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 essential episode of the College of Glycation series, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology—explores the emerging link between glycation and mental health. Building on prior episodes covering glycation’s effects on the brain, heart, and metabolism, Dr. Reynolds now uncovers how sugar-driven molecular damage may underlie anxiety, depression, and neurodegeneration. Glycation, through its toxic byproducts known as AGEs (advanced glycation end products), doesn’t just stiffen arteries or age the skin—it infiltrates the brain. By activating inflammatory pathways, disrupting neurotransmitters, and impairing insulin signaling, AGEs may fuel conditions like depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Through the RAGE receptor, glycation ignites chronic neuroinflammation that damages synapses, reduces serotonin, and undermines neuroplasticity—all hallmarks of poor mental health. This lecture traces the science from molecular biochemistry to metabolic psychiatry—linking diet, insulin resistance, and the gut-brain axis into a unified model of how glycation harms the mind. Most importantly, Dr. Reynolds highlights practical, evidence-based strategies to lower AGE burden, improve insulin sensitivity, and restore cognitive and emotional resilience. Topics Covered -What glycation is and why it matters for brain health -The RAGE pathway and neuroinflammation in the brain -How glycation disrupts serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate systems -The role of insulin resistance in depression and anxiety -The gut-brain axis and how diet influences glycation burden -Practical lifestyle strategies to reduce AGEs and protect mental health Timestamps 00:38 – Overview of glycation’s impact on the brain 01:19 – What is glycation? Basics and mechanisms 01:59 – Formation and effects of AGEs (advanced glycation end products) 02:42 – Dietary sources of AGEs and their impact on the body 03:25 – How AGEs affect brain cells and inflammation pathways 04:03 – NF-κB activation and cytokine release 04:51 – Inflammation’s impact on mood and cognition 05:35 – Neurotoxic metabolites and neurotransmitter disruption 06:24 – Cellular damage: mitochondria and vascular stiffening 07:09 – Glycation’s role in neurodegenerative disease 07:56 – Insulin resistance and brain energy metabolism 08:40 – Research links between insulin resistance and depression 09:25 – Glycation, inflammation, and insulin signaling feedback loop 10:10 – The gut-brain axis and glycation connection 10:54 – Diet, microbiome, and mental health outcomes 11:38 – Gut dysbiosis and inflammation’s role in glycation 12:24 – How a healthy microbiome mitigates glycation damage 13:05 – Integrating glycation into mental health models 13:46 – Brain inflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, and energy loss 14:32 – Glycation as a metabolic accelerant in mood disorders 15:11 – Strategies to lower glycation and inflammation 15:51 – Physical activity, fasting, and insulin sensitivity 16:32 – Gut health, fiber, and fermented foods 17:18 – Micronutrients and antioxidant defense 17:58 – The future of metabolic psychiatry and glycation research 18:42 – Closing thoughts: glycation as a hidden amplifier of mental illness Whether you’re exploring the science behind mood disorders or searching for tools to support mental clarity, this episode reveals how metabolic health and mental health are inseparably connected—and how understanding glycation can illuminate a new path to psychological well-being. About Dr. Paul Reynolds- Dr. Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and professor at Brigham Young University, known for translating complex cellular biochemistry into clear, actionable insights. His College of Glycation series empowers students and lifelong learners alike to confront the molecular processes that drive aging, chronic disease, and now—mental health. #mentalhealth #depression #anxiety #neuroinflammation #RAGE #neuroscience #psychiatry #glycation #AGEs #inflammation #oxidativestress #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)