Nervous System Physiology and Glycation

In this episode of the College of Glycation, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology—explores how glycation and metabolic dysfunction silently damage the nervous system. From neurons and myelin to the blood-brain barrier, Dr. Reynolds explains how advanced glycation end products (AGEs) disrupt electrical signaling, trigger inflammation through the AGE–RAGE pathway, impair mitochondrial function, and accelerate both peripheral neuropathy and cognitive decline. The nervous system’s high energy demands, limited antioxidant defenses, and irreplaceable neurons make it uniquely vulnerable to sugar-driven damage.Drawing from decades of peer-reviewed research, this episode connects metabolic health to brain aging, nerve degeneration, and even the emerging concept of Alzheimer’s disease as a form of metabolic dysfunction. Importantly, Dr. Reynolds emphasizes that these processes are not limited to people with diabetes—anyone with insulin resistance or high dietary AGE intake may be affected. This conversation offers a clear, science-based framework for understanding how diet, lifestyle, and glycation shape long-term neurological health—and what can be done to protect it.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)