Dr. Steven Gundry: How to Improve Gut Health | EP 477
Jan 11, 2024
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Dr. Steven Gundry, a top cardiothoracic surgeon and nutritional pioneer, discusses gut health, microbiomes, changes in food consumption, benefits of fermentation, sparkling water, and the side effects of nicotine. He also explores the symbiotic relationship between kingdoms, toxoplasmosis, therapy, plant-based diets, and the impact of fermentation on gut health. Additionally, he discusses carbon dioxide production, M-Tor, Rapamycin, optimizing M-Tor levels, meal timing, the interconnectedness of physiological processes, and the effect of olive oil on blood vessels.
Gut bugs have a significant impact on behavior, as seen in the manipulation of rats by toxoplasmosis to reach its final host.
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in influencing behavior and mental well-being, with fermentation and diverse bacteria supporting emotional health.
Deep dives
The Importance of Gut Bugs on Health and Wellness
This podcast episode delves into the impact of gut bugs on various aspects of our health and wellness. The guest, Dr. Stephen Gundry, emphasizes the role of gut bugs in influencing our mind, emotions, sleep, energy levels, body composition, and fitness. Gut bugs are considered to be an intermingling of the thought processes of numerous organisms living in and on us, challenging traditional notions of the mind. These organisms communicate through trans-kingdom communication, which involves a symbiotic relationship between different kingdoms, such as animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. Dr. Gundry suggests that understanding and supporting this symbiotic relationship can greatly enhance overall well-being.
Toxoplasmosis: Manipulating Behavior through Gut Bugs
Toxoplasmosis, a single-cell organism, is discussed in this podcast as an example of how gut bugs can manipulate behavior. Toxoplasmosis has a fascinating life cycle, using rats as an intermediate host to reach its final host, cats. Surprisingly, it alters the rat's brain to make it attracted to the smell of cat urine, ultimately leading the rat towards danger. This manipulation benefits toxoplasmosis by facilitating its transfer from rat to cat. Interestingly, toxoplasmosis has been found to affect other species as well, such as chimpanzees and even humans, making them less fearful and more likely to take risks. This discussion highlights the intricate relationship between gut bugs and behavior.
Exploring the Influence of Gut Microbiome on Mind and Emotions
The podcast explores the connection between the gut microbiome and our mind and emotions. Dr. Gundry explains that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in influencing our behavior and mental well-being. For instance, fermentation, a traditional method of food preservation, contributes to the production of postbiotics, which are essential for supporting mental health. Furthermore, the bacteria present in our gut can even manufacture hormones like oxytocin, also known as the 'love hormone.' The gut-brain axis is a crucial aspect to consider, as neurotransmitters like serotonin, which largely affects mood, are predominantly produced in the gut. Consequently, nurturing a diverse and healthy gut microbiome is essential for emotional well-being.
The Impact of Diet and Time-Restricted Eating on Health and Longevity
Dr. Gundry discusses the influence of diet and time-restricted eating on health and longevity. He explains that practicing time-restricted eating, or intermittent fasting, can have significant effects on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. Lowering IGF-1, particularly in older adults, has been associated with increased longevity. Additionally, Dr. Gundry emphasizes the importance of polyphenols found in olive oil as powerful antioxidants and their potential impact on vascular health. He suggests that optimizing diet and fasting windows may offer a way to achieve both performance and longevity goals simultaneously, dispelling the notion that such goals are mutually exclusive.
Leading cardiothoracic surgeon and nutritional pioneer Dr. Steven Gundry joins us for a conversation on the importance of gut health, discussing bacteria within microbiomes, changes in food consumption, and the importance of meal times. We also discuss the benefits of fermentation, sparkling water, and the unfortunate side effects of nicotine.
Dr. Steven Gundry is one of the world’s top cardiothoracic surgeons and a pioneer in nutrition. He hosts top-rated health show, The Dr. Gundry Podcast, is the Founder and Director of The International Heart and Lung Institute Center for Restorative Medicine, and founder of Gundry MD, a line of wellness products and supplements.
After a distinguished surgical career as a professor and chairman of cardiothoracic surgery at Loma Linda University, Dr. Gundry changed his focus to curing modern diseases via dietary changes. He is the author of New York Times bestsellers The Plant Paradox, The Plant Paradox Cookbook, The Plant Paradox Quick & Easy, and The Longevity Paradox, along with national bestsellers The Plant Paradox Family Cookbook, The Energy Paradox,Dr. Gundry’s DietEvolution, and Unlocking the Keto Code, and has had more than 300 articles published in peer-reviewed journals on using diet and supplements to eliminate heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and multiple other diseases.