If your brain feels foggy, your mood swings like a pendulum, or your cravings seem to control you—this episode will flip what you think you know about your body and your mind. Because what if your thoughts… aren’t really yours? 

In this mind-altering episode of The Human Upgrade, Dr. Steven Gundry reveals a startling new theory: your gut microbiome might be controlling your thoughts. From addiction and depression to obesity and inflammation, the microbes living in your gut—bacteria, fungi, viruses, even parasites—may be pulling the strings on your brain chemistry, mood, and behavior. 

Dave Asprey and Dr. Gundry dive deep into The Gut-Brain Paradox, exposing how the gut-brain axis operates more like a microbial command center than a digestive system. You’ll learn why probiotic pills rarely work, how the wrong microbes can drive compulsive behavior, and how toxic foods, glyphosate, and antibiotics have turned our guts into neurological war zones. 

Most shocking of all? Microbes may not just influence addiction—they may cause it. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• How your gut microbiome can hijack your brain and influence your thoughts and behavior 

• Why certain microbes may actually cause addiction, obesity, and depression 

• How antibiotics, glyphosate, and processed foods are turning your gut into a desert 

• How to rebuild your gut ecosystem using postbiotics, fermented foods, and precision inputs 

• Why food cravings might be microbial mind control—and what to do about it 

• What the latest science reveals about the gut-brain axis, neurotransmitters, and neuroinflammation 

Sponsors: 

-Sunlighten | Go to https://www.sunlighten.com/dave/ and enter code DAVE at checkout to save up to $1,400.  

-Timeline | Head to https://www.timeline.com/dave to get 10% off your first order. 

Resources:  

• Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ 

• Dr. Gundry’s Instagram –  https://www.instagram.com/drstevengundry/?hl=en 

• Dr. Gundry’s Website: https://drgundry.com/ 

• Dr. Gundry’s New Book The Gut-Brain Paradox: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gut-brain-paradox-steven-r-gundry-md/1146019686?ean=9780062911803 

• 2025 Biohacking Conference: https://biohackingconference.com/2025 

• Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com 

• Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com 

• Dave Asprey’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey 

• Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com 

• Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com 

• Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com 

• 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com 

Timestamps: 

• 00:00 — Trailer 

• 02:01 — Intro 

• 03:55 — The Gut-Brain Connection 

• 04:45 — Microbiome Communication and Control 

• 08:19 — The Role of Fungi and Plants 

• 11:29 — Microbiome Diversity and Health 

• 19:05 — Addictive Microbiome and Behavior 

• 28:17 — Antibiotics and Gut Health 

• 30:49 — Listener Concerns and Gut Health 

• 31:02 — Whale Watching and Climate Change 

• 32:58 — Understanding SIBO and Bacterial Migration 

• 34:02 — The Role of Soluble Fiber and Fermented Foods 

• 36:12 — Complexity of Gut Microbiome 

• 36:49 — Restoring Ecosystems and Gut Health 

• 38:23 — Precision Microbiome Manipulation 

• 41:31 — Calcium Formation and Gut Bacteria 

• 43:56 — Oxalates vs. Lectins Debate 

• 46:04 — Whole Foods and Glyphosate Concerns 

• 51:47 — Dopamine Levels and Gut Health 

• 54:59 — Conclusion and Book Promotion 

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