Chris Kresser

In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris breaks down two new studies of older adults that examine protein and micronutrient intake on plant-based diets. The findings raise important questions about protein quality, B12, calcium, zinc, vitamin D, and other nutrients—especially as aging increases protein needs and can reduce nutrient absorption. He also explores whether plant-based diets actually offer a longevity advantage and what older adults can do to protect muscle, bone, and nutritional status regardless of their dietary choices.

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In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris takes a nuanced look at melatonin and challenges the idea that because it is a naturally occurring hormone, it is automatically safe for routine, long-term use. He explains melatonin’s primary role as a circadian signal rather than a conventional sedative, explores concerns surrounding prolonged use and supplement quality, and examines recent research linking long-term melatonin use with heart failure risk—while emphasizing that observational research cannot establish causation. The episode also focuses on children, who may be particularly vulnerable to inappropriate or excessive melatonin use, and offers a foundational approach to better sleep centered on light exposure, consistent sleep schedules, stress regulation, sleep environment, and addressing underlying issues.

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In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris takes a deep dive into the latest research on ultra-processed foods, their potential impact on health, what distinguishes ultra-processed foods from minimally-processed and traditionally-processed foods, and why a Nutrition Facts label may not capture everything that matters about a food. He examines research linking higher ultra-processed food consumption with overeating, weight gain, metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and other adverse health outcomes, and also explores potential mechanisms, including disruption of the food matrix, changes to the gut microbiome, intestinal barrier dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, food additives, and effects on the gut-brain axis.

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In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser explores what biological age really means and examines the research behind today's most popular longevity claims. He explains how epigenetic clocks and DNA methylation are used to estimate biological aging, why these tests may be less precise for individuals than they appear, and what studies like the CALERIE trial tell us about slowing the aging process. You'll also learn why reversing a biological age number isn't the same as reversing aging, and how meaningful improvements in muscle strength, cognition, metabolic health, and physical function can be achieved at virtually any age. He also offers a practical framework to build a strong foundation of sleep, nutrition, movement, stress management, connection, and purpose before investing in advanced longevity technologies or supplements.

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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 unique biological pathway to reduce inflammation, preserve cartilage, improve mobility, and support long-term joint function.

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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 notion that dementia is largely predetermined by genetics, highlighting growing evidence that proactive lifestyle interventions can preserve—and even improve—brain function throughout life.

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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 conversation remains absent from mainstream care, and practical steps listeners can take to protect both oral and long-term cognitive health.

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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 for improving fiber tolerance, supporting digestive health naturally, and choosing safer approaches for sensitive guts.

The post RHR: Fibermaxxing: Why the Internet’s Hottest Gut Health Trend Gets It Half Right appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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. Chris also breaks down the latest research on key compounds that support gut and immune health, including probiotics, prebiotics, butyrate, polyphenols, colostrum, lactoferrin, and beta glucan. Discover how targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies can restore gut integrity, improve immune resilience, and address the root cause of chronic illness.

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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 interfere with key biological systems, and he provides evidence-based strategies to reduce exposure and support your body’s detoxification pathways, from water filtration and food storage to diet, sleep, and targeted supplements.

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