INFORMATION IS….POWERFUL MEDICINE!
Butyrate – A Tiny Molecule with Big Potential for Health and Healing
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
February 10, 2025
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber. It provides energy for colon cells and offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
- Research suggests butyrate helps manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by reducing inflammation, improving symptoms and strengthening gut barrier integrity
- Laboratory studies show butyrate helps inhibit cancer cell growth and trigger cell death in colorectal cancer cells, with clinical trials exploring its use alongside traditional treatments
- Butyrate has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism for metabolic disorders, while also influencing appetite-regulating hormones
- Studies show butyrate protects against neurodegenerative diseases by reducing brain inflammation and enhancing neuronal repair and survival
Energy Bits
Discover the benefits of algae nutrition.
Vitamin E Enhances Cell-Mediated Immunity in the Elderly
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
January 29, 2025
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immune function in older adults, helping to fight off infections and improve overall health
- Good sources of vitamin E include green leafy vegetables, certain fruits like kiwi and mango, and grass fed meats
- Beyond immunity, vitamin E protects against cell damage, promotes heart and brain health, and supports healthy vision
- While food is the best source of vitamin E, many people benefit from a vitamin E supplement due to high linoleic acid intake in the Western diet, which increases your body’s need for vitamin E
- Look for natural vitamin E supplements (d-alpha-tocopherol) with a full spectrum of tocopherols and tocotrienols, free from soy and GE ingredients
The Power of Breastfeeding
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
December 30, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Breast milk provides a unique, dynamic blend of antibodies, hormones and stem cells that adapt to infant needs, offering superior benefits compared to formula feeding
- The formula industry’s marketing tactics and hospital practices have normalized formula feeding, undermining breastfeeding through medical institutional funding and strategic advertising campaigns
- Oxytocin released during breastfeeding strengthens mother-child bonding, reduces postpartum health risks and helps regulate babies’ emotional development while providing long-term health benefits
- Modern medical interventions and arbitrary growth charts create unnecessary barriers to breastfeeding, often leading to premature formula supplementation despite normal infant development patterns
- Extended breastfeeding, naturally occurring between 2.5 to 7 years, faces cultural stigma in Western societies, despite its benefits for immune system development and emotional resilience
Metabolism in US Is Declining
Analysis by Ashley Armstrong
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
December 24, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Americans today have significantly lower metabolic rates than their ancestors did,
despite similar calorie consumption. In the 1940s Minnesota Starvation Experiment, lean men maintained their weight on 3,500 calories per day with moderate activity, while modern calculators suggest they should need only 2,000 to 2,400 calories - Research by Dr. John Speakman shows that basal metabolic rate (BMR) has declined
significantly over time, while Active Energy Expenditure (intentional exercise) has actually increased, contradicting the common belief that we simply move less than our ancestors - Currently, approximately 73% of American adults are either overweight (30.7%) or obese (42.4%). This is a major public health crisis that cannot be explained by reduced physical activity alone
- The dramatic increase in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption since 1909 (up 238%) has likely contributed to decreased metabolic rates, as these fats can
downregulate metabolism compared to the saturated fats our ancestors consumed - Average body temperatures in the United States have been steadily declining since the Industrial Revolution, providing additional evidence of decreasing metabolic rates across the population
Melatonin — A ‘Nighttime Guardian’ Against Alzheimer’s
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
December 18, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Alzheimer’s disease affects over 50 million people worldwide, with poor sleep being a significant risk factor
- Disrupted circadian rhythms are common in Alzheimer’s patients and exacerbate cognitive decline; when your melatonin levels are balanced, you support the synchronization of your brain’s internal clocks, which enhances overall brain function and resilience
- Clinical studies show melatonin supplementation improves cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients, with decreased melatonin levels serving as an early indicator of the disease
- Melatonin functions as a powerful antioxidant, supports immune system health, aids reproductive success, reduces post-operative pain and has anticancer properties; it also helps maintain the integrity of your blood-brain barrier, an important defense that keeps harmful substances out of your brain
- Natural melatonin production can be optimized through morning sunlight exposure, minimizing evening blue light, maintaining a dark bedroom and reducing stress before bedtime
A Comprehensive Guide to Thyroid Function and Metabolic Wellness
Analysis by Ashley Armstrong
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
December 3, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Your thyroid is the master regulator of your body’s metabolism, influencing energy production, digestion, sleep, hormones, and more. Optimized thyroid function provides the energy your body needs to thrive systemically
- Low energy states trigger survival mechanisms, downregulating “nonessential” processes like hair and nail growth to conserve resources. This is not a malfunction but a protective adaptation of the body
- Common symptoms of low thyroid function include weight management issues, digestive challenges, cognitive changes, and reduced detoxification capacity
- Measuring body temperature and pulse offers a simple, effective way to track thyroid and metabolic health. Consistently low readings may indicate metabolic dysfunction requiring attention
- Key strategies for supporting thyroid health include adequate calorie and carbohydrate intake, balanced protein sources, low PUFA consumption, and addressing factors like stress and estrogen dominance
What Did Your Great-Great-Great-Grandparents Eat?
Analysis by Ashley Armstrong
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
November 26, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Life expectancy in the United States is currently declining, making it the only developed nation with this concerning trend. Since the 1930s, there has been a dramatic 700%increase in chronic disease development, rising from 7.5% prevalence to 60% of the population having one or more chronic conditions today
- In the 1800s, people ate three structured meals daily (breakfast, dinner, supper) without snacking or fasting, maintaining a simpler relationship with food than we have today
- Our ancestors consumed a high-carb diet rich in saturated fats, with minimal polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), as they didn’t use vegetable oils or eat many nuts and seeds
- The 1950s marked a significant shift in dietary recommendations, particularly regarding saturated fats and animal products, leading to major changes in the American diet
- To optimize your health, return to simpler food principles: cook at home, source quality ingredients within your means, stay active, and prioritize happiness over strict dietary rules
Deep Link Between Alcohol and Cancer Described in New Report
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
November 7, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- The American Association for Cancer Research’s 2024 report reveals a significant link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk, with 5.4% of U.S. cancer cases in 2019attributed to alcohol — and this is likely an underestimate
- Six types of cancer are directly linked to excessive alcohol consumption: liver, breast, colorectal, esophageal, stomach, and head and neck cancers
- Even light drinking increases cancer risk. A U.K. Biobank study found that low levels of alcohol consumption raise cancer mortality risk, especially in vulnerable populations
- Alcohol’s carcinogenic effects begin in the mouth, where bacteria convert it to acetaldehyde. It also disrupts hormones, gut health, mitochondrial function and sleep patterns, further increasing cancer risk
- Abstaining from alcohol is the best prevention. For those who drink, taking N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplements before consuming alcohol may help reduce its harmful effects
This Trio of Blood Tests Predict 30-Year Cardiovascular Disease Risks for Women
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
October 24, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S., affecting nearly 44% of the female population — over 60 million women
- A 30-year study published in August 2024 used a trio of blood tests to examine three key biomarkers — high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), LDL cholesterol and Lp(a) — and determine how they influence long-term cardiovascular disease
- High sensitivity-CRP measures inflammation, LDL cholesterol measures atherosclerosis risk and Lp(a) indicates the risk of plaque formation and blood clotting. Lower levels of these biomarkers are generally better for cardiovascular health
- The study found that higher baseline levels of all three biomarkers were strongly linked to increased 30-year cardiovascular risk, with hs-CRP showing the strongest association
- The researchers suggest implementing early interventions as early as 30 to 40 years old to effectively reduce the risk of CVD. Strategies to protect your cardiovascular health are included below
How Your Clothes and Their Materials Shape Your Health
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
October 10, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Many dangerous chemicals end up in clothing and cosmetic products because there is almost no regulation of these products. Unless we take precautions, their toxins can enter us through our skin.
- Tight and constrictive clothing (e.g., ties or pants) can be particularly detrimental to health. This is best demonstrated with bras, a recent cultural invention that cause a significant number of issues. Worse still, their usage has been strongly linked to breast cancer.
- Sensitive patients often have significant reactions to tight or toxic clothing, providing a pivotal window into understanding this otherwise overlooked aspect of health.
- This article will also share the strategies for cultivating a healthy wardrobe
Boost Your Healing and Longevity with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: What You Need to Know.
by Mark Hyman, MD
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
October 7, 2024
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) might sound like a modern medical breakthrough, but would you believe it’s actually been around for centuries? It was originally developed in 1662 by a British clergyman who believed pressurized air could heal the body—more than 200 years before the invention of the light bulb.
Despite its long history, HBOT has mostly stayed under the radar. But recently, it’s getting more attention thanks to new research, wider access, and some good publicity (Lebron James says he uses it to speed recovery).
Today, it’s FDA-approved for treating conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning and diabetic wounds, and experts are discovering even more potential uses.
By delivering oxygen at higher pressures, HBOT helps repair tissue, reduces inflammation, and may even support brain health. With its potential still being uncovered, it’s becoming a promising option for recovery and overall well-being.
Curious what this cutting-edge therapy might do for you? Let’s dive into the science and find out.
Click here to read the rest of the article (PDF).
The Invisible Risk Factor of Autism
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
September 26, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Autism rates have increased significantly since 2000 — 1 in 36 children are now diagnosed with this condition. EMF exposure may play a role by activating voltage-gated calcium channels, leading to excessive intracellular calcium
- Excessive intracellular calcium interferes with six neuronal mechanisms, affecting synaptogenesis, including neuronal migration, dendritic outgrowth, synapse formation, maturation, and pruning
- Pregnant women are advised to minimize EMF exposure to protect their unborn children. Recommendations include avoiding cell phones, Wi-Fi fields and using shielding materials
- Toxic chemical exposure, including mercury, lead, phthalates and pesticides, can also contribute to autism development by interfering with NMDA receptor activity and increasing intracellular calcium
- Strategies to reduce EMF exposure include identifying major sources, limiting wireless device use, hardwiring internet connections and avoiding “smart” appliances. Consuming magnesium and Nrf2-boosting foods may help mitigate EMF damage
Aspirin’s Forgotten Anticancer Function
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
September 19, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Aspirin, traditionally used for pain relief, shows promising anticancer properties. Recent research highlights its potential in cancer prevention and treatment, with a more potent analog, 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid, showing even greater promise
- Combining aspirin with vitamin C demonstrates superior results in shrinking tumors and extending survival times compared to either compound alone or conventional chemotherapy drugs, while being gentler on healthy cells
- Long-term, low-dose aspirin use (75 mg+ daily for several years) can significantly reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, with benefits most pronounced for proximal colon cancers and after 20+ years of use
- Aspirin’s cancer-fighting potential extends beyond colorectal cancer, showing promise in reducing risks for esophageal, stomach, lung, prostate and breast cancers, with overall cancer incidence potentially reduced by 20% to 30% after three to five years of use
- For maximum benefit, choose immediate-release aspirin without additives. Optimal dosage ranges from 82 mg to 325 mg daily, taken with meals. Genetic testing may help personalize aspirin use for cancer prevention in the future
Magnesium 101 — A Comprehensive Guide to Its Health Benefits
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
September 09, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Magnesium is essential for over 80% of metabolic functions, but more than 50% of the U.S. population fail to meet the estimated average requirement, potentially leading to various health issues
- Magnesium deficiency is linked to multiple diseases, including cardiovascular issues, diabetes, respiratory problems and neurological disorders. It’s crucial for calcium regulation and overall cellular health
- Studies suggest magnesium may help ease anxiety and Research indicates potential mental health benefits when combined with vitamin D3
- Magnesium plays a vital role in brain health, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by curbing neuroinflammation and supporting cognitive functions
- Adequate magnesium intake is important for heart health, bone strength and muscle function. It can be obtained through diet or supplements, with various forms available