr. Mercola Nearly half of Americans took at least one prescription drug in the past 30 days,1 but chances are most of them did not give much thought to where those drugs came from. Unbeknownst to many, most drugs taken by Americans are not made in the U.S. but, rather, come from bulk drug manufacturing facilities in places like China and India. Hyderabad, India, is one particularly prolific city for these bulk drug manufacturers, producing 50 percent of India's drug exports.2 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other international regulatory bodies like the European Medicines Agency require such manufacturers to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure drug safety, but there is a glaring omission from these guidelines: They do not consider the environment. As such, massive amounts of pharmaceutical waste — perhaps thousands of tons a day — are entering waterways near the facilities and, according to new research published in the journal Infection, result
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/30/antibiotic-resistance-accelerating-near-pharmaceutical-factories.aspx

Roundup Gave Us Cancer

By Dr. Mercola More than 800 people with cancer are suing Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, over claims the glyphosate-based herbicide made them ill — and Monsanto did little to warn the public, despite knowing cancer risks existed.1 In 2015, glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, was determined to be a "probable carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is the research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), rather than taking immediate steps to protect Americans from this probable cancer-causing agent, decided to reassess its position on the chemical and, after doing so, released a paper in October 2015 stating that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.2 In April 2016, the EPA posted the report online, briefly, before pulling it and claiming it was not yet final and posted by mistake. The paper was signed by Jess Rowland (among other EPA officials), who at the
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/30/roundup-causes-cancer.aspx

Surprise! Everything You've Been Told About Salt Is Wrong

By Dr. Mercola Do you believe high amounts of salt provoke thirst and contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease? If so, you're likely wrong. Studies have consistently failed to support either of these notions, showing the converse is actually true. Here's a summary of findings that may surprise you: • Eating large amounts of salt will not make you thirsty or cause greater urine output (which could lead to dehydration). A study1 involving Russian cosmonauts reveal eating more salt actually lowered their thirst — yet increased hunger.2,3 Recent animal research4 support these results, showing a high-salt diet resulted in increased metabolism, forcing the animals to eat 25 percent more calories just to maintain weight. This suggests salt may have a surprising influence on your weight • Evidence shows having the correct potassium to sodium balance influences your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease to a far greater extent than high sodium alone, and processed foo
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/29/salt-health-effects.aspx

Eat More Yogurt and Avoid Osteoporosis

By Dr. Mercola If someone asked you who invented yogurt and how long it’s been on the foodie landscape, you may not know the answer, so I’ll tell you. Yogurt was probably one of the first-ever “processed” foods, as it was created as a happy accident somewhere in Central Asia as early as the Neolithic Age, 4,500 years before the Common Era, aka the Christian Era. If you’ve ever wondered how humans survived those prehistoric epochs, yogurt consumption may help explain it. As a cultured milk product, we’ve known for some time it helps balance your intestinal bacteria for digestive health, but new research reveals it also has advantages for your bones. In fact, the research showed a yogurt-inclusive diet increased bone density and lowered osteoporosis risk. Yogurt, you may remember, is actually fermented milk. You could even call it edible bacteria, which is surprisingly easy to make if you have a few key ingredients and the right conditions. It may help your gut develop a hea
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/29/yogurt-lowers-osteoporosis-risk.aspx

Are Bay Leaves Good for You?

By Dr. Mercola You’ve probably seen cooking shows or read cookbooks that recommended removing the bay leaves you added to your spaghetti sauce or other savory dish. But why put them in if you’re just going to take them out? One enterprising chef said if you really want an answer to that question, throw a couple into a pot of water to simmer for a while, then taste it, and it will emit a fairly heady essence of camphor. Serious Eats continues: “Taste it after five minutes and you'll probably get a good hit of menthol and eucalyptus (think: Vick's VapoRub). That's the chemical eugenol you're smelling, and it's the biggest constituent in the bay leaf's flavor arsenal of more than 50 compounds.”1 But after an hour or so of “steeping” a bay leaf or two in your recipe, the mucus-loosening menthol notes dissipate into something softer and more complex. The suggestion of depth may not be identified at first tasting, but bay leaves lend subtle warmth and piq
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/29/bay-leaves.aspx

Dirty Electricity — Stealth Trigger of Disease Epidemics and Lowered Life Expectancy

By Dr. Mercola Did you know that a significant percentage of the diseases we now face is related to an artifact of electricity? In this interview, Dr. Sam Milham, author of ”Dirty Electricity: Electrification and the Diseases of Civilization,” explains the health hazards of dirty electricity or electromagnetic interference (EMI). Milham is a physician and an epidemiologist, and has spent decades (he’s now 85 years old) doing pioneering research in this field. In his book, he details the extensive journey he took to uncover the link between dirty electricity and human disease. In a nutshell, dirty electricity, or more accurately stated, EMI, impacts your biology, specifically your mitochondrial function, which we’ve now come to appreciate is at the heart of virtually all chronic disease. What Is Dirty Electricity? Sunlight is a natural or native form of electromagnetic frequency (EMF). There are also four basic non-native or artificial EMF exposures: magnetic, artificial light,
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/28/dirty-electricity.aspx

This Crunchy Coleslaw Recipe Makes a Perfect Side Dish for Your Next Gathering

Recipe by Dr. Mercola
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/28/crunchy-coleslaw-recipe.aspx

You Really Don't Need to Drink Eight Glasses of Water Each Day

By Dr. Mercola The common mantra that you need to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to stay healthy and hydrated may be one of the biggest health myths out there. While drinking pure water as your primary beverage is undoubtedly one of the most important cornerstones of health, there’s a misconception that you need to be chugging down water all day to stay well. In fact, a report from The National Academy of Sciences concluded that most Americans are not walking around dehydrated on a regular basis. They noted, “The vast majority of healthy people adequately meet their daily hydration needs by letting thirst be their guide.”1 The report added that while 80 percent of Americans’ total water intake comes from water and other beverages (including caffeinated beverages like coffee, which do “count” in your total fluid intake, contrary to popular belief), 20 percent comes from the food you eat. Is There Scientific Basis for 8x8? The recommendation to drink eight 8-ounc
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/27/drink-8-glasses-of-water-myth.aspx

Can You Really Get Fit in Six Minutes Per Week?

By Dr. Mercola You’ve probably heard that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can significantly cut the time needed in the gym, but just how little can you get away with? Could you actually get fit in as little as six minutes per week? The featured ABC Catalyst program investigates this claim. A significant piece of the puzzle relates to how HIIT affects your mitochondria, tiny organelles found in most of your cells, responsible for production of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Your mitochondria have a series of proteins in the electron transport chain, in which they pass electrons from the reduced form of a metabolized portion of the food you eat to combine it with oxygen from the air you breathe and ultimately form water. As noted in the featured program, the more mitochondria you have and the healthier they are, the more energy your body can generate and the lower your risk of chronic disease. Disturbingly, research suggests half of people under the age of
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/27/get-fit-in-six-minutes-per-week.aspx

How to Grow Your Own Superfood — Tips for Growing Kale

By Dr. Mercola Kale1 — a well-recognized "superfood" — is rich in healthy fiber and antioxidants, and is one of the best sources of vitamin A, which promotes eye and skin health and may help strengthen your immune system, and vitamin K. A 1-cup serving has almost as much vitamin C as an orange and as much calcium as a cup of milk. It's also an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin (which help protect against macular degeneration), indole-3-carbinol (thought to protect against colon cancer by aiding DNA repair), iron and chlorophyll. One serving of kale also contains 2 grams of protein, 121 milligrams (mg) of plant-based omega-3 fats, 92 mg of omega-6, and — like meat — all nine essential amino acids needed to form proteins in your body, plus nine nonessential ones for a total of 18. Studies suggest kale can help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol while raising HDLs, lowering your risk for heart disease. Kale has also been shown to provide "comprehensive support" f
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/26/growing-kale.aspx

How to Grow Delicious Dill

By Dr. Mercola Dill is an uncommonly versatile perennial herb. If you enjoy growing dill and using it in your recipes, you already know that, but many people, upon tasting the deliciously light, savory flavor in salads, sandwiches or soups, wonder what it is and want more. Of course, many identify dill (Anethum graveolens) with the hamburger pickles of the same name. That's how famous dill is; a pickle is even named after the herb that made it famous! When you sprinkle on a little fresh dill, "plain old" takes on a whole new level of panache. Cottage cheese and eggs, for example, adopt a warm, distinctive essence. And many people may be familiar with the classic cucumber tea sandwiches made by mixing dill weed with cream cheese. You can also whip up a dill sauce to top wild-caught fish, tender-crisp veggies or salad. Once you've tried it, you won't want it any other way. While it's possible to purchase fragrant dill fronds or "starts" from farmers markets and grocery stores, the fresh
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/26/growing-dill.aspx

Cannabis May Help Rejuvenate the Aging Brain and Ward Off Dementia

By Dr. Mercola Regardless of your views on the pros and cons of recreational marijuana, the body of scientific evidence about its medicinal value is getting more compelling as additional research is done. The cannabinoids in cannabis — cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — interact with your body by way of naturally-occurring cannabinoid receptors embedded in cell membranes throughout your body. In fact, scientists now believe the endocannabinoid system may represent the most widespread receptor system in your body.1 There are cannabinoid receptors in your brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, immune system and more, and both the therapeutic and psychoactive properties of marijuana occur when a cannabinoid activates a cannabinoid receptor. Your body actually makes its own cannabinoids, similar to those found in marijuana, albeit in much smaller quantities than you get from the plant. The fact that your body is replete with cannabinoid receptors, key to so many biological func
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/25/cannabis-help-aging-brain-dementia.aspx

Health Benefits of Family Meal Time

By Dr. Mercola Finding time to eat meals together as a family is a simple way to improve your family bond and, beyond that, reap significant benefits to your health and quality of life. Contrary to popular belief, many American families do make the time for family meals. A Gallup Poll revealed that 53 percent of adults with children younger than 18 years say they eat dinner together at home six or seven nights a week. This averages out to 5.1 dinners together as a family per week.1 If your schedule or lifestyle currently does not allow for family meal times (remember that the benefits are gleaned by eating together at any time of day, even breakfast or lunch), tweaking your activities, work schedule and meal planning to do so will pay off in spades. Why Eat Together as a Family? Writing in the Archives of Iranian Medicine, researchers described family dinner as a “proxy of family connectedness,” one that may influence mental health.2 In fact, children who ate dinner together five
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/25/family-meal-time-benefits.aspx

Lilac Oil: More Than Just for Fragrance

What Is Lilac Oil? Lilac (Syringa) can refer to any of about 25 species of fragrant and beautiful garden shrubs and trees from the family Oleaceae. This plant is native to Eastern Europe and the temperate regions of Asia and are known to be hardy, easy-to-grow and low maintenance plants. The common lilac, S. vulgaris, is the most popular and grows in temperate regions all over the world.1 The lilac plant has deep green leaves, leathery capsule-like fruits and oval clusters of colorful blooms. These flowers can come in different colors, such as purple, lavender, red, pink, creamy yellow and white. The plant can grow between 5 and 15 feet tall. Lilac oil is usually pale purple, with a refreshing floral scent. A word of caution: Some lilac oils have synthetic fragrances that imitate the fragrance of lilacs, as the flowers actually cannot be distilled to make an essential oil. Uses of Lilac Oil The medicinal uses of lilac oil began in the 19th century. In America, it was used as a vermifu
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/25/lilac-oil.aspx

Cotton Swabs Send Dozens of Kids to the ER Every Day

By Dr. Mercola If you are using a cotton swab to clean out your ears, you're certainly not alone. But, contrary to popular belief, cleaning your ears is not only unnecessary, it is potentially damaging to your ear canal. It can be particularly dangerous for children. Inside your ears are tiny little hairs that help keep your ear canal clean of debris and wax. In fact, when left alone, wax in your ear will naturally migrate out where it can easily be wiped away. However, sticking a foreign object in your ear, like a cotton swab, poses a potential risk to your hearing. You could potentially damage the thin skin in the canal and/or the tiny bones in your middle ear (ossicles) that transmit sound. Recent research has discovered that nearly three dozen children are seen every day in emergency rooms (ER) across the U.S. after damaging their ear canals or ear drum with a foreign object, most frequently a cotton swab. What’s Behind the Drum? In this short video you’ll see the outer ear st
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/24/cotton-swab-ear-injury.aspx

Common Pain Relievers Are Causing Heart Attacks

By Dr. Mercola Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed extensively throughout the world. In the U.S., nearly 70 million prescriptions are written and 30 billion doses are consumed each year when over-the-counter NSAIDs are included.1 In many cases NSAIDs are prescribed to treat back pain, headaches, menstrual pain and arthritis. While most consider the medication innocuous, the truth is that by conservative estimates over 105,000 people are hospitalized each year from the side effects of NSAIDs and over 16,000 of those die.2 Side effects from long-term use of NSAIDs range from hearing loss to gastrointestinal bleeding. Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote for NSAID poisoning, which may lead to metabolic acidosis, multisystem organ failure and death.3 Research has now discovered side effects from NSAIDs may occur even with short-term use, increasing your risk of a heart attack in the first week to month if you take the medication consistently.4 The U.S. Foo
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/24/common-pain-relievers-heart-attack-risk.aspx

Top Four Household Factors That Can Influence Your Cancer Risk

By Dr. Mercola The fact that toxic exposures will influence your risk for disease and early death should come as no surprise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), toxic environments are responsible for at least 1 of every 4 deaths reported worldwide.1 Recent research2 also reveals the greater your total pollution exposure, the higher your risk for cancer. As reported by Reuters:3 "While … previous research has linked individual pollutants to increased risks of specific types of cancer, the current study focused on how the combined effect of exposure to a variety of environmental contaminants may influence the risk of tumors … Compared to counties with the highest environmental quality, counties that ranked the lowest had an average of 39 more cancer cases each year for every 100,000 residents. 'We do not experience exposures in a vacuum but rather are exposed to several exposures at any one time,' said lead study author Jyotsna Jagai, [Ph.D.,] of the University of Ill
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/24/household-toxic-pollution-sources.aspx

The War on Chiropractic Must End to Improve Painkiller Addiction

By Dr. Mercola In the U.S., painkiller addiction is so rampant that 91 Americans die every day from an overdose of prescription opioids or heroin.1 Prescription opioids such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine and methadone are widely prescribed for pain relief. Initially, they were intended to treat severe pain following surgery or injury or pain due to illnesses such as cancer. However, they're now increasingly prescribed for many types of pain, including chronic back pain or pain from osteoarthritis. Opioid prescriptions nearly quadrupled in the U.S. between 1999 and 2013, despite reported pain levels remaining stagnant. Meanwhile, the CDC reports, "Deaths from prescription opioids — drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone and methadone — have more than quadrupled since 1999," rising right along with the numbers of prescriptions.2 The problem with opioids is that many people start taking them for mild to moderate pain, only to develop a tolerance, which means yo
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/23/chiropractic-care-for-chronic-pain.aspx

Fluoridated Water Destroys Your Brain and Teeth

By Dr. Mercola In the U.S., water fluoridation has been widespread for the last 70 years. Despite the fact that clear-cut evidence suggests consuming fluoride is dangerous to human health and does little to protect teeth from cavities, it continues to be supported and recommended by nearly all public health and academic institutions. This includes the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Academy of Pediatrics, U.S. Public Health Service and the World Health Organization (WHO). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even went so far as to name water fluoridation as one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century. Meanwhile, the evidence continues to stack up against this archaic practice, with federal data now showing more than half of U.S. kids may be suffering ill effects from consuming too much fluoride. Most US Kids Have Fluoride-Damaged Teeth According to research presented at the April 2017 National Oral Health Conference in Albuquer
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/23/fluoridated-water-destroys-brain-teeth.aspx

How Cellphones Can Cause Brain Tumors and Trigger Chronic Disease

By Dr. Mercola As I discuss in this video, the debate over whether cellphone exposure causes brain tumors may be counterproductive. Think about the number of people you know who carry and use cellphones daily. According to the United Nations more people worldwide have cellphones than have access to toilets.1 While nearly everyone you know carries a cellphone, and probably has for a decade or more, it’s likely you don’t know anyone who has a brain tumor. Every year approximately 80,000 U.S. men, women and children are diagnosed with a brain tumor.2 In comparison, 787,000 people die each year from heart disease.3 The relative rarity of brain cancer may lead you to believe that your cellphone is safe. After all, when 91 percent of the adult population of the U.S. carries a cellphone4 and less than 0.02 percent5 develop a brain tumor, it may appear that using a cellphone is benign. However, the primary pathology behind cellphone damage is not related specifically to brain tumors, or e
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/23/cellphones-cause-brain-tumors-trigger-chronic-disease.aspx

How Important Is It to Calculate Net Carbs?

By Dr. Mercola When people sit down to enjoy a meal or snack, most have no idea what vitamins, minerals or other nutritional aspects the food contains, or the amounts. Often, when such individuals resolve to lose or maintain their weight, they read ingredient labels to see if they can figure out how they’re doing. The Atkins Diet, designed to limit sugar and carb intake for this purpose, says to figure the net carbs, start with the grams of carbohydrates listed on food labels, subtract the dietary fiber, then subtract the sugar alcohol if applicable. That’s backed up by Mother Nature Network, but goes further: “Net carbs is a calculation representing mostly just the starches and sugars in a food after some fiber and sugar alcohol contents have been subtracted. Some types of carbohydrates do not affect blood sugar in the body as much as others, so the thought is that net carbs only account for carbs that affect blood sugar.”1 Mother Nature Network maintains that the key to calc
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/22/importance-of-calculating-net-carbs.aspx

Resveratrol Improves Arteries

By Dr. Mercola New evidence confirms that the antioxidant compound resveratrol, found in raspberries, mulberries and other dark berries, pomegranates, red wine, dark chocolate and the skin of red grapes, may improve blood vessels in people with type 2 diabetes.1 Resveratrol works by relaxing the stiffness that occurs with atherosclerosis, known as hardening of the arteries — a serious health concern because this condition can increase your stroke and heart attack risks. WebMD, which said the study results should be considered preliminary until its publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal, quoted lead researcher Dr. Naomi Hamburg, chief of the vascular biology section at Boston University School of Medicine, who explained: "In treatment with resveratrol among people with diabetes, there was a trend toward improvement in the stiffness. And in people with higher stiffness, there was more of a benefit."2 Arteries tend to stiffen as people age, leading to an increased heart disease
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/22/resveratrol-health-benefits.aspx

The Case Against Beans and Other Foods Containing Toxic Lectins

By Dr. Mercola While whole foods are healthy, there are certain caveats to consider even here. Lectins (not to be confused with the phospholipid lecithin) are carbohydrate-binding proteins that are widespread in the plant kingdom. An estimated 30 percent of fresh foods contain lectins.1 Even dairy contains lectins. Grass fed butter is an exception. Grass fed milk is also lower in lectins than grain-fed milk, thanks to higher amounts of SlgA, an immunoglobulin that binds to lectins.2 Lectins get their name from the Latin word legere, from which the word "select" derives — and that is exactly what they do: They select (attach to) specific biological structures that allow them to do harm, as part of the plant’s self-defense mechanism. It’s nature’s ingenious way of keeping natural enemies like fungi and insects at bay. Unfortunately, some of these glycoproteins may also cause trouble in humans. Lectins were first discovered in castor bean casings, which contain the lectin ricin.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/22/beans-toxic-lectin-rich-foods.aspx

Energy-Boosting Coconut Green Tea

Recipe From My Longevity Kitchen
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/21/coconut-green-tea-recipe.aspx

Basic Introduction to Metabolic Mitochondrial Therapy

By Dr. Mercola Modern food manufacturing processes have utterly failed at improving health and increasing longevity. The evidence is both clear and overwhelming: Cyclical net carbohydrate intake is the primary factor that determines your body's fat ratio, and processed grains and sugars (particularly fructose) are the primary culprits behind our skyrocketing obesity, diabetes and chronic disease rates. Today, two-thirds of the American population are overweight or obese;1 1 in 5 deaths is obesity-related;2 half have pre-diabetes, diabetes or other chronic illness;3 and 1 in 3 women and half of all men will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. There’s an answer to all of these terrible health trends, and it all starts with the nutritional composition of your diet. Most people simply eat far too many processed foods, net carbs and too few healthy fats, and too many unhealthy fats, which results in gaining and retaining extra body fat and becoming increasingly insulin resista
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/21/metabolic-mitochondrial-therapy-introduction.aspx

‘Before the Flood’ — A Global Exploration for Answers to Climate Change

By Dr. Mercola In the National Geographic film, "Before the Flood," actor, environmental activist and United Nations messenger Leonardo DiCaprio explores what must be done to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on planet Earth.We all accept that we are harming this planet to our own detriment and we must stop our wasteful and polluting ways. Whether you are an adversary or proponent of the highly politicized phrase “climate change,” the solutions we need to implement for our long term viability are obvious, necessary and beneficial for everyone that desires a regenerative world. There are four primary components that can unite everyone and bypass further arguments. Protecting and improving our air, water and soil is simply essential — not doing so is suicide. I recommend you think about four indisputable actions that can help avoid arguments and preserve regenerative systems. These practices are essential and universally agreeable; getting caught up in any debate is
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/20/before-the-flood-climate-change.aspx

How Hugs Heal — Have You Had a Hug Today?

By Dr. Mercola From the time you were born until the day you die, touch is an important part of your emotional and physical health. Infants deprived of touch grow up with developmental and cognitive delays, attachment disorders and higher risk of serious infections.1 On the other hand, premature infants who are held skin-to-skin exhibit better cognitive skills, are more resilient to stress and have more organized sleep patterns, even 10 years later.2 These early touch-based interventions demonstrate the need for touch in psychological regulation. The benefits of touch don’t diminish with age. The late Virginia Satir, psychotherapist and generally acknowledged as a pioneer in family therapy,3 spoke about the importance of touch and hugs as it relates to a person’s emotional health, saying:4 “We need [four] hugs a day for survival. We need [eight] hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” This may represent the minimum and optimum thresholds to generate suff
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/20/hug-benefits.aspx

Curcumin — A Novel Treatment Alternative for Depression

By Dr. Mercola Curcumin, the active ingredient in the Indian spice turmeric, is a polyphenol with over 160 potentially therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.1 Importantly, it has the ability to cross your blood-brain barrier and exhibits potent neuroprotective properties, suggesting it may be useful for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Recent research also suggests it may be helpful against depression. Remember, though, that curcumin is very poorly absorbed, so if you want to use it therapeutically, make sure you use a supplement that is optimized for maximum absorption; otherwise you won’t get the results described below. Curcumin Helps Relieve Depressive Symptoms According to a meta-analysis2 of six short-term, placebo-controlled clinical trials, curcumin “appears to be safe, well-tolerated and efficacious among depressed patients,” and could serve as a “novel antidepressant.” Three of the trials a
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/18/curcumin-depression-treatment.aspx

Lemongrass Oil Can Lighten Up Your Mood and More

You may have tasted the refreshingly mild flavor of lemongrass, an herb that's commonly added to foods and beverages. But have you ever tried using lemongrass oil, an all-around herbal oil with many health benefits? Keep on reading to discover more about lemongrass oil. What Is Lemongrass Oil? Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) is a tall perennial plant from the Poaceae grass family, which thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, such as in India, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China and Guatemala. This plant grows in dense clumps and has bright green, sharp-edged leaves, similar to grass.1 Lemongrass is a popular flavoring in Asian cooking — added to curries and soups, or paired with beef, fish, poultry and seafood. Fresh lemongrass is also used to make lemongrass tea.2 There are over 50 varieties of lemongrass, but not all are edible or ideal for medicinal purposes. The two varieties of lemongrass most popularly used today are Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus.3 Whi
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/18/lemongrass-oil.aspx

Are You Sleep Deprived? A Simple Test

By Dr. Mercola Are you tired? If your answer is yes, it would seem relatively straightforward to assume you're not getting enough sleep. Yet, signs of sleep deprivation may not always be this obvious (and there are other factors besides sleep loss that can make you feel fatigued). The late Nathaniel Kleitman, Ph.D., professor emeritus in physiology at the University of Chicago, came up with one of the simplest tests to determine if you're sleep deprived — and as a pioneer in sleep research, he was well qualified to know. Not only did Kleitman co-discover REM sleep, but he published the first major textbook on sleep ("Sleep and Wakefulness" in 1939). He even stayed awake for 180 hours to figure out what sleep deprivation does to your body. Kleitman also spent more than one month underground in a cave — an environment without sunlight or schedules — in order to track changes in wakefulness and circadian rhythm.1 So when he suggested a way to test yourself for sleep deprivation, pe
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/18/sleep-onset-latency-test.aspx

5 Ways Grains Destroy Your Skin

By Dr. Mercola You may prudently care for your skin each day, cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and hydrating. But, did you know that the sandwich you had at lunch may be doing more damage to your skin than skipping one of your nightly rituals? Your skin is the largest organ in your body, responsible for temperature control, protection and excreting toxins to name just a few. Far from being an inactive covering for your internal organs, your skin is an intricate system of nerves, glands and cell layers that plays a fundamental role in your overall health and wellness. If you want to protect your skin, age gracefully and reduce problem breakouts, it is time to care for your skin in the same way you care for your heart, control your weight and lift your mood. In other words, pay attention to the foods you eat every day. Wheat is one of the grains in many of the processed foods at your grocery store that interferes with a healthy complexion and contributes to psoriasis and eczema outb
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/17/gluten-sensitivity-skin-health.aspx

What Toxic Chemicals Are in Your Room?

By Dr. Mercola Wondering whether your son or daughter will be able to successfully complete the required coursework may no longer be your biggest worry when sending your child off to college. New studies suggest dorm life may be more hazardous than you might expect due to the presence of extraordinarily high levels of toxic flame retardants. According to Newsweek,1 scientists studying dust samples collected from college dormitories suggest students may be living among, and breathing in, chemical toxins that may negatively affect their health. Why the Dust in College Dorms Is a Cause for Concern Research published in Environmental Science & Technology2 indicates that scientists uncovered large quantities of chemicals designed to suppress fire — also known as flame retardants — in 95 dust samples collected from dormitory common areas and student rooms at two U.S. colleges. Scientists found all 47 flame retardants that were targeted by the study, some of which are believed to cause c
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/17/high-concentration-of-flame-retardants-in-rooms.aspx

How Your Tax Dollars Are Used to Promote Corporate Propaganda

By Dr. Mercola Did you know that the 2017 spending bill1,2,3 includes a rider allocating $3 million for consumer education and outreach by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to "promote understanding and acceptance of" biotechnology? The deal was recently passed by the Senate, 79 to 18, “under a bipartisan agreement to keep the government funded through the end of September,” The Washington Post reports.4 In other words, if you are American, you are paying for Monsanto to spread their pernicious propaganda. The fact that they can get away with this and slip it in to avoid government shutdown is dystopian, to say the least. Not only have the government and the food and chemical technology industries fought to prevent the labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), your tax dollars are now to be spent on efforts to “assure” you that genetically engineered (GE) foods are of no concern. FDA and USDA to Promote Biotech and C
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/17/taxpayer-money-corporate-propaganda.aspx

Malaria Vaccine Will Be an Expensive Failure

By Dr. Mercola Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by plasmodium parasites. When an infected Anopheles mosquito bites a person, it can spread the disease, leading to flu-like illness that can progress to life-threatening complications if left untreated. It's estimated that close to half of the global population is at risk of malaria, with 91 countries experiencing ongoing transmission. According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2015 there were 212 million cases of malaria along with 429,000 deaths, occurring primarily in children living in sub-Saharan Africa.1 WHO set a goal to eliminate malaria by 2040, with the primary mode of prevention currently being mosquito control. They recently announced, however, that a malaria vaccine will be tested on African children beginning in 2018. While being hyped as a potential breakthrough in the fight against this deadly disease, there's reason to believe the pilot program may end up being nothing more than a
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/16/malaria-vaccine.aspx

Stay Away From This Brand of Organic Dairy

By Dr. Mercola In the U.S., organic dairy brings in about $6 billion in sales annually.1 Consumers pay a premium for the milk expecting they are getting a superior product. Organic milk (and meat) from cows raised primarily on pasture have been repeatedly shown to be higher in many nutrients, including vitamin E, beta-carotene and beneficial conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Organic milk also contains about 25 percent less omega-6 fats and 62 percent more omega-3 fats than conventional milk,2 and the animals, when given appropriate access to pasture, are raised in a more humane environment than cows raised on CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations). Unfortunately, not all organic dairy is created equal, and just seeing the USDA organic label on a gallon of milk is not enough to verify its quality (or lack thereof). An investigation by The Washington Post revealed that some organic dairies are nothing more than CAFOs in disguise, selling higher-priced milk that is scarcely differe
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/16/organic-dairy-milk-may-not-be-organic.aspx

The Greatest Public Health Mistake of the 20th Century

By Dr. Mercola Vitamin D received its name because scientists initially assumed it was a vitamin, but further research showed it had been incorrectly categorized. It’s actually a prohormone, produced by your body from cholesterol in response to sunlight striking your bare skin. As a prohormone, vitamin D has enormous influence on your health, and it’s the only known substrate for a powerful repair-and-maintenance steroid hormone.1 Receptors that respond to vitamin D have been found in almost every type of human cell. So, far from being a mere aid in bone formation, vitamin D is involved in a wide range of repair and maintenance functions, influences genetic expression, helps regulate immune function and more. Unfortunately, dermatologists have spent decades promoting sun avoidance2,3 and urging people to wear sunblock before venturing outside. As a result of this misguided advice, the field of dermatology has done tremendous harm to public health. Sun Exposure Does Your Body Good
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/16/avoiding-sun-exposure-health-mistakes.aspx

Hot Chilies Can Cool Gut Inflammation

By Dr. Mercola Research has recently discovered that hot chilies may help soothe your gut when you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is not to be confused with inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a less serious functional disorder that doesn't cause ulcers or intestinal damage as does IBD. IBD is an autoimmune condition that may have serious consequences. Currently there are nearly 3 million Americans who suffer from IBD, with nearly 70,000 new cases diagnosed each year.1 This is nearly triple previous estimates, which may be due to a combination of rising rates and improved diagnostic criteria. The rising rates of the condition may be related to genetics, environmental factors, diet and changes in your gut microbiome. Research has demonstrated your microbiome is so important that physicians may even use it as a diagnostic tool.2 While improving your microbiome plays a significant role in reducing or eliminating your symptoms, capsaicin and endocannabinoids may
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/15/hot-chilies-gut-inflammation.aspx

Health-Conscious Public Increasingly Embraces Ketogenic Diet

By Dr. Mercola Your body is designed to have the metabolic flexibility to use both fat and glucose for fuel — not just one or the other. The reason conventional dietary advice has failed so miserably is because eating a high-carb diet for a long period of time results in the loss of this metabolic flexibility, making you unable to effectively burn fat for fuel. Last year, the British National Obesity Forum and the Public Health Collaboration issued a joint report based on the analysis of 43 obesity studies, warning the policy to promote a low-fat, high-carb diet is having a "disastrous impact on health."1,2,3 In conclusion, the report issued a strong recommendation to overhaul dietary guidelines to recommend a low-carb, high-fat diet instead, along with intermittent fasting or skipping meals, as chronic grazing or snacking between meals is a significant contributor to obesity. In short, most people not only eat the wrong foods and too much of it, they also eat too frequently. Lately
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/15/ketogenic-diet-increasing-popularity.aspx

Can Ginkgo Give Your Brain a Boost?

By Dr. Mercola Years ago, a public service announcement in the U.S. concluded with this powerful statement: “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” While that tagline promoted an education fund for minority college students, it could just as easily be used to underscore the importance of taking care of your brain health. I say that because of the prevalence of degenerative brain diseases, such as age-related dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Like me, you may have coworkers, neighbors, friends and family members who are affected by one of these progressive “mind-robbing” diseases. The numbers of those affected continue to grow at alarming rates, with more than 5 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s.1 While it’s terrible to watch a loved one slip away and literally “lose their mind,” it’s also important to remember that dementia and Alzheimer’s are not a normal part of aging. Rather than try to counteract the effects of these diseases once they develo
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/15/ginkgo-biloba-brain-benefits.aspx

Savor This Delightfully Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe Today

Recipe From Megan Olson of Paleo Hacks
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/14/cauliflower-hash-brown-casserole.aspx

Groundbreaking Database Helps Improve Cancer Treatments

By Dr. Mercola Cancer will affect half of all men and one-third of all women at some point in their lives. Having the metabolic flexibility to burn fat for fuel can significantly reduce your chances of cancer and improve your chances of recovery, but it's certainly not the only way to address this devastating disease. Dr. William LaValley is one of the world's most advanced clinical researchers and medical doctor practitioners in the field of integrative cancer treatment. He has broken new ground by creating state-of-the-art databases of tens of thousands of studies covering the molecular biology of cancer and the anticancer benefits of nutritional supplements and repurposed drugs (drugs used off-label). LaValley is one of the more than two dozen experts who helped proof my new book, "Fat for Fuel," which helps you understand how to burn fat as your primary fuel, and the importance of this metabolic flexibility in the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases. His feedback, which
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/14/groundbreaking-database-helps-improve-cancer-treatments.aspx

A Visit to a Poison Garden

By Dr. Mercola The 12-acre Alnwick Garden in northern England is home to fragrant rose bushes, manicured hedges, a cherry orchard and stunning water features — all things you'd expect in a traditional English garden. But behind a locked gate is a garden with a much more sinister air — a poison garden home to plants that have the ability to kill. A sign on the gate reads, "These plants can kill," and visitors may only enter with a guide, in groups of 20 or less, who are warned not to touch, sniff or venture too close to the deadly plants. Some are so dangerous they're grown in metal cages with cameras tracking them 24/7. The project was started in 2005 by Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland. Centuries ago, apothecary gardens were quite common in England and were used to grow medicinal plants used for a variety of treatments. Percy was intrigued by the more macabre side of the plant world, however, explaining to Australia's News.com, "What's really interesting is to know how a
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/13/poison-garden.aspx

Fat Versus Carbs — Higher Amounts of Dietary Fat Actually Improve Your Metabolic Health

By Dr. Mercola Most of us eat too much sugar, and far too little healthy fat. Many also eat too much protein, which may actually be even riskier than a high-carb diet in some health respects. Unfortunately, the notion that glucose is the preferred fuel for your body has become deeply ingrained over the decades. This misguided advice has been a driving force in our obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer epidemics, in large part because low-fat, high-carb diets prevent healthy mitochondrial function. Dietary fats are actually the preferred fuel of human metabolism. The benefits of a high-fat diet are investigated in the BBC documentary, "Fat [Versus] Carbs With Jamie Owen,"1 which originally aired in October, 2016. In it, Owen, a Welch journalist and BBC news anchor, challenges conventional diet advice by going on a low-carb, high-fat diet (LCHF). This is also the focus of my latest book, "Fat for Fuel," which is by far the most important book I've ever written. Shipments of "Fat f
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/05/13/fat-versus-carbs.aspx