Episode 117: The Hidden Microbial Drivers of Chronic Illness with Dr. Amy Proal

One Thing with Dr. Adam Rinde

In this episode, Dr. Adam Rinde welcomes back microbiologist and PolyBio Research Foundation co-founder Dr. Amy Proal. Together, they unravel a framework for understanding chronic illnesses through the lens of persistent infections and their impact on mitochondria, immunity, and neurological health.

Dr. Proal shares cutting-edge research linking pathogens like herpesviruses, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, and even latent parasites to conditions like Alzheimer’s, long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome, POTS, and more. Discover how stealth microbes can disrupt the vagus nerve, hijack mitochondrial energy systems, and weaken immune responses, setting the stage for a cascade of chronic dysfunctions.

The conversation dives deep into the role of immune modulation, including promising findings around low-dose rapamycin and its potential to restore immune signaling and combat viral persistence. They also explore diet, metabolic interventions, and new clinical trials shaping the future of treatment.

Whether you’re a patient, practitioner, or curious mind, this episode offers profound insight into the evolving science of chronic illness and hope for emerging therapies. 🌱

🕰 TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro + Sponsor Healthgevity⁠⁠ (use code ONETHING for 10% off)
01:04 – Meet Dr. Amy Proal
03:14 – Chronic infection’s hidden role in disease
07:09 – Alzheimer’s and pathogens in the brain
13:16 – Viral persistence and the vagus nerve
15:37 – Spectrum of microbes linked to illness
18:51 – PolyBio’s research focus: long COVID & mitochondria
20:11 – How viruses hijack mitochondria
25:46 – Immune dysregulation, interferons & mTOR
27:41 – The promise of low-dose rapamycin
32:32 – Rapamycin vs. Metformin vs. Keto
36:25 – Chronic infection & metabolic downshift
39:31 – Early observations from rapamycin use
43:13 – Natural killer cells & new immunotherapy
46:15 – Final thoughts + how to support PolyBio

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You can support the podcast through affiliate sponsors like ⁠Healthgevity⁠ (use code ONETHING for 10% off)Full Show notes can be found at https://www.onethingpod.com/episode-117-the-hidden-microbial-drivers-of-chronic-illness-with-dr-amy-proal/