How Oxytocin Shapes the Friendships That Protect Your Health

More than half of U.S. adults experience dry eye symptoms, but only a small fraction have received a formal diagnosis or treatment Common symptoms include burning, stinging, gritty sensations, blurred vision, and eye fatigue, often worse at night or with prolonged screen use Environmental and lifestyle factors — including digital device use, indoor HVAC, contact lenses, and certain medications — are major drivers of dry eye disease Remedies range from simple lifestyle changes and home routines (blink breaks, warm compresses, humidifiers) to over-the-counter drops, prescription medications, and device therapies Ignoring persistent symptoms increases the risk of corneal damage, chronic inflammation, and permanent vision changes, making professional evaluation necessary

Chronic inflammation quietly damages nerves, joints, and blood vessels, leading to long-term pain and illness, but natural anti-inflammatory drinks can provide gentle relief without harsh drug side effects Tart cherry juice, rich in anthocyanins and melatonin, has been clinically shown to reduce nerve pain, lower inflammation, and improve sleep, offering a safe, research-backed alternative Green and white teas are antioxidant powerhouses with catechins that protect nerve cells, calm inflammation, support circulation, and even provide antimicrobial benefits for long-term nerve and immune health Ginger tea and golden milk harness ancient healing compounds like gingerol, shogaol, and curcumin to ease inflammation, improve circulation, reduce oxidative stress, and promote tissue healing Fresh juices from carrots and celery hydrate the body, deliver antioxidants, and support nerve protection

I am excited to announce the launch of Mercola Labs — an affordable, convenient way to provide you with multiple biomarker results through the Mercola Health Coach app Having direct access to health lab results empowers you with real-time health data, shifting health care from passive, doctor-controlled systems to transparent, personalized, and proactive participation The initial test available on Mercola Labs is the Energy Panel test, which measures 21 biomarkers related to energy, heart health, iron balance, immunity, and detoxification, helping you optimize your health wellness by identifying deficiencies early Additional at-home tests are in development, offering deeper insights into health in the future The testing process includes online ordering, ID verification, completing the intake form, sample collection, and receiving results via the Mercola Health Coach app

Recent studies recommend eating about 0.3 to 0.4 g protein per kg of body weight (20 to 40 g for most adults) within two hours after training for optimal recovery Aim for around 2 to 3 g leucine in that dose to robustly trigger muscle protein synthesis A new Texas A&M clinical trial in tactical athletes reports better recovery markers after intense training when animal-protein meals were used versus plant-based meals with equal total protein Pairing protein with carbohydrates helps speed glycogen refueling across the next four to six hours Older adults generally benefit from the higher end of the per-meal range (approximately 0.4 g/kg)

Cancer now affects 30% to 50% of Americans, a massive increase from just 5% in 1900, reflecting how modern diets and lifestyles have reshaped your body’s internal terrain Excess linoleic acid (LA) from seed oils triggers toxic byproducts, chronic inflammation, and mitochondrial breakdown, all of which weaken your body’s defenses and fuel tumor growth Lowering LA intake from 7% to around 2% to 3% of daily calories has been shown to cut oxidative stress markers by 20% in as little as 12 weeks, giving your body a chance to recover A four-phase terrain restoration strategy uses seed oil elimination, staged carbohydrate reintroduction, gradual fiber restoration, and metabolic supports like intermittent fasting and exercise to rebuild resilience Simple daily steps — avoiding seed oils, rebuilding gut health, supporting mitochondria through movement and sleep, and tracking progress — give you control over your risk and long-term health

The air inside and outside your home often contains invisible pollutants, including fine particles and gases from traffic, industry, and household items, which accumulate in the spaces where you spend the most time Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), in particular, which is about 30 times smaller than a human hair, penetrates deeply into your lungs and bloodstream, where it contributes to cardiovascular strain and disease A large, randomized crossover trial published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that using HEPA air filters indoors significantly lowered PM2.5 exposure and reduced systolic blood pressure Research links long-term air pollution to many serious health risks beyond heart disease, including respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, impaired childhood development, heightened infection rates, and neurological conditions Aside from installing HEPA filtration systems at home, other strategies to reduce your exposure to air pollutants include switching to nontoxic household products, ventilating wisely, filtering water, and reducing outdoor exposure on polluted days

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in your hand and fingers Massage techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy help reduce swelling, loosen tight tissues, and improve blood flow, easing pressure on the nerve Specific exercises like nerve-gliding and tendon-gliding restore mobility by keeping tendons and nerves moving smoothly, reducing stiffness and improving function The Madenci hand massage technique, tested in clinical research, offers a simple three-minute self-massage routine that significantly improves grip strength and reduces pain Consistent daily practice of massage and exercises for at least four to six weeks provides lasting relief and helps prevent symptoms from coming back

Childhood chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, asthma, anxiety, and depression are rising sharply, with nearly one in five U.S. children obese and one in seven teens experiencing mental disorders On February 13, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14212 establishing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to address children’s health The Commission identified four main drivers of childhood chronic disease — poor diet, toxic chemical exposures, lack of physical activity combined with chronic stress, and overmedicalization through unnecessary prescriptions The Commission’s strategy rests on four pillars — advancing research, realigning incentives and systems, increasing public awareness, and fostering private sector collaboration, creating a comprehensive plan to reverse the health crisis Key reforms include stricter food safety rules, updated infant nutrition standards, greater transparency in healthcare, expanded mental health support, and partnerships that put real food and prevention at the center of children’s lives

Hemorrhoids affect millions of Americans each year, and sitting too long on the toilet is among the hidden triggers Using a smartphone in the bathroom raises hemorrhoid risk by 46% because it keeps you seated longer without pelvic support People who use their phones are far more likely to sit over five minutes per trip, even though many don’t realize their habit is adding time Younger adults are the most frequent toilet phone users, meaning their risk of hemorrhoids builds earlier in life Simple changes — like leaving your phone outside the bathroom, adjusting toilet sitting positions, staying hydrated, and walking daily — help prevent painful flare-ups

Strong friendships increase survival rates by about 50%, making them as important for your health as diet, exercise, or quitting smoking Oxytocin, often called the bonding hormone, determines who you trust and how quickly you form lasting connections When oxytocin signaling is disrupted, friendships take longer to form, feel weaker, and lose their emotional reward Research in animals shows that friendship is an evolved survival strategy found across many species, not just humans You can strengthen your own friendships by focusing on fewer, deeper connections, sharing rewarding experiences, and maintaining consistent contact