Podcast Summary

Stay True with Madison Prewett Troutt

Episode: What The Bible Says About Food, Diet, & The Body (with Dr. Josh Axe)

Date: January 12, 2026
Guests: Madison Prewett Troutt (Host) & Dr. Josh Axe

Episode Overview

In this illuminating episode, Madison Prewett Troutt welcomes Dr. Josh Axe—doctor, clinical nutritionist, and bestselling author—to explore the intersection of faith, food, and health. Together, they dive into what the Bible truly says about our diet and bodies, discuss common health struggles in modern Christian culture, and provide practical and spiritual advice for making lasting holistic changes. With warmth and candor, Dr. Axe shares his personal journey, addresses cultural challenges, and arms listeners with faith-based, actionable wellness habits for a new year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Dr. Josh Axe’s Story & Motivation

• Personal family health crisis ignites passion:

  • Dr. Axe shares the emotional story of his mother’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent journey to natural healing, which inspired his career (02:55–06:07).
    • Quote: “I remember just breaking my heart at the time and just thinking...I want to help people like my mom one day. And I also remember this. I think there has to be a better way.” — Dr. Axe (03:40)

• Natural health & faith integration:

  • Raised in a faith-filled home, Dr. Axe reflects on how health and Christian values have always intertwined in his journey.

Biblical Model for Food & Health

• Modern Christian culture’s disconnect:

  • Madison observes that many Christians “follow the Bible… except really this idea of what it says about food.” (07:24)
    • Quote: “Why is it that even Christians…aren’t following the biblical model for food?” — Madison (07:24)

• Theology and the “YOLO” attitude:

  • Dr. Axe pinpoints the problem as a mindset shift, where grace is used to justify neglect for caring for the body (07:26–09:54).
    • Quote: “What can I get away with versus what is the most outstanding thing I could possibly do to glorify God in every area of my life?” — Dr. Axe (09:13)

• Practical biblical model:

  • Eating whole, real foods—wild red meat, fish, fermented sourdough bread, raw dairy, salt, and honey—mirrors what was eaten in the Bible (11:57–14:07).
    • Quote: “But the food I eat today tastes better than Taco Bell and McDonald’s and Burger King… it’s fresher, it’s better.” — Dr. Axe (11:57)
    • Scriptural foundation: References to 1 Corinthians 10:31 and others.

Overcoming Barriers: Time, Cost, and Convenience

• Priorities over excuses:

  • Dr. Axe challenges listeners that “being too busy” is actually a reflection of misplaced priorities, not real constraints (15:03–19:42).
    • Quote: “One of the greatest things we’re doing today to destroy our health is we’re too busy... Listen, if you want to prosper and flourish in any area of life, you’ve got to devote time to it.” — Dr. Axe (15:03)
    • Advice: Even on a budget, you can make healthier choices (e.g., shop in bulk, prioritize certain ingredients).

• God’s heart for our flourishing:

  • Draws a parallel between parenting and God’s desire for our wholeness and rest, emphasizing the spiritual roots of health and purpose.

Making It Practical: Dr. Axe’s Personal Habits

• Daily rhythm sample:

  • Morning gratitude, Bible study, family time.
  • Balanced meals: superfood smoothie for breakfast, protein-focused lunches/dinners, dark chocolate as a treat (23:35–25:24).
    • Quote: “I spend time first getting grateful...then I open my Bible… That’s how I start my day.” — Dr. Axe (23:35)

• Approachable advice:

  • Use recipes and shopping lists for guidance (Biblio Diet book).

Customizing Diet & Listening to Your Body

• One size doesn’t fit all:

  • While biblical basics (whole foods, properly prepared grains/dairy, etc.) offer a foundation, everyone’s needs are unique (26:26–29:03).
    • Example: Some heal with dairy; others can’t tolerate it.

• How to listen to your body:

  • Elimination diets, symptom tracking, and body awareness help tailor choices (29:44–32:04).
  • Wise counsel is crucial—seek experienced practitioners or spiritual mentors.

• Spiritual wellness is vital:

  • “Spiritual issues and mental issues are just as harmful as a terrible diet. I think it’s even more important that you’re spiritually healthy for your physical health.” — Dr. Axe (33:42)

Emotional Health & Physical Well-being

• Emotions create organ toxicity:
  • Fear, worry, grief, unforgiveness—specific emotions impact specific organs and immune functions (35:15–38:29).
    • Quote: “If you have a spirit of fear...that is hard on the adrenal glands.” — Dr. Axe (35:19)
  • Healing practices: Trace emotional roots, pray, meditate on scripture, and practice releasing trauma.

Fertility, Birth Control, and Women’s Health

• Rising infertility rates:

  • Dr. Axe highlights the significant negative impact of birth control on women’s hormones and the body’s nutrient stores (40:33–41:45).
    • Quote: “If a woman takes birth control long term, their chance of getting hypothyroidism goes up by 287%.” — Dr. Axe (41:45)
  • Nutrient-dense diet, especially red meat, B vitamins, healthy fats, and specific herbs (e.g., chasteberry) to support fertility.

• Managing painful periods and PMS naturally:

  • Magnesium, B6, zinc, and dietary improvement can replace the need for medication for many women.

• Hormones, mental state, and conception:

  • Chronic stress/fear (high cortisol) is a major barrier to fertility.
    • Quote: “The single worst thing you can do is scroll on your phone. Your body goes right into fight or flight.” — Dr. Axe (47:19)

Healthy Habits for Body & Spirit in the New Year

(50:43–56:11)

• Walking daily:

  • 100 years ago, 70% of the day was outdoors; now, just 10%.
  • Walking after meals improves digestion, metabolism, and mirrors biblical lifestyles.

• Breakfast matters:

  • Emphasize protein and healthy carbs in the morning; avoid sugary, processed breakfasts.
    • Example: Sweet potato smoothie or eggs with sweet potato hash.

• Creating margin and saying “no”:

  • Build rest and regeneration into your week—spiritual community, time in nature, and prayer.

Caffeine and Coffee

• Is coffee bad for you?

  • Not inherently, but timing and quantity matter (56:11–59:49).
    • Before noon is best; avoid sugary additives.
    • “It’s the sugar that’s the issue. So if you’re going to Starbucks...sometimes more than [the sugar in] two sodas.” — Dr. Axe (59:11)
  • For fatigue syndromes—limit caffeine.

• Oat milk caution:

  • Oat milk is higher glycemically than people realize: moderation is key.

Hot Take: Ozempic for Weight Loss

• Serious risks:
  • Standard doses lead to severe muscle loss (“Ozempic face,” “Ozempic butt”), malnutrition, and digestive problems (61:27–64:40).
    • Using microdoses along with protein, fiber, and weight training is safer—but natural approaches are preferable.

Fasting: Physical and Spiritual Benefits

(64:55–68:58)

• Fasting is powerful when individualized:

  • Benefits: Detoxification, autophagy, mental clarity, reduced inflammation.
  • Cautions for pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illness.

• Early church model:

  • One or two days per week, skip breakfast and lunch, eat a single evening meal—aligns with historical Christian practice.

• Spiritual synergy:

  • Fasting as “starving your flesh and feeding your spirit.” Replace meal time with prayer and Bible reading.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mindset shift:
  • “What can I get away with versus what is the most outstanding thing I could possibly do to glorify God in every area of my life?” — Dr. Josh Axe (09:13)
• Daily habits:
  • “I spend time first getting grateful...then I open my Bible… That’s how I start my day.” — Dr. Axe (23:35)
• Emotional healing:
  • “If you have a spirit of fear…that is hard on the adrenal glands.” — Dr. Axe (35:19)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Personal Story & Faith Origin: 02:55–06:07
• Theology & Biblical Eating: 07:26–14:07
• Time, Money, Priorities (Practical Barriers): 15:03–19:42
• Daily Habits & Meal Example: 23:35–25:24
• Individualized Eating & wise counsel: 26:26–34:47
• Emotional-Physical Health Link: 35:15–39:19
• Fertility & Women’s Health: 40:33–49:31
• Healthy Habits New Year: 50:43–56:11
• Coffee, Oat Milk, Sugar in Drinks: 56:11–60:52
• Ozempic & Weight Loss: 61:27–64:40
• Fasting – Physical & Spiritual: 64:55–68:58
• Closing encouragement and prayer: 71:09–73:40

Closing Insights

Dr. Axe’s message is clear: health is both a spiritual and practical pursuit. Start with biblical basics—whole foods, rest, spiritual discipline—and adapt to your individual needs. Pray for guidance, invite wise counsel, and prioritize habits that nourish your mind, body, and soul. God desires your flourishing!

“Live with that level of spiritual awareness of knowing God is fighting for you right now.” — Dr. Josh Axe (71:50)

“We would stop asking, what can I get away with? And we would think mostly, what can I eat? What can I do? How can I live to most advance your kingdom and glorify you.” — Dr. Josh Axe (73:54)

Recommended action: For recipes, protocols, and deeper dives into faith-based wellness, check Dr. Axe’s Biblio Diet book and connect with his resources and social channels.

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