The College of Glycation is an educational video series dedicated to helping viewers understand one of the most critical and often overlooked processes in human biology: glycation. Led by Dr. Paul Reynolds, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University, this series explores how sugar interacts with proteins and fats in the body, forming harmful compounds called Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). These compounds accelerate aging, contribute to chronic diseases, and play a key role in metabolic dysfunction. Each video is designed to break down complex topics into clear, practical insights. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or simply someone seeking to improve your health, this series will give you a deeper understanding of the biological roots of inflammation, insulin resistance, and cellular damage—and what you can do to address them.
Curated by: PaulReynoldsPhD (74 videos)
In this episode of the College of Glycation series, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology—answers one of the most important questions in metabolic health: Is glycation reversible? While some glycation damage—especially in long-lived tissues like collagen—is difficult to reverse, Dr. Reynolds explains how the body actively defends against it. He also shows how everyday choices—like blood sugar control, cooking methods, fasting, exercise, and targeted nutrition—can meaningfully reduce glycation and slow its long-term impact on aging and disease. This episode explores the dual reality of glycation. On one hand, certain forms of damage—particularly AGE crosslinks in long-lived tissues like collagen—are extremely difficult to reverse and can persist for decades. On the other hand, the body is far from defenseless. Dr. Reynolds walks through the powerful biological systems designed to prevent, manage, and even partially reverse glycation damage, highlighting how everyday choices can significantly shift your long-term outcomes. Rather than offering false promises of complete reversal, this episode reframes the goal: slowing the accumulation of damage—and in doing so, fundamentally changing the trajectory of aging and disease. Topics Covered: -What glycation is and how it progresses from early to advanced stages -Why some glycation damage is difficult to reverse -The difference between reversible early products and stable AGE crosslinks -How long-lived proteins (like collagen) accumulate irreversible damage -The glyoxalase system and how it protects against glycation -The role of methylglyoxal and dicarbonyl stress -How autophagy and protein turnover help “reset” damaged proteins -AGE receptors (RAGE vs. AGER1) and inflammation vs. clearance -How dietary AGEs impact the body and overwhelm clearance systems -Why cooking methods dramatically change AGE intake -Blood sugar as the primary driver of endogenous glycation -Fasting and time-restricted eating as tools for reducing damage -Exercise as a powerful anti-glycation intervention -Supplements like carnosine, benfotiamine, and alpha-lipoic acid -The science behind AGE crosslink breakers (like alagebrium) -Why slowing glycation may be more important than reversing it Timestamps: 00:33 The Core Problem & Why It Matters 01:48 The Body’s Defense Systems Overview 02:29 Glycation Basics (Schiff Base → AGEs) 04:36 Why AGEs Cause Lasting Damage 06:03 The Hard Truth: Long-Lived Proteins & Irreversibility 08:06 Natural Defense #1: Glyoxalase System 10:21 Glutathione & Protecting Anti-Glycation Pathways 11:09 Natural Defense #2: Protein Turnover & Autophagy 12:35 AGE Receptors: RAGE vs AGER1 14:05 Diet & Cooking Methods (Reducing Intake) 15:26 High vs Low AGE Foods & Cooking Differences 16:51 Evidence: Lower AGE Diet Improves Health 17:39 Blood Glucose Control (Primary Driver) 19:03 Fasting, Autophagy & Cellular Cleanup 20:29 Exercise as Anti-Glycation Medicine 21:54 Supplements: Carnosine & Beta-Alanine 24:07 Aminoguanidine (Proof of Concept) 25:33 AGE Cross-Link Breakers (ALT-711) 27:42 Additional Support: Benfotiamine, B6, ALA 29:13 Big Picture: Interconnected Glycation Pathways 29:58 Final Answer: Partly Reversible, Mostly Preventable 31:17 The Real Strategy: Slowing Accumulation Over Time Whether you're managing insulin resistance, optimizing longevity, or simply trying to understand how aging works at the molecular level, this episode offers clarity, realism, and powerful tools grounded in science. About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and professor at Brigham Young University, known for translating complex biochemical processes into clear, engaging insights. His College of Glycation series explores the hidden molecular drivers of aging and chronic disease—and empowers viewers to take control of their health through science. #glycation #reversibleglycation #AGEs #healthyaging #metabolichealth #insulinresistance #inflammation #oxidativestress #bloodsugar #nutrition #healthpodcast #CollegeOfGlycation #lowcarb Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://unicity.link/121f260bfe Yerbe mate with a special formulated Balance fiber: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/PaulReynolds For the full Metabolic System storefront: https://shop.unicity.com/paulreynolds Paul’s favorite source for clean, earth-sourced essentials such as salt, electrolytes, hydration, pre-workout and more. Go to https://redmond.life and use PAULSALT for 15% discount. Paul’s favorite exogenous ketones: A high-quality option is the NSF-certified goBHB from Clean Form Nutrition, where you can use the code Paul10 for a 10% discount: https://cleanformnutrition.com/products/go-bhb Paul’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: PAUL20) Paul’s favorite health check-up for men or women: https://blokes.co/DRPAUL (discount: DRPAUL for 50% off of labs and smart supplements and 15% off all other products)