RHR: Fibermaxxing: Why the Internet’s Hottest Gut Health Trend Gets It Half Right

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 unpacking the limitations of observational nutrition studies. He also shares practical strategies for improving fiber tolerance, supporting digestive health naturally, and choosing safer approaches for sensitive guts. The post RHR: Fibermaxxing: Why the Internet’s Hottest Gut Health Trend Gets It Half Right appeared first on Chris Kresser.

The gut-immune axis is one of the most important and most overlooked systems in human health. In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris explains how the gut microbiome, intestinal barrier, and immune system work together to regulate inflammation and protect against disease. Learn how disruptions in gut health, driven by ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins, antibiotics, and chronic stress, can lead to intestinal permeability, chronic immune activation, and a wide range of conditions including autoimmune disease, skin disorders, respiratory illness, and metabolic dysfunction. Chris also breaks down the latest research on key compounds that support gut and immune health, including probiotics, prebiotics, butyrate, polyphenols, colostrum, lactoferrin, and beta glucan. Discover how targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies can restore gut integrity, improve immune resilience, and address the root cause of chronic illness. The post RHR: Revisiting the Gut-Immune Axis appeared first on Chris Kresser.

In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris unpacks the latest science on microplastics. He explores groundbreaking studies linking microplastic accumulation to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and potential neurological impacts, while clarifying what we know—and what we don’t. You’ll learn how microplastics enter the body, why nanoplastics pose a greater risk, and how these particles act as Trojan horses for harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS. Chris also explains how microplastics may disrupt the gut microbiome, increase oxidative stress, and interfere with key biological systems, and he provides evidence-based strategies to reduce exposure and support your body’s detoxification pathways, from water filtration and food storage to diet, sleep, and targeted supplements. The post RHR: Beyond the Headlines: A Functional Medicine Approach to Microplastics appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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 needing exactly eight hours of sleep—can actually make insomnia worse, and how shifting your mindset is often the most powerful intervention. You’ll also learn why cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the gold standard treatment, how to know when sleep tracking has outlived its usefulness, and what actually works for improving sleep long-term. The post RHR: The Sleep Optimization Trap: Are You Tracking Yourself Into Worse Sleep? appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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 causes of obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Chris also explains who may benefit most from GLP-1 therapy and how to use these medications as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes nutrition, resistance training, and lifestyle interventions. The post RHR: The GLP-1 Blind Spot: What Ozempic Won’t Do for Your Metabolic Health appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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 J-shaped curve, where both very low and very high intakes may increase cardiovascular risk. Chris explains the essential role sodium plays in the body, how severe sodium restriction can activate hormonal stress responses, and why salt sensitivity, potassium intake, kidney function, and lifestyle factors are critical in determining the right approach. The post RHR: Shaking Up the Salt Myth appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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 why mouth taping could worsen breathing for some individuals, particularly those with nasal obstruction or untreated obstructive sleep apnea. This episode emphasizes the importance of individualized assessment, proper diagnosis of sleep disorders, and addressing underlying airway issues before considering mouth taping. The post RHR: Mouth Taping: Beyond the Hype—What the Science Really Says appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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 it to be widely adopted without long-term safety data, and why people with diabetes, obesity, and heart disease may be especially vulnerable. Chris also discusses similar concerns with xylitol, explores gut health side effects of sugar alcohols, and outlines safer alternatives like allulose, pure stevia extract, and monk fruit. The post RHR: Erythritol: The ‘Safe’ Sweetener That’s Anything But appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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 brain use interact to shape long-term brain health. Dr. Wood introduces his 3S model of brain health, explains why retirement may be a mismatch for brain biology, and breaks down the roles of exercise, nutrition, sleep, and cognitively demanding activities in building lifelong cognitive resilience. The post RHR: Preserving Cognitive Function As You Age, with Tommy Wood appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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 diets. He also discusses the powerful nutritional synergy that occurs when plant and animal foods are consumed together, arguing against rigid dietary dogma and advocating for a balanced, omnivorous approach to support healthy aging and longevity. The post RHR: New Study Challenges the Plant-Based Longevity Myth appeared first on Chris Kresser.