Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark Episode Summary: "Why The Tongue Is The Secret Window To Your Health & Other Hacks | Dr. Josh Axe" Release Date: January 3, 2025

Hosted by Alex Clark of Turning Point USA, "Culture Apothecary" delves into health and wellness topics with expert guests. In this episode, Dr. Josh Axe, a doctor of chiropractic, certified doctor of natural medicine, and clinical nutritionist, discusses a broad range of subjects from the dangers of certain birth control methods to the profound insights that tongue analysis can offer about one’s health.

1. Birth Control and Health Risks

Dr. Josh Axe opens the discussion by critically examining the health implications of birth control methods. He specifically highlights the adverse effects of birth control pills and copper IUDs on women’s health.

• Birth Control Pills: Dr. Axe states, “If somebody's been on birth control pills for up to 10 years, it increases the risk of hypothyroidism by 283.7%” (00:03).

• Synthetic Medications: He emphasizes the dangers of synthetic drugs, noting, “There's not a single medication without a side effect” (00:03).

• Copper IUDs: In response to Alex's initial question, Dr. Axe asserts, “The copper IUD is terrible” (00:00), outlining its potential to disrupt immune function and gut health.

2. The Power of Raw Honey

Dr. Axe passionately advocates for incorporating raw honey into daily diets, underscoring its status as "nature's greatest superfood."

• Authentic vs. Fake Honey: He warns, “76% of honey is fake. It's adulterated, it's been ultra pasteurized and it's been ultra filtered” (02:34), explaining how processing destroys beneficial enzymes and pollen.

• Health Benefits: Consuming raw, local honey can boost the immune system by providing over 200 different microbials, acting as a natural immunization (02:34).

• Blood Sugar Impact: Contrary to common fears, studies show that real honey has minimal effect on blood glucose levels compared to other sweeteners (02:34).

3. Chinese Medicine and Tongue Analysis

A pivotal part of the episode revolves around the ancient practice of tongue analysis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which Dr. Axe explains as a window into one’s overall health.

• Tongue Indicators: Dr. Axe details various tongue signs:

  • White Coating: Indicates candida buildup or dampness (22:53).
  • Red Tongue: Signifies internal inflammation (22:53).
  • Pale Tongue: Suggests a blood deficiency, correlating with conditions like hypothyroidism (22:53).

• Practical Application: He advises, “If you have something like IBS-D, we're going to say, well, we need to warm up the body” and recommends dietary adjustments accordingly (15:24).

• Personal Insights: Dr. Axe shares his method of diagnosing through tongue analysis, reinforcing its accuracy and integration with modern diagnostics like blood work (22:53).

4. Supplements and Nutrient Deficiencies

The conversation shifts to the critical role of supplements in addressing nutrient deficiencies, especially those induced by medications like birth control pills and antibiotics.

• Impact of Medications: Dr. Axe highlights how birth control pills deplete essential nutrients such as B vitamins, selenium, magnesium, and zinc, impairing methylation processes (20:12).

• MTHFR Gene Variant: Discussing genetic factors, he explains the challenges posed by the MTHFR gene variant in methylation and its broader health implications (20:58).

• Recommended Supplements: Emphasizing personalization, Dr. Axe suggests high-quality, food-based supplements over synthetic multivitamins. He mentions brands like Garden of Life and MegaFood as preferable options (42:05).

• Key Nutrients:

  • Magnesium: Crucial for over 300 bodily functions, including sleep and cellular energy (39:31).
  • Zinc and Copper Balance: Excessive zinc can deplete copper, impairing immune function (40:14).

5. Testosterone Crisis and Solutions

Dr. Axe addresses the alarming decline in testosterone levels among men, attributing it to factors like dietary toxicity, environmental chemicals, and processed foods.

• Statistics: He notes a 35% drop in testosterone levels over the past 50 years, posing significant health and societal challenges (50:56).

• Causes: Key contributors include:

  • Environmental Toxins: Chemicals like glyphosate and phthalates decrease testosterone (50:56).
  • Diet: High consumption of seed oils and ultra-processed foods feminizes men by lowering testosterone (52:20).

• Solutions for Men:

  • Dietary Adjustments: Incorporate more grass-fed meats, organ meats, Brazil nuts, and healthy fats from sources like coconut oil (52:45).
  • Lifestyle Changes: Engage in activities that promote masculinity and physical health, such as chopping wood and weightlifting (54:00).

• Solutions for Women: Focus on warming herbs like cinnamon and ginger to support hormone balance (55:39).

6. The Decline of Western Medicine and Rise of Functional Medicine

Dr. Axe critiques the current state of Western medicine, highlighting its over-reliance on pharmaceuticals and lack of focus on root causes of ailments.

• Pharmaceutical Influence: He argues that pharmaceutical companies prioritize drug prescriptions over natural health solutions, leading to widespread health issues (10:48).

• Functional Medicine Growth: In contrast, functional medicine—which seeks to identify and treat root causes using holistic approaches—is rapidly expanding as more individuals seek alternatives to traditional Western treatments (07:52).

• Health Outcomes: Dr. Axe contrasts the U.S. health metrics with other nations, pointing out that despite enormous healthcare spending, the U.S. ranks poorly in lifespan compared to countries like Japan (07:52).

7. Mushrooms as Superfoods

Exploring the benefits of various mushrooms, Dr. Axe underscores their significant role in supporting immune health, brain function, and longevity.

• Types and Benefits:

  • Turkey Tail (Trinity's Versicolor): Renowned for its antiviral properties, effective against infections like the common cold and Lyme disease (45:56).

  • Lion's Mane: Supports the gut-brain connection and enhances cognitive functions such as memory and focus (45:56).

  • Reishi: Known as the "mushroom of immortality," it promotes longevity and overall health (45:56).

  • Cordyceps: Boosts testosterone and supports hypothyroidism (45:56).

  • Maitake & Shiitake: Possess anti-cancer properties (45:56).

  • Chaga: Reduces inflammation and enhances athletic performance (45:56).

• Usage Recommendations: Dr. Axe advocates for multi-mushroom supplements or incorporating them into daily routines through teas and coffees, emphasizing their status as essential foods rather than transient supplements (48:06).

8. Personal Experiences and Healing Practices

Dr. Axe shares his personal journey of overcoming a severe spinal infection, illustrating the effectiveness of integrative health practices.

• Health Crisis: After contracting a spinal infection from a medical procedure, Dr. Axe was told he might never walk again (85:07).

• Healing Modalities:

  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Daily sessions in a hyperbaric chamber to promote healing (85:21).

  • Vitamin IVs and Red Light Therapy: Supplemental treatments to support recovery (85:21).

  • Peptide Therapy: Utilizing peptides like BPC-157 and TB500 for tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation (86:22).

• Holistic Approach: Emphasizing the integration of diet, supplements, and spiritual practices, Dr. Axe credits his recovery to both medical treatments and a strengthened relationship with God (87:36).

9. Nutritional Philosophy and Recommendations

Throughout the episode, Dr. Axe provides actionable nutritional advice aimed at improving overall health and preventing disease.

• Organic and Local Foods: Advocates for consuming local, organic foods to avoid harmful chemicals like glyphosate, which disrupt gut microbiota and overall health (49:08).

• Cooking Practices: Recommends preparing foods at room temperature to enhance digestion and nutrient absorption, especially for individuals with thyroid or autoimmune conditions (95:15).

• Customized Diets: Stresses the importance of personalized nutrition plans, as different bodies respond uniquely to dietary changes and supplements (41:15).

10. Conclusion

The episode closes with Dr. Axe emphasizing the importance of a holistic, integrative approach to health that combines traditional wisdom with modern science. He encourages listeners to adopt personalized health strategies, incorporate superfoods like raw honey and mushrooms into their diets, and address underlying causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Josh Axe (00:03): “There's not a single medication without a side effect.”

• Dr. Josh Axe (02:34): “76% of honey is fake. It's adulterated, it's been ultra pasteurized and it's been ultra filtered.”

• Dr. Josh Axe (22:53): “If the color of the tongue is more pale, that's indicative of a blood deficiency.”

• Dr. Josh Axe (39:31): “Magnesium is responsible for over 300 different functions in your body.”

• Dr. Josh Axe (50:56): “When we look at the statistics of how far men's testosterone levels have plummeted over the last 50 plus years, it's absolutely staggering.”

• Dr. Josh Axe (45:56): “Turkey tail is the best, whether it's the common cold or flu or even things like Lyme disease.”

• Dr. Josh Axe (85:07): “I believe that doing peptide therapy really helped me heal and recover.”

Key Takeaways:

• Natural Remedies Over Synthetic Medications: Emphasizing the importance of natural supplements and foods to support health, Dr. Axe critiques the reliance on synthetic drugs that often have harmful side effects.

• Holistic Health Practices: Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine practices like tongue analysis with modern functional medicine offers a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating health issues.

• Personalized Nutrition and Supplements: Tailoring diet and supplement regimens to individual needs can effectively address nutrient deficiencies and support overall well-being.

• Addressing Root Causes: Focusing on the underlying causes of health issues, such as hormonal imbalances and gut health, rather than just alleviating symptoms, leads to more sustainable health outcomes.

• Spiritual Well-being: Incorporating spiritual practices and maintaining a strong relationship with faith can significantly enhance the healing process and contribute to overall health.

For those interested in exploring these topics further, Dr. Josh Axe's extensive experience and integrative approach offer valuable insights into achieving optimal health through natural and personalized methods.