Revolution Health Radio debunks mainstream myths on nutrition and health and delivers cutting-edge, yet practical information on how to prevent and reverse disease naturally. This show is brought to you by Chris Kresser, health detective and creator of chriskresser.com.
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
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...
Chris Kresser delves into the gut-immune axis, a fundamental system often overlooked in health. He details how modern life's challenges, from processed foods to stress, compromise the gut barrier and microbiome, leading to chronic immune activation and conditions like autoimmune disease, skin disorders, and metabolic dysfunction. The episode also highlights evidence-based nutritional and lifestyle strategies, including specific compounds, to restore gut integrity and immune resilience.
This episode delves into the pervasive issue of microplastics, distinguishing between particles and their harmful chemical payloads. Kresser discusses groundbreaking studies linking microplastic presence to increased risks of heart attack, stroke, and dementia, and outlines how exposure occurs through water, food, and air. He provides evidence-based, functional medicine approaches to minimize exposure and bolster the body's natural detoxification and antioxidant defense systems.
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 need...
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 c...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 bra...
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 ...
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 ...
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 hea...
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 ...
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...
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 tim...
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 app...
Seed oils have become one of the most controversial topics in nutrition, especially after a 2024 University of South Florida study linked high omega-6 levels with inflammation in colon tumors. In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris takes a deep, evidence-based look at what the study actually means — and what it doesn’t. You’ll learn the crucial difference between naturally occurring omega-6 fats in whole foods like nuts, chicken, and avocados and oxidized omega-6 fats found in ultra-p...
In this episode, Chris explains why obsession with anti-aging hacks may actually undermine our long-term health. He examines the common longevity traps people fall into, which foundational habits truly extend lifespan and health span, and outlines a simple framework for prioritizing what really works. If you’re overwhelmed by conflicting longevity advice, this episode brings clarity, realism, and a grounded path forward. The post RHR: The Longevity Trap: Why Chasing Anti-Aging May Be Aging You a...
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris welcomes psychiatrist Dr. Matt Bernstein to explore the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry, the science linking brain energy metabolism to mental health. They discuss how conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety often share a root cause in impaired brain energy production, and how ketogenic therapy can restore balance and improve outcomes where traditional treatments fall short. Chris and Dr. Bernstein also unp...
In this episode, Chris Kresser delves into natural remedies for chronic stress, anxiety, and sleep issues, highlighting five powerful nutraceuticals: saffron, L-theanine, lemon balm, holy basil, and ashwagandha. He explains their mechanisms of action, backed by scientific research and clinical anecdotes, revealing how they balance neurotransmitters, reduce cortisol, and improve mood and sleep quality without dependence. Listeners gain practical strategies for combining these nutrients safely and effectively to achieve steady energy, emotional balance, and restorative rest.
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris welcomes board-certified periodontist Dr. William Levine to discuss the overlooked role of gum health in systemic disease. They unpack how oral bacteria and chronic inflammation contribute to conditions like heart disease, dementia, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy complications, and why periodontal health is as critical as diet and lifestyle in preventing chronic illness. Dr. Levine shares how to recognize early signs of gum disease, the late...
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, we dive deep into the topic of beauty from within, exploring why radiant skin, hair, and nails truly start from the inside. Chris discusses how internal factors such as gut function, nutrient status, inflammation, blood sugar regulation, hormonal balance, and stress management are foundational to external beauty. He explains the science behind the gut-brain-skin axis, the role of inflammation and leaky gut in skin health, and how stress impacts our app...
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser welcomes environmental wellness expert Michael Rubino for an in-depth conversation on the hidden health risks of indoor air pollution. They delve into why mold-related illness is more common than most people realize, how traditional mold testing methods often fail, and why household dust holds the key to understanding environmental exposure. Michael explains the concept of “clean breathing,” the impact of modern home construction on air q...
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser welcomes food scientist and advocate for regenerative agriculture Dr. Frederic Leroy to discuss his groundbreaking work on the Nourishment Table, a new framework for assessing dietary adequacy. They explore why conventional dietary guidelines fail, how nutrient density and food processing deeply influence human health, and the evolutionary importance of animal-source foods in achieving optimal nutrition. Dr. Leroy highlights the limitatio...
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser welcomes entrepreneur and strategist Seth Spears for a wide-ranging conversation on health, resilience, and building businesses with purpose. They explore the origins of Seth’s wellness-focused companies, including Wellnesse and Rewild Gear, and how they challenge conventional thinking in personal care and outdoor lifestyle. Seth shares insights into the philosophy behind creating high-quality, mission-driven products and discusses the of...
Renowned neurologist Dr. Dale Bredesen returns to discuss significant progress in combating cognitive decline, including new blood tests that detect Alzheimer's risk years in advance. He shares insights from successful clinical trials demonstrating the reversal of cognitive decline through a functional medicine approach. The episode emphasizes essential lifestyle changes, targeted supplements, and brain training to optimize and protect brain function for a lifetime.
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser dives deep into the fascinating world of collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body. He explores collagen's wide-ranging benefits—from supporting vibrant skin, healthy hair, and strong nails, to improving joint health, muscle recovery, gut integrity, and sleep quality. Chris breaks down the science behind collagen supplementation, dispels common myths, and shares practical tips for choosing the best collagen supplements for you...
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser talks with Mark Sisson, author of Born to Walk and renowned figure in the ancestral health space, about rethinking our approach to fitness. They challenge the conventional wisdom of chronic cardio and explore the myriad benefits of walking as a foundational movement practice. Mark shares his insights on how modern footwear and a misunderstanding of our evolutionary biology have led us astray, and offers a refreshing perspective on how to ...
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser unveils the world of Gut Health 3.0, a comprehensive approach that goes far beyond traditional probiotic supplementation. Drawing on the latest scientific research, Chris explores how polyphenols, bacteriophages, and postbiotics work together to optimize gut health, offering listeners a roadmap to improved digestion, mental clarity, metabolic function, and overall wellness. Through compelling case studies and in-depth scientific insights,...
In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris sits down with Dr. Chris Apfel, founder of SageMedic, to discuss innovations in cancer treatment. Dr. Apfel shares how his personal experiences with cancer in his family led him to create the SAGE Oncotest, a cutting-edge tool that helps tailor treatments to individual patients. They explore the limitations of standard cancer therapies and the potential for precision medicine to improve survival rates. This conversation offers a deep dive into th...
