Dr Chutkan is a member of the faculty at Georgetown Hospital since 1997, Dr Chutkan founded the Digestive Center for Women (DCW) in 2004, an integrative gastroenterology practice that includes nutritional therapy, stress reducing techniques such as meditation, biofeedback and counseling, as well as gastrointestinal procedures like endoscopy, colonoscopy, and video capsule endoscopy. In addition to digestive disorders in women, her clinical areas of interest include alterations in gut bacteria (dysbiosis), inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and food as medicine. She is a recognized leader in gastroenterology both nationally and internationally and Washingtonian magazine has consistently named her one of the top doctors in her field. Board certified in Gastroenterology, Dr Chutkan serves on numerous committees and boards and is actively involved in patient and physician education. She is a past Governing Board member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and former Chair of their Training Committee and Public Relations Committee. She is the author of the bestselling book Gutbliss, and the newly released The Microbiome Solution, and has lectured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. 

Here are a few highlights from the show:

22:55 The Over-Prescribing of Antibiotics: In her new book, The Microbiome Solution, Dr. Chutkan has a list of 10 questions to ask your doctor if you are about to be prescribed an antibiotic. She also provides a list of 10 things to do if you must take antibiotics.

31:51 Good News—You Can Change Your Gut Microbes: Many of our cravings are mediated by gut bacteria. In numerous ways, our gut microbes drive this behavior. Different strains of gut bacteria will overthrow others and dominate.

35:28 The Mysteries of Morning Breath: Because we sleep with our mouths closed, cutting off much of the oxygen, the bacteria in our mouths shift and give us morning breath.

41:23 Fecal Matter Transplantation—Is It Right for You? About 50% of the stool is bacteria, but there are toxins, viruses, and other things in your stool that your body is eliminating.