The intestinal barrier serves as a gatekeeper to the human body. The loss of the health and integrity of this barrier influences multiple aspects of human health – including cardiometabolic function, neurological health, behavior, and more – in surprising and unexpected ways. One of these ways involves lipopolysaccharide, or LPS, a bacterial product that arises in the intestine, and its interaction with far distal tissues and organs via the induction of immune mediators. Dr. Rhonda Patrick was the keynote speaker for the Metabolic Health Summit, held May 5 – 8, 2022, in Santa Barbara, California. Her presentation described the role that intestinal permeability and bacterial products play in aging, inflammation, and chronic disease.

In this episode, we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction
(08:12) Atherosclerosis
(13:49) Brain
(16:07) Circulating LPS and behavior
(19:05) Toll-like receptors and inflammation
(24:00) Factors that affect intestinal permeability
(30:10) Alcohol
(32:07) Gluten
(35:21) Butyrate and dietary fiber
(37:48) Dietary fat
(42:21) Biomarkers of intestinal permeability
(43:11) Omega-3 fatty acids
(50:02) Q&A

LEARN MORE: Coinciding with this release, you can now find a variety of deep resources on the FoundMyFitness website for all of the topics covered in this episode. Learn about the blood-brain barrier Learn about intestinal permeability Learn about toll-like receptors Learn about cerebral small vessel disease

SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: Many of these magnificent resources exist directly as a result of our premium members. As a premium member, listeners get access to our exclusive podcast The Aliquot, monthly Q&As, a special summary of scientific research every other week called the Science Digest, and more. Sign up to become a premium member and nurture the existence of the FoundMyFitness platform.

Become a member