Welcome to Radical Vitality! In this episode, I speak with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist and New York Times best-selling author, to discuss the fascinating interconnectedness of gut health with every aspect of our well-being. 

Gut health is inextricably linked with our overall health, disease risk and longevity. The science is emerging at breakneck speed and it’s telling us that most if not all of our chronic disease burden has a relationship of some sort with the health and vitality of our gut. There is compelling, accumulating evidence that when people have high-fiber, plant-rich diets, they significantly lower their risks of these diseases, and this is precisely what Dr. B speaks with me about today.

The microbiome is like a command center for human health, which includes digestion as well as metabolism, the immune system, hormones, mood, and brain health. Dr. B emphasizes the importance of examining one’s bowel movement patterns to identify potential problems and understand the possible interconnectedness of other symptoms with one’s gut health.

We speak about the imperative of eating a wide variety of plants and fermented foods. For me, the best way to ensure consistent diversity across plants is to make them delicious! Dr. B then walks us through two companies he is associated with, firstly Zoe, which I can vouch is amazing, that offers microbiome testing and very personalized diet suggestions, as well as 38TERA, which manufactures a truly innovative microbiome and prebiotic fiber supplement. 

If you want to learn more about how gut health is connected to seemingly every pillar of our health, from inflammation, exercise, sleep, skin, and even conditions such as leaky gut and acid reflux, and simple yet powerful ways to optimize it, this episode is not to be missed! 

Episode Outline:

(03:12) The importance of prioritizing gut health

(09:23) Signs that your gut health is great, or not

(12:33) Bristol Stool Scale

(19:20) Gut microbiome tests and the Zoe diet

(28:45) The gut loves consistent variety!

(34:42) Coffee and acid reflux

(38:01) Everyday foods Dr. B recommends for gut health

(42:29) America doesn’t have a protein problem but a fiber problem

(50:59) Fiber supplements vs the real thing

(52:43) Exercise and the gut connection(55:32) Small fasts yield big impact

(1:00:09) Truth behind leaky gut

(1:05:13) Hormesis, or how different kinds of stress impact the microbiome

(1:10:20) The nuance of probiotics 

Resources Referenced:

Efficacy of Probiotics in Children and Adolescents With Atopic Dermatitis: research paper

Bristol stool scale: diagram

Going Head to Head with Heartburn course: enroll here

How to Become FIBER FUELLED and Revolutionize Your Health: Momlight! podcast episode

Can Spices Improve Your Health? with Kanchan Koya: ZOE podcast episode

Connect with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz: 

Instagram: @theguthealthmd

Website: theplantfedgut.com

Learn more about Zoe: zoe.com

Learn more about Dr. B's new science-based prebiotic supplement: 38tera.com

Buy Fiber Fueled

Buy The Fiber Fueled Cookbook

Connect with Kanchan: 

Instagram

Website

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