Chris Kresser+

RHR: Do Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Get Riskier as You Age? What Two New Studies Reveal

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. In this episode we discuss: --How aging changes nu

RHR: The Melatonin Problem

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 vuln

RHR: The Hidden Harms of Ultra-Processed Foods

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

RHR: Can You Reverse Your Biological Age?

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

RHR: My Top 3 Ingredients for Joint Health, Mobility, and Cartilage Repair

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

RHR: Why Microglia Are the Key to Brain Health, with Dr. David Perlmutter

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

RHR: Your Mouth is Talking To Your Brain—And You Should Be Listening

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

RHR: Fibermaxxing: Why the Internet’s Hottest Gut Health Trend Gets It Half Right

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

RHR: Revisiting the Gut-Immune Axis

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

RHR: Beyond the Headlines: A Functional Medicine Approach to Microplastics

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

RHR: The Sleep Optimization Trap: Are You Tracking Yourself Into Worse Sleep?

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

RHR: The GLP-1 Blind Spot: What Ozempic Won't Do for Your Metabolic Health

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

RHR: Shaking Up the Salt Myth

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

RHR: Mouth Taping: Beyond the Hype—What the Science Really Says

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

RHR: Erythritol: The 'Safe' Sweetener That's Anything But

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

RHR: Preserving Cognitive Function As You Age, with Tommy Wood

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

RHR: New Study Challenges the Plant-Based Longevity Myth

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

RHR: Beyond the Gut: The Microbiome’s Role in Sleep, Energy, and Longevity, with Dr. Zain Kassam

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

RHR: The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Microbiome Affects Your Mental Health

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

RHR: Vitamin D: Why a Personalized Approach Is Best

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

RHR: Cold Exposure: Why Sustained Beats Extreme

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. In this episode we discuss: --Why ice baths and extreme cold exposu

RHR: Why Your Sleep Schedule Matters As Much As Duration

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

RHR: Menopause Brain Fog—What's Really Happening (and How To Fix It)

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