Amy Proal
PhD/Microbiologist/Researcher
Microbiologist with expertise on the molecular mechanisms by which persistent pathogens modulate human gene expression, metabolism and immunity. Serves as PolyBio’s President, Research Director, and on the Board of Directors. Amy is an expert in conceptualizing and coordinating large-scale collaborative research projects. She has written multiple review articles that delineate core biological drivers of the LongCovid and ME/CFS disease processes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Georgetown University and a PhD in microbiology from Murdoch University in Australia.
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May 22, 2025
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 …
Guest: Amy Proal