RNC – Health Page

In 2023, nearly seven out of 10 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. involved illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs), totaling approximately 72,000 fatalities.1 This statistic highlights the pervasive impact of IMFs on public health. The potency of these synthetic opioids makes them exceptionally dangerous, often leading to rapid and fatal outcomes for individuals who use them. Carfentanil, a fentanyl analog that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, has also reemerged in the U.S. drug supply, exacerbating the crisis.2 This resurgence poses a significant threat as carfentanil’s extreme potency increases the risk of overdose deaths even further. The presence of such a powerful substance in the drug market underscores the relentless evolution of the illegal drug landscape and the challenges it presents to overdose prevention efforts. Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Remain a Significant Public Health Crisis Recent data reveals alarming trends: from January 2021 to June 2024, overdose deaths with IMFs detected remained consistently high at approximately 70% to 80% nationwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report.3 Specifically, the West region saw an increase in the percentage of IMF-involved deaths from 48.5% to 66.5%. Additionally, carfentanil-related overdose deaths surged sevenfold, rising from 29 deaths in the first half of 2023 to 238 in the same period of 2024.4 These numbers indicate a significant escalation in the presence of highly potent opioids in the U.S. The rise in carfentanil and other IMFs not only increases the immediate risk of overdose but also strains public health resources and complicates response efforts. The rapid spread of these substances across 37 states demonstrates the widespread nature of the crisis, making it difficult for localized interventions to keep pace. Furthermore, the high potency of carfentanil demands more aggressive and frequent administration of life-saving measures like naloxone, placing additional burdens on emergency services and health care providers. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and adaptable overdose prevention strategies to combat the evolving threat of synthetic opioids. The Challenge of Fentanyl Detection and Prevention Fentanyl and its analogs, potent opioids, are at the forefront of the overdose crisis. Conventional treatments like naloxone, while effective in reversing opioid overdoses, face limitations when dealing with fentanyl. The drug’s potency sometimes requires multiple doses of naloxone, straining emergency resources. Additionally, the presence of fentanyl in various drugs complicates detection, as users may unknowingly consume it, increasing the risk of overdose. Understanding how these underlying causes lead to the crisis involves examining the drug’s effects on the body. Fentanyl and its analogs bind to opioid receptors in the brain, which depresses the respiratory system. This depression leads to respiratory failure, the primary cause of death in opioid overdoses. The rapid onset of these effects makes timely intervention crucial, yet the potency of these drugs often outpaces the response capabilities of first responders. Diagnosing fentanyl-related overdoses presents its own set of challenges. The symptoms mimic those of other overdoses, making it difficult to identify the specific cause without toxicology reports. Furthermore, the presence of fentanyl in non-opioid drugs often leads to misdiagnosis, as users don’t always exhibit typical opioid overdose symptoms. Unveiling the Depths of New York City’s Fentanyl Crisis The documentary, “Living with Fentanyl,” investigates the fentanyl crisis gripping New York City and New Jersey, shedding light on the rise in overdose deaths and the challenges faced by area communities. Through firsthand accounts and expert interviews, the film paints a bleak picture of an epidemic that shows no signs of abating.5 The documentary highlights individuals battling addiction in the South Bronx, an epicenter of the opioid epidemic. This area has become synonymous with the surge in fentanyl-related fatalities, illustrating the widespread impact of the crisis on diverse populations.6 One of the most striking revelations is the sheer potency of fentanyl. The documentary emphasizes that just 2 milligrams, equivalent to the size of a few grains of salt, is often fatal. This extreme potency makes fentanyl 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, drastically increasing the risk of accidental overdoses.7 Law enforcement efforts are intensifying in response to the crisis. In the past year alone, authorities seized 2,000 pounds of fentanyl powder and 2 million pills, preventing approximately 65 million potential lethal doses from entering the community. These seizures underscore the scale of the illicit fentanyl trade and the urgent need for robust law enforcement strategies.8 Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, has emerged as a key tool in combating overdoses. The documentary highlights New York City’s initiative to equip every club and restaurant with overdose prevention kits containing naloxone. This proactive approach aims to provide immediate assistance to individuals experiencing overdoses, saving countless lives.9 The South Bronx’s status as a major hub for fentanyl distribution is a significant concern. If it were a state, it would rank second only to West Virginia in overdose deaths. This grim comparison underscores the severity of the epidemic in this region and the urgent need for targeted intervention strategies.10 Fentanyl Overdoses Take an Extreme Economic and Societal Toll The biological mechanisms by which fentanyl induces fatal overdoses are well-explained in the documentary. Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain, which are responsible for regulating pain and pleasure. This binding not only alleviates pain but also triggers a surge of endorphins, creating intense feelings of euphoria. However, this also leads to respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow or even halts, resulting in fatal outcomes if not promptly addressed.11 Community response efforts involve harm reduction strategies and comprehensive outreach programs. The documentary showcases organizations that distribute naloxone and provide education on recognizing overdose symptoms. These initiatives empower communities to act swiftly and effectively in emergency situations.12 Moreover, the film sheds light on the economic and social toll of the fentanyl crisis. With over 6,300 opioid overdose deaths recorded in New York State in 2022 alone, the epidemic has strained health care resources and devastated families across the state. The economic impact of the fentanyl crisis extends beyond health care expenses, influencing employment opportunities and destabilizing community structures, as evidenced by the ongoing struggles in areas like the South Bronx.13 The documentary also explores the role of preventive measures and education in addressing the crisis. By increasing awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and promoting safe practices, communities reduce the incidence of accidental overdoses. Education campaigns aim to inform individuals about the risks associated with drug use and the importance of seeking help.14 Action Steps for Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis The fentanyl crisis continues to ravage communities across the U.S., with illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs) and highly potent analogs like carfentanil driving a devastating surge in overdose deaths. With fentanyl being the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45,15 this crisis demands immediate and comprehensive action. Therefore, to effectively combat the fentanyl epidemic and mitigate its devastating consequences, the following action items are key: 1. Expand access to and distribution of naloxone — Given the potency of fentanyl and its analogs, rapid intervention helps save lives. Expanding access to naloxone, including wider distribution to first responders, community organizations and the general public, is essential. This includes equipping establishments like clubs and restaurants with overdose prevention kits and providing comprehensive training on naloxone administration. Increased availability and proper training empower individuals to reverse overdoses and save lives. 2. Enhance public awareness and education campaigns — Many overdoses are accidental, often due to individuals unknowingly consuming fentanyl mixed with other drugs. Robust public awareness campaigns are needed to educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl, its presence in the illicit drug supply and the signs of an overdose. These campaigns should also promote harm reduction strategies, safe drug practices and the importance of seeking help for substance use disorders. 3. Strengthen law enforcement efforts to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain — Law enforcement strategies are necessary to target the production and distribution of illicit fentanyl. This includes enhanced border security, increased surveillance of online drug trafficking and collaboration between local, state and federal agencies. Disrupting the supply chain is necessary to reduce the availability of these deadly substances. 4. Invest in comprehensive treatment and recovery services — Addressing the root causes of addiction is essential for long-term solutions. Increased investment in evidence-based treatment and recovery services, including counseling and support groups, is necessary. These services should be readily accessible and affordable to individuals struggling with addiction, providing them with the support they need to achieve and maintain recovery. Addressing Underlying Factors and Long-Term Solutions for Addiction While immediate interventions like naloxone distribution and law enforcement efforts are important, addressing the fentanyl crisis requires a deeper understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to substance use and addiction. Focusing solely on supply reduction is insufficient; a comprehensive approach must also address the demand side of the equation. This involves tackling the social, economic and environmental factors that increase vulnerability to substance use disorders. One area is addressing the root causes of pain, both physical and emotional. Many individuals turn to opioids as a way to cope with chronic pain, trauma or mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Expanding access to affordable and comprehensive mental health services and therapies is important to reduce reliance on opioids. This includes promoting non-opioid pain management strategies like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), physical therapy, acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy. Furthermore, addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty, unemployment and lack of access to education and housing, is essential for long-term prevention. Investing in community development, job training programs and affordable housing initiatives creates healthier and more supportive environments, reducing the likelihood of individuals turning to drugs as a coping mechanism. Prevention programs aimed at youth are also necessary, educating them about the dangers of drug use and promoting healthy coping strategies. Addressing these underlying factors creates a more sustainable and effective approach to combating the fentanyl crisis and preventing future generations from experiencing the devastating consequences of addiction. 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 might SSRIs impact your emotions and relationships over time? By enhancing emotional sensitivity and empathy By creating emotional numbness and reducing care for others Emotional numbness and a reduced ability to care for others are common side effects of SSRIs, as reported by many users. These effects can disrupt relationships and personal well-being. Learn more. By stabilizing your mood without any emotional changes By increasing motivation to improve personal connections

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and constriction, affecting millions globally. Many of those who have this chronic condition are prescribed a drug called Singulair, generically known as montelukast. This drug reduces symptoms by targeting leukotriene receptors that contribute to inflammation, offering an alternative for patients who do not respond adequately to inhaled corticosteroids. But as with most medications, taking Singular/montelukast has side effects. Concerning research is emerging regarding its effects on mental health, raising concern among health care providers, government agencies and patients alike. Evidence Highlights Mental Health Risks of Taking Singulair/Montelukast A report published in The Defender exposed the alarming mental health risks associated with Singulair. The investigation aimed to determine the magnitude of Singulair’s effects on mental function. The motive was spurred by growing concerns from patients and health care professionals about the drug’s severe side effects.1 How does Singulair cause these side effects? In a bombshell report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), their researchers discovered that Singulair attaches to multiple brain receptors critical to psychiatric functioning. Once the drug enters your system, it disrupts normal brain processes, leading to mental dysfunction.2 The findings support numerous reports from patients who have experienced depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety and aggression while taking this drug. In fact, the FDA had already counted 82 suicides related to Singulair and its generic versions since 1998.3 Julia Marschallinger, Ph.D., a biologist who studied Singulair, emphasized that based on the data, “It’s definitely doing something that’s concerning.” Marschallinger’s research aligns with the FDA’s findings, providing a scientific basis for the observed mental health issues.4 Jessica Oliphant, Ph.D., deputy director at the FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research, further stated, “These data indicate that montelukast is highest in brain regions known to be involved in psychiatric effects,” highlighting the drug’s direct impact on areas of the brain responsible for mental health.5 The article also noted that prior research already showed Singulair penetrates the brains of animal test subjects, reinforcing the FDA researchers’ findings.6 However, it remains unclear whether this binding mechanism directly causes harmful effects in individual patients or identifies which patients have the highest risk. Despite this uncertainty, the correlation between Singulair usage and adverse psychiatric events is undeniable. Authorities Have Already Given Montelukast a Black Box Warning In 2020, recognizing the gravity of the situation, the FDA added a black box warning to Singulair and generic montelukast labels. This warning serves as the strictest caution for certain medications, alerting potential users to the “serious potential side effects” associated with the drug. The timing of this warning coincides with the FDA’s internal research to delve deeper into why Singulair triggers such severe neuropsychiatric side effects.7 Merck, the original manufacturer of Singular/montelukast, is already facing multiple lawsuits alleging that the company already knew about the drug’s effects on brain function.8 These lawsuits claim that Merck minimized the drug’s psychiatric side effects in communications materials with drug regulators to prioritize profits over patient safety. Today, Singulair is manufactured by Merck’s spin-off company, Organon.9 Letitia James, the incumbent Attorney General for the State of New York, has also taken a stand, urging the FDA to act to “prevent further unnecessary health risk” posed by Singulair.10 In a letter dated February 21, 2024, James emphasized that it has been nearly four years since the FDA strengthened existing warnings about Singulair’s mental and behavioral health side effects. Furthermore, the Attorney General outlined several actions the FDA could take to better safeguard children from Singulair’s side effects.11 These recommendations include enhancing monitoring systems for adverse drug reactions and ensuring that health care providers are fully informed about the risks associated with Singulair. Montelukast Alters Brain Activity Without Cognitive Gains Another study, published in Brain Sciences, investigated how montelukast affects brain activity and cognitive functions in humans. The researchers selected 12 asthma patients aged between 38 and 73 years who were prescribed montelukast as their sole asthma therapy. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings and administering neuropsychological tests were conducted over an eight-week period. The researchers found that while montelukast did not lead to significant improvements in memory, attention or mood based on neuropsychological scales, it induced notable changes in EEG patterns. Specifically, participants exhibited decreased entropy during rest and episodic memory tasks, along with alterations in brain rhythms. These findings indicate that montelukast influences brain activity, even though these changes did not translate into measurable cognitive changes within the study’s timeframe.12 Delving deeper, the EEG results revealed a decrease in entropy at follow-up during rest, revealing a reduction in the complexity of brain wave patterns. During episodic memory acquisition, there was a further decrease in entropy and an acceleration of the background rhythm. These changes reflect how montelukast affects the brain’s electrical activity, altering how neurons communicate during cognitive tasks.13 Additionally, during tasks requiring visual attention, the researchers observed an increase in gamma power alongside a slowing of the background rhythm. For context, gamma power is associated with high-level cognitive functions like attention and memory processing, while changes in background rhythms influence overall brain responsiveness. Going back to the study, these alterations in brain wave activity show that montelukast has a tangible impact on neural processes that eventually leads to worsening brain health, as shown in the report by The Defender.14 However, the study’s small sample size of 12 participants significantly constraints the findings, which the researchers also acknowledged. With a small group and a short treatment duration of eight weeks, it is challenging to draw definitive conclusions about montelukast’s effects on cognitive functions across a broader population. The absence of baseline cognitive impairments in participants further complicates the ability to detect meaningful changes.15 Despite these limitations, the observed neurophysiological changes open new avenues for understanding how montelukast interacts with the central nervous system. The decrease in entropy and alterations in brain rhythms indicate that montelukast modulates neural activity in ways not yet fully understood. For example, the modulation is linked to montelukast’s mechanism of action, which involves blocking leukotriene receptors that play a role in inflammation and immune responses within the brain.16 Leukotrienes are chemicals in the body that contribute to inflammation and are involved in the body’s response to allergens and infections. By blocking these receptors, Montelukast reduces inflammation in the lungs, allowing asthmatic patients to breathe easier. However, leukotriene receptors are also present in the brain, where they influence processes related to inflammation and neural function. The study suggests that by blocking these receptors, Montelukast alters brain activity, as evidenced by the changes in EEG patterns.17 Digging Deeper Into Montelukast’s Effects on Brain Function The findings raise important questions about the broader neurological implications of chronic montelukast use. While the study did not find direct cognitive benefits, the changes in brain activity will have other effects that were not measured within the scope set by the researchers. For instance, altered brain rhythms and decreased entropy will eventually influence how the brain responds to stress or recovers from injury, and these areas are ripe for further investigation in future studies.18 For example, examining elderly patients or those with preexisting cognitive impairments will be able to provide insights into the risk montelukast poses in these populations. As noted by the researchers, conducting a double-blind study with longer-term treatment phases will help eliminate biases and provide more robust data on the cognitive and neurological effects.19 In fact, another study has already led the way. In a meta-analysis that reviewed 59 studies published in the European Respiratory Review, montelukast shows no significant association with suicide or depression, but there are notable links to anxiety and sleeping disorders. Specifically, montelukast users exhibited a 1.21 times higher risk of developing anxiety-related conditions and a 1.13 hazard ratio for sleep disturbances within a year of use.20 Natural Strategies for Supporting Asthma At its core, asthma is an autoimmune disease. Therefore, treatment is ideally focused on addressing the root cause of autoimmune disease, which is usually a nutrient deficiency or an inflammatory diet. To support healthy immune function and optimal cellular energy production, here are my recommendations: 1. Optimize your vitamin D levels — I recommend having your blood tested to know where your current vitamin D levels. For optimal health, try to get a range between 60 and 80 ng/mL. To achieve this, getting regular sunlight exposure is important, but there are caveats. For example, a diet high in linoleic acid (LA) will cause DNA damage when sunlight hits your skin because of oxidation. To understand the intricacies of optimizing your vitamin D levels, I recommend you read my article “Vitamin D Deficiency Complicates Autoimmune Diseases.” There, I discuss the role of vitamin D in enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity to suppress inflammatory responses, as well as tips to protect your skin from harm when taking in sunlight. 2. Replace vegetable oils — Eliminate all vegetable oils from your diet. These fats accumulate in brain tissue and disrupt normal neurotransmitter function. Instead, cook nutritious, homemade meals with healthy fats like grass fed butter, tallow and ghee. Beware that many foods sold today also contain LA, so be sure to track your intake with an app like Cronometer. Ideally, your LA intake should be below 5 grams per day. 3. Support lung function naturally — Butterbur reduces bronchial inflammation and helps prevent asthma attacks. Additionally, an active ingredient from coralberry leaves called FR900359 blocks bronchial muscle contraction more effectively than common asthma medications. 4. Avoid asthma triggers — Many people find significant improvement by eliminating lectins, which trigger inflammation throughout the body including the airways and brain. Focus on low-lectin foods like leafy greens and root vegetables while avoiding high-lectin foods like grains, legumes and nightshade vegetables. In addition, making changes to your environment will help reduce the chances of triggering asthma. Make a list of possible allergens that trigger your asthma, such as dust, stress, infection and the presence of mold in your home. Then, plan out how to reduce your exposure to these allergens.21

Have you ever woken up with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes and a tight chest? You might blame it on a “morning allergy,” but the real culprit is lurking in your own home — dust mites. These microscopic creatures, invisible to the naked eye, trigger allergic asthma, a condition where your airways become inflamed and narrowed in response to allergens. Specifically, its waste particles, which are found inside dust, cause allergic asthma.1 Meet the Mites — Unseen Inhabitants of Your Home Dust mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures, related to spiders and ticks. They live around your house but are so small, you can’t see them without a microscope. Imagine trying to spot a grain of sand from across a football field — that’s how small they are relative to us. They thrive in places where dust accumulates, like bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture and even curtains. These microscopic creatures have a specific diet — they feed on dead skin cells that humans and pets constantly shed. Think of them as tiny recyclers of our homes, breaking down organic matter. While this might sound a little unpleasant, it’s a natural part of a home’s ecosystem. They don’t bite or sting, and their presence is usually unnoticed unless someone is allergic to them. Dust mites go through several life stages — egg, larva, nymph and adult. They prefer warm, humid environments, which is why they thrive in bedding and mattresses because they find warmth and moisture from our bodies. This is also why controlling humidity in the home is important in controlling dust mite populations. A common misconception is that dust mites bite humans. This is not true. The problem isn’t the mites themselves, but their waste products — droppings and decaying body parts. These tiny particles become airborne and are inhaled, triggering allergic reactions in asthmatic individuals. The Body’s Misguided Defense When Allergies Strike The human immune system functions like an army protecting a castle, constantly guarding against harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. When these invaders enter the body, the immune system recognizes them as threats and launches an attack to eliminate them. This is a normal and essential process for staying healthy. However, in people with allergies, the immune system makes a mistake. It identifies harmless substances, like dust mite waste, as dangerous invaders. This overreaction triggers a series of events that lead to allergy symptoms. Going back to the castle analogy, think of it as the army mistaking a friendly visitor for an enemy and launching a full-scale attack. A key player in allergic reactions is IgE, which is a type of antibody. When someone is first exposed to an allergen like dust mite waste, their body produces IgE antibodies specific to that allergen.2 These antibodies attach to mast cells, which are found in tissues throughout the body. The next time the person is exposed to the same allergen, the allergen binds to the IgE antibodies on the mast cells. This triggers the mast cells to release histamine and other chemicals that cause the familiar allergy symptoms — sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin rashes. For some, it causes asthma. If not managed properly, your list of allergies will eventually grow longer:3 “Many patients who initially have a single allergic disorder, such as atopic dermatitis, eventually develop others, such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma (this is called the allergic march or atopic march). This process may be driven in part by a vicious circle in which allergic inflammation diminishes the function of the epithelial barrier. This increases the immune system’s exposure to the original allergens and additional allergens, and existing allergen-specific IgE contributes to sensitization to new allergens.” Asthma’s Impact — Tight Airways, Troubled Breathing Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways, which are the passaged carrying air in and out of the lungs. When it strikes, these airways become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Imagine trying to breathe through a thin straw — that’s what it feels like to have an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, the lining of the airways becomes swollen. The muscles around the airways also tighten, further narrowing the passage. This makes it harder for air to flow in and out of the lungs, leading to several uncomfortable symptoms. Common symptoms of an asthma attack include wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. The magnitude of these symptoms range from mild to severe, which will significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Again, dust mite is a common allergen for asthma attacks, as noted in a study published by the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology:4 “It is now recognized that house dust mites (HDM), such as Dermatophagoides (D) pteronyssinus or D. farinae, are the source of the most important indoor allergens associated with asthma worldwide and lead to the development of high-titer allergen-specific IgE. Substantial evidence associates allergic conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), atopic dermatitis (AD) with exposure to house dust mites (HDM), or other indoor allergens.” In addition, it’s important to understand the difference between allergies and asthma. Allergies are the initial immune response to a trigger, like dust mites. Asthma is a chronic lung condition where the airways are overly sensitive. Dust mites trigger allergic reactions that then cause asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. So, while not everyone with dust mite allergies will develop asthma, dust mite exposure is a significant trigger for asthma attacks in those who are predisposed. Practical Steps for an Asthma-Free Home There are several effective strategies for reducing dust mite exposure to help manage asthma symptoms. One of the most important steps is to create an environment that reduces dust mites in your home. Start by regularly washing your bedding, including sheets, pillowcases and blankets, in hot water to kill dust mites.5 Using allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers creates a barrier that prevents dust mites from infesting your bedding. Regularly vacuuming with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner helps to trap dust mites and their waste products, preventing them from becoming airborne. Maintaining low humidity levels (below 50%) in your home will also help to reduce dust mite populations, as they thrive in humid environments.6 Regular cleaning, especially in bedrooms and living rooms, is essential. Pay close attention to areas where dust tends to accumulate, such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture and curtains. Dusting surfaces with a damp cloth will help to trap dust rather than spreading it around. Allergy testing will help identify additional triggers, such as:7 Pets — Exposure to dander, which are flakes of your pet’s skin, as well as fur, urine or saliva will trigger asthma. Pollen — A powdery substance released from trees, grass and weeds. Tree pollen and grass pollen are at their highest during spring, while weed and ragweed have high pollen levels during fall. Mold — Fungi that form into mold release spores that trigger asthma when inhaled. Cockroaches — Exposure to droppings, as well as discarded body parts of cockroaches, will trigger asthma. Food — It’s possible to be allergic to any food, but the most common sources of food allergies include soy, wheat, peanuts, eggs, fish and shellfish.8 Fix Your Diet to Help Manage Asthma-Related Inflammation At its core, asthma is an autoimmune disease, and one of the most important strategies to managing it is optimizing your mitochondrial function. One of the most important steps to take is minimizing your intake of linoleic acid (LA), which is found in vegetable oils used to cook most ultraprocessed food. Furthermore, vegetable oils come in different forms, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with them. The most used ones include: Soy Corn Canola Safflower Sunflower Peanut To protect your health, I recommend you limit your LA intake to 5 grams a day. If you’re able to get it to less than 2 grams a day, that’s better. This is the best approach to follow since your body needs some LA anyway. If you want to know how much LA you’re eating, enter your food on Cronometer.com, making sure that it is accurately weighed. The next step is to cook your own food at home using healthy fats, such as ghee, grass fed butter and coconut oil. Removing vegetable oils and replacing them with healthy fats is just the start. Additional dietary strategies include: • Slightly adding more omega-3 fats — One study evaluated the results of 695 pregnant women after using either a fish oil or olive oil supplement in the last trimester of their pregnancy. The researchers followed these babies for the first five years of their life. They found the children whose mothers took the fish oil supplement had a 30.7% lower risk of asthma when compared to the children whose mothers took the olive oil.9 That said, be sure to lower your LA intake before upping your omega-3 intake because it’s still a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Essentially, if there’s excess PUFAs in your system, omega-3 will eventually cause metabolic damage similar to LA. So, if you’re pregnant, it would be wise to minimize LA intake and slightly upping your omega-3 intake to achieve a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. • Drink raw milk — The health benefits of raw milk are hitting mainstream consumers, and there’s research to back the claims. In one study, which followed 983 infants from rural areas throughout Europe during their first year of life, researchers showed that children who drank raw milk had a 30% lower risk of respiratory infections and fever compared to those who did not.10 • Increase your vitamin D levels — Research has shown that a higher intake of vitamin D-rich foods during pregnancy helps lower the risk of asthma11 and rhinitis12 in children. However, sunlight is still the best source of vitamin D. For a detailed guide for safe sun exposure, read “The Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in Mental Illness.” Add Quercetin to Your Diet After you’ve minimized LA intake, consider adding more quercetin into your diet. Essentially, quercetin is a plant pigment that falls under the flavonoid group, and research shows that this bioactive compound will help manage the symptoms of asthma. In a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, researchers noted that quercetin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that support the airways:13 “Asthma’s fundamental etiology is a typical Th2 condition marked by increased IgE levels, and eosinophilic airway inflammation decreases the generation of Th2 cytokines, mucus, and eosinophil infiltration in the lung tissue … Quercetin can regulate the Th1/Th2 balance, inhibit Act1 expression, reduce eosinophil infiltration and airway responsiveness, lower cytokine production, lower IgE production, and improve chronic histopathological changes. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that quercetin nanocrystals have a strong anti-asthmatic potential at a far lower dose than bulk quercetin … Additionally, quercetin has anti-inflammatory effects on neutrophilic airway inflammation and has the ability to block Ca2+-permeant channels, which prevent the smooth muscles of the airways from pre-contracting. Quercetin may also help treat asthma symptoms while lowering the need for short-acting -agonists.” Now that you know how quercetin helps manage asthma, what’s the best way to get it? The great thing about quercetin is that it’s found in various whole foods rich in nutrition. These include green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, blueberries, cranberries and green tea. In particular, the ones with the highest levels are found in apples, especially the skins, as well as onions and broccoli.14 Quercetin is also available in supplement form. To maximize its effectiveness, Dr. Sin Jung, a chiropractor, suggests taking 500 to 1,000 milligrams two to four times15 a day to protect yourself from allergy-induced asthma.16 For even better results, I recommend combining quercetin with stinging nettle, vitamin C, vitamin D or ginger.17

Could a spicy, fermented side dish be the key to achieving a healthier weight? Kimchi, a traditional Korean staple, has gained worldwide recognition for its impressive health benefits, particularly in managing weight. With more and more people dealing with obesity and looking for natural, enjoyable ways to stay healthy, kimchi offers a flavorful and nutritious solution. Kimchi is made from fermented vegetables, like napa cabbage and Korean radish, and seasoned with ingredients such as chili pepper, garlic and ginger. There are hundreds of varieties of kimchi, each offering unique flavor profiles and ingredient combinations.1 The most common versions you’ll find are baechu (cabbage) kimchi, with its crunchy and spicy appeal, and kkakdugi (radish) kimchi, known for its bold and refreshing taste.2 By incorporating kimchi into your routine, you’re not only adding a burst of flavor to your meals but also supporting your body’s natural processes for better health and vitality. Beyond the Spice — What Makes Kimchi So Special? Kimchi’s unique flavor comes from fermentation, a natural process where microorganisms like bacteria and yeast break down the sugars in food. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), in particular, is used to ferment the vegetables used in kimchi.3 This is the same group of bacteria used in yogurt, and is one of the most significant groups of probiotics, demonstrating a high survival rate in test conditions and resistance to low pH, which indicate reasonable tolerance to bile.4 Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. Think of your gut as a garden. You want to fill it with good bacteria that help your body thrive. These good bacteria keep out the “weeds,” or harmful bacteria, that make you sick. Eating foods rich in probiotics, like kimchi, keeps your gut microbiome healthy and balanced. Kimchi is also a good source of dietary fiber, which plays an important role in supporting digestion and overall health.5 While your body doesn’t break down fiber during digestion, this undigested component provides many benefits. Dietary fiber slows digestion, making you feel full and satisfied after a meal and reducing your risk of overeating. Fiber also promotes a healthy gut by acting as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial bacteria and supporting gut microbiome balance. When these bacteria digest fiber, they produce short-chain fats (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate and butyrate. SCFAs are essential for gut health, as they nourish the cells lining your colon, reduce inflammation and help regulate your immune system. Additionally, SCFAs play a role in energy metabolism and contribute to better blood sugar control.6 Another special ingredient in kimchi is capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their spicy kick. Capsaicin has been studied for its ability to boost your metabolism by stimulating thermogenesis, a process that increases heat production and burns extra calories throughout the day.7 While the effect is modest, these incremental calorie burns contribute to long-term well-being over time. Could Kimchi Support Weight Management? Here’s What Recent Research Says Studies have highlighted the link between gut bacteria and body weight. Research found that people with lean body types often have a more diverse gut microbiome compared to those who are obese. On the other hand, obesity is associated with reduced bacterial diversity and changes in specific bacterial groups in the gut, suggesting that poor gut microbiome contributes to weight gain.8 Kimchi, being rich in probiotics, positively influences your gut microbiome by creating a healthier gut environment, thereby increasing the number of beneficial bacteria and reducing the harmful ones. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the Journal of Functional Foods9 demonstrated kimchi’s role in weight management. According to the study: “Obesity can be influenced by several factors, such as genetics, epigenetics, gut microbiome composition, eating habits, psychological aspects and various medical conditions. In particular, diet is pivotal in causing and alleviating obesity. Kimchi, a traditional Korean lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-fermented food, has received considerable attention as an antiobesity food.”10 In this study, the researchers evaluated overweight participants who consumed either spontaneously fermented kimchi powder (S-K) or kimchi powder fermented with Leuconostoc mesenteroides (LMS-K) for 12 weeks. Both groups showed significant reductions in body fat mass compared to the placebo group, which exhibited an increase in fat mass. The LMS-K group, in particular, experienced improvements in key metabolic markers. The authors concluded: “In this study, we confirmed that kimchi consumption contributes to reduced body fat and improves obesity-related indicators in individuals with overweight or obesity. Compared to the placebo group, S-K, dominated by L. Sakei, and LMS-K, dominated by Leu. mesenteroides, induced significant reductions in the body fat mass in overweight participants. In the LMS-K group, additional improvements in metabolic indicators were observed, including a decrease in LDL cholesterol and TG (triglycerides), and an increase in HDL cholesterol. This indicates that kimchi fermentation with certain strains of LAB can amplify these antiobesity effects. Another significant finding was a marked increase in body fat mass, body fat percentage, BMI (body mass index) and total body weight in the placebo group. This group also exhibited elevated TG levels, a biomarker linked to obesity.”11 Kimchi Promotes the Growth of Akkermansia in Your Gut Kimchi’s impact on the gut microbiome was equally noteworthy. According to the featured study,12 both types of kimchi increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, a specific type of anaerobic bacteria known for its antiobesity and gut health benefits, while simultaneously reducing levels of Proteobacteria, a group associated with metabolic disturbances. The authors noted: “We observed an increase in A. muciniphila levels with kimchi consumption. Considering that A. muciniphila exhibits a significant inverse correlation with obesity, it can be inferred that kimchi consumption enhances the intestinal environment, promoting the proliferation of A. muciniphila and contributing to weight loss and improved lipid metabolism.”13 If you’ve been following my health articles, you likely know that nurturing the growth of Akkermansia in your gut is one of my recommended strategies for reshaping and optimizing your gut health. Akkermansia should ideally constitute about 10% of your microbiome. This remarkable bacterium is a cornerstone of gut health, primarily because it stimulates the production of mucin, a gel-like protective substance essential for maintaining the integrity of your gastrointestinal tract. Mucin forms a protective barrier along the gut lining, shielding the intestinal wall from mechanical damage, irritation caused by stomach acids and digestive enzymes, and invasion by harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Beyond physical protection, mucin plays an active role in supporting the immune system. It traps pathogens and foreign particles, facilitating their removal from the body through the digestive process, while containing antibodies and antimicrobial peptides to ward off infections. It also serves as a vital food source for other beneficial gut bacteria. Kimchi’s Other Health Benefits Kimchi offers a wide range of health benefits that go far beyond weight management and improved gut health. This traditional fermented food is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, 34 amino acids and carotenoids like lutein and beta-carotene. These nutrients vary based on agricultural practices, harvesting and fermentation methods, but they all contribute to supporting overall health and combating oxidative stress, a key factor in aging and chronic diseases.14 In addition to its vitamin content, kimchi is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, depending on the ingredients used. These minerals play a vital role in maintaining bone health, nerve function and electrolyte balance. The fermentation process enhances the bioavailability of these nutrients. Moreover, kimchi contains phytochemicals, which contribute to its antiobesity, anticancer and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Kimchi has also been shown to promote mental health because of the strong link between gut health and mental well-being, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. By fostering a healthy gut microbiome, research has shown consuming fermented foods reduces symptoms of insomnia and depression while enhancing mood and cognitive function.15 According to a study in Frontiers in Nutrition:16 “Probiotics have been suggested to have the potential to change brain function through several mechanisms. Dietary interventions with probiotics may increase diversity of intestinal microbiome and improve mental health outcomes. Probiotics can modulate neurotransmitters and proteins (GABA, glutamate, histamine, serotonin and BDNF) by gut-brain axis, and are essential to control the neural excitatory-inhibitory balance, mood and anxiety.” The polyphenols and flavonoids found in ingredients like onions and garlic further contribute to the protective effects of kimchi. Moreover, kimchi is an excellent source of antioxidants, which protect your cells from free radical damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help combat chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions like obesity, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Ready to Spice Up Your Meals? Here’s How to Enjoy Kimchi If you’re new to fermented foods, it’s a good idea to start with small amounts of kimchi and see how your body reacts. Try different varieties of kimchi to find your favorite flavor. Some are spicier than others, and some have different ingredients. A good starting point is to have as little as 1 teaspoon of kimchi as a side dish with your meals, and then gradually increase the amount as you get used to the taste and texture. Kimchi is a versatile side dish that enhances many meals. Its spicy, tangy flavor complements meats, fish or vegetable dishes, balancing out richer or heavier foods. A small portion of kimchi alongside a balanced meal adds both flavor and a nutritional boost. For a quick snack, try kimchi paired with rice or wrapped in a lettuce leaf for a refreshing bite. Aside from serving it as a side dish, try using kimchi creatively in your cooking. Add it to fried rice or try making kimchi pancakes with a batter that includes chopped kimchi for a unique and delicious taste. Kimchi stew is another hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for colder weather. For breakfast, mix kimchi into scrambled eggs for a spicy twist. You’ll find kimchi at most grocery stores, especially those with an international foods section, and at Asian markets. Look for kimchi that’s refrigerated, as they’re more likely to contain live, active cultures, because the pasteurization used in shelf-stable options kills beneficial bacteria. For the most probiotic benefits, choose kimchi that’s labeled “raw” or “unpasteurized” to ensure you’re getting the full range of live cultures that make kimchi such a valuable addition to your diet. Also, check the ingredients list to make sure you’re getting a product with ingredients you recognize and are comfortable with. Some brands may have added sugar or artificial preservatives, so it’s always a good idea to read the label. Maximize the Benefits of Fermented Vegetables by Making Your Own While kimchi is one of the most popular fermented foods, the versatility of fermented vegetables extends far beyond this spicy staple. Fermenting your own vegetables at home is simple, cost-effective and allows you to tailor the process to your preferences. Homemade fermentation not only ensures a nutrient-rich product free of unwanted additives but also maximizes the diversity of beneficial bacteria. Creating fermented vegetables at home requires minimal equipment and effort. Start with organic vegetables of your choice, filtered water and wide-mouth jars. The process involves packing your vegetables tightly into jars and allowing them to ferment or “ripen” for a few days. The result is a probiotic-rich, tangy dish that’s enjoyed on its own or added to meals. Fermented vegetables, including homemade kimchi, are an excellent way to diversify your probiotic intake while adding flavor and nutrition to your diet. Watch the step-by-step guide in the video above. As demonstrated, you’ll see that culturing vegetables is simple and cost-effective. I also recommend making your own homemade yogurt and kefir. If you don’t eat fermented foods on a regular basis, a probiotic supplement is useful but shouldn’t be considered a replacement for whole, fermented foods. While probiotic supplements fill gaps in your diet, they don’t offer the full range of benefits found in whole fermented foods. Whether you start with a traditional kimchi recipe or experiment with other vegetables, this practice is an easy and delicious way to support gut health and overall wellness.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs) have long been marketed as the magical solution to depression and anxiety, promising relief in a convenient little pill. But behind the glossy pharmaceutical ads and doctor endorsements lies a far more troubling reality. These drugs don’t just alter your brain chemistry — they can hijack your emotions, disrupt your life, and lead to consequences far worse than the conditions they claim to treat. In fact, there’s a dirty secret of the SSRI antidepressants — they cause psychotic violence which typically results in suicide and sometimes in horrific homicide (e.g., mass shootings). Remarkably, this side effect was discovered throughout their clinical trials, covered up by the drug companies, and then covered up by the FDA after the agency received a deluge of complaints1 (39,000 in the first nine years2) once the first SSRI, Prozac, hit the market. Initially, the media would report on the prescriptions (SSRIs) mass shooters took. However, a gag order went out, it became impossible to know what medications shooters were on, and the topic became taboo to discuss. Fortunately, that recently changed (e.g., after an article I wrote compiling the evidence they cause mass shootings went viral, Tucker Carlson did a 2022 segment on it and prominent conservatives gradually began speaking openly about SSRI mass shootings3). In July 2022 @TuckerCarlson broke a major taboo by discussing the link between antidepressants and mass shootings—a problem that did not exist until SSRIs entered the market.Despite being written off as a “conspiracy theory” industry studies consistently showed that SSRIs cause… pic.twitter.com/aSaPBndNzQ— A Midwestern Doctor (@MidwesternDoc) January 7, 2025 Video Link Note: I recently learned through a CDC official that the CDC has been silently tracking what mass shooters are on and found the SSRI link continues but has not disclosed it due to political earthquakes this admission would cause. The Toxicology Bell Curve In toxicology, you will typically see severe and extreme reactions occur much less frequently than moderate reactions: Because of this, when a very concerning and unmistakable adverse reaction occurs (e.g., the COVID-19 vaccines causing sudden deaths in young healthy athletes), that suggests you’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg and far less severe injuries are also occurring much more frequently. For example, one estimate4 found that of those vaccinated for COVID, 18% were injured, 0.93% were disabled, and 0.05% to 0.1% died, while another survey5 found 41% of those vaccinated were injured, with 7% being severely injured. In the case of the SSRIs, the psychotic violence they can create, sadly, is also just the tip of a very large iceberg, and there are many less severe ways they warp your mind, body, and emotions. The Hidden Side Effects of SSRIs Many datasets show the harm SSRIs cause greatly outweighs any benefits. For example, in a survey of 1,829 patients6 on antidepressants in New Zealand: 62% reported sexual difficulties 60% felt emotionally numb 52% felt not like themselves 39% cared less about others 47% had experienced agitation 39% had experienced suicidal ideation In that survey, other less common reported side effects (in order of decreasing frequency) included: insomnia, nightmares, “fuzzy”/”zombie,” jaw grinding, sweating, blurred vision, constipation, disturbed/restless sleep, anxiety, heart palpitations, difficulty thinking, fatigue/exhaustion, strange/vivid dreams, stiff muscles/joints, “brain zaps,” mania, excessive yawning, panic attacks, memory loss, decreased motivation, night sweats, and decreased appetite. This list matches what I’ve seen in many other datasets7 (although others like feeling agitated, shaky, or anxious, indigestion, stomach aches, and diarrhea are also commonly reported). Note: Another major issue with SSRIs (which is unlikely to be detected on a symptom-based survey) is that SSRIs frequently cause bipolar disorder. Psychotic Violence — A Suppressed Truth When Prozac was first brought to market in the mid-1980s, the pharmaceutical industry had not yet convinced the world that everyone was depressed and needed an antidepressant. So, instead (given that SSRIs work in a similar manner to a stimulant like Cocaine8) Prozac was initially marketed as a “mood-lifter.” Likewise, in 1985 when the FDA’s safety reviewer scrutinized Eli Lily’s Prozac application, they realized Lily had “failed” to report psychotic episodes of people on the drug and that Prozac’s adverse effects resembled that of a stimulant drug. In turn, the warnings on the labels for SSRIs,9 such as anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, and mania, match the effects commonly observed with stimulant street drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Note: A large survey of found 44% stopped a psych med because of side effects, a quarter of which were due to SSRI agitation.10 In light of this, and SSRI violence commonly being blamed on a “pre-existing mental illness” I thus compiled numerous studies (including ones industry tried to bury) showing the drugs themselves cause violence. For example: • A Cochrane review11 assessed 150 studies where healthy volunteers were given SSRIs and found approximately one-third of them deliberately omitted discussing SSRI side effects, and about half of the studies were never made publicly available (presumably to hide their concerning data). Ultimately, 14 of the 150 studies were eligible for meta-analysis (since enough information existed in them for the researchers to know what actually happened), and in these 14 studies, SSRIs were found to double the risk of suicide. • In 2000, David Healy published a study12 he had carried out with 20 healthy volunteers — all with no history of depression or other mental illness — and to his big surprise two (10%) of them became suicidal when they received Zoloft. One of them was on her way out the door to kill herself in front of a train or a car when a phone call saved her. Both volunteers remained disturbed several months later and seriously questioned the stability of their personalities. • Eli Lilly showed in 197813 that cats who had been friendly for years began to growl and hiss on Prozac and became distinctly unfriendly. Once Prozac was stopped, the cats returned to their usual friendly behavior in a week or two. Note: The FDA hypothesized that SSRIs could reduce violence in some but cause an increase in violence in others.14 Likewise a review of 84 animal studies showed that reduced aggression upon treatment with SSRI was most commonly observed, but sometimes the animals instead became more aggressive.15 Sexual Dysfunction One of the side effects that I feel best illustrates the poor risk-reward ratio of SSRIs is sexual dysfunction — as not being able to have sex is quite likely to make someone depressed (and in some cases suicidal16) — hence often completely invalidating the justification for taking an SSRI to “feel happy again.” For example, a Spanish study17,18 of five of 1,022 patients on the most commonly prescribed SSRIs found: The drugs caused sexual disturbances in 59% of them and 40% considered that dysfunction unacceptable 57% experienced decreased libido 57% experienced delayed orgasm or ejaculation 46% experienced no orgasm or ejaculation 31% experienced erectile dysfunction or decreased vaginal lubrication Note: Similar results have been obtained in other studies,19 and I’ve met many men and women who continued to experience sexual dysfunction long after they stopped the SSRI (as this dysfunction is often permanent). What I find the most amazing about SSRI sexual dysfunction is that while psychiatrists tend to downplay or ignore it, they simultaneously market SSRIs to treat premature ejaculation — which is yet another example of the drug industry trying to have its cake and eat it (especially given that many of the SSRI manufacturers also sell drugs for erectile dysfunction). Note: One reason this side effect is under recognized is that embarrassed patients often won’t report it unless they are specifically asked about it (e.g., in the Spanish study, while 59% of SSRI users reported sexual dysfunction, only 20% did so without prompting20 — something unlikely to be done in a drug trial aimed at getting a medication to market). Emotional Blunting — Losing the Essence of Life Once the SSRIs hit the market, I immediately noticed that SSRIs sometimes dramatically altered the personality of those who took them. For example, they often destroyed the drive people had to make something of their life — and in some cases, I sadly watched that derailment continue for decades. Likewise, I began to hear stories of people describing how their experience of life was deadened, often in a manner not too different from how the drugs “numb” your sexuality. Some of the common stories included: • Not having emotional responses to things you should have responses to — For example, I saw numerous cases of people being in unhealthy jobs or relationships, seeing a doctor for help with their depression, quickly being put on Prozac, and then wasting a decade of their life because Prozac (or another SSRI) removed their drive to leave that toxic situation. Likewise, I heard many people state that Prozac took away the joy they felt in life. • Losing the depth and richness of life — This comment for instance, does an excellent job of illustrating that: Note: In psychiatry, this emotional anesthesia (not finding things as enjoyable as one used to) is known as “emotional blunting.” Depending on the study (e.g., those mentioned above) between 40% to 60% of those who take SSRIs experience this side effect, and it’s sometimes rationalized as a necessary trade-off for removing the emotional pain associated with depression. One of the greatest problems with our society is the belief that the media has marketed to us that we should never have to feel negative emotions. In reality, they are a critical component of the human experience and are frequently necessary for our growth and identifying the correct direction for our lives. Unfortunately, to market depression (and SSRIs) it was necessary to pathologize normal facets of life and turn them into permanent illnesses requiring indefinite treatment. Birth Defects — A Hidden Consequence Once a drug gets approved, pharmaceutical companies will always try to expand their market for it (e.g., this is why after adults stopped wanting the initial COVID-19 vaccine, they pivoted to pushing it on children — even though children have an almost 0% chance of dying from COVID-19). With SSRIs, the industry has likewise worked to push them on vulnerable groups (e.g., foster children, “struggling” students, prisoners or parolees, pregnant mothers, and the elderly), and each group has suffered significant consequences from these practices — particularly since many are not allowed to decline the drugs. This excellent skit by Peter Gøtzsche illustrates the absurdity of pushing them on pregnant women: Because the SSRI’s have been shielded from scrutiny, they are frequently pushed on patients (sometimes against their consent) when the drugs risks greatly outweigh their benefits. This skit for example highlights the unconscionable SSRI advice pregnant women frequently receive: pic.twitter.com/X5zKC1Jzhv— A Midwestern Doctor (@MidwesternDoc) January 7, 2025 Video Link Pushing SSRIs on pregnant women is rationalized by the fact women frequently get depressed during or after their pregnancies (which is often due to excessive copper levels — something quite easy to treat naturally). Unfortunately, there are a variety of reasons why SSRIs are not safe during pregnancy. These include: • SSRIs increase the risk of premature births,21 with the greatest risk (a doubling) occurring if an SSRI is taken during the third trimester. • SSRIs significantly increase the risk of septal defects22 (which often require heart surgery to repair). One study of 500,000 infants in Denmark found mothers taking a single SSRI while pregnant caused the likelihood of a septal defect in their child to go from 0.5% to 0.9% and taking two or more increased it to 2.1%. Additionally, while on average taking an SSRI doubled the risk of a birth defect, the increased risk ranged from 34% to 225%, depending on the SSRI. • SSRIs significantly increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in a newborn baby. One study of 1,173 babies found SSRIs increased the risk of it by 6.1 times,23 while another found the risk increased by 4.29 times,24 while another found it increased by 2.5 times.25 Given that this condition affects 1 to 2 out of 1,000 births and is often fatal, this “small” risk adds up quite quickly (but nonetheless this was not enough for the FDA to reconsider its advocacy of these drugs for pregnant women26). Note: Other newborn complications linked to SSRIs include irritability, tremor, hypertonia, and difficulty sleeping or breastfeeding. Sadly, after birth SSRIs continue to affect the development of a child. For example, the package insert for Prozac states that after only 19 weeks of treatment, children lost 1.1 cm (0.43 inches) and 1.1 kg in weight (2.43 lbs.) compared to children treated with placebo.27 The Role of Marketing in SSRI Popularity Much in the same way, the pharmaceutical industry spends exorbitant amounts of money dishonestly marketing drugs, it will frequently concoct elaborate ways to make a useless (or worse) drug appear to be worth selling to all of America (in my opinion best encapsulated by the idiom “Putting Lipstick on a Pig”28). Since “depression” is so subjective, it is even easier to game this research. As a result, when the “successful” studies of antidepressants are carefully examined, like many other pharmaceuticals (e.g., the COVID and HPV vaccines), the benefits are relatively inconsequential while the far greater risks are concealed with elaborate reclassifications. Note: Antidepressants do work for a metabolic subset of patients (whose metabolic dysfunction can also be treated naturally). Unfortunately, physicians are never trained to screen for those patients, as that screening would eliminate the majority of potential SSRI customers. Fortunately, there are a few metrics you cannot cover up. One of the most well-known ones is overall mortality (how many people in total on vs. off the drug died) since you can’t reclassify death. Another is how many patients voluntarily chose to stop taking a medication: • A review of 29 published and 11 unpublished clinical trials containing 3,704 patients who received Paxil and 2,687 who received a placebo, found an equal proportion of patients in both groups left their study early (suggesting Paxil’s benefits did not outweigh its side effect), and that compared to placebo, 77% more stopped the drug because of side effects and 155% more stopped because they experienced suicidal tendencies.29 • A study of 7,525 patients, found that 56% of them chose to stop taking an SSRI within 4 months of being prescribed it.30 • An international survey of 3,516 people from 14 patient advocacy groups found that 44% had permanently stopped taking a psychiatric drug due to its side effects.31 • A survey of 500 patients found 81.5% were unsure if their antidepressants were necessary.32 Put differently, if most patients feel worse on a medication they are taking to “feel good” than they do without it, that means the trials proclaiming the medications made patients feel better were fraudulent. In turn, thousands of remarkably similar stories can be found online.33 Patients experience a range of previously unimaginable side effects that shake the very foundation of their world, assume something must be wrong with them (hence going through a period of disbelief), find no support or understanding within the medical field — and then eventually realize they’d been trusting their doctors to have a certain amount of knowledge they don’t actually have. “And you know, this is heartbreaking. I went through this, and I felt that the world had fallen out from underneath me. There wasn’t any medical safety net. So the sociological phenomenon exists, and has not yet filtered into medicine. Medicine has its own ways of gathering information, and in psychiatry, for some reason, they keep asking each other what the truth is instead of asking their patients. The patient voice is not very well recognized in psychiatry at all.”34 Note: This SSRI experience mirrors many other pharmaceutical injuries (e.g., I’ve heard almost identical stories from countless individuals injured by the COVID-19 vaccines). Most importantly, many patients report that their prescribers do not warn them about many of the SSRI side effects. In short, many people I know have not only needlessly been severely impacted by these drugs but also gaslighted35 by the doctors they sought care from. Conclusion Over the years, I have asked countless holistic doctors what they consider to be the five most dangerous, widely prescribed drugs in the marketplace, and without exception, SSRIs always make that list. In this article, I have attempted to illustrate some of the most frequent harms of these drugs, but sadly it only touches on the surface. For example, because of how they are dosed, SSRIs are incredibly addictive, and once they’re partially decreased, a variety of severe symptoms can onset (e.g., dose changes commonly proceeds SSRI suicides and homicides,36 which is why you should never abruptly stop taking them). Tragically, doctors are not trained to recognize these withdrawals (doctors typically instead interpret them as a pre-existing illness no longer being counteracted by the SSRI and continue to push the drugs), and very few know how to safely taper patients off SSRIs. Fortunately, with the MAHA movement, this is beginning to change. For example, consider what RFK Jr. stated37 when he shared this article: As such, for the first time in my life, I am sincerely hopeful this nearly 40 year tragedy at last will end.38 As such, it is now imperative each of us do all we can to expose the Forgotten Sides of Medicine so we can create public pressure to end these pharmaceutical atrocities and bring back the incredible natural therapies that were removed from the market to protect these grotesque pharmaceutical monopolies. Author’s note: This is an abridged version of a longer article which discusses the above points in much more detail and discusses how to safely withdraw from SSRIs. That article and its additional references can be read here. Additionally, a companion article about the depression industry and effective natural therapies for depression 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. What steps can you take to reduce your family’s exposure to harmful flame retardants like PBDEs in your home? Avoid products made with polyurethane foam and clean regularly using HEPA-filter vacuums Avoiding polyurethane foam and using HEPA-filter vacuums are effective ways to limit exposure to PBDEs and reduce toxin accumulation in your home. Learn more. Purchase products labeled “fire-resistant” to ensure safety from all toxins Focus only on cleaning visible surfaces to reduce dust buildup Seal all household furniture in plastic covers to block flame retardants