Summary of "The 5R Protocol That’s Helping People Reverse Disease Naturally" – The Dr. Hyman Show
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Dr. Hyman Show
- Host: Dr. Mark Hyman
- Episode: The 5R Protocol That’s Helping People Reverse Disease Naturally
- Release Date: June 2, 2025
Introduction to the 5R Protocol
In this episode, Dr. Mark Hyman delves into the transformative 5R Protocol, a cornerstone of functional medicine aimed at naturally reversing chronic diseases by addressing gut health. Joined by Dr. Liz Lipski and Dr. Will Cole, the discussion emphasizes the critical role of the gut microbiome in overall health and outlines a comprehensive approach to healing digestive issues and beyond.
Patient Case Example
Dr. Liz Lipski shares a compelling case study illustrating the efficacy of the 5R Protocol:
Dr. Liz Lipski [02:43]: "So it was a 24-year-old gentleman who came in to see me and was really struggling over the last year with his digestive system... he was feeling really weak and tired and sad, depressed."
The patient, initially diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by a traditional GI doctor, experienced persistent symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss. Through functional medicine's detailed patient history and specialized testing, Dr. Lipski identified underlying issues in his gut microbiome, leading to targeted interventions that ultimately restored his health.
Functional Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine
The episode contrasts functional medicine with traditional medical approaches:
Dr. Liz Lipski [12:08]: "Functional medicine is sort of looks upstream to figure out what the root causes are and personalize the treatment for everybody."
Unlike traditional medicine, which often labels a collection of symptoms as a syndrome without addressing root causes, functional medicine seeks to understand and treat the underlying factors contributing to chronic diseases, particularly focusing on gut health.
Detailed Breakdown of the 5R Protocol
1. Remove
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Objective: Eliminate sources of inflammation and imbalance in the gut.
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Actions:
- Eliminate Inflammatory Foods: Remove gluten, dairy, processed foods, and excess sugars.
- Address Overgrowths: Use non-absorbed antibiotics and antifungals to eliminate unhealthy bacteria and yeast.
Dr. Liz Lipski [17:32]: "We're removing unhealthy foods or inflammatory foods for that person... and then we're Removing processed food and junk food."
2. Replace
- Objective: Restore necessary digestive components.
- Actions:
- Digestive Enzymes: Supplement with enzymes to aid in nutrient absorption.
- Hydrochloric Acid: For individuals with decreased stomach acid production.
3. Reinoculate
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Objective: Restore a healthy balance of gut flora.
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Actions:
- Probiotics: Introduce beneficial bacteria.
- Prebiotics: Provide fibers and phytonutrients that feed good bacteria.
Dr. Liz Lipski [14:48]: "We can feed it with all these amazing phytonutrients... sulforaphane from our cruciferous vegetables feeds the good bacteria."
4. Repair
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Objective: Heal the gut lining and restore barrier function.
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Actions:
- Amino Acids: Such as glutamine to repair the gut barrier.
- Zinc and Vitamin A: Support tissue repair and immune function.
Dr. Liz Lipski [20:50]: "You have to repair it with good protein... we'll give some vitamin A, which also helps with healing that barrier."
5. Rebalance
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Objective: Address lifestyle factors that affect gut health.
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Actions:
- Stress Management: Incorporate meditation, yoga, and breath work.
- Sleep Hygiene: Establish routines that promote restorative sleep.
Dr. Liz Lipski [22:35]: "The fifth R, which is really focused on managing our stress and how we're reacting to the world... our body has the ability to heal."
Probiotics: Definitions and Usage
Dr. Will Cole and Dr. David Perlmutter engage in a detailed discussion on probiotics, clarifying their definitions and best practices for usage:
Dr. Will Cole [36:25]: "Probiotics are defined as live organisms that confer a health benefit to their host."
Key Points:
- Types of Probiotics:
- Targeted Probiotics: Designed for specific conditions like weight loss, mood improvement, or skin health.
- Consortia: Multi-strain probiotics that offer broader benefits.
- Quality Considerations:
- Purity: Ensure no unwanted strains or contaminants.
- Potency: Verify label claims through third-party testing.
- Efficacy: Choose strains with proven benefits for specific health outcomes.
Dr. David Perlmutter [42:35]: "You have to make sure... you're taking a multi multiple consortium of what you call a consortium of bacteria that all have different scientific evidence behind them."
Personal Experiences and Anecdotes
Dr. Lipski shares personal experiences to illustrate the protocol's effectiveness:
Dr. Liz Lipski [25:57]: "I ended up having colitis and I had tremendous leaky gut. And I did my own stool test... everything was screwed up. And I couldn't really fix it... until I started to work on a gut shake, which included a lot of the sort of 5R concepts."
Her testimony underscores the protocol's potential to heal severe gut dysfunction rapidly when properly applied.
Dr. Hyman’s 10-Day Detox Program
Expanding on the 5R Protocol, Dr. Hyman outlines a 10-Day Detox Program aimed at resetting the body's systems:
Program Steps:
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Dietary Adjustments:
- Eat from Approved List: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods.
- Protein Intake: Emphasize grass-fed or pasture-raised meats and non-GMO plant proteins.
- Avoid Inflammatory Foods: Eliminate conventional meats, processed foods, grains, and high-glycemic fruits.
Dr. Mark Hyman [36:25]: "Here's what you should eat and what you should actually get rid of."
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Daily Habits:
- Time-Restricted Eating: Maintain a 12-14 hour fasting window overnight.
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Prioritize 7-8 hours of restorative sleep.
- Evening Routine: Reduce screen time, engage in relaxation techniques.
Dr. Mark Hyman [40:25]: "Make sure you give yourself at least 12 to 14 hours between dinner and breakfast."
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Supplementation:
- Essential Nutrients: Multivitamins, magnesium, vitamin D, and fish oil.
- Targeted Supplements: Based on individual deficiencies and health needs.
Dr. Mark Hyman [42:35]: "You need to really focus on nutrients... like magnesium, vitamin D, and fish oil."
Food Guidelines:
- Allowed Foods: Grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, nuts, seeds, non-starchy vegetables, and specific healthy fats.
- Foods to Avoid: Processed meats, conventional poultry, grains, high-sugar fruits, and unhealthy oils.
Conclusion and Additional Resources
Dr. Hyman emphasizes the importance of maintaining the benefits achieved through the 10-Day Detox:
Dr. Mark Hyman [57:45]: "It's pretty much how I eat most of the time with Cajun grains and meats."
He encourages listeners to adopt sustainable healthy eating habits and continue supporting their gut health through informed dietary choices and lifestyle modifications.
Additional Resources:
- Membership Community: The Hyman Hive – A supportive space for ongoing health journeys.
- Website: Dr. Hyman's Store – Curated supplements and health products.
- Books: "The Ten Day Detox" and "The 1080 Cookbook" for detailed meal plans and recipes.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Dr. Liz Lipski [02:43]: "He was feeling really weak and tired and sad, depressed."
- Dr. Liz Lipski [12:08]: "Functional medicine is sort of looks upstream to figure out what the root causes are and personalize the treatment for everybody."
- Dr. Liz Lipski [17:32]: "We're removing unhealthy foods or inflammatory foods for that person..."
- Dr. Will Cole [36:25]: "Probiotics are defined as live organisms that confer a health benefit to their host."
- Dr. David Perlmutter [42:35]: "You have to make sure... you're taking a multi multiple consortium of what you call a consortium of bacteria that all have different scientific evidence behind them."
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners interested in understanding and implementing the 5R Protocol to enhance gut health and, consequently, overall well-being. By combining expert insights, practical advice, and real-life success stories, Dr. Hyman effectively communicates the transformative potential of functional medicine.