Revolution Health Radio debunks mainstream myths on nutrition and health and delivers cutting-edge, yet practical information on how to prevent and reverse disease naturally. This show is brought to you by Chris Kresser, health detective and creator of chriskresser.com.
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In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris breaks down the science behind joint pain, osteoarthritis, and cartilage degeneration while challenging one of the most common assumptions about joint health—that glucosamine and chondroitin are the gold standard for protecting cartilage and relieving pain. He explains why current clinical evidence no longer supports those supplements as the best option and instead reviews the clinical evidence supporting three promising ingredients—native type II collagen, natural eggshell membrane, and Boswellia serrata—and discusses how each works through a
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser sits down with renowned neurologist and bestselling author Dr. David Perlmutter to discuss the emerging science of microglia—the brain's immune cells—and why they may hold the key to preventing cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Drawing from his new book, Brain Defenders, Dr. Perlmutter explains how lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, metabolic health, and gut health influence whether microglia protect the brain or contribute to chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration. Together, they challenge the outdated n
What if one of the most overlooked risk factors for cognitive decline isn’t in the brain—but in the mouth? In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser explores the emerging science linking oral health to brain health. He examines how chronic gum disease may contribute to cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease through systemic inflammation, direct bacterial migration to the brain, and disruption of the oral-gut-brain axis. Drawing on recent research, Chris explains why periodontal disease should be considered a key factor in dementia prevention, why this c
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris takes a deep dive into the science of dietary fiber, fiber supplements, and microbiome health. He explains why the benefits seen in high-fiber diets may come from whole foods rather than isolated fiber supplements, and why aggressively increasing fiber intake can worsen bloating, gas, and gut dysfunction for some people. He explores the latest research on fiber, short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, gut permeability, and microbiome balance while unpacking the limitations of observational nutrition studies. He also shares practical strategies f
The gut-immune axis is one of the most important and most overlooked systems in human health. In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris explains how the gut microbiome, intestinal barrier, and immune system work together to regulate inflammation and protect against disease. Learn how disruptions in gut health, driven by ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins, antibiotics, and chronic stress, can lead to intestinal permeability, chronic immune activation, and a wide range of conditions including autoimmune disease, skin disorders, respiratory illness, and metabolic dysfunction. Chr
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris unpacks the latest science on microplastics. He explores groundbreaking studies linking microplastic accumulation to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and potential neurological impacts, while clarifying what we know—and what we don’t. You’ll learn how microplastics enter the body, why nanoplastics pose a greater risk, and how these particles act as Trojan horses for harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS. Chris also explains how microplastics may disrupt the gut microbiome, increase oxidative stress, and interfe
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser explores the growing phenomenon of orthosomnia, a condition driven by the obsessive pursuit of perfect sleep metrics. While devices like the Oura Ring, Whoop, and Apple Watch offer valuable insights, they can also increase anxiety and disrupt the very sleep they aim to improve. Chris breaks down the science behind sleep anxiety, including the role of cortisol and the hyperarousal model of insomnia. He explains why common beliefs—like needing exactly eight hours of sleep—can actually make insomnia worse, and how shifting your mindset is
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris explores the science behind GLP-1 medications, including their powerful effects on appetite, weight loss, and cardiometabolic risk. He also uncovers the critical blind spots in the current conversation, including new research on long-term side effects, nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and the high rate of weight regain after discontinuation. You’ll learn why these drugs may be effective in the short term but fall short of addressing the root causes of obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Chris also explains who may benefit most from GLP-1 ther
For decades, public health guidelines have warned that reducing sodium intake is essential for preventing high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. But a closer look at the scientific evidence reveals a far more complex story. In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris explores the history behind the low-sodium movement and examines the research that shaped modern dietary guidelines. From early animal studies to large international analyses, the data suggests sodium intake follows a J-shaped curve, where both very low and very high intakes may increase cardiovascular risk. Chris e
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser explores the viral trend of mouth taping and explains why the reality is more complex than the hype. While nasal breathing offers clear physiological advantages such as improved oxygen delivery, air filtration, and reduced airway resistance, the current research on mouth taping itself is limited and mixed. Chris breaks down findings from a recent systematic review of scientific literature, discusses potential safety concerns, and explains why mouth taping could worsen breathing for some individuals, particularly those with nasal obstruc
Erythritol, a popular sweetener found in countless sugar-free and keto products, has long been considered a safe alternative to sugar. This episode of Revolution Health Radio examines emerging research that challenges that assumption. Chris explains how erythritol promotes blood clotting, impairs blood vessel function, increases oxidative stress, and interferes with the body’s ability to dissolve clots. You’ll learn why erythritol accumulates in the bloodstream, how regulatory loopholes allowed it to be widely adopted without long-term safety data, and why people with diabetes, obesity, and he
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser is joined by neuroscientist and physician Dr. Tommy Wood to explore how cognitive function can be preserved—and even enhanced—as we age. Dr. Wood challenges outdated ideas about inevitable cognitive decline and reframes dementia as a largely preventable, multifactorial condition. The conversation covers the historical roots of Alzheimer’s disease, why “one-size-fits-all” drug approaches have failed, and how lifestyle, environment, and brain use interact to shape long-term brain health. Dr. Wood introduces his 3S model of brain health, e
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris breaks down a new large-scale study challenging the popular belief that plant-based diets promote longevity. The findings reveal that vegetarians—especially vegans—were significantly less likely to reach age 100 compared to omnivores. Chris explores the biological reasons behind these findings, emphasizing the importance of high-quality protein and nutrient bioavailability, as well as why certain nutrients may be harder to obtain from plant-only diets. He also discusses the powerful nutritional synergy that occurs when plant and animal foods ar
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris sits down with gastroenterologist and microbiome researcher Dr. Zain Kassam to explore the rapidly evolving science of the microbiome and its profound impact on sleep, circadian rhythm, cognitive performance, stress resilience, immune balance, and longevity. From groundbreaking research on microbiome diversity and sleep quality to emerging innovations like cobiotics, Dr. Kassam explains how our microbial partners regulate core biological systems far beyond the gut. They discuss the connection between the gut and the brain, eyes, skin, and even
Depression and anxiety are often treated as chemical imbalances in the brain—but what if the real problem starts in the gut? In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, we dive deep into the gut–brain connection and the growing body of research linking gut inflammation, microbiome imbalance, and mood disorders. You’ll learn how inflammatory cytokines contribute to depression, why butyrate is emerging as a powerful antidepressant compound, and how specific probiotic strains can improve mental health outcomes. Chris also shares practical, evidence-based strategies—including diet, supplementation
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser explains why vitamin D supplementation should never be one-size-fits-all. Drawing on new research—including a groundbreaking study on magnesium’s regulatory role—Chris explores how genetics, ethnicity, body weight, age, health status, sun exposure, and nutrient cofactors all shape an individual’s vitamin D needs. He outlines optimal testing strategies, safe and effective target ranges, and the critical roles of magnesium, vitamin K2, and vitamin A in vitamin D metabolism. The episode reframes vitamin D optimization as a personalized, sy
Cold plunges and ice baths dominate social media, but do they really deliver the best metabolic benefits? In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser challenges the “colder is better” narrative and explores what the science actually shows about cold exposure. Drawing on clinical research, he explains how brown adipose tissue works, why sustained mild cold exposure activates it more effectively than brief extreme cold, and how this can improve insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and overall metabolic health. The post RHR: Cold Exposure: Why Sustained Beats Extreme appeared fi
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris challenges the conventional focus on sleep duration and makes the case that sleep timing and circadian alignment matter just as much—if not more—than total hours slept. Drawing on new research, he explains how circadian disruption underlies poor sleep quality, chronic fatigue, and a wide range of mental health conditions, even in people who appear to be doing everything “right.” He explains why light exposure, sleep-wake consistency, and meal timing are the primary drivers of restorative sleep, why adolescents are uniquely vulnerable to sleep-r
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris examines research confirming that menopause-related brain fog is real, measurable, and reversible. He explains how gray and white matter changes, blood-flow disruption, inflammation, and declining estrogen impact cognitive function during perimenopause and menopause. He also highlights the critical role of the gut microbiome in regulating estrogen metabolism and influencing brain health, and provides listeners with a comprehensive, root-cause approach to improving memory, focus, and clarity through diet, exercise, stress management, sleep, targ
Seed oils have become one of the most controversial topics in nutrition, especially after a 2024 University of South Florida study linked high omega-6 levels with inflammation in colon tumors. In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris takes a deep, evidence-based look at what the study actually means — and what it doesn’t. You’ll learn the crucial difference between naturally occurring omega-6 fats in whole foods like nuts, chicken, and avocados and oxidized omega-6 fats found in ultra-processed foods and industrial seed oils. He explains why awareness of the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio a
In this episode, Chris explains why obsession with anti-aging hacks may actually undermine our long-term health. He examines the common longevity traps people fall into, which foundational habits truly extend lifespan and health span, and outlines a simple framework for prioritizing what really works. If you’re overwhelmed by conflicting longevity advice, this episode brings clarity, realism, and a grounded path forward. The post RHR: The Longevity Trap: Why Chasing Anti-Aging May Be Aging You appeared first on Chris Kresser.
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris welcomes psychiatrist Dr. Matt Bernstein to explore the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry, the science linking brain energy metabolism to mental health. They discuss how conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety often share a root cause in impaired brain energy production, and how ketogenic therapy can restore balance and improve outcomes where traditional treatments fall short. Chris and Dr. Bernstein also unpack the latest research, the mechanisms behind ketones’ impact on the brain, and practical considera
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris explores natural solutions for one of today’s most pressing challenges: chronic stress, anxiety, and poor sleep. He shares his top five nutrients for restoring calm and focus (saffron, L-theanine, lemon balm, holy basil, and ashwagandha), revealing how each supports the brain and body’s ability to relax, recharge, and build resilience. Drawing from both scientific research and clinical experience, Chris explains how these compounds balance neurotransmitters, reduce cortisol, and improve mood and sleep quality without sedation or dependence. Lis
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris welcomes board-certified periodontist Dr. William Levine to discuss the overlooked role of gum health in systemic disease. They unpack how oral bacteria and chronic inflammation contribute to conditions like heart disease, dementia, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy complications, and why periodontal health is as critical as diet and lifestyle in preventing chronic illness. Dr. Levine shares how to recognize early signs of gum disease, the latest approaches to treatment and prevention, and the importance of personalized care. The discussion h
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, we dive deep into the topic of beauty from within, exploring why radiant skin, hair, and nails truly start from the inside. Chris discusses how internal factors such as gut function, nutrient status, inflammation, blood sugar regulation, hormonal balance, and stress management are foundational to external beauty. He explains the science behind the gut-brain-skin axis, the role of inflammation and leaky gut in skin health, and how stress impacts our appearance. He also highlights six key nutrients that can significantly enhance skin hydration, elastic
