Summary

You're not immune to a bad diet. In this episode of the Biofilm Factor, Dr. Ryan Nolan talks with Dr. Jenna Macciochi, an immunologist. They discuss the connection between a balanced diet and our immune system, further proving that everything, from the bacteria in your mouth to the bacteria in your gut, is connected. In addition, they talk about the importance of exposing ourselves to new environments in order to create a healthier future generation. The things we experience and eat now can prevent allergies and intolerances in the future. We've pushed away germs for so long, but it turns out they are actually keeping us alive. For more on The Biofilm Factor, follow on Instagram @biofilmfactor and @ryannolandmd or find us on Facebook at The Biofilm Factor Podcast.

Bio for Dr. Jenna Macciochi

Dr. Jenna Macciochi is an immunologist and lectures on her research about the impact of fiber, immune factors and postbiotics on our overall health. Dr. Macciochi focuses on the need to better understand the microbiome and how it is increasingly relevant to the function of our overall immune system. She is currently working at The University of Sussex and can be reached on Instagram @drjennamacciochi.

Show Notes:

Why did Dr. Macciochi decide to study immunology? [1:00]
What does Dr. Macciochi currently study and why is it important? [4:30]
When we are not exposed to germs we are more likely to get allergies. [8:30]
We need those bugs; they're all over us and in us. [10:30]
Discussing the health concerns of the modern diet. [11:40]
Certain foods are more dangerous for your gut barrier than others. [14:20]
What key factors are missing from our diets because of the modern diet? [16:05]
Understanding the opening and closing of the gut barrier. [17:30]
Being cautious about the use of antibiotics. [20:30]
Discussing diets without gluten and how to eat properly. [25:00]
Breaking down the modern diet. [33:18]
We are not meant to have sugar in our blood for too long. [34:50]
How the disease process influences our immune system and how that helps us understand why chronic inflammation is a problem. [37:40]
There is something missing ‒ it isn't just about focusing on diet. [39:30]
How does having a balanced diet influence our bone size and strength and immune system development? Is there a connection between past generations and generations today? [41:55]
What mothers do and eat can affect how sensitive or allergic their child is to certain foods. [42:45]
Discussing the role of breastfeeding in the health of a child. [46:50]
Fiber is becoming increasingly important to consume in the ideal diet. [51:50]
Your diet is only as good as your microbiome. [54:30]
How does diet affect our microbiome, gut and immune system. [58:30]
How does butyrate act as an anti-inflammatory, and what does it act on? [1:01:25]
Discussing plaque fluid in the oral microbiome. [1:03:36]
Finding the unique balance for an individual's oral tolerance. [1:09:55]
What are some vitamins, minerals and specific foods that you should eat to avoid certain health problems? [1:12:33]
Dr. Nolan shares a recent case of a patient with extreme and sudden root decay. [1:17:05]
The benefits of turmeric and how it can contribute to the immune system. [1:19:10]
How do polyphenols influence our immune system positively? [1:21:03]
The difference between the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system and why both are important. [1:23:33]
Our immune system is what makes us unique. [1:28:00]
What are cytokines and what is their role in our immune system? [1:32:00]
Dr. Nolan talks about the modern diet and his grandfather's experience with cancer. [1:36:40]
Don't destroy what is keeping you healthy. [1:42:30]
Are there any upcoming advances, innovations or paradigm shifts that the dental community needs to prepare for? [1:45:00]
Dr. Macciochi's opinion on the role of socioeconomics and the unrecognized populations. [1:46:40]
Discussing the negative influence of soda and other processed foods. [1:50:50]
The #1 cause of bankruptcy in the United States is medical bills. [1:57:50]
Closing thoughts and information about Dr. Jenna Macciochi. [1:58:30]