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 critical episode of the College of Glycation, Dr. Paul Reynolds explores how glycation damages your lungs—and what you can do to protect them. Glycation, the sugar-driven molecular reaction behind AGEs (advanced glycation end products), quietly undermines respiratory health. By stiffening lung tissue, fueling inflammation, and impairing gas exchange, AGEs accelerate conditions like COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and even post-COVID complications. With clarity and scientific depth, Dr. Reynolds explains how AGEs accumulate in collagen and elastin, eroding lung elasticity, while external AGEs from cigarette smoke and pollution directly attack airway cells. The result? Stiffer lungs, harder breathing, and faster progression of disease. Backed by clinical studies and metabolic research, this episode outlines how diet, antioxidants, stress management, and lifestyle choices can make or break your lung health. Whether you’re managing diabetes, recovering from COVID, or simply want to safeguard your breathing, Dr. Reynolds equips you with science-based strategies to fight glycation at its source. Topics Covered: -How glycation stiffens lung collagen and reduces elasticity -The role of AGEs in COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis -Why cigarette smoke and pollution deliver inhaled AGEs straight to your lungs -RAGE signaling: the inflammation switch that accelerates damage -Dietary and lifestyle strategies to lower AGEs and protect lung health -The power of antioxidants, breathing therapies, and exercise in preserving lung function Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Glycation & lung health 00:38 – What is glycation? 01:18 – Why it matters for lungs 02:02 – Glycation 101 refresher 02:43 – How AGEs damage tissues 03:23 – Lung elasticity & breathing 04:10 – Collagen, elastin & stiffness 04:50 – Research evidence 05:35 – Not just a diabetes problem 06:22 – Glycation & major lung diseases 07:05 – COPD and non-smokers 07:49 – Asthma & inflammation 08:32 – Pulmonary fibrosis 09:19 – Inhaled vs. internal AGEs 10:00 – Cigarette smoke & pollution 10:39 – Pollution in non-smokers 11:22 – RAGE receptor cascade 12:08 – Interventions overview 12:50 – Diet strategies (low-carb) 13:33 – Antioxidants (NAC, Vitamin C) 14:18 – Breathing therapies 15:02 – Exercise & stress management 16:27 – Key takeaways 17:10 – Closing remarks About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Paul Reynolds is a Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University. Known for his engaging, research-based teaching, he empowers viewers through The College of Glycation series to understand and combat the silent metabolic processes behind chronic disease and aging. For more insights on glycation, insulin resistance, and metabolic health, subscribe to The College of Glycation and continue learning with Dr. Reynolds. Questions? Leave a comment below. #lung #lunghealth #copd #breathing #RAGE #asthma #lungfibrosis #Glycation #AGEs #inflammation #OxidativeStress #ROS #Redox #CollegeOfGlycation #Ketodiet #LowCarb #InsulinResistance #HealthyAging #SugarDamage #HealthyLiving #KetoDiet #HealthPodcast #AntiAging #Nutrition #BiomedicalScience #BloodSugar #Wellness #HealthTips #SciencePodcast #HealthyEating #CellularHealth #Keto #KetoCommunity Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/C63EE3 Paul’s favorite source for clean, earth-sourced essentials such as salt, elecrolytes, 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)