Revolution Health Radio

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.

Discussion of new research linking erythritol and other sugar alcohols to blood clotting and cardiovascular risk. Exploration of how erythritol accumulates in the bloodstream and evades regulatory scrutiny. Comparison to xylitol and gut-related side effects of polyols. Presentation of safer sweetener alternatives like allulose, stevia, and monk fruit.

Tommy Wood, neuroscientist and physician focused on brain health and author of The Stimulated Mind, explains why cognitive decline is not inevitable. He presents his 3S model—stimulus, supply, support—and explores how lifestyle, vascular health, exercise types, sleep, nutrition, and cognitively demanding activities shape lifelong brain resilience.

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.

Dr. Zain Kassam, a gastroenterologist and microbiome researcher, explains how microbes shape sleep, energy, and longevity. He describes microbial daily rhythms, metabolites that influence sleep and cognition, and emerging cobiotics that target both host and microbes. They also cover microbiome links to eyes, skin, and ears, plus practical strategies to protect microbial health in a disruptive modern world.

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 health outcomes. Chris also shares practical, evidence-based strategies—including diet, supplementation, and functional testing—to address root causes and support lasting emotional well-being. The post RHR: The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Microbiome Affects Your Mental Health appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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 vitamin A in vitamin D metabolism. The episode reframes vitamin D optimization as a personalized, systems-based approach that prioritizes balance, testing, and real-world physiology over generic dosing guidelines. The post RHR: Vitamin D: Why a Personalized Approach Is Best appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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, and overall metabolic health. The post RHR: Cold Exposure: Why Sustained Beats Extreme appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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 timing are the primary drivers of restorative sleep, why adolescents are uniquely vulnerable to sleep-related mental health risks, and shares practical strategies to improve sleep naturally and when supplements may be helpful. The post RHR: Why Your Sleep Schedule Matters As Much As Duration appeared first on Chris Kresser.

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 approach to improving memory, focus, and clarity through diet, exercise, stress management, sleep, targeted nutrients, and gut-supportive strategies. The post RHR: Menopause Brain Fog—What’s Really Happening (and How To Fix It) appeared first on Chris Kresser.