Natural Health News

You probably don’t think twice before tossing a dryer sheet into your laundry. It’s just part of the routine. But here’s something you may not realize: those soft, scented sheets release hidden toxins into your home, your clothes and your body. They even damage your appliances and hurt the environment. But don’t worry — you don’t have to give up fresh, soft laundry. You just need a few simple swaps. Let’s explore what’s really in your dryer sheets, why it matters and how to make easy changes to protect your health starting today. What’s Really in Dryer Sheets? Hidden Chemicals You Should Know Every time you use a dryer sheet, it releases chemicals into the air. These include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like acetaldehyde and benzene.1 Benzene exposure is well-established as a major contributor to cancer risk. Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, benzene is strongly linked to cancers such as leukemia.2 There are other toxic compounds in dryer sheets, too. • Ingredients in dryer sheets linked to breathing issues and nervous system problems — These chemicals include chloroform and benzyl acetate. You may not feel it right away, but over time, you might notice headaches, dizziness or just feeling “off” after doing laundry. • Even the fragrance is a problem — Love the scent of “mountain breeze”? That smell comes from synthetic fragrance chemicals that trigger allergies or skin reactions. Even “unscented” products include chemicals to mask smells — and those are often just as irritating. • These chemicals don’t just disappear — They cling to your clothes and can soak into your skin. You breathe them in when you wear your clothes or lie in freshly laundered sheets. Dryer sheets act like an invisible smog machine for your home — they smell clean, but they might be doing more harm than good. What Dryer Sheets Are Doing to Your Clothes and Machines Dryer sheets aren’t just bad for your health — they’re tough on your stuff, too. They leave a waxy coating behind on fabric, which makes towels less absorbent. That fluffy, fresh feel is covering up the fact that your linens aren’t doing their job. Over time, however, dryer sheets also damage your clothing and appliances.3 • Dryer sheet residue doesn’t stop with your clothes — It builds up inside your dryer, especially on the lint screen and sensors.4 That makes your machine work harder, which means more energy use, longer dry times and a greater risk of overheating. That buildup even becomes a fire hazard if not cleaned properly. • Dryer sheets also affect performance gear, like workout clothes — They damage moisture-wicking fabric, which means you end up sweatier and less comfortable when you’re trying to exercise. • Dryer damage is likely — Over time, you might notice your dryer isn’t working as well or clothes are taking longer to dry. If your dryer breaks down more often than usual, those dryer sheets could be the hidden culprit. Dryer Sheets and Your Health — Is Your Laundry Making You Sick? For many people, skin issues like itching, redness or rashes seem random. But your laundry routine could be the reason. Dryer sheet chemicals irritate skin, especially for people with eczema, allergies or sensitive skin. However, skin risks are just the beginning. • Health risks beyond your skin — Chemicals like linalool and alpha-terpineol are inhaled during drying or while wearing clothes. These substances have been linked to headaches, brain fog, dizziness and even asthma symptoms. • Some ingredients in dryer sheets mimic hormones — That means they interfere with your body’s natural hormone balance, a concern especially for pregnant women or those trying to conceive. Everyone’s at risk from hormone-disrupting chemicals, however, as they harm mitochondrial function, reducing your cellular energy. • Your brain is highly sensitive to environmental toxins — Many dryer sheet ingredients are classified as neurotoxins, which interfere with normal brain signaling.5 These disruptions subtly influence your mental clarity, sleep quality and even emotional balance over time. Frequent exposure to synthetic fragrances and chemical residues — including those from dryer sheets — also affect your mood and cognitive function.6 If you feel more anxious, unfocused or irritable after doing laundry or sleeping in freshly washed sheets, the cause might not be your stress levels — it could be your detergent and dryer sheet combo. Your laundry routine seems like a small thing, but it touches every part of your life. When you remove toxic products like dryer sheets, you’re not just helping your skin and lungs; you’re also supporting your mind and mood while taking steps to protect the environment. Five Simple Dryer Sheet Swaps That Actually Work You don’t have to give up soft, clean-smelling clothes. You just need better tools that don’t put your health at risk. Here are five safe alternatives to toxic dryer sheets: 1. Wool dryer balls — These are reusable and chemical-free. They naturally soften clothes and reduce static. Bonus: they help speed up drying time, saving you money. 2. White vinegar with essential oils — Add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. It softens clothes and cuts static. Want a natural scent? Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or lemon. 3. Aluminum foil balls — Crumple up a sheet of foil and toss it in the dryer. It helps prevent static without chemicals. 4. Air-drying — Whenever possible, hang your clothes to dry. It reduces wear, eliminates static and saves energy. Plus, if you hang your clothes outside, sunlight helps sanitize your clothing, whiten fabric and remove odors naturally. 5. Fragrance-free detergents — Choose products labeled “fragrance-free” and “dye-free.” These reduce your exposure to hidden chemicals and keep your clothes safer. Think of it like switching from fast food to a homemade meal. The alternatives are just as effective, more affordable over time and so much better for your body and the planet. You can even put a clean wash cloth with a few drops of essential oil in your dryer to give your clothes a safe, natural scent. How to Make Your Own Dryer Balls It’s easy to make dryer balls at home, following these simple steps. You can get a large ball of wool yarn at your local craft store and save money by getting your sweaters at your local thrift store. Remember to add the essential oils at the end. You need: Recycled 100% wool sweaters (check the tags for fabric content) 100% wool yarn Knee-high nylons or old pantyhose Instructions: Cut the sweaters into scrap pieces and ball them up in your palm to create softball-sized balls. Take the wool yarn and begin winding it tightly around the ball-shaped scrap pieces, as round as you can make it, until you’ve covered the entire surface. Cut the yarn and tuck the ends in securely. Tie a knot in the wool yarn, then drop it into the knee-high nylon sock (or pantyhose, which lets you tie a knot in between each ball), wrap the top with a rubber band and run it through the hot cycles of first your washer, then your dryer. This makes the wool “felt” or fuse together. Before using them with clothes in your dryer, add a few drops of essential oil to each ball, toss it in with the wet clothes and use it multiple times. How to Make the Switch Without Getting Overwhelmed Change is sometimes hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Try this simple three-step plan for a laundry detox: 1. Replace — Start by skipping dryer sheets in one load. Try wool balls or vinegar instead. 2. Rinse — Wash your lint screen with soap and warm water to remove chemical residue. 3. Refresh — Gradually swap in healthier detergents and habits. One change at a time is all it takes. When shopping, read labels carefully. Ignore terms like “natural fragrance.” Look for “free of fragrance” instead. Worried about cost? Don’t be. Most alternatives are reusable. A set of wool balls lasts hundreds of loads. Vinegar is inexpensive and multitasks around the house. Plus, you’ll save money by no longer spending on disposable dryer sheets. Remember you don’t need a perfect laundry system overnight. Start with one small swap, like replacing a dryer sheet with a wool ball. Your next load of laundry is a chance to make a safer, smarter choice. You’ll protect your health, save money and support a cleaner planet. FAQs About Dryer Sheets Q: Are dryer sheets really bad for your health? A: Yes, many contain chemicals linked to allergies, asthma and even hormone disruption. Regular exposure can lead to cumulative health effects, especially for children, pregnant women and those with chemical sensitivities. Safer alternatives exist. Q: What’s a quick replacement for dryer sheets? A: Wool dryer balls are a top pick — they’re reusable, chemical-free and reduce drying time. They also help reduce wrinkles and are gentle enough for baby clothes and sensitive skin. Q: Can I make my laundry smell good without chemicals? A: Yes. Try essential oils with vinegar in the rinse cycle for a fresh, natural scent. This method avoids synthetic fragrances while giving you full control over the aroma. Q: Do dryer sheets harm my dryer? A: Over time, residue can clog lint screens and sensors, making your dryer less efficient and even dangerous. Routine buildup also shortens the lifespan of your appliance and increases your energy bills. Q: Do dryer sheets impact indoor air quality? A: Yes, they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home’s air during each drying cycle. These pollutants linger and contribute to long-term indoor air contamination.

More than 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease today, and this neurodegenerative disorder affects nearly 10 million people worldwide.1 But even as diagnoses surge, industries tied to manufacturing and defense are fighting to keep one of the most well-documented environmental triggers on the market — trichloroethylene (TCE). A clear, volatile solvent used for industrial degreasing, TCE is a damaging chemical that seeps into groundwater, lingers in soil, and vaporizes into homes from contaminated sites. Today, it’s already banned or restricted in Europe and several other countries, and in December 2024, the U.S. followed suit, after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final rule banning all uses of TCE under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). However, there’s tremendous industry pressure for the EPA to reverse this ban — a move that will threaten and endanger the lives of millions who are unknowingly being exposed to this neurotoxin, putting them at risk of Parkinson’s disease and other health effects. EPA Is Caving to Industry Pressure While TCE Continues to Poison Communities An investigative report published by ProPublica2 (and reposted on the Children’s Health Defense website3) details how corporate lobbying and political maneuvering caused the EPA to delay the ban on TCE. Even after the agency has concluded that TCE posed an “unreasonable risk to human health,” their findings were quietly overruled behind closed doors. • Multiple political efforts are working to dismantle the ban — After President Donald Trump began his second term, Republican lawmakers in both chambers of Congress filed resolutions aimed at repealing the EPA’s rule to ban TCE. Because the rule was finalized just before the new administration took office, it became vulnerable to reversal under the Congressional Review Act. • Industry lawsuits and executive action have stalled enforcement — In addition to political attacks, the ban’s implementation is tied up in legal battles. Industry groups have filed lawsuits seeking to block the rule, while a Trump executive order put the ban on hold until March 21, 2025. Not long after, the EPA asked a federal court to extend that delay until the end of May 2025. • Delays in enforcement leave workers without key protections — As the ban’s future hangs in limbo, employers remain off the hook when it comes to implementing new workplace safety standards. The EPA’s court filing to extend the delay also postpones required changes to how employers protect workers from TCE exposure on the job. TCE Is Strongly Associated with Serious (and Often Irreversible) Health Risks Used in degreasers, dry cleaning, and industrial processing, TCE is an industrial solvent that was commercially produced in 1925 (Read more about its history in my article, “Toxic Water Contaminants Implicated in Parkinson’s Disease.”) However, recent reports have linked TCE to multiple types of cancer, liver and kidney damage, and increased risk of fatal heart defects in infants. Repeated exposure to TCE has also been linked with immunological, endocrine, and developmental effects.4 Both independent researchers and the EPA have confirmed that exposure significantly raises the risk of Parkinson’s disease as well.5,6 • Millions of Americans are drinking TCE-contaminated water — According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), over 17 million people in the U.S. are using tap water containing TCE. This widespread contamination underscores how far-reaching the health risks truly are. • Office workers unknowingly exposed to TCE later developed Parkinson’s — The featured article also tells the story of Daniel Kinel and three of his coworkers who were diagnosed with Parkinson’s after spending years working next to a dry cleaning business that had improperly disposed of TCE. Kinel was diagnosed at just 43 years old after seven years in that office. • TCE has polluted the environment around major U.S. communities — Investigations have documented TCE vapor plumes in cities like Woburn, Massachusetts; Wichita, Kansas; and on military installations such as Camp Lejeune. In these areas, service members and civilians have been diagnosed with cancers and Parkinson’s after prolonged exposure. • People with TCE-related health conditions are speaking out against the rollback — Dr. Sara Whittingham, a retired Air Force flight surgeon diagnosed with Parkinson’s in her mid-40s, said she was stunned to learn the ban might be reversed. Given the established health risks, she couldn’t believe officials were considering undoing the rule. “I thought it was a done deal. What the heck, how can nobody care about this?” she said. “This should be a nonpartisan issue.”7 • Trust in regulators continues to erode among impacted families — Residents living in communities with confirmed TCE contamination say they feel misled and abandoned by federal regulators. As the fight over the ban unfolds, many are questioning why public health was ignored for so long in favor of corporate interests. The Camp Lejeune Scandal – A Cautionary Tale About TCE’s Toxicity Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps Base Camp at the mouth of the New River on the Atlantic Ocean in North Carolina, is likely the site of the largest TCE contamination and scandal in the U.S. It was determined that drinking water at the base was contaminated between 1953 and 1985.8 • Marine and Naval personnel and civilian workers were exposed to TCE-contaminated drinking water — These individuals ingested, inhaled, and washed and bathed in the contaminated water. A Marine in training may consume as many as 6 liters of water daily, but the combined dose from inhalation and dermal exposure were likely higher.9 • TCE increased the risk of cancer among those stationed in Camp Lejeune — Studies found several cancers among Marine and Naval personnel and civilian workers who were likely exposed to the camp’s contaminated drinking water.10 • A recent study also detected increased risk of Parkinson’s disease — A cohort study of 340,489 service members found the risk of Parkinson’s was 70% higher for those stationed at Camp Lejeune versus those stationed at California’s Camp Pendleton.11 • Many also had Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms — Former Lejeune residents who did not have Parkinson’s also developed mood disorders, resting tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and postural instability.12 In 2012, the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act was passed by Congress, and it created a $2.2 billion fund to compensate survivors. The law compels the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to provide health benefits to eligible veterans and family members who develop any of the specific medical conditions associated with TCE contamination.13 Recent Study Highlights How TCE Triggers Brain Damage Associated with Parkinson’s Disease A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease analyzed decades of research to explore the link between environmental toxins — including TCE — and the rise of Parkinson’s disease.14 The paper asserts that environmental exposures, not aging or genetics, are the leading factor driving the global surge in Parkinson’s cases. • The paper examined both how and where TCE exposure happens — The authors highlighted how exposure occurs not just in factories, but in homes, schools, and communities — especially in areas near contaminated air, water, or soil. The paper did not claim a universal cause-effect relationship but made a strong case that environmental exposures, such as TCE, play a significant role in increasing Parkinson’s risk. • TCE damages the same brain cells affected in Parkinson’s patients — One of the standout points is that TCE causes selective damage to dopaminergic neurons, the exact brain cells that degenerate in Parkinson’s. These neurons reside in the substantia nigra, a region that regulates movement and motor control. The authors cited multiple studies, including human and animal data, showing that TCE exposure leads to damage in this brain area consistent with Parkinson’s pathology. • Exposure happens at work or in the environment, with delayed effects — They noted that some individuals, including veterans, industrial workers, and residents near polluted groundwater, who were exposed years or even decades ago are now developing symptoms, supporting a long latency between exposure and disease onset. This delayed effect was called out as particularly concerning because it obscures the connection between cause and outcome, making regulatory action even more urgent. • TCE disrupts mitochondrial function and causes oxidative stress — Findings from lab and animal studies also showed that TCE exposure leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria are the parts of your cells that produce energy, and when they stop functioning properly, oxidative stress builds up. The paper explained that oxidative stress is a major driver of neuron death, especially in dopamine-producing regions of the brain. The authors also discussed how mitochondrial damage is a consistent finding across many environmental toxins linked to Parkinson’s, including TCE. • Neuroinflammation caused by TCE exposure worsens brain damage over time — TCE and other toxins also activate microglia, which are the immune cells of the brain. While these cells normally protect the brain, prolonged exposure to toxins causes them to overreact, leading to chronic inflammation and further neural damage. The paper emphasized that this inflammation often continues long after the initial exposure, creating a vicious cycle of degeneration. • Most Parkinson’s cases are not genetic or caused by aging — In fact, the study notes that purely genetic causes were said to account for only 2% to 3% of cases. Instead, most cases arise from a combination of environmental exposure and genetic vulnerability. The authors described TCE and similar chemicals as among “the most likely” causes of the disease and urged that action to limit exposure would be a decisive step toward prevention.15 This study provides robust, evidence-backed argument that TCE, along with other pesticides and air pollutants, plays a major role in triggering the biological processes that result in the Parkinson’s disease. These findings are consistent across multiple lines of research and must be taken seriously as part of any public health strategy. Protect Yourself from TCE Exposure and Its Neurological Risks Even if you don’t live near a factory or work with industrial solvents, it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. As with other pervasive environmental chemicals, TCE stealthily moves through air, water, and soil, hides in building materials, old cleaning products, and could even be found in the water lines beneath your home. Once it’s in your body, it interferes with your mitochondria, triggers inflammation, and attacks the exact brain regions that control movement and cognition. To prevent problems down the road, here are five strategies I recommend. 1. Find out if your home or workplace is near a known contamination site — If you live near an old military base, dry cleaner, or industrial zone — especially one that used degreasers or solvents — your odds of exposure go up dramatically. Check with your local water utility for TCE testing results, ask for a full contaminant report, and request air quality assessments if you’re on or near a known vapor intrusion site. 2. Filter your water — Keep in mind that filtering your bathing, cooking, and drinking water is the goal. Ideally, you will have a system that offers a wide variety of methods, including reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and carbon block filters. Read my article on how to properly filter your water for a more detailed guide. 3. Ventilate and seal to avoid indoor vapor intrusion — TCE seeps through concrete foundations and enter your indoor air from contaminated soil or groundwater. If you’re living near a known exposure zone, your best move is to increase ventilation and seal any foundation cracks. A vapor barrier helps, but it’s most effective when combined with air exchangers or ventilation fans. Even simple actions like running exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen will help lower airborne levels inside your home. 4. Support your body’s detox pathways with mitochondrial nutrients — TCE targets your mitochondria, so you want to give your cells the cofactors they need to maintain function and defend against damage. I recommend supplementing with niacinamide and thiamine — both help fuel mitochondrial processes and curb oxidative stress. Magnesium threonate is also key here, not just for detox but for protecting your brain and improving mitochondrial function. Read about the brain health benefits of this nutrient in “Cognitive Benefits of Magnesium L-Threonate.” 5. Push for policy changes and local testing — Remember, your voice carries weight. Contact your city council, health department, or state environmental agency and demand that they test indoor air and drinking water for TCE. ProPublica’s report shows that companies lobbied to weaken EPA rules, so local action matters now more than ever. You might not reverse national policy overnight, but you can help change what happens in your zip code. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Dangers of Trichloroethylene (TCE) Q: What is trichloroethylene (TCE) and why is it dangerous? A: TCE is a chemical solvent used in industrial degreasing, dry cleaning, and manufacturing. It’s been linked to cancer, organ damage, and neurological conditions — most notably Parkinson’s disease — due to its ability to damage brain cells and disrupt mitochondrial function. Q: Was TCE banned in the United States? A: Yes, in December 2024 the EPA issued a final rule banning all uses of TCE under the Toxic Substances Control Act. However, industry and political pressure — especially following the start of President Trump’s second term — have delayed enforcement and are actively working to repeal the ban. Q: How might I be exposed to TCE? A: Exposure happens through drinking contaminated water, inhaling vapor seeping into buildings from polluted soil, or working in environments that use industrial solvents. Millions of Americans are exposed without realizing it, including those near military bases, factories, and old dry cleaning sites. Q: What health risks are associated with TCE exposure? A: TCE is known to cause liver and kidney damage, several cancers, and congenital heart defects. It is strongly linked to Parkinson’s disease due to its ability to destroy dopamine-producing brain cells and trigger chronic brain inflammation, even years after initial exposure. Q: What steps can I take to protect myself and my family from TCE? A: Check whether your home is near a contamination site, filter your water (especially with reverse osmosis systems), seal foundation cracks, improve indoor ventilation, and support your mitochondria with nutrients like niacinamide and thiamine. You can also advocate for local testing and stronger public health protections.

Imagine you’re handed a medicine for your child that promises to pause puberty — but no one’s fully checked if it’s safe. Puberty blockers are drugs that delay puberty, often used for children questioning their gender. But recent reports show over 70,000 side effects — from headaches to brain swelling — haven’t gotten the attention they deserve from the people in charge.1 Whether you’re a parent, a teen or just curious, this matters to you. Your health — or your loved one’s — could hinge on understanding the risks and who’s looking out for you. Pausing Puberty — A Quick Guide to These Powerful Drugs Puberty-blocking drugs are given to children who have not yet entered puberty. These drugs delay the onset of sex characteristics associated with the gender you were at birth. Often, the adults steering children toward gender reassignment don’t make it a point to thoroughly inform them about the difficulties they might face. Puberty-blocking drugs are strong, but they’re not magic, and that’s why you need to know more. • How do puberty blockers work? Puberty blockers hit pause on your body’s changes. They stop it from releasing hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which kickstart things like growing taller or getting a deeper voice. • Who uses them? You might think puberty blockers are just for children who hit puberty too early, but today, they’re often used by teens exploring their gender identity. • What’s the catch? Here’s the thing: pausing puberty isn’t as simple as pausing a video game. Your body’s a complex machine, and stopping hormones causes trouble. Think of it like pausing your phone’s updates — eventually, glitches stack up. There are risks, both physical and psychological, and not everyone’s shouting about them. You deserve to know what could go wrong before jumping in, so let’s dig into that next. Why You Should Be Concerned About Puberty-Blocking Drugs In the last 20 years, over 70,000 reports of trouble have been tied to puberty blockers.2 That’s huge — like filling a football stadium with people who’ve had issues with these drugs. The safety of puberty-blocking drugs and other forms of “gender-affirming care” has not been established. If you’re considering this for your child, this should make you sit up and pay attention. • How serious are these side effects? Some side effects are serious enough to change your life. Children have reported brain swelling, which brings brutal headaches or trouble thinking. Others have lost vision out of nowhere or developed “tumor-like masses” in the brain.3 These are big red flags you shouldn’t ignore. • Why is safety being questioned? Some experts say stopping hormones throws your body off balance — like hitting the brakes and gas on your car at the same time. Your brain and bones need those hormones to grow right, and pausing them harms long-term development. • Why aren’t warnings louder? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the group that’s supposed to keep you safe, knew about these risks but didn’t make a fuss. With other drugs, they’d sound the alarm, but here? It’s been more like a whisper instead of a siren. You’d expect them to shout if 70,000 adverse event reports came up, but they didn’t. That lack of action is why you need to ask questions and dig deeper yourself. Why Safety Slipped Through the Cracks The FDA is supposed to spot trouble with medicines and keep you safe. Think of them as lifeguards at the pool, watching for danger so you don’t drown. When a drug’s risky, they should blow the whistle and let you know loud and clear. That’s their job, and you count on them to do it right. • How did they miss this? With puberty blockers, the FDA dropped the ball. They didn’t focus on those 70,000 reports, even though they vilified other drugs like hydroxychloroquine. It’s like fixing a leaky faucet while your basement floods. You’d think that many side effects would light up their radar, but they stayed quiet. That’s a problem when you’re trusting them to protect you. • Why should you care? If the FDA isn’t warning the public about risks, you’re left in the dark. It’s like buying a car with no crash test rating — would you drive it? You need clear info to decide what’s safe for your family, but right now, it’s murky. That’s why you’ve got to take charge and not just hope someone else is watching out for you. How to Stay Safe and Informed If puberty blockers come up, don’t be shy — speak to your children about the health risks. By using puberty-blocking drugs or taking hormones to feminize or masculinize the body, you’re wreaking total havoc on your entire system. The only predictable outcome is health problems. • Affirm children’s biology from the start — It’s important for parents to affirm the biology of their children from the start. By teaching them the value and permanence of their biological sex, you effectively “inoculate” them against ideas being brought in later. • Become educated on transgender ideology — “Lost in Trans Nation,” written by Dr. Miriam Grossman, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and board-certified medical doctor, provides parents with the required knowledge and tools to protect their children from the transgender ideology contagion. While I believe the transgender movement poses a severe threat to mental, emotional and physical health, it can be counteracted by level-headed discourse and the sharing of truthful information. • Understand the transhumanist agenda connection — Many believe the trans movement and gender-affirming medical care for youth is a stepping stone in the transhumanist agenda. Ultimately, the goal is to get rid of flesh and blood bodies altogether and have our existence either within a synthetic body or as disembodied avatar in cyberspace, or both. Turning humanity into misgendered people incapable of natural reproduction is a first step in that direction. • Demand the truth — You deserve straight answers about safety — not vague promises. If something feels off, speak up. Your voice matters, and it could help make sure the truth comes about puberty-blocking drugs. FAQs About Puberty-Blocking Drugs Q: What are puberty blockers? A: Puberty blockers are drugs that stop your body from making hormones like estrogen and testosterone. These hormones stop puberty — think growth spurts or voice changes. They’re often used for children questioning their gender or hitting puberty too soon. These medications are powerful and their effects are not always reversible. Q: Are puberty blockers safe? A: They carry significant risks. There are over 70,000 reports of side effects like headaches, mood swings and brain swelling. Many worry about long-term damage to your bones and brain. The long-term effects on fertility and overall health are still largely unknown, adding to the concern. This lack of transparency undermines public trust and highlights the need for independent research and scrutiny. Q: Why didn’t the FDA warn us? A: The FDA knew about the risks but didn’t make them a priority. They focused elsewhere, even with 70,000 reports of harm piling up. Leadership changes didn’t help either. That’s why you’ve got to dig for the truth yourself. Q: How can parents affirm their child’s biological sex and protect them from harmful ideologies? A: Parents can affirm their child’s biological sex by consistently reinforcing the value and permanence of their birth sex from an early age. This includes open and honest conversations about biological realities and healthy development. To protect them from harmful ideologies, parents should educate themselves on these ideologies, foster thinking skills in their children and provide access to diverse perspectives. Resources like Dr. Miriam Grossman’s “Lost in Trans Nation” offers valuable insights. Q: What is the connection between gender-affirming care and the transhumanist agenda? A: Some individuals believe that gender-affirming care, particularly medical interventions for youth, is a step toward a transhumanist agenda. This perspective suggests that the ultimate goal is to transcend biological limitations and eliminate the need for traditional human bodies. Test Your Knowledge with Today’s Quiz! Take today’s quiz to see how much you’ve learned from yesterday’s Mercola.com article. What’s the smartest way for you to boost your physical resilience and avoid early frailty? Follow a strict gym routine with heavy weights every day Rely on supplements to strengthen your muscles and bones Incorporate regular movement like walking, stretching, or light chores into your daily life Past generations stayed resilient through consistent, natural movement like manual labor. Regular activities like walking or stretching keep your body strong and mobile without overtaxing it. Learn more. Limit physical activity to short bursts once a week to save energy

One of the most overlooked drivers of cardiovascular risk is vascular aging — where your arteries become stiff, inflamed and less responsive over time. This process begins earlier than you might think and can progress silently for years before showing up as a heart attack, stroke or metabolic disease. Vascular aging is marked by a loss of elasticity in your blood vessels, elevated oxidative stress and declining endothelial function — the inner lining of your arteries that controls how well they expand and contract. When that function drops, blood flow suffers. You get less oxygen to your tissues and your risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and Type 2 diabetes increases dramatically. Creatine isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about vascular health. It’s usually associated with gym routines or athletic performance. But your body actually makes about 1 to 2 grams of creatine a day from amino acids — and this compound plays a central role in maintaining your cellular energy. Creatine acts like a rechargeable battery for your cells, helping to rapidly regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), your body’s energy currency, especially in high-demand areas like muscles, nerves and blood vessels. The real breakthrough? Research shows creatine isn’t just for muscles — it also helps your blood vessels work better, keeps them flexible and improves how well oxygen reaches your tissues. This matters if you’re over 50 or have blood sugar or weight issues, because stiff or weak blood vessels raise your risk for heart problems. Here’s what the latest research found about how creatine improved artery health and metabolism in older adults. Creatine Helped Older Adults Improve Blood Flow in Just Four Weeks A study in the journal Nutrients looked at how creatine affects the blood vessels of older adults who aren’t very active.1 For four weeks, participants took creatine every day. Then, after a short break, they switched to a placebo so researchers could compare the results. • Creatine helped make arteries more flexible — After four weeks of creatine use, their arteries worked better. Specifically, their endothelial function improved, meaning their blood vessels could relax and open more easily during blood flow. After taking creatine, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), which measures how much arteries expand when blood flow increases, improved from 7.68% to 8.9%. That sounds small, but even a 1% increase in FMD is linked to a 13% lower risk of heart problems. • Oxygen delivery through small blood vessels improved too — In smaller vessels, oxygen delivery to tissues also got a big boost. This matters because better oxygen flow helps your muscles, brain and organs recover, heal and perform more efficiently. • Creatine lowered fasting blood sugar and triglycerides — After 28 days, the participants’ blood sugar dropped from prediabetic levels to a healthier range. Their triglycerides, which are fats in the blood linked to heart disease, also went down significantly. These changes happened without any other lifestyle changes — just from adding creatine. Creatine’s Benefits Came from Real Biological Changes Your body uses the amino acid arginine to make creatine — but it also uses arginine to produce nitric oxide (NO), a gas that helps relax and open your blood vessels. When you get creatine from supplements, your body doesn’t need to use as much arginine to make it. That means more arginine is available to support healthy blood flow. • Energy delivery improved in the arteries — ATP is the main energy source for your cells. Creatine helps move ATP to the cells that need it most — especially muscle and blood vessel cells. When your arteries have enough energy, they stay flexible and responsive, which helps keep your circulation in balance. • In small vessels, creatine supported potassium pumps that control flow — Small blood vessels don’t rely as much on nitric oxide. Instead, they depend on potassium ion pumps that need steady energy to work. These pumps open and close to regulate blood flow. Creatine helps power these pumps by supporting ATP levels, which helps explain why oxygen delivery improved so much. • None of these effects happened with the placebo — The placebo group didn’t see any change in artery flexibility, oxygen flow, blood sugar or triglycerides. That shows it was the creatine — not just the routine of taking something daily — that made the difference. No side effects were reported, and blood pressure, hydration and kidney markers stayed stable throughout the study. Creatine Made Arteries More Flexible in Just One Week Adding support to creatine’s benefits, research published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN looked at whether creatine could improve heart and blood vessel health in older men in just seven days.2 Unlike most studies that take weeks or months, this one tested short-term effects. The goal was to see if even a quick creatine boost could make a difference. • Artery stiffness dropped in just seven days with creatine — The group taking creatine saw a drop in a test measuring how stiff or flexible your arteries are. It went from 8.7 to 8.2 — a meaningful improvement. • Blood pressure started to trend lower, too — Although not statistically significant yet, systolic blood pressure (the top number) fell from 144 to 136.1 mmHg. That’s an eight-point drop in one week. If the trend continues, it could mean a lower risk of heart problems with ongoing use. • Heart stress didn’t increase, which makes creatine a safe option — Unlike some interventions that rev up the heart, creatine didn’t change how hard the heart had to pump. That’s a key point for anyone managing early signs of cardiovascular problems. You want support without overstimulation, and creatine fits that profile. How to Increase Your Creatine Intake and Support Vascular Health If you’re looking to protect your heart as you age, adding creatine to your routine could be a smart move. But before you jump to supplements, it’s important to understand how to do this safely and in a way that supports your long-term health. I recommend starting with food first, then using supplements to fine-tune your levels if needed. Your arteries and vascular system thrive when they’re well-fed with nutrients that support cellular energy. Creatine is one of the most effective nutrients for this job. Below, I’ve outlined five steps you can take to improve your creatine intake and support your cardiovascular system from the inside out. 1. Start with real food sources of creatine — Your body naturally makes some creatine on its own but not enough to meet higher demands — especially as you age. The most efficient way to get more creatine is by eating animal-based foods like grass fed beef. Avoid conventionally raised pork and chicken, as they’re loaded with linoleic acid (LA), which disrupts your cellular energy production and cancels out the benefits of creatine. 2. Consider supplements if you’re vegetarian or vegan — If you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you’re not getting creatine from your food, as it doesn’t exist in plants. That means you’re relying entirely on what your body can make, and that might not be enough to support your vascular health. If you don’t consume animal-based foods, it would be wise to reevaluate your dietary approach or consider targeted supplementation. 3. Use creatine monohydrate if you need a supplement — If you’re not able to get enough creatine from food, or you’re aiming to reach the recommended daily dose of 3 to 5 grams per day, I recommend creatine monohydrate. It’s the most studied and safest form. Choose a clean product from a trusted company — no additives, fillers or mystery flavors. 4. Stick with the proven dose to avoid side effects — More isn’t better when it comes to creatine. The sweet spot for most adults is 3 to 5 grams per day. Go higher than that — especially up to 10 or 20 grams — and you’re more likely to deal with bloating, water retention or loose stools. 5. Support creatine’s effects by reducing LA in your diet — If your diet is high in LA — found in vegetable oils like soybean oil, corn oil and safflower oil — your cells can’t produce energy efficiently. That’s why I advise removing these unhealthy fats from your diet. Switch to tallow, ghee or grass fed butter. Cut out packaged snacks, fried foods and most restaurant meals unless you know exactly how they’re prepared. Your arteries will thank you. Making these changes isn’t about perfection. It’s about giving your cells what they need to function at their best. Start where you are, make one upgrade at a time and pay attention to how your body responds. That’s how you take control of your vascular health — without waiting for symptoms to show up. FAQs About Creatine Q: What does creatine do for your heart and blood vessels? A: Creatine improves how well your arteries expand and contract, which boosts blood flow and reduces the workload on your heart. It also enhances oxygen delivery to your tissues and supports better circulation overall. Q: How quickly does creatine improve vascular health? A: Improvements have been seen in as little as seven days. One study found creatine made arteries less stiff in just seven days, while another saw better artery flexibility and oxygen flow after four weeks of daily use. Q: Can creatine help with blood sugar or triglycerides? A: Yes. In one study, fasting glucose dropped from prediabetic to normal levels, and triglycerides significantly decreased, both of which are key risk factors for heart disease. Q: Does creatine help even if you don’t exercise? A: Yes. One study focused on older adults who were mostly sedentary, and they still saw improvements in blood flow, artery flexibility and metabolic markers like blood sugar and triglycerides. This shows creatine supports vascular health even without changes to your workout routine. Q: What’s the best way to add creatine to your routine? A: Start with whole food sources like grass fed beef. If needed, supplement with creatine monohydrate — choose a clean product without fillers.

Health today looks very different from what it did a few generations ago. If you compare modern health trends with historical records, you’ll find that many chronic illnesses that define modern life were uncommon in the past. People may not have lived as long on average, but those who survived infectious diseases tended to stay strong and independent well into old age. Their bodies didn’t break down the way many do now. The question is, why? Many assume that because medical technology has advanced, people today are healthier than ever. In reality, the rise of modern medicine has not prevented the explosion of chronic disease. Instead, it has created a system that manages symptoms rather than addressing the root causes. Understanding what worked for past generations provides answers for solving today’s health problems. By looking at disease patterns, physical resilience and traditional diets, you’ll start to see what went wrong — and more importantly, what you can do to fix it. Disease Patterns of the Past At the turn of the 20th century, the biggest threats to public health weren’t chronic diseases but acute infections. According to mortality data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),1 a total of 343,217 people died from all causes in the 1900, and the leading killers were pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, and diarrheal diseases, which claimed tens of thousands of lives each year. • Respiratory and diarrheal infections caused the most deaths — Pneumonia and influenza alone accounted for 40,362 deaths, making them the deadliest infections at the time. Tuberculosis followed closely behind, claiming 38,820 lives. Diarrheal diseases, which were particularly dangerous for infants and young children due to poor sanitation and lack of clean drinking water, caused another 28,491 deaths.2 These conditions were widespread public health crises that shaped early medical advancements in sanitation, hygiene, and disease prevention. By comparison, the diseases that dominate today’s mortality statistics were far less common. • Heart disease and cancer were rare — Heart disease, which is now the leading cause of death in the U.S. and globally,3 was responsible for only 27,427 deaths in 1900, with a mortality rate of 138 per 100,000 people. Cancer was even lower on the list, causing just 12,769 deaths. Diabetes, which now affects millions, wasn’t even listed among the leading causes of death during that time.4 • Medical advances reduced infectious disease deaths, but chronic illnesses rose — By the mid-20th century, infectious disease deaths had declined sharply due to advances in sanitation and medical care. However, while medical advancements have helped people survive infections, they haven’t prevented the steady decline in metabolic and physical health. As deaths from infections dropped, chronic conditions took their place. • Heart disease and cancer became leading causes of death by the late 20th century — Diabetes was first included in the list of leading death causes in 1922,5 while heart disease overtook infectious diseases as the leading cause of death in 1921, and has remained at the lead since.6 By 1998, heart disease was responsible for 724,859 annual deaths. Cancer followed closely with 541,532 deaths and stroke claimed another 158,448 lives. Chronic respiratory diseases accounted for 112,584 deaths and diabetes contributed to 64,751 deaths.7 • Autoimmune disease rates have risen significantly in recent decades — These diseases, which were almost nonexistent in early mortality records, have also surged, with cases increasing 3% to 12% annually.8 Research from 2011 to 2022 found that over 15 million Americans, or roughly 4.6% of the population, had been diagnosed with at least one autoimmune disease. Even more concerning, 34% of those diagnosed had two or more autoimmune conditions.9 The significant shift in disease trends reflects the way living has transformed over time. While modern medicine has extended lifespans, it hasn’t necessarily improved quality of life. Unlike many people today, our ancestors didn’t need to rely on a dozen prescriptions just to function. Their bodies worked the way they were supposed to because their lifestyles naturally supported their metabolic health — that’s the real difference between then and now. Strength and Resilience Were Built Into Daily Life A century ago, movement wasn’t optional — it was part of everyday living. Most jobs required manual labor, whether it was farming, construction, or metalworking. Even household tasks demanded strength, from gathering food and hauling water to chopping wood. Walking long distances was also common and people relied on their own bodies to get things done. Now, most people live in a completely different reality.10,11 • Modern life is largely sedentary due to technological conveniences — From morning to night, most routines require minimal movement, leaving the average person sedentary for most of the day. Jobs that require physical effort are less common and modern conveniences have eliminated the need for even basic movement. Elevators replaced stairs, cars replaced walking, and machines handle tasks that once required human strength. This lack of daily movement has led to reduced strength and mobility, and a higher risk of both illness and injury.12 • Children in past generations also developed physical resilience early in life — They spent most of their time outdoors, climbing trees, running, and engaging in physically demanding play that built strength, coordination, and endurance. Their daily routines involved walking to school, helping with chores, and participating in unstructured physical activities that kept them naturally fit. • Today’s children are more sedentary, which harms their long-term health — In contrast, many children nowadays spend most of their time sitting, whether in classrooms or glued to screens, resulting in weaker muscles, poor posture, and a growing risk of obesity and metabolic disorders at a young age. What’s worse, losing the natural physical activity of childhood impacts their current health and sets them up for long-term physical decline.13,14,15 • Older adults in the past remained physically independent longer — One of the biggest differences between past generations and today is how long people stay physically functional. In the early 1900s, it wasn’t unusual to see older adults still working, walking long distances, or maintaining physical independence well into their later years.16 Even without modern medicine, many remained active and independent because their bodies were used to movement from an early age.17 • Modern physical decline often begins early due to inactivity — In contrast, many people today start experiencing joint pain, muscle weakness, and mobility issues well before they enter old age.18 When your body isn’t used the way it was designed to, it starts breaking down. Muscles shrink, bones become brittle, and metabolic function slows down.19 • Basic functional movements are now difficult for many people — Many people now struggle with movements like squatting, lifting, or standing for long periods.20 Unlike today’s exercise routines, which often isolate muscles with repetitive motions, past generations used their entire bodies in natural, practical ways that kept them balanced and injury-free. If you want to rebuild your physical resilience, it’s essential to incorporate more movement in your everyday routine, not just for the sake of exercise, but as part of daily life. The reason past generations didn’t worry about “getting fit” is because they lived in a way that kept them strong. The good news is that this same approach still works today. Food Used To Be Simple and Real — And That’s Why It Worked Our diets have also undergone dramatic changes. There was a time when food didn’t come in packages filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce. Instead, meals were made from fresh, minimally processed ingredients. People ate what they grew, raised, or bought fresh from local markets, and every meal was prepared from scratch. • Foods were nutrient-rich and naturally raised — Fruits and vegetables came straight from home gardens, thriving in nutrient-rich soil that enhanced their flavor and vitamin content. Dairy and meat were sourced from pasture-raised animals that roamed freely and ate the diets they were meant to eat. Natural fats like butter, lard, and tallow were the foundation of home cooking rather than wrongly blamed for heart disease. • These whole foods provided our ancestors with essential nutrients in their most bioavailable form — They were not fortified or artificially enriched because real food didn’t — and still doesn’t — need to be. There were also no artificial flavors, chemical preservatives, or synthetic additives.21,22 Instead, food was prepared in ways that enhanced both nutrition and taste. Fresh carrots provided natural sweetness, grass fed butter added richness, and slow-simmered bone broth delivered deep, satisfying umami. • Traditional diets included raw dairy and nose-to-tail meat consumption — Dairy was enjoyed fresh and raw, complete with its natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria that supported digestion and immunity.23 Meats were consumed nose-to-tail, honoring the whole animal and providing a full spectrum of nutrients from organ meats, connective tissues, and bone broths. This ancestral wisdom ensured that nothing went to waste and that the body received the complete range of nutrients it needed to thrive.24 • Eating followed the natural seasons — People ate what was available locally, cycling through different foods throughout the year. Crops grew at their own pace and reached peak nutritional value when they were ready for harvest. There were no artificial growing techniques, synthetic fertilizers, or genetic modifications forcing them to mature faster than nature intended.25 This natural cycling of foods provided exactly what the body needed in each season. • Traditional food cultures also understood that real food was more than just sustenance — It has therapeutic properties that supported health and strengthened connections within families and communities. Meals were a time for gathering, and cooking skills were passed down through generations, along with the understanding that good food was fundamental to good health. • Food was spiritually and physically nourishing, not just a product — Every culture had its own healing foods and recipes that were built on time-tested ways of nourishing both the body and the soul. There was also a deeper awareness of where food came from because people had a hand in growing, raising, or preparing it. This direct connection to food sources provided both physical and spiritual nourishment. Food was not a mass-produced commodity but something deeply tied to survival and well-being. • Simple, whole foods remain the best path to nourishment — The lesson to be learned here is that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be nourishing. In fact, the opposite is often true. The body thrives on whole, unprocessed foods that are prepared properly, eaten in balance, and consumed in their most natural state. The simplest ingredients have been the backbone of human diets for millennia. They fueled strong, resilient individuals long before processed alternatives existed, and they remain the best foundation for health today. By returning to these basics, you will experience the kind of nourishment that modern food systems have largely stripped away. Reclaiming the Quality of Health That Was Once Normal The stark contrast between past and present health trends reveals a simple truth — your body is built to thrive under the right conditions. It needs real, nutrient-dense food, regular movement, and an environment free from harmful chemicals. • Health depends on efficient energy production — When these foundational elements are in place, your body produces energy efficiently, keeping you strong, resilient, and free from disease. When they are stripped away, mitochondrial function declines, energy production falters, and chronic illness takes hold. • Modern life has introduced biologically incompatible stressors — Modern conveniences have made life easier in many ways, but they have also led to a diet dominated by processed foods, a lifestyle that promotes inactivity, and an environment filled with toxins. These changes disrupt metabolism and have contributed to the epidemic of chronic disease. To reverse this trend, you need to eliminate the factors that didn’t exist in past generations but are now undermining health at the cellular level. • Restoring health requires understanding the root causes — Reclaiming health starts with understanding what went wrong and making deliberate changes to correct it. That means reintroducing ancestral habits that support mitochondrial function rather than relying on a system designed to manage the symptoms of illness rather than prevent it. The goal is not to return to the past, but to take what worked and apply it in a way that supports health in today’s world. By making small but meaningful adjustments, you’ll be able to restore your body’s energy production and rebuild the strength and resilience that used to be the norm. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Health in the Past and Today Q: Why do so many people today suffer from chronic diseases? A: Chronic diseases have skyrocketed because modern life strips away the natural habits that once supported health. Sedentary lifestyles, processed foods, environmental toxins, and overreliance on symptom-based medicine all play a role. The focus has shifted from prevention and vitality to pharmaceutical management of disease. Q: Were people in the past actually healthier? A: Yes, in many ways. Although they faced high mortality from infectious diseases, those who survived into adulthood often remained strong, independent, and functional into old age. They didn’t rely on multiple prescriptions just to get through the day, and their lifestyles naturally supported long-term health. Q: What role has modern medicine played in the shift in public health? A: Modern medicine helped reduce deaths from infections but failed to prevent the chronic disease epidemic. It treats symptoms instead of addressing the root causes. Lifespan may have increased, but the quality of life has declined. Q: What made ancestral diets so nourishing and effective for long-term health? A: Ancestral diets were built on fresh, unprocessed foods that delivered real nutrition. People ate what they grew, raised, or got from nearby farms. Meals included raw dairy, organ meats, bone broth, and seasonal produce — no additives or vegetable oils. This diet supported digestion, immunity, and long-term health because it was real, complete, and deeply nourishing. Q: Is it possible to restore the level of health people used to enjoy? A: Yes, but it requires a shift in how you live. That means eating real food, moving throughout the day, and reducing exposure to modern stressors. When you rebuild the habits that support mitochondrial function, your body regains the energy and resilience that used to be normal. Test Your Knowledge with Today’s Quiz! Take today’s quiz to see how much you’ve learned from yesterday’s Mercola.com article. Why should you care about iron levels in your body when it comes to stroke prevention? Excess iron strengthens brain cells, making strokes less likely High iron levels act like fuel, worsening brain damage during a stroke Excess iron accelerates cell death during a stroke, acting like “gasoline on a fire.” Keeping iron levels in check helps protect your brain from severe damage if a stroke occurs. Learn more. Iron has no effect on strokes but helps with energy levels Low iron levels cause strokes by weakening blood vessels