601: How to improve GLP-1 levels, naturally | Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph.D.

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Jun 8, 2025

Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph.D., a biochemist, microbiologist, and co-founder of Pendulum Therapeutics, discusses how improving your gut microbiome can enhance metabolism. She explains the importance of Akkermansia, a beneficial bacterium, in boosting GLP-1 levels naturally. Listeners learn about gut-supporting foods, the impact of diet on microbial diversity, and the consequences of antibiotics on gut health. Cutcliffe also touches on the future of microbiome science, including exciting advancements like next-generation probiotics and fecal transplants.

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ANECDOTE

Personal Microbiome Journey

Colleen Cutcliffe's daughter was born prematurely and exposed to multiple antibiotics early in life.
This personal experience inspired her to start Pendulum Therapeutics to help repair microbiome imbalances.

INSIGHT

Microbiome Connects to Whole Body

The microbiome impacts every organ system in the body, linking gut health to overall wellness.
Symptoms like blood sugar spikes, weight gain, and food sensitivities can signal microbiome imbalance.

INSIGHT

Microbiome Stimulates Natural GLP-1

GLP-1 is a natural hormone that regulates fullness and sugar metabolism after eating.
The microbiome stimulates GLP-1 production, which drugs mimic to aid metabolic health.

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“You can improve your metabolism simply through your microbiome,” explains Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph.D.

Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph.D., biochemist, microbiologist, and the co-founder and CEO of Pendulum Therapeutics, joins us today to dive deep into the science of the gut microbiome, covering everything from the gut-metabolism axis and increasing GLP-1 levels to gut-supporting foods. Plus:

- Starting her company, Pendulum (~2:45)

- Assessing microbiome health (~6:25)

- The gut-metabolism axis (~8:55)

- Increasing GLP-1 naturally (~10:00)

- What is Akkermansia (~13:00)

- How to increase Akkermansia (~16:55)

- Microbiome-supporting foods (~18:53)

- How to change your microbiome (~24:45)

- Environmental factors & the microbiome (~26:20)

- Stress & the microbiome (~28:00)

- Reset the gut after antibiotics (~28:45)

- The future of microbiome science (~31:05)

- Fecal transplants (~34:00)

- Exciting new science (~35:55)

Referenced in the episode:

- Follow Colleen Cutcliffe on Instagram (@drcolleencutcliffe)

- Check out her company (https://pendulumlife.com/)

- Learn more about their research (https://pendulumlife.com/pages/research-clinical-trials#nav-clinical-trial)

- Research on microbiome diversity & pet ownership (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7058978/)

- Research on Akkermansia & response to cancer immunotherapy

This episode is made in partnership with Pendulum’s Akkermansia. Made with a live strain of Akkermansia muciniphila, this supplement can improve gut health and digestion, reduce food cravings, and may even help stimulate GLP-1 production.*† Learn more at pendulumlife.com/MBG, and get 20% off all Pendulum product subscriptions for first orders. Discount applied at checkout.

We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

†Based on pre-clinical studies. Not intended for weight loss.

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