Podcast Summary

Podcast: Change Your Brain Every Day
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Amen & Tana Amen
Guest: Dr. Josh Axe
Episode: Dr. Josh Axe: The Most Important Diet You’ve Never Heard Of (Biblio Diet)
Date: September 16, 2025

Overview:

This episode centers on Dr. Josh Axe’s new book, The Biblio Diet, which explores the nutrition and lifestyle practices described in the Bible and their relevance to modern health. The hosts and Dr. Axe dig deep into which foods were eaten by Biblical figures, debunk modern food myths, and emphasize holistic health—mind, body, and spirit—while drawing practical insights from ancient texts.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Foundations of the Biblio Diet

(00:00, 03:45, 04:20, 07:59, 15:17, 15:30, 18:39)

• The Biblio Diet is based on foods and health principles referenced in both the Old and New Testaments.
• Dr. Axe’s research involved analyzing the diet of Biblical figures (e.g., Solomon, Jesus) and the evolution of food laws (e.g., Genesis, Moses).
  • “One of our most surprising things… It’s called Solomon’s Provisions… Number one thing by far was meat. And it’s red meat, loads of it.” — Dr. Axe (00:00)
  • “We wanted to look at what the Bible says cumulatively… it’s viewing your body as a temple, doing everything you can to honor Him with your body.” — Dr. Axe (07:59)
• The diet includes high-quality proteins (grass-fed meats, fish), sourdough breads made from ancient grains, abundant vegetables and fruits (notably pomegranates, figs), healthy fats (olive oil), fermented dairy, and honey, while avoiding foods forbidden or absent in the scriptures (pork, shellfish, processed foods).

2. Personalization and Modernization

(07:59, 11:21, 14:33, 22:43, 32:52, 39:44)

• Dr. Axe strongly emphasizes personalization:
  • “Everybody’s a unique individual… if I’m working with somebody with cancer dietarily and somebody with inflammatory bowel disease, the diets tend to be pretty different.” — Dr. Axe (07:59)
• He draws parallels with functional medicine, tailoring approaches based on individual genetics, conditions, and ancestry.
  • “The superfoods in your area based on your genes isn’t pomegranate. Maybe it’s goji berries if you grew up in [Asia].” — Dr. Axe (32:52)

3. Key Food Groups of the Biblio Diet

a. Red Meat and Lamb

• “I think for many people, red meat is a healing food. Especially with women… we call it a blood deficiency. And so, especially a woman that’s pregnant, I think some postpartum depression…” — Dr. Axe (14:33)
• Importance of grass-fed, wild meats; industrial methods and animal feed dramatically alter nutritional value.

b. Sourdough and Ancient Grains

• Biblical grains differ from modern wheat; ancient practices maximized digestibility and nutrition.
• “They would’ve then soaked it and laid it out in the sun and let it sprout… then fermentation, turning it into a sourdough bread.” — Dr. Axe (15:54)
• True sourdough is now more available at artisanal bakeries and should be preferred.

c. Fruits and Vegetables

• Pomegranates and figs highlighted for unique health benefits—supporting mitochondria and digestion.
• “Pomegranates… are really powerful compounds that support mitochondrial biogenesis…” — Dr. Axe (19:43)

d. Healthy Fats (Olive Oil)

• Olive oil is the most-referenced oil in the Bible.
• Good for longevity, can be used for lower-heat cooking.

e. Fermented Dairy

• Most Biblical dairy was fermented and from A2 cows or goats, which is anti-inflammatory and probiotic-rich.
• “Raw goat’s milk kefir… it was literally almost the only thing [my co-author ate] and that’s how he reversed Crohn’s and colitis.” — Dr. Axe (22:00)

4. Foods to Avoid

(23:59, 26:53, 27:36, 42:02)

• Pork and shellfish are strictly avoided, based on Biblical food laws and modern evidence of parasites and toxin retention.
  • “Pork is the number one food people get parasites from. They eat their own feces...” — Dr. Axe (23:59)
  • “Shellfish… are bottom feeders… highest in dioxins.” — Dr. Axe (26:53)
• Processed foods: artificial dyes, high fructose corn syrup, and over-processed grains, oils, are out.
• Corn is not referenced in the Bible and is generally unhealthy due to its fatty acid profile (42:02).

5. The Role of Spiritual and Mental Health

(04:23, 37:07, 37:38)

• Health is integrated: “What’s even more important than the food you eat is your spiritual health and your mindset.” — Dr. Axe (04:23)
• Placebo and faith effects: Studies show belief and mindset impact health outcomes.
  • “…There is a level of sort of transformation of our body even reacting differently [when we pray].” — Dr. Axe (34:24)
  • “Jesus never says, eat this or don’t eat this. But he does say… it’s your faith that’s healed you.” — Dr. Axe (36:37)

6. Wine, Salt, and Other Biblical Staples

(32:54, 33:08, 34:18, 29:04)

• Wine: Moderation is key. Biblical text warns against abuse, but moderate use (for stomach ailments) is acknowledged.
  • “I think for most people… they could handle doing a glass or two a week. But… it really depends…” — Dr. Axe (33:26)
• Salt: Ancient salts contained many minerals; personalized usage recommended.
  • “I think using salt wisely and I think it’s very similar to honey. In the proverbs it says, use a little honey, not too much.” — Dr. Axe (29:47)

7. Agricultural Wisdom from the Bible

(41:44, 41:59, 42:09)

• Biblical agricultural laws echo regenerative and permaculture practices—letting land rest, focusing on perennial crops, animal integration—methods now touted for sustainability.
  • “The Bible is the greatest book ever written on agriculture. It talks about letting the land rest every seven years…” — Dr. Axe (41:44)

8. Modern Food Politics and Health Policy

(44:10, 44:56)

• Dr. Axe and Dr. Amen discuss the need for systemic food reform—reducing processed foods, promoting natural foods, and current efforts in Washington.
  • “He [RFK Jr.] has, he’s got his hands full… he kind of went after food dyes first… trying to get low hanging fruit or changing Coca Cola from high fructose corn syrup…” — Dr. Axe (44:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Individualization:
  “If somebody’s diabetic, they’re going to be much more carb conscious… there is a level, if you have a specific severe condition, you do want to personalize.” — Dr. Axe (22:43)

• On faith and mindset:
  “Jesus never says eat this or don’t eat this. But he does say several times, it’s your faith that’s healed you.” — Dr. Axe (36:37)

• On agricultural wisdom:
  “The Bible is the greatest book ever written on agriculture. It talks about letting the land rest every seven years.” — Dr. Axe (41:44)

• Lighthearted moment (Biblical authority):
  “The Bible is better than your book.” — Tana Amen (37:30)

Key Timestamps

• 00:00 — Solomon’s diet: Primacy of meat in Biblical times
• 03:45 — In-person interview; Dr. Axe’s introduction
• 04:20 — Why write about Bible-based diets?
• 07:59 — Personalization & evolution of Biblical food laws
• 11:21 — Why red meat is demonized; differences in food quality
• 15:17 — Biblio Diet food recommendations
• 18:39 — The importance and preparation of bread
• 19:36 — Olive oil, pomegranates, figs, and their Biblical roots
• 22:00 — Ancient dairy as medicine
• 23:59 — Top foods to avoid: Pork, shellfish, processed foods
• 26:53 — Parasites and cancer risk from pork
• 27:36 — Fish and Mediterranean parallels
• 29:04 — Salt and honey: use in moderation
• 30:02 — Fermented foods in the Bible
• 32:54 — Ancestral diets and genetic adaptation
• 33:08 — Wine: Biblical perspective
• 34:24 — Mindset, faith, and their physiological power
• 37:07 — Dr. Axe’s hope for the book
• 41:44 — The Bible as agricultural manual
• 42:02 — Corn: Not Biblically referenced
• 44:10 — Policy, food reform, and public health
• 46:46 — Food and health policy is non-partisan

Conclusion:

Dr. Josh Axe’s Biblio Diet draws from scripture to propose a nutrition and lifestyle approach focused on real, minimally processed foods—meat (especially lamb and fish), ancient grains, fruits (notably pomegranates and figs), olive oil, fermented dairy, and honey—avoiding pork, shellfish, and processed products. The book and interview argue for the integration of spiritual and emotional health into dietary practice and urge personalization based on genetic, ancestral, and health status. With historical, scientific, and Biblical wisdom interwoven, the episode is a bridge between ancient tradition and modern health.

For resources, book links, and Dr. Axe’s podcast, visit Dr. Josh Axe Show or search for "Biblio Diet" on major platforms.