Gut Health, SIBO, Methylene Blue, and More | Josh Axe EP 225
Mar 7, 2025
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Join Dr. Josh Axe, a leader in functional medicine and natural healing, as he dives into the fascinating world of gut health and alternative therapies. He shares insights on the intriguing practice of tongue mapping from Chinese medicine and differentiates between conventional and functional health approaches. Listen as he recounts his personal battle with a spinal infection and how he combined various treatments. Plus, discover the potential of AI in revolutionizing healthcare and the importance of tailored, holistic approaches to wellness.
Observing the tongue can reveal significant insights about digestive health, indicating conditions like spleen qi deficiency in Chinese medicine.
Functional medicine prioritizes understanding and treating root causes of health issues through personalized testing and natural treatments, unlike conventional approaches.
Combining conventional and alternative treatments, such as dietary adjustments and mindfulness practices, promotes holistic recovery by addressing both physical and emotional aspects of health.
Deep dives
Understanding Tongue Diagnosis
Observing the tongue can reveal significant insights about a person's digestive health. For instance, ridges on the sides of the tongue indicate a weakness in the digestive system, known as spleen qi deficiency in Chinese medicine. Specific herbs and foods can help strengthen gut health, such as incorporating soups and root vegetables into the diet. This approach emphasizes the ancient practice of recognizing patterns and their implications for health based on extensive historical observations.
Functional Medicine vs. Conventional Approaches
Functional medicine focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of health issues rather than just managing symptoms. For example, while a conventional doctor may prescribe medication for autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a functional medicine practitioner would conduct thorough tests to investigate underlying deficiencies and imbalances. This personalized approach often includes dietary adjustments, supplements, and natural treatments tailored to the individual's unique health needs. The goal is to promote healing naturally by understanding the interconnectedness of bodily systems.
The Role of Micronutrient Testing
Micronutrient testing offers a deeper understanding of an individual's nutritional deficiencies, which may not be evident through standard blood tests. Unlike traditional evaluations that often focus on symptoms or cholesterol levels, micronutrient assessments can help identify deficiencies in vital nutrients that affect cellular function and overall health. For instance, low levels of magnesium or vitamin D can lead to further health complications, including mood disorders. The emphasis on these comprehensive tests highlights the importance of addressing deficiencies to support optimal health.
The Healing Power of Nature
Spending time in nature and practicing mindfulness can significantly improve mental and emotional well-being. Engaging in activities that promote connection with the natural world, such as forest bathing, fosters a sense of awe and gratitude. This shift away from technology and artificial stimulation allows the body to heal more effectively, as many individuals today are overwhelmed by stress and constant busyness. Integrating moments of stillness and reflection into daily life is essential for maintaining good mental health.
Navigating Health Challenges with Holistic Approaches
Navigating health issues often requires a combination of conventional and alternative treatments tailored to individual needs. Using a blend of therapies, including dietary changes, herbal supplements, and holistic practices like meditation and breathing exercises, can foster recovery. A balanced approach not only addresses physical symptoms like SIBO but also considers emotional and psychological factors contributing to the condition. This comprehensive method reinforces the idea that health is not merely the absence of disease but also includes mental and spiritual well-being.
In this episode, Dr. Josh Axe joined me to discuss gut health, functional medicine, and alternative healing methods, including Chinese medicine and herbal remedies. We explored why Chinese medicine uses tongue mapping, the differences between conventional and functional medicine, he broke down functional tests for gut health and we covered conditions like SIBO.Dr. Axe shared his story of overcoming a severe spinal infection that left him unable to walk and how he recovered. We also talked about the role of AI in healthcare and the best natural approaches to healing the gut.Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CNS, is a doctor of chiropractic, certified doctor of natural medicine, clinical nutritionist, leadership expert and highly successful entrepreneur, with a passion to help people eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle. He earned his doctorate from Palmer College and his Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Axe is the cofounder and CVO of Ancient Nutrition, founder of DrAxe.com, and founder of The Health Institute. His businesses have ranked on the Inc. 500 fastest growing companies. He is the bestselling author of Think This Not That, Eat Dirt, Keto Diet, and Ancient Remedies. He regularly teaches lectures and trains entrepreneurs on leadership, mindset, and self- development. Josh is married to his wife, Chelsea, and they have two daughters. They live between Nashville, TN and Dorado, PR and enjoy cooking, staying active swimming and cycling, and prioritize time for their faith and family.—Follow Josh—Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoshaxe/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjoshaxeX: https://x.com/drjoshaxeThe Health Institute: https://thehealthinstitute.com/For a high quality, ideology-free education consider enrolling in Peterson Academy: https://petersonacademy.com/Order After Party, my hangover supplement if you’d like to avoid the damage done by alcohol on https://bit.ly/3HajcWV and Amazon https://a.co/d/6OGdTrT. Be sure to leave a review! I read them all :)—Follow Me—All Platforms: https://linktr.ee/mikhailapeterson Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikhailapeterson TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mikhailapeterson Website: https://mikhailapeterson.com Lion Diet: https://liondiet.com Biotoxin: https://biotoxin.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/mikhailapetersonpodcast X: https://twitter.com/MikhailaFullerTelegram: https://t.me/mikhailapeterson—Chapters—00:00 - Introduction01:02 - Dr. Josh Axe’s Background and Work02:25 - Functional Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine05:01 - Organic Acids Test and Micronutrient Panels08:27 - Folate Deficiency and Methylation Cycle12:25 - Gut Health and Microbiome13:10 - Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine17:20 - Personal Health Story: Pneumonia and Chinese Medicine19:07 - Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Principles22:15 - Natural vs. Conventional Treatments for Infections25:32 - Dr. Axe’s Back Injury and Stem Cell Therapy30:57 - Methylene Blue and Silver Treatments33:11 - Personalized Diets and Therapies36:14 - Chinese Medicine Dietary Recommendations39:48 - How Chinese Medicine Identifies Patterns43:26 - SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Treatment47:59 - Herbal Protocols vs. Antibiotics50:12 - AI in Health and Medicine54:53 - Unconventional Health Practices57:12 - The Healing Power of Nature and Prayer01:00:06 - Dealing with Trauma and Emotional Healing01:04:48 - Where to Find Dr. Josh Axe
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