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

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. 🌱🕰 TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Intro + Sponsor Healthgevity⁠⁠ (use code ONETHING for 10% off)01:04 – Meet Dr. Amy Proal03:14 – Chronic infection’s hidden role in disease07:09 – Alzheimer’s and pathogens in the brain13:16 – Viral persistence and the vagus nerve15:37 – Spectrum of microbes linked to illness18:51 – PolyBio’s research focus: long COVID & mitochondria20:11 – How viruses hijack mitochondria25:46 – Immune dysregulation, interferons & mTOR27:41 – The promise of low-dose rapamycin32:32 – Rapamycin vs. Metformin vs. Keto36:25 – Chronic infection & metabolic downshift39:31 – Early observations from rapamycin use43:13 – Natural killer cells & new immunotherapy46:15 – Final thoughts + how to support PolyBio🎧 Follow the One Thing Podcast for more deep dives into root-cause medicine and emerging research.📢 Learn more at polybio.org and support their transformative work.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/