The daily step count that cuts inflammation in half | Prof. Janet Lord

What if the fatigue, stiffness, and brain fog we blame on aging are actually symptoms of something we can change? In this episode, immune aging expert Professor Janet Lord unpacks “inflammaging” - a slow, chronic form of inflammation that quietly builds in the body as we get older. It’s now believed to drive many of the diseases we associate with aging, from dementia to heart disease. Janet reveals how this invisible inflammation takes hold, how it silently damages the brain, gut, and immune system - and what science says we can do to fight back. Her research has shown that even in your 70s, it's not too late to reverse immune aging. One small change tomorrow could make a measurable difference. Professor Janet Lord is a world leading expert in the biology of aging. She’s published over 200 scientific papers and advised UK health policy. Her groundbreaking work shows how daily habits - especially movement - can reshape the immune system and slow the effects of time. If you want to stay stronger, sharper, and healthier for longer, this conversation could change the way you think about aging. 🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST 🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+ Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes: 00:00 What is inflammaging? 02:23 The biggest misconception about inflammaging 03:20 Inflammation can grumble away for decades 04:01 What cytokines in your blood really mean 05:00 Why inflammation is helpful — until it isn’t 06:19 A small rise in inflammation can last for decades 07:45 Inflammation acts like immune system hormones 08:50 Why more immune activity isn't always better 10:00 Did modern life create chronic inflammation? 12:00 Why flu is deadly for older people 13:15 Inflammation breaks down muscle and bone 15:15 Why fat tissue is fueling your immune system 16:51 Why body fat isn’t just a passive energy store 18:10 How inflammation helps cause dementia and heart disease 20:50 In your 40s? You might already be aging faster 22:03 Why menopause triggers a rise in inflammation 24:40 The gut bacteria that leak into your blood 27:15 Your muscles produce anti-inflammatory signals 28:55 Sitting too long cancels out your workout 30:44 Why walking stairs beats living in a bungalow 33:35 Janet’s one-day-a-week fast for 30+ years 34:55 10,000 steps = no inflammation? 35:57 Overweight people see the biggest benefit from exercise 📚Books by our ZOE Scientists The Food For Life Cookbook Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati Food For Life by Prof. Tim SpectorFree resources from ZOE Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.