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

“Roughly one-quarter of people living in the US carry a genetic variant of the apolipoprotein E gene, called APOE4, the most important genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Many lifestyle behaviors can mitigate risk, especially sleep hygiene, which provides an opportunity to rid the brain of toxic metabolic byproducts that can contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk.”

“Dietary fiber is a broad term that refers to the non-digestible components of fruits and vegetables. Gut microbes break down certain types of fiber, releasing micronutrients trapped in the fiber matrix and producing beneficial metabolic byproducts, such as short-chain fatty acids.”

“Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are among the most widely used drugs worldwide, available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others.”

“Whether the medical community will embrace these lifestyle interventions remains to be seen. Available pharmaceutical treatments have their advantages and disadvantages, and while they are helpful for a subset of depressed people, a quarter of patients taking antidepressants may get worse.”

“Individual responses to diet can be influenced by a person's genetic makeup, however. Knowing a person's genetic factors influencing their response to diet may be beneficial component of a multi-part strategy developed in coordination with professional care for keeping ApoB in check.”

“Lifestyle factors, such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, and others, can temper some of the risks associated with carrying APOE4. This Aliquot focuses on the ones that can have the greatest benefits – and the ones that do the most harm.”

“When it comes to managing inflammation, we often focus on what lifestyle habits we might need to get rid of, but it's just as important to focus on things we can add to our lifestyles. In this Aliquot, we'll talk about my top recommendations for lifestyle habits that reduce inflammation.”

“Vascular dysfunction, the loss of normal endothelial tone and permeability of blood vessels, is a common feature of most forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. People who carry the APOE4 gene are at greater risk for vascular dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease.”

“Preventing dementia requires a lifelong and multipronged approach that involves keeping inflammation (and its aging effects) at bay and making healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising and consuming omega-3 fatty acids.”

“Genetic predisposition, altered glucose uptake in the brain, high blood pressure, and other factors can weaken the barrier's integrity, allowing endotoxins and inflammatory immune cells to infiltrate the brain and increasing a person's risk for dementia.”