“A healthy intestinal barrier limits the transport of pathogens and endotoxins from the gut to the bloodstream; however, increased gut permeability (known as "leaky gut") raises endotoxin levels, leading to metabolic endotoxemia.”
“The immune system has strategies for filtering these autoimmune cells out of circulation; however, this filter can malfunction due to age, genetic predisposition, disruption of the gut barrier and gut microbiota, or other environmental exposures.”
“The Mediterranean diet pattern is rich in micronutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fish, and olive oil and has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other major causes of death.”
“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.”
“But what does the science say? In this Aliquot, Dr. Jed Fahey and I discuss the pros and cons of eating meat as well as the confounding factors that may influence the risks associated with meat consumption.”
“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.”
“Naturally occurring forms of vitamin K include phylloquinone, known as vitamin K1, and a family of molecules called menaquinones, known as vitamin K2. In this Aliquot, Dr. Bruce Ames and I discuss the differences between (and dietary sources of) vitamins K1 and K2 and their effects on human health.”
“Consuming chocolate and cocoa may carry some risks, however, due to their cadmium content and possible effects on the fetus during pregnancy. In this Aliquot, I describe some of the research on the benefits and risks of consuming cocoa and chocolate, as foods or supplements.”
“Sugar substitutes are food products or additives that provide the sweet taste of sugar, without the calories. Evidence suggests that sugar substitutes have surprising effects on human metabolism and these effects vary person-to-person, based on the overall makeup of an individual's gut microbiome.”
“Choline is particularly important during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but some evidence suggests that choline supplementation could carry some risks. In this Aliquot, I talk about the science surrounding choline.”