Related Episodes for Intestinal Permeability: the Bacterial link to Aging, Brain Barrier Dysfunction & Metabolic Disorder

Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses stroke risk, eczema, immune resilience, her new smoothie recipe, and whether everyone should cut out gluten.

“A leaky gut, otherwise known as intestinal permeability, is a condition in which gaps form between the tight junctions of the endothelial cells that line the gut. These gaps allow pathogens like bacteria or endotoxins – toxins that are released when bacteria die – to leak through the intestinal wall and pass directly into the bloodstream, potentially triggering an acute inflammatory reaction.”

“Scientists are investigating the effects that Wim Hof's breathing methods have on the immune system. Study results showed that individuals trained in his breathing practices produced adrenaline when injected with a bacterial endotoxin, potentially affecting the immune response.”

In this clip, Dr. Patrick explains how intense exercise beneficially alters tryptophan and kynurenine metabolism in a way that may benefit depression.

“The fact that poor sleep is linked with the aggregation of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain and Alzheimer's disease is not surprising. Although some strategies for improving the quality of sleep among people with Alzheimer's have been identified, this might be too late to turn the tide of cognitive decline.”

“Removing former drinkers from the non-drinker category reveals a different story: One study observed that the lowest risk for cardiovascular disease (i.e., ischemic heart disease) was right below one standard U.S. drink per week — men and women at this level of consumption had an ~18% lower risk compared to nondrinkers.”

“Rebuilding muscle relies on proper nutrition and exercise, but aging reduces the body's response to both. Extended periods of inactivity, such as post-surgery or during illness, can rapidly deplete muscle mass, especially in older people, potentially pushing them into a "catabolic crisis."”

“A May 2025 Nature paper showed taurine uptake may fuel aggressive myeloid leukemias in laboratory and mouse models, illustrating how nutrients beneficial to healthy tissues may also feed certain cancers.”

“For example, sulforaphane promotes the urinary excretion of benzene and acrolein, toxic compounds present in air pollution. But sulforaphane also demonstrates remarkable antibacterial activity: It reduces populations of Helicobacter pylori, or H.”

“In Aliquot #131, The Muscle and Bone Benefits of Creatine, creatine expert Dr. Darren Candow and I discussed how creatine supplementation affects muscle quality, physical function, and even skeletal health, particularly in older adults.”