The Amino Acid That Rebuilds Your Gut From the Inside Out

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A single nutrient can flip the body’s repair switch—and the path runs through the immune system. We unpack new MIT research showing that dietary cysteine doesn’t just act as an antioxidant; it primes CD8 T cells in the small intestine to release IL-22, the signal that tells intestinal stem cells to multiply and rebuild. By converting cysteine to coenzyme A and broadcasting that signal locally, gut cells recruit a specialized repair crew exactly where damage from chemotherapy and radiation hits hardest.

We share why local delivery matters, how dietary cysteine differs from what the liver makes, and why timing and form of intake change outcomes. From the 20–amino acid screen that crowned cysteine as the top regeneration trigger to the elegant mechanism that turns killer T cells into messengers, you’ll hear a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the pathway: cysteine to CoA to CD8 activation to IL-22 to rapid repair. We also talk practical food sources—meat, dairy, legumes, nuts—and where precision supplementation may be warranted for therapeutic levels during treatment cycles.

Looking beyond the gut, we explore early findings pointing to hair follicle regeneration and the wider promise for longevity, resilience, and tissue health. The throughline is simple and powerful: precision nutrition can direct immune biology to accelerate healing. If you or someone you love is navigating intensive treatments or pursuing proactive recovery, this conversation offers a hopeful blueprint for using evidence-based, natural strategies to restore function faster. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with the one question you want us to tackle next.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your supplement regimen or health routine. Individual needs and reactions vary, so it’s important to make informed decisions with the guidance of your physician.

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