Related Episodes for How micronutrient inadequacy may lead to immune dysfunction

“In a previous episode, entitled "Maximizing Your Mitochondria with Magnesium," we learned that 45% of the US population is deficient in magnesium and the important role magnesium plays in mitochondrial function and how this relates to exercise performance by ensuring your muscle cells have the highest oxidative capacity (ability to produce ATP or "energy") possible.”

“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.”

“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.”

“These changes increase infection risk, weaken vaccine responses, and reduce early cancer surveillance. Yet immune aging is not fixed. Movement, sleep, stress regulation, temperature exposure, and nutrition shape immune cell balance and inflammatory activity over time.”

“In this Aliquot, I walk through how that plays out in humans, where the strongest evidence shows up, and where it doesn't, with NAD researcher Dr. Charles Brenner—and why I'm taking it now after being skeptical.”

“As for this last point in particular, but also all conversations surrounding severe life-altering diagnosis like cancer, these clips are not meant to serve as a substitute for medical advice.”

“Poor sleep reduces the body's insulin sensitivity and changes a person's appetite, increasing the preference for high carbohydrate foods like pizza, pasta, and sweets. Lack of sleep also alters the gut microbiota and impairs immunity, putting us at risk for developing acute illnesses like colds and flu.”

“Having a healthy, robust immune system is crucial for our survival. Critical players in the body's antiviral immune response are interferons. Certain lifestyle behaviors can boost interferon production and immune function, including sleep, vitamin D, and hot hydrotherapy.”

“A growing body of evidence indicates that the fasting-mimicking diet may be beneficial in treating autoimmune disorders. In these Aliquot segments, Dr. Rhonda Patrick and Dr. Valter Longo describe the roles that diet and fasting play in maintaining or restoring proper immune function.”

“Scientists have also identified interesting links between depression and obesity – likely mediated by elevated inflammation, since fat cells produce a wide array of inflammatory factors. In this Aliquot segment, psychiatrist Dr. Charles Raison describes the links between inflammation and depression.”