RNC – Health Page

DMSO is a remarkable naturally occurring substance that (provided it’s used correctly1) safely and rapidly improves a variety of conditions medicine struggles with — particularly chronic pain. For example, thousands of studies show DMSO treats a wide range of: • Injuries such as sprains, concussions, burns, surgical incisions, and spinal cord injuries (discussed here). • Strokes, paralysis, many neurological disorders (e.g., Down syndrome and dementia), and numerous circulatory disorders (e.g., Raynaud’s, varicose veins or hemorrhoids), which were discussed here. • Chronic pain (e.g., from a bad disc, bursitis, arthritis, or complex regional pain syndrome), which was discussed here. • Many autoimmune, protein, and contractile disorders such as scleroderma, amyloidosis, and interstitial cystitis (discussed here). • Head conditions, such as tinnitus, vision loss, dental problems, and sinusitis (discussed here). • Internal organ diseases such as pancreatitis, infertility, liver cirrhosis, and endometriosis (discussed here). • A wide range of skin conditions such as burns, varicose veins, acne, hair loss, ulcers, skin cancer, and many autoimmune dermatologic diseases (discussed here). Many challenging infections such as shingles, herpes, chronic ear or dental infections, and osteomyelitis (discussed here). In turn, since I started this series, it struck a cord, and I have received over 2000 reports of remarkable responses to DMSO, and many readers have had for a variety of “incurable conditions.” This begs an obvious question — if a substance capable of doing all of that exists, why does almost no one know about it? Simply put, like many other promising therapies, it fell victim to a pernicious campaign by the FDA, which kept it away from America despite decades of scientific research, congressional protest, and thousands of people pleading for the FDA to reconsider its actions. Consider for example, this 60 minutes program about DMSO that aired on March 23, 1980: In the 1960s a miraculous treatment for chronic pain, traumatic injury, strokes and spinal cord paralysis was discovered that spread across America like wildfire—until the FDA buried it.Here, 60 Minutes exposed the FDA using the same playbook they used throughout COVID-19. A pic.twitter.com/Bh0dcjNk5w— A Midwestern Doctor (@MidwesternDoc) October 14, 2024 Video Link Video Link DMSO and Cancer Since there is a longstanding tendency for any “unproven cancer therapy” to be targeted by the medical industry, once the pioneers of DMSO realized early research showed DMSO was also remarkable for cancer, a decision was made not to focus on that research as a justifiable fear existed that doing so would bury DMSO (particularly since DMSO was already in a precarious position with the FDA). As a result, there is very little knowledge of how DMSO changes the cancer paradigm. For example: • There are hundreds of studies showing DMSO routinely transforms cancerous cells into noncancerous ones. • DMSO directly inhibits the growth of a wide range of cancers. • DMSO allows the immune system to regain the ability to target cancerous cells that have evaded the immune system,2 which not only eliminates cancer but also can create permanent immunity to cancers. • DMSO makes many conventional cancer therapies much more potent, both making a cure more likely and a far lower (and thus less toxic dose) dose needed to achieve it. • Many natural therapies become dramatically more potent when combined with DMSO (e.g., one DMSO combination ranks amongst the most effective cancer treatments I’ve ever encountered). Furthermore, in addition to directly eliminating cancers, DMSO’s remarkable ability to heal and protect the body can also make challenging cancers far more manageable. In my eyes, the suppression of DMSO’s uses as an adjunctive cancer therapy represents the most egregious aspect of this story as in those instances, it’s not even competing with cancer treatments — it’s just reducing the suffering they cause (which if anything should be good for the cancer business). DMSO and Radiation Therapy Many of DMSO’s remarkable properties result from it effectively protecting cells from a variety of otherwise lethal stressors (e.g., burns,3 freezing,4 blood loss,5 asphyxiation,6 UV light,7 and soundwaves8) and it significantly accelerates healing from injuries (e.g., sprains9 or burns10). In addition to protecting cells from other sources of injury, as early as 1961,11 DMSO was also recognized to protect cells and tissues from radiation exposure, and by 1967,12 to protect the skin. This is because DMSO prevents radiation from: • Breaking apart chromosomes,13 DNA, RNA, proteins,14 and the mitochondria.15 • Creating damaging oxygen species16 and free radicals.17 • Triggering an immune response (e.g., by reducing IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β18), chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and adhesions. • Putting cells into senescence19 (a state of permanent growth arrest). • Causing normal cells in the vicinity of the affected ones to die as well (e.g., when only 1% of cells are exposed to radiation, approximately 30% of non-irradiated cells will exhibit similar toxic effects too20), a fascinating phenomenon I believe is mediated through mitogenic radiation emissions. Since cancer radiation therapy frequently creates a variety of acute and chronic injuries such as burns, fibrosis, and internal tissue adhesions (all of which DMSO treats), DMSO is incredibly valuable for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy — particularly since DMSO not only prevents radiation damage but also rapidly heals the injuries radiation creates.21,22 Most importantly, DMSO’s protective effects are specific to normal cells. In contrast, many studies show it increases cancer cells’ susceptibility to radiation.23 Note: I believe our focus on radiation therapy ultimately resulted from mining magnate James Douglas devising a way to produce cheap radium and then giving a large donation (along with subsequent donations) to America’s premier cancer institute to create a program for developing cancer radiation therapy that then spread across the world.24,25 Radiation Exposure Studies Studies have repeatedly shown that DMSO protects cells26 (particularly when given prophylactically27) from being damaged by (often otherwise fatal28) radiation. For example, DMSO was shown to protect skin cells from dying after exposure to gamma radiation29 and make hamster cells four times as resistant to radiation.30 These same protective properties have also been found in plants31,32,33 and many animals (e.g., mice,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43 rats,44,45,46,47,48,49 rabbits,50 newts,51 and fruit flies52). In animals, DMSO was repeatedly found to protect them from otherwise lethal radiation exposures53,54,55 and protect their skin,56 tails,57 oral mucosa,58 eyes,59 kidneys,60 intestines61 (which are particularly vulnerable to radiation damage), and testicles62 from radiation damage, along with protecting sperm from mutations63 and to accelerate tissue cellular regeneration following an injury.64 Finally, DMSO was shown to prevent the psychological trauma and behavioral changes rats typically experienced from radiation injuries (presumably by preventing radiation from causing injury65). DMSO also has a remarkable ability to protect and heal the skin from injury,66 and since 1966,67 numerous Russian, German, and Japanese studies have demonstrated DMSO’s impressive ability to protect human skin (along with its collagen and mucopolysaccharides) from radiation.68,69,70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80 For example, DMSO has been shown to treat radiation fibrosis,81,82 radiation dermatitis,83 radiation injuries84 and other local radiation complications.85 Note: While DMSO can treat radiation injuries, it is the most effective if given immediately beforehand to prevent radiation injuries.86 DMSO has also been shown to protect tissues besides the skin. For example: • In 80 patients who’d developed late local radiation complications (induration, ulcers) from the treatment of breast or genital cancer (or a non-cancerous disease) DMSO resulted in both a high efficacy of treatment with no side effects.87 • In 22 patients with cervical cancer topical found DMSO prior to internal gamma-ray radiation therapy prevented the normally expected radiation burns and other toxic reactions to the treatment (e.g., in the bladder and rectum) seen in 59 controls and that DMSO did not protect cancerous tissue.88 • In 807 patients with cervical uterine cancer, putting 10% DMSO into the bladders an hour before receiving weekly internal irradiation therapy, dropped the radiation damage to the rectum from 19.0% to 9.5% and to the bladder from 8.8% to 7.1% (both of which dropped to 1.7% if metronidazole was also used).89 • In another study, DMSO had a 50% success rate in treating patients which chronic radiation cystitis (e.g., from prostate cancer therapy).90 Likewise, a 1979 study also used DMSO to treat radiation cystitis.91 • In 22 breast and cervical cancer patients, DMSO protected them against radiation dermatitis (e.g., erosion, blistering, itching, and pain) while also enhancing cancer sensitivity to radiation (as the DMSO treated areas showed skin reddening and exfoliation earlier) and accelerating the regrowth of normal tissues. Additionally, when DMSO was only applied to one side, the non-applied side did worse, the hyperpigmentation that follows radiation therapy was greater in DMSO treated patients, and that only one of the 22 patients had to stop DMSO (due to having a skin eruption which may have been linked to DMSO).92 • This author detailed a case of a patient with lung cancer that was treated with three months of radiation therapy but severely damaged her lungs (making her require oxygen and leaving her unsure if she’d survive) — but after topical and oral DMSO, she had a rapid recovery. Likewise, he also shared a case of another woman with lung cancer who was expected to have significant lung complications from the treatment (as she required a borderline lethal dose), but took topical DMSO prior to each treatment and instead had no complications and was fully healthy three years later.93 It is thus quite remarkable that all of this remains unknown. To quote the author of a 2022 study94 which found DMSO prevented testicular damage (and loss of hormonal function or fertility) following radiation therapy: “Currently, there is no approved agent for the prevention or treatment of radiation-induced testicular injury … In summary, our findings demonstrate the radioprotective efficacy of DMSO on the male reproductive system, which warrants further studies for future application in the preservation of male fertility during conventional radiotherapy and nuclear accidents.” Similarly, in addition to the higher doses experienced from radiation therapy, diagnostic radiation, specifically CT scans (which expose the body to much higher radiation doses than X-rays) also pose a cancer risk — particularly since the dose of radiation with CT scans can have over a 10-fold variation.95 In turn, a CT scan was found to make you 17% to 24% more likely to develop cancer,96 with the risk increasing97 the younger you were at the time of the scan and is much higher for certain types of cancers.98,99,100,101,102 A 2009 study estimated 29,000 cancers were caused by the CT scans performed in America in 2007.103 As such, I avoid CT scans, which I do not feel are essential (particularly since a detailed physical exam frequently provides more actionable information). It is my sincere hope at some point in the future, DMSO will be given in conjunction with CT scans (but unfortunately their use keeps going up, and they are viewed as a highly lucrative growth market104). Tumor Surgery Since DMSO rapidly accelerates the healing of tissue and addresses the neurological components of pain, many studies have found that DMSO greatly facilitates surgical recovery (e.g., by accelerating healing, improving the strength of the final scar, reducing surgical site pain and eliminating fibrosis, enlarged scars, or tissue adhesions). As cancers are frequently treated with surgical removal, DMSO can also greatly aid the recovery from these surgeries (e.g., in dogs that required a unilateral mastectomy, giving IV DMSO 15 minutes before the surgery’s conclusion significantly reduced post-surgical inflammation105). Likewise, studies such as a 1992 trial106 of 198 patients with Stage III colon cancer, and a 1992 trial107 of 228 patients with stomach cancer found DMSO significantly reduced the chance that those cancers would relapse. Extravasation Injuries Since the medical field has been extremely reluctant to consider any alternative cancer treatment that could threaten its bottom line (regardless of how much data is behind it), DMSO has essentially not been utilized in the treatment of cancer. However, there is one exception to this rule, as DMSO is able to address a challenging issue encountered with chemotherapy without threatening the existing market. Since many chemotherapy drugs are quite toxic, they have to be administered in a tightly controlled manner. Unfortunately, in many cases however, the drug gets through the injected vein (extravasates) and leaks into the surrounding tissue. Note: Since extravasations are often not reported, estimates widely vary on how common they are (e.g., according to one study, in 0.1% to 6% of adults who receive chemotherapy108 while another made a compelling case extravasations occur in 39% of patients109). Due to how toxic some of the chemotherapy drugs are (particularly the anthracyclines), when that leakage occurs and the drugs concentrate in one area, it can often cause significant damage to the surrounding tissues and lead to ulceration or necrosis (tissue death). Since the existing treatments don’t always give satisfactory results and DMSO is extremely effective at healing a wide range of tissue injuries, it eventually got used as a treatment for these injuries and quickly caught on. For example: • A 1981 rat study of doxorubicin extravasations showed that daily topical applications of 1 ml 90% DMSO with 10% α-tocopherol significantly reduced ulcer diameter.110 • A 1982111 and 1986112 study tested numerous agents on ulcers created by applying intradermal doxorubicin to pigs and rats and found DMSO was the only agent that prevented or healed those ulcers. • A 1984,113 1987,114 and 1994115 pig study along with a 2007 rat study116 also found DMSO treated or prevented extravasation injuries. Likewise, in humans: • A 1983117 case report, another 1983 case report,118 a 1989 series119 of 4 patients, a 1991 series120 of two patients, a 1994 series of two patients121 and a 2001 case report122 reported that DMSO prevented extravasations from causing ulcerations of tissue death or healed existing injuries (e.g., with “striking” improvement). • A 1988 study gave topical DMSO for anthracycline extravasations every 6 hours for 14 days to 20 patients, which prevented all of them from developing ulcerations. In the 14 who were evaluated at 3 months, there was no sign of residual damage in six patients, while a pigmented indurated area remained in ten.123 • A 1995 study gave topical DMSO (for 8 hours a day over 7 days) alongside 3 days of intermittent cooling to every patient who experienced an extravasation over a 3.5 year period (which was either from doxorubicin, epirubicin, mitomycin, mitoxantrone, cisplatin, carboplatin, ifosfamide or fluorouracil). Of those 144 patients, 127 could be evaluated, of whom only 1 ultimately developed an ulceration from the extravasation, and none experienced side effects from DMSO (beyond temporary skin irritation and a breath odor).124 • A 1996 study of ten successive patients who experienced extravasation from chemotherapy were given DMSO and alpha-tocopherol, all of whom avoided ulceration or tissue death.125 • A 2004 study of 147 patients with extravasations of anthracyclines (which typically leads to 28% developing ulcerations), found 99% DMSO caused only 1% to 2% of them to develop ulcers.126 • A 2007 study explored applying DMSO and α-tocopherol as a gel rather than a liquid solution to treat extravasation injuries (which appeared to hold promise).127 Chemotherapy Injuries In addition to addressing extravasation injuries, DMSO has also: • Been found to prevent doxorubicin cardiac toxicity.128 • Successfully treated palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia resulting from doxorubicin treatment.129 • Prevent the skin death that is often associated with injecting doxorubicin into the eyelid (which is done to treat eye spasms).130 • Protect against birth defects caused by hydroxyurea.131 • Reduce the carcinogenicity of chlorambucil (which often causes a secondary tumor to form after the initial treatment).132 • Potentially decrease the lung injuries (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis) and weight loss caused by bleomycin.133,134,135 DMSO has also been found to improve many other symptoms associated with chemotherapy (e.g., DMSO is frequently used to treat hair loss from a variety of causes, including chemotherapy) since it saves normal cells on the verge of dying following chemotherapy. Note: We find Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation following chemotherapy to be the most effective option for protecting a patient’s healthy cells from dying. Cancer Pain Cancer (and its treatments) are often accompanied by many other debilitating symptoms, including pain — which is so severe that opioids, rather than being restricted, are routinely used to treat it (e.g., fentanyl is often used to treat advanced cancer pain — but in 10% to 20% of patients the pain is severe enough that even the strongest opioids can’t address it136). Since DMSO has a rather unique mechanism of treating pain, it is often able to treat a wide range of challenging pain conditions nothing else works on (e.g., I’ve now had hundreds of readers share life-changing pain improvements from topical DMSO nothing else they’d tried had ever worked on). As such, many over the years have found it provided incredible relief for metastatic cancer pain. One of the most well-known examples was Otis Bowen MD (a popular second-term Indiana governor), who “illegally” used topical DMSO to treat his wife’s pain from terminal multiple myeloma and then publicly denounced the FDA’s absurd embargo on it at the AMA’s 1981 national meeting.137 Remarkably, a few years later, Bowen became Reagan’s Secretary of Health and Human Services. Still, even then, with this highly ethical doctor at the helm of the HSS, DMSO was unable to overcome the FDA’s prohibition of it — which helps to highlight the incredible challenge RFK Jr. is now facing (but gradually surmounting). Likewise, a few studies have shown that DMSO can treat cancer pain: • A 1967 study included two older patients with cancer pain, one of whom had an excellent response to DMSO and one who had a good response.138 • A 1967 study found that of 7 patients with metastatic cancer pain, DMSO gave 2 full and 2 partial remission.139 • A 2011 trial gave DMSO and sodium bicarbonate to 26 patients with advanced cancers who were experiencing significant pain (even with all the available treatment options).140 This greatly improved their pain, their quality of life (e.g., chemotherapy symptoms), their blood counts, and their organ function: Note: A 2010 paper further discusses DMSO’s ability to treat intractable cancer pain.141 It highlights that this may be due to DMSO’s ability to address membrane hyper-excitability (e.g., through suppressing NMDA and AMPA induced ion fluxes — which are linked to central pain sensitization142,143 and may explain why DMSO also effectively treats complex regional pain syndrome144). Conclusion DMSO’s ability to heal the body and restore its normal function transformed the practice of medicine, and had the FDA not buried DMSO sixty years ago; our medical science would be leaps beyond where it is now. In this article, I’ve tried to show how DMSO helps to address one of the most challenging decisions many will face in their lifetimes — is it worth tolerating the immense damage conventional cancer therapies will cause in return for them potentially saving one’s life? As such, it’s unconscionable that DMSO was never incorporated as an adjunctive therapy for conventional cancer care, particularly in the case of radiation therapy, since a vast body of literature shows simply applying it shortly beforehand can prevent most of the complications from radiation therapy and significantly increase its ability to treat cancer. However, while it has been immensely painful to watch the unnecessary suffering created by our outdated and pathological medical practices, for the first time in my life, I am simultaneously immensely hopeful. That is because Make America Healthy Again has created the window to spark the momentum to begin revisiting many of our long accepted medical practices and have our society ask if there is actually a better (or more affordable) way to do things. Author’s Note: This is an abridged version of a longer article that reviews how DMSO also directly treats cancer (e.g., by turning cancer cells back into normal cells or mobilizing the immune system to eliminate them) and how it greatly enhances the effectiveness of both conventional and natural cancer therapies (along with guidance for using DMSO to treat cancer and many other related conditions). That article can be read here. A Note from Dr. Mercola About the Author A Midwestern Doctor (AMD) is a board-certified physician from the Midwest and a longtime reader of Mercola.com. I appreciate AMD’s exceptional insight on a wide range of topics and am grateful to share it. I also respect AMD’s desire to remain anonymous since AMD is still on the front lines treating patients. To find more of AMD’s work, be sure to check out The Forgotten Side of Medicine on Substack. Test Your Knowledge with Today’s Quiz! Take today’s quiz to see how much you’ve learned from yesterday’s Mercola.com article. How can you use your gut bacteria to boost insulin sensitivity? Increase processed foods to limit SCFA production Focus on low-fiber diets to stabilize SCFAs naturally Eat high-carb junk foods to trigger SCFA release Consume fiber-rich foods to promote SCFA production by gut bacteria Short-chain fatty acids from gut bacteria, boosted by fiber-rich foods, reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity to help prevent diabetes. Other choices hinder SCFA production. Learn more.

Did you know a simple compound in foods like oats and mushrooms could supercharge your immune system? These heroes are called beta-glucans — natural substances that help you fight allergies, infections and even serious diseases like cancer. They’re like tiny coaches making your body’s defenses stronger and smarter. Let’s explore how beta-glucans work their magic, plus tips to add these immune boosters to your diet with foods you likely already have at home. How Do Beta-Glucans Help Your Immune System Fight Allergies? Your immune system is like a superhero team keeping you safe from germs, allergens and other troublemakers. One key player? Dendritic cells. Think of them as scouts — they spot invaders like pollen or dust and call the rest of the team to action. A 2024 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences tested how beta-glucans, found in oats, barley and mushrooms, make these scouts even better.1 Researchers tried six types of beta-glucans to see how they boost these cells. • Beta-glucans in action — The study showed beta-glucans flip a switch on dendritic cells, making them more alert and ready to roll. Each type worked a little differently. Some — like zymosan — were especially effective, triggering the scouts to send loud signals (called cytokines) to rally your immune team. Others — like laminarin — were quieter, sending softer signals. It’s like giving your scouts different tools: some get megaphones to shout warnings, while others get whistles that aren’t as loud. Either way, beta-glucans help your scouts grab allergens and get your immune system fired up. • Calming allergy reactions — Here’s the exciting part: when these boosted dendritic cells teamed up with T cells — your immune system’s soldiers — they calmed allergy reactions. In mice allergic to birch pollen, beta-glucans cut down on compounds that make your nose runny or eyes itchy. Zymosan even turned down a chemical — interferon gamma — that makes inflammation worse. Think of it like this: allergies usually make your immune system overreact. Beta-glucans help your scouts guide the team to fight smart, not hard, keeping allergies under control. • A new hope for you — What does this mean for you? Beta-glucans could be a secret weapon against allergies. They help your immune scouts handle allergens without going into overdrive, reducing sneezing or wheezing. Next time allergies hit, picture beta-glucans as tiny trainers making your immune system stronger and calmer. And the best part? You get them from foods like oatmeal or mushrooms — more on that later. How Do Beta-Glucans Make Allergy Treatments Better? If you’ve tried allergy shots or drops, you know they train your immune system to relax around triggers like pollen or pet dander. These treatments, called allergen-specific immunotherapy, work better with helpers called adjuvants — think of them as sidekicks that boost the abilities of the main hero. A 2024 review published in Frontiers in Immunology explored how beta-glucans step up as these sidekicks, making allergy treatments more effective.2 • Double duty superstars — Beta-glucans pull double duty. They act as delivery trucks, carrying allergens right to your immune cells, and as alarm bells, waking up your defenses. The review highlighted that beta-glucans stick to immune cells, helping them grab allergens and kickstart a stronger response. • Boosting your defenses — The researchers also saw beta-glucans boost antibody production — your body’s weapons against invaders. In lab and animal tests, beta-glucans made these antibodies tougher, so your immune system could zap allergens before they bug you. In one test, animals given beta-glucans with allergens made more antibodies to fight them off. • Faster relief for you — For you, this could mean quicker allergy relief. With beta-glucans as sidekicks, treatments might train your immune system faster. And since beta-glucans are in many common foods, you might boost your immune system just by eating smart. What Other Health Benefits Do Beta-Glucans Offer? Beta-glucans aren’t just for allergies — they’re multitaskers for your health. A review published in World Journal of Clinical Oncology showed they’re immunostimulants, waking up your immune system to tackle all kinds of threats.3 From germs to cancer, beta-glucans get your defenses ready. Think of them as all-purpose helpers keeping you strong. • Fighting infections — Beta-glucans help you beat infections. The review noted they spark your immune cells to attack bacteria, viruses and parasites. They even make antibiotics work better against stubborn germs. Imagine beta-glucans as cheerleaders rallying your immune team to knock out colds or harmful bacteria. In tests, they helped animals fight off bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (responsible for many common skin infections) and parasites like Leishmania. That’s a natural boost for staying healthy. • Taking on cancer — Beta-glucans can even help protect against cancer. As explained in the featured review, they team up with antibodies to tag cancer cells, making it easy for your immune cells — like neutrophils and natural killer cells — to target them. In tests, beta-glucan therapy shrank tumors by 70% to 95% in just two weeks. It’s like giving your immune system a treasure map to find and destroy cancer hideouts. When cancer cells hide, beta-glucans mark them with a big “X” so your team can take them out. • Extra help for recovery — Beta-glucans help your body bounce back from stress or damage. They rebuild bone marrow — the factory for your blood cells — after chemotherapy. They also ease body stress, helping you recover faster from illness or injury. For you, this means beta-glucans could benefit everything from sniffles to big health challenges, keeping you feeling great. Empower Your Health with Beta-Glucans Beta-glucans are hidden gems in your food, giving your immune system a serious boost. They train your immune scouts to fight allergies, act as sidekicks in allergy treatments and multitask against infections and cancer. The science says it all: these natural wonders help you stay healthier and stronger. Ready to try them? Here’s how to add beta-glucans to your diet with healthy foods: • Oats and barley — Start your day with well-cooked organic oatmeal or add barley to soups and stews. Choosing whole grain versions will maximize the beta-glucan content. One caveat — if you have dysbiosis, avoid fiber-rich foods, including oats and barley, until your gut health is healed. • Reishi and shiitake mushrooms — Cook them up for dinner for a tasty, health-boosted treat. These mushrooms can be added to stir-fries, soups or even made into teas. • Seaweed — Snack on kelp and other seaweed varieties. Seaweed can be incorporated into salads, sushi or enjoyed as a crispy snack. Be mindful of your portions though, as most seaweeds contain polyunsaturated fats, including linoleic acid, which is harmful to your health in excessive amounts. • Organic rye and wheat — Try using organic rye or wheat flour to make your own organic sourdough bread. Sourdough fermentation also enhances the bioavailability of nutrients. FAQs About Beta-Glucans Q: What are beta-glucans, and why should you care? A: Beta-glucans are natural compounds in foods like oats and mushrooms. They boost your immune system, helping you fight allergies, infections and cancer. They’re like tiny coaches for your body’s defenses. Specifically, they activate dendritic cells, which are important for initiating immune responses. Q: How do beta-glucans help with allergies? A: They train your immune scouts (dendritic cells) to handle allergens calmly, cutting down on sneezing or itching when pollen or dust hits. This occurs by modulating the cytokine response, preventing an overreaction of your immune system. Q: Can beta-glucans really fight cancer? A: Yes, studies show they tag cancer cells for your immune system to destroy. In tests, tumors shrank up to 95% in two weeks. They work by enhancing the activity of natural killer cells and other immune cells that target cancer. Q: Which foods have beta-glucans? A: You’ll find them in oats, barley, mushrooms (like shiitake), seaweed, rye, wheat and veggies like broccoli. Eat up for a natural boost, but remember the concentration varies, with oats, barley and certain mushrooms being the richest sources. Q: Are beta-glucans safe? A: Yes, they’re in everyday foods, so they’re safe for most people. However, be aware that if you have dysbiosis, high-fiber foods like oats and barley should be avoided until your gut health improves.

Picture this: you turn on your kitchen faucet for a refreshing glass of water, but tiny, invisible chemicals sneak into every sip. These are PFAS, nicknamed “forever chemicals,” and they’re hiding in drinking water all over the U.S. — even yours. So, what are PFAS? They’re man-made chemicals found in everyday items like nonstick pans and waterproof jackets. They’re tough as nails, sticking around in the environment — and your body — for years without breaking down. Why should you care? Research shows PFAS harm your health, raising the risk of serious problems like cancer, especially in children. It’s an alarming thought, but don’t worry — new solutions are popping up to address this issue. In this article, you’ll discover the dangers of PFAS, a breakthrough way to get them out of your water and easy steps to keep your family safe. Why PFAS Are a Silent Threat to Your Health PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They’re chemicals humans created for products like nonstick cookware, firefighting foam and stain-resistant carpets. These chemicals get into your drinking water through factory runoff, leaking landfills or even firefighting drills near rivers. Once they’re in, they don’t leave easily. • Think of PFAS like glitter at a party — It spreads everywhere — your floors, your clothes — and good luck getting it all out. That’s how PFAS stick around in water supplies. It’s a big deal worldwide. Scientists have found PFAS in water from remote Mount Everest streams to your local river, showing just how widespread this problem is.1 • These “forever chemicals” build up over time — Every time you drink, cook or even shower, you’re likely letting PFAS into your life. The fact that they’re in so many places make them a silent threat you shouldn’t ignore. Knowing where they come from is the first step to protecting yourself. The Alarming Link Between PFAS and Childhood Cancers A 2025 study dropped a bombshell: children exposed to higher levels of PFAS while in the womb face a bigger risk of blood and kidney cancers.2 • The researchers saw a clear pattern — The more PFAS, the higher the cancer risk. It’s a wake-up call about what’s in your tap. Take the Cape Fear River in North Carolina, for example.3 Years of industrial dumping left the water loaded with PFAS, and families downstream felt the impact. • It’s not only children’s cancers — PFAS are also tied to grown-up problems like infertility, liver damage, cancer and a weaker immune system. These chemicals interfere with your hormones, organs, and your ability to fight off illness. The worst part? You might not know they’re there until it’s too late. That’s why understanding these health risks is so important — it’s about keeping you and your loved ones safe. How Do You Get PFAS Out of Your Water? Most water filters — like the pitcher in your refrigerator — are sticky traps for PFAS. They catch the chemicals but don’t get rid of them, so the gunk leaks back out later. Enter a new PFAS filtration system from a North Carolina researcher, featured in Wired.4 • Three ways to filter out PFAS — There are a few main ways to remove PFAS from your water. Here’s a simple breakdown: ◦ Reverse osmosis — This method pushes water through a very fine screen. The water gets through, but the PFAS and other bad stuff get left behind. ◦ Activated carbon filtration — This filter is filled with tiny pieces of charcoal. As water flows through, the PFAS stick to the charcoal like dust to a sticky surface. This is a common type of filter often found in water pitchers or faucet attachments. ◦ Ion exchange — This is the method the researcher in North Carolina, Jordan Poler, is using. It works like a magnet for certain contaminants. The water flows through a material that attracts and grabs the PFAS. Poler’s filter uses a natural material called zeolite, which he says is like a pile of tiny sticks with lots of surface area to grab the PFAS. He can even clean the filter and use it again, which is good for the environment. • This new filtration system doesn’t just trap PFAS — Once the PFAS are collected, they can be sent to special companies to be broken down and safely disposed of, keeping them out of your water for good. • Breaking the toxic water cycle — This new tech isn’t on the market yet, but it’s a hopeful step forward. Cities are starting to test it, and soon, you might see it in stores or even your local water plant. It’s not just about catching PFAS — it’s about breaking that “forever” cycle so your water stays clean. That’s the kind of solution to feel good about, knowing science is fighting back against these chemicals. A Sustainable Breakthrough in PFAS Removal Researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo are also exploring ways to remove PFAS from water.5 Their new carbon-based system targets PFAS using a filter made from wood scraps and sugar — pulling the toxic forever chemicals out of the water. • The magic happens with two parts — A membrane (think of it as a high-tech sieve) and an adsorbent (a trap that grabs PFAS). They’re made from a byproduct of papermaking and glucose, a simple sugar. These ingredients are inexpensive, eco-friendly and ready to tackle contamination. • Here’s the process in simple terms — The membrane system heats the water, turning it into vapor and leaving most PFAS behind. Then, the trap swoops in like a sponge, locking up any leftover chemicals. It’s a double whammy that leaves your water cleaner than ever. • Why should you care? — This method doesn’t just catch PFAS — it traps them for good, unlike older filters that let them sneak back out. Plus, it’s sustainable, turning waste into a water-saving hero. It’s a positive step for safer drinking water. What Can You Do to Stay Safe from PFAS? You don’t have to sit back and wait for PFAS to go away. Here’s how to take charge: • Check your water first — Find out what’s in your tap. Look up your local water quality report online — most cities post them — or call your water provider to ask about PFAS testing. If you rely on well water, get your water tested with an independent laboratory. Knowledge is power. • Pick a PFAS-fighting filter — Not happy with what your water test finds? Get a filter that works. For now, look for ones labeled “reverse osmosis” or “activated carbon” — they’re your best bets for trapping PFAS and keeping your water safe. • Speak up for change — Tell your local leaders you want tougher rules on PFAS and better water treatment in your town. A quick email or call can make waves. • Make small swaps — Skip nonstick pans and opt for enameled cast iron or ceramic options instead. Little changes like this cut your exposure over time. These steps are simple but powerful. Share them with friends, and together push for cleaner, safer water. You’re not helpless — you’re part of the solution. While PFAS lurking in your drinking water are linked to serious health risks, there’s hope on the horizon. New filtration systems are on the way, promising to trap and trash PFAS for good — keeping your water cleaner down the road. But don’t wait — take steps to filter your water to cut your exposure and protect your loved ones now. Cleaner water starts with you — so let’s demand it together. FAQs About PFAS and Your Water Q: What are PFAS, and why are they called “forever chemicals”? A: PFAS are man-made chemicals in common products like nonstick pans and waterproof gear. They’re “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily, hanging out in water and your body for years. Q: How do PFAS get into my drinking water? A: They sneak in through factory runoff, landfills or firefighting foam near rivers. Once they’re in your water, they’re tough to kick out. Q: What health risks do PFAS pose? A: PFAS are linked to childhood cancers, infertility, liver damage and a weaker immune system. Children are hit hardest, but everyone’s at risk. Q: What’s the best way to remove PFAS from my water? A: Use filters labeled “reverse osmosis” or “activated carbon.” They trap PFAS better than most, keeping your water safer. Q: Can I do anything else to lower my exposure? A: Yes, check your water report, skip nonstick products and push your local leaders for stricter PFAS rules. Every bit helps.

Imagine you’re on a crowded bus, noise-canceling headphones snug over your ears, your favorite song drowning out the chaos. It’s peaceful, but have you ever stopped to think if this daily escape is interfering with your hearing? Noise-canceling headphones are everywhere, helping you block out the world. Yet, there’s a growing question: could they secretly harm your ears? With millions using them every day, understanding their effects is important for keeping your hearing sharp. Let’s dive into how they work, their benefits, the risks and what experts say, plus how to make using them safer. How Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Work? You’ve probably wondered how these headphones magically hush the world. Picture sound as waves crashing on a beach — Noise-canceling headphones listen to outside racket — like chatter or traffic — then send out opposite waves to cancel it out. What’s left? Silence, or just the music or podcast you want to hear. It’s like a tug-of-war where the noise loses. Noise-canceling technology isn’t new — It started decades ago with pilots who needed to hear over roaring plane engines. Today, it’s in your hands, changing how you experience sound daily. There are two kinds of noise-canceling headphones: active ones use smart tech to fight noise, while passive ones rely on thick padding to block it. Most pairs you own probably blend both, giving you that quiet bubble. Are There Any Benefits of Noise-Canceling Headphones? Let’s talk benefits — because there’s a reason so many people reach for these headphones. Stress and anxiety relief — Ever notice how calm you feel when the background buzz fades? By cutting out noise, they lower your stress and anxiety, acting like a shield against chaos.1 It’s a little break for your mind. They’re a focus booster — Picture working in a loud café or studying with roommates chatting nearby. Noise-canceling headphones help you tune out distractions and zero in on what matters. Love music? These headphones make every note pop without you cranking the volume. You get a richer sound experience at lower levels. And in loud spots — like a busy street — they let you listen at a lower volume instead of blasting to compete with the background noise. But is there a catch? The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Silence Now, here’s where it gets tricky. Some experts worry these headphones have downsides. One big concern? Overusing them could confuse your brain about sound. It’s called auditory processing disorder — fancy words for trouble sorting out noises around you.2 If you block everything too much, your brain struggles later without that quiet bubble. In other words, constant isolation from environmental sounds could be training your brain to ignore background noise too well. Additional risks include: Auditory processing difficulties — Too much silence makes your brain less skilled at picking out sounds. This leads to problems understanding conversations or telling sounds apart in noisy places. This is due to the brain “forgetting” how to filter these sounds. Increases in hearing issues — Medical professionals have noted a trend of younger individuals with hearing difficulties, despite having normal hearing tests. This raises questions about the role of noise-canceling headphones.3 Tinnitus and ear discomfort — Using headphones at high volumes for extended periods can cause tinnitus, a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears. Some people also report ear pressure, especially with active noise cancellation, leading to headaches or discomfort. Sound direction problems — Using noise-canceling headphones a lot makes it harder to tell where sounds are coming from, which could be unsafe in some places.4 Becoming more sensitive to noise — If you block out everyday sounds too much with noise-canceling headphones, normal noises seem too loud when you take the headphones off.5 Think of your brain like a muscle. If it stops flexing with everyday sounds — like birds or footsteps — it gets rusty at handling them. Later, without headphones, the world could feel too loud or jumbled. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s a risk to consider. Further, even with noise-canceling, turning the volume way up still hurts your ears over time. You might not feel it now, but the damage creeps in. And wearing them for hours tires your ears out and feels uncomfortable — a reminder that too much of a good thing isn’t always great. What the Experts Say So, what do the pros think? A BBC report shared stories of people noticing hearing shifts after heavy noise-canceling headphone use, raising red flags.6 It’s not hard proof, but it’s enough to make you pause. How you use them also affects their risks — volume and time matter most. Listening skills suffer — Experts like Renee Almeida from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust states your brain needs to hear background noise to understand what’s most important to focus on. “There is a difference between hearing and listening,” she told BBC. “We can see that listening skills are suffering.”7 “Forgetting” auditory input — Claire Benton, vice president of the British Academy of Audiology, says your brain could forget how to filter out background noise, like honking cars, if you wear noise-canceling headphones too much.8 EMF exposure — Along with hearing concerns, headphones, especially wireless varieties, also expose you to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), raising additional health concerns. Still, audiologists — ear experts — say there’s no slam-dunk evidence of big harm yet. They’re keeping an eye on it, though, because it’s a hot topic. Some argue the benefits outweigh risks; others want more research. The jury’s still out, but it’s smart to listen up. How to Protect Your Hearing While Using Your Headphones Not using noise-canceling headphones is the surest way to avoid their associated risks. However, if you plan to use them, moderation is key. Take frequent breaks — Give your ears a breather at least every hour. Pop them off and let natural sounds — like birds or chatter — flow back in. It’s like a reset button for your hearing. Try the 60/60 rule — Keep the volume at 60% or less and limit sessions to 60 minutes. It’s an easy way to cut risks, and your ears will thank you. You can use a phone app to check if your volume is too loud. Don’t lean on noise-canceling all the time — In quiet spots, let your brain practice hearing the world — it keeps your senses sharp. And get your hearing checked yearly. If things sound muffled, catching it early saves you trouble later. Keep Your Ears Happy Noise-canceling headphones have their place — they block noise, sharpen your focus and make music sing. But they’re not risk-free. Overdoing it or pumping the volume could quietly ding your hearing. Your ears are precious, so staying smart about how you use these gadgets keeps them humming for years. Remember: take breaks, keep the volume down, use noise-canceling wisely and check your hearing regularly. FAQs About Noise-Canceling Headphones and Hearing Q: Can noise-canceling headphones damage your hearing? A: Not directly, but cranking the volume too high or using them too long might hurt your ears over time. Consider being mindful of the duration of use to minimize strain on your auditory system. Q: What’s the safest way to use them? A: Not using them at all is the surest way to eliminate their risks. But if you do use them, follow the 60/60 rule — 60% volume, 60 minutes max — and take breaks. Your ears need rest too. Implementing these guidelines helps to mitigate the risk of overexposure to loud sounds and auditory fatigue. Q: Why do my ears feel tired after wearing headphones? A: Hours of use strain them. Give your ears a break every hour to feel fresh again. This fatigue is a signal that your ears need a rest from directed sound and a chance to readjust to ambient noise. Q: Are there benefits to noise-canceling headphones? A: They cut stress, boost focus and improve sound quality. However, these advantages are most effectively realized when used responsibly and in appropriate situations where noise reduction is genuinely beneficial. Q: Should I use noise-canceling headphones in quiet environments? A: It’s best to let your ears experience natural sounds in quiet places. Using noise-canceling headphones excessively even in quiet settings hinders your brain’s natural ability to process and filter everyday sounds effectively.

Have you ever heard of PCOS? It’s short for polycystic ovary syndrome, a common hormonal condition that affects women during their reproductive years. You might notice irregular periods, extra hair growing where you don’t want it or even trouble getting pregnant. If you’re affected, you’re not alone — PCOS impacts 6% to 20% of reproductive-age women worldwide.1 The great news? PCOS can be managed with simple lifestyle changes — like eating better, moving more and handling stress. It’s wise to try these steps first because they boost your overall health and make life feel better as well. Further, these aren’t short-term fixes; they’re ways to help your body thrive. Let’s explore what PCOS is, why lifestyle changes work and tips to improve your diet, exercise and mental well-being if you’re struggling with PCOS. What Is PCOS? PCOS is like a hormonal mix-up in your body. Imagine a seesaw that’s off balance — your hormones lean too far one way, often making too many male hormones like testosterone. This throws off your periods, triggers extra hair growth on your face or body, kicks up acne and makes weight stick around. Sometimes, tiny cysts pop up on your ovaries, but they’re not dangerous. However, PCOS isn’t just a nuisance — it leads to bigger issues. Left untreated, PCOS often results in struggles with blood sugar due to insulin resistance, which makes weight tougher to manage and increases your chances of diabetes and heart trouble later. These are risks to keep an eye on, but you’ve got options to address them. What causes PCOS? Part of it comes from your family — if your mom or sister has it, you might too. Your habits, like what you eat or how active you are, also play a role. Then there’s inflammation — think of it as your body’s alarm going off too loud, making symptoms worse. The good part? It’s easy to manage these pieces with lifestyle changes. Why Are Lifestyle Changes Important for PCOS? Why start with lifestyle changes? Because they’re like fixing the foundation of your house — get that solid, and everything else runs smoother. Lifestyle changes address the root problems of PCOS, like insulin resistance, inflammation and imbalanced hormones. When you eat better and move more, you help your body handle blood sugar better. That’s key because insulin resistance — a condition where your body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin — is a big player in PCOS. These changes also calm inflammation and nudge your hormones back into balance naturally. What’s in it for you? You could see more regular periods, feel happier, find weight easier to manage and lower your odds of diabetes or heart issues. It’s like giving your body a tune-up so it runs like a champ. Best of all, you’re in charge of making it happen. How Does Diet Help Manage PCOS? Your diet is a superstar when it comes to PCOS — it’s like fuel for your car, and the right kind keeps you humming along. But with so many choices, which diets work best? A systematic review published in Nutrients revealed several options to try.2 Remember, when it comes to diet, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution — always listen to your body. • Low glycemic index (GI) diet ◦What it is — Foods that give you energy slowly — like oats, lentils or berries. ◦Why it helps — They keep your blood sugar steady, easing the pressure on insulin. ◦Important caveat — The impact of fiber on gut health and overall health isn’t straightforward, particularly if your gut bacteria are out of balance, a condition called dysbiosis. If your gut health is suboptimal, complex carbohydrates, like fiber and many low-GI foods, feed harmful bacteria that multiply and eventually die off, releasing a highly virulent endotoxin called lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition to causing digestive issues, when LPS enters your bloodstream through a compromised gut barrier, it leads to a severe condition known as endotoxemia, which often progresses to septic shock — a state of systemic inflammation that’s sometimes fatal. If you have dysbiosis, avoid fiber until your gut is healed. • Ketogenic diet ◦What it is — Low carbs, high fats — like red meats and eggs, but skip the bread. ◦Why it helps — It switches your body to burn fat, helping with weight and hormones. ◦Important caveat — For several years, I recommended the ketogenic diet as a way to optimize your metabolic and mitochondrial health. But since I discovered the work of the late Ray Peat, Ph.D., my stance on the ketogenic diet has drastically changed. It turns out, going low-carb can be detrimental for your health. While a ketogenic diet is beneficial in some short-term cases, it’s not an optimal long-term strategy for most people. • Anti-inflammatory diet ◦What it is — Foods that quiet your body’s alarm—like salmon or spinach. ◦Why it helps — PCOS loves inflammation, so this soothes it, like calming a cranky engine. ◦Try these — In addition to consuming anti-inflammatory foods like berries and mushrooms, avoid inflammatory choices like processed foods, which contain seed oils rich in linoleic acid — a mitochondrial poison. • Antioxidant-rich diet ◦What it is — Foods that fight oxidative stress, which occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. ◦Why it helps — They protect your cells from the oxidative stress and inflammation that drives PCOS. ◦Try These — Berries, dark chocolate or a cup of green tea. • Microbiome-rich diet ◦What it is — Gut-friendly foods like fermented vegetables, kefir, fruits and fiber. ◦Why it helps — A happy gut means better overall health — like tending a garden in your belly.  ◦Try These — Most adults need between 200 and 350 grams of healthy carbohydrates daily for energy, and these carbs are also the foundation for a healthy gut. For those without dysbiosis, focus on getting your carbs from real, whole foods, but ease into a high-fiber diet gradually. Begin with simple, gentler carbohydrate sources like fruit and white rice. Once your gut is healthy, consider introducing beneficial bacteria to further support gut health, like a timed-release Akkermansia supplement. How Does Exercise Help with PCOS? Exercise is about far more than dropping pounds — it’s a secret weapon to help your body feel better with PCOS. Think of it as a reset button you can hit anytime. Here’s why it’s so beneficial: • Blood sugar support — It helps your muscles use sugar better, cutting insulin resistance. • Weight control — Moving more helps lighten your load, easing PCOS symptoms. • Hormone balance — Exercise nudges your hormones into line, helping to balance them out and maybe even making periods regular. • Heart health — PCOS increases heart risks, but exercise keeps yours strong. Types of Exercise You’ll Love • Aerobic — Get your heart going with walking, cycling or swimming. While even short walks are beneficial, aiming for about an hour each day is a powerful goal for safeguarding your health. This doesn’t need to be an hour all at once. Try breaking it up into shorter segments throughout the day — perhaps two 30-minute walks or three 20-minute walks. If you’re new to exercise, start gradually with short walks before working your way up to the full 60 minutes. • Strength training — Lifting weights or doing resistance exercises isn’t just about building bigger muscles; it’s fundamentally about improving the quality of your muscles. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of strength training per week, targeting all major muscle groups. How Does Mental Health Support Help with PCOS? PCOS impacts both mind and body, sometimes triggering stress or sadness. That’s why supporting your mental health matters. These tips may help you feel better: • Counseling — Chatting with a therapist is like having a guide when you’re lost—it sorts out your feelings. • Mindfulness — Slow breathing and meditation calm your mind and help pause the chaos. • Education — Learning about PCOS puts you in control so you’re able to take proactive steps to improve your health. Why Environmental Toxins Play a Key Role in PCOS PCOS causes androgens such as testosterone to rise, causing hormonal imbalance. However, many patients with PCOS also have high levels of estrogen.3 And what is a major contributor to elevated estrogen levels? Microplastics. • Avoid microplastics and other xenoestrogens — Plastics are xenoestrogens that mimic the effects of estrogen in your body, stimulating your estrogen receptors. Phthalates, for instance, have estrogenic properties, and some endocrine-disrupting chemicals are also considered estrogenic carcinogens. • Consider natural progesterone — To help restore hormonal balance, consider taking natural progesterone. As noted in a 2020 study, “Cyclic progesterone for PCOS lowers androgens and restores estradiol-progesterone balance.”4 Putting It All Together — Diet, Exercise and Mental Health Managing PCOS is like playing in a band — diet, exercise and mental health all work together to make sweet music. Here’s how they team up: • Diet — Keeps blood sugar and inflammation in check. • Exercise — Boosts insulin use, weight control and hormone balance. • Mental health — Keeps you motivated and stress-free. PCOS hits everyone differently, so tweak these to fit you — and also make a point to avoid xenoestrogens in the products you use around your home. When you incorporate these healthy lifestyle changes, you’ll likely feel more energy and build a stronger you, one step at a time. FAQs — Your Top PCOS Questions Answered Q: What are the best foods for PCOS? A: Focus on low glycemic index foods like oats and berries to stabilize blood sugar, and incorporate anti-inflammatory options like fruits. Be sure to avoid inflammatory processed foods and seed oils. Remember to prioritize whole foods and be mindful of your gut health, especially if you experience dysbiosis. Q: How much exercise do you need for PCOS? A: Aim for about an hour walk each day, which can be broken up into shorter segments, like three 20-minute walks. If you’re new to exercise, start gradually with short walks before working your way up to the full 60 minutes. Also incorporate 30 to 60 minutes of strength training per week, targeting all major muscle groups. Q: Does stress make PCOS worse? A: Yes, stress exacerbates PCOS symptoms by disrupting hormone balance and increasing inflammation. Incorporate stress-reducing practices like mindfulness, meditation or counseling to manage your mental well-being and alleviate symptoms. Q: What’s one easy lifestyle change to start with? A: Begin by making small dietary adjustments, such as swapping processed snacks for whole fruits or vegetables, or start with short 10-minute walks daily. Gradual changes are more sustainable and lead to significant improvements in your overall health. Q: How do you stay motivated? A: Set achievable, small goals and track your progress to see your improvements. Educate yourself about PCOS to understand how your lifestyle choices impact your health, and remember that consistent effort leads to positive outcomes.