Podcast Summary: The Dr. Josh Axe Show – "The Most Important Diet You’ve Never Heard Of (Biblio Diet)"

Episode Overview In the August 4, 2025 episode of The Dr. Josh Axe Show, host Dr. Josh Axe delves into a groundbreaking approach to nutrition and health—the Biblio Diet. Drawing from over 3,000 years of biblical wisdom, Dr. Axe explores how ancient dietary practices, intertwined with spiritual principles, can promote optimal health, longevity, and disease reversal. Co-authored with Jordan Rubin, the Biblio Diet presents a holistic framework that surpasses modern nutrition trends by integrating scriptural teachings with contemporary scientific insights.

1. Foundations of the Biblio Diet

Timestamp [00:30]
Dr. Axe introduces the Biblio Diet as a scriptural framework rooted in the dietary laws and practices described in the Bible. He emphasizes that this diet focuses on consuming real, whole, seasonal, and spiritually intentional foods, reflecting a deep reverence for creation and community.

• Scriptural Basis:
  • Genesis 1:29: Encourages plant-based eating, suggesting a regenerative food forest approach.
  • First Corinthians 10:31: "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God." This verse underscores eating as an act of worship and honoring the body as a temple.

Notable Quote:
"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God." – Dr. Josh Axe [00:30]

2. Comparison to the Paleo Diet

Timestamp [08:31]
Dr. Axe contrasts the Biblio Diet with the Paleo Diet, highlighting philosophical and practical differences:

• Philosophy:

  • Biblio Diet: Based on biblical creation and divine commands, emphasizing gratitude and spiritual connection.
  • Paleo Diet: Rooted in evolutionary concepts, focusing on mimicking hunter-gatherer eating patterns.

• Food Choices:

  • Biblio Diet: Prioritizes clean, wild-caught meats, fermented grains, and avoids scavengers like pork and shellfish.
  • Paleo Diet: Permits a broader range of meats, including scavengers, and excludes all grains and legumes.

Notable Quote:
"The Paleo diet is based on evolution, while the Biblio Diet is based on creation." – Dr. Josh Axe [10:45]

3. Core Components of the Biblio Diet

Dr. Axe outlines the essential foods and practices that constitute the Biblio Diet, each deeply rooted in biblical references and supported by modern nutritional science.

a. Fruits and Vegetables

• Figs:

  • Biblical Mentions: Over 60 times in the Bible.
  • Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and probiotics. Supports gut health and reproductive health.

  Notable Quote:
  "Figs are referenced at least 60 times in the Bible and support sperm and prostate health." – Dr. Josh Axe [37:29]

• Pomegranates:

  • Biblical Mentions: At least 20 times.
  • Health Benefits: High in polyphenols and ellagic acid, supporting mitochondrial health and reducing inflammation.

b. Healthy Fats and Oils

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

  • Biblical Mentions: Over 50 times.
  • Health Benefits: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like oleuropein. Ideal for cooking and as a source of healthy fat.

  Notable Quote:
  "Olive oil is the healthiest oil referenced in the Bible, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties." – Dr. Josh Axe [44:30]

c. Proteins

• Fish and Red Meat:
  • Fish: Mentioned over 20 times, excellent source of omega-3s and protein.
  • Red Meat (Lamb, Goat, Beef): Nutrient-dense, rich in protein, iron, zinc, and B12. Emphasizes grass-fed and ethically sourced options.

d. Dairy

• Raw and Fermented Dairy:

  • Biblical Mentions: Over 20 times.
  • Health Benefits: Provides probiotics, high-quality protein, calcium, and essential vitamins. Highlights the importance of consuming grass-fed, raw dairy to avoid inflammatory effects associated with modern cow's milk.

  Notable Quote:
  "Raw, fermented dairy from grass-fed animals is a powerful component of the Biblio Diet, offering probiotics and essential nutrients." – Dr. Josh Axe [37:28]

e. Sweeteners

• Raw Honey:

  • Biblical Mentions: Over 20 times.
  • Health Benefits: Antimicrobial, supports immune health, reduces allergies, and acts as a natural preservative.

  Notable Quote:
  "Honey not only serves as a sweetener but also as a natural medicine with antimicrobial properties." – Dr. Josh Axe [38:39]

f. Grains and Legumes

• Sourdough Bread:
  • Biblical Mentions: Over 400 times.
  • Health Benefits: Fermented grains enhance nutrient absorption and gut health. Emphasizes using ancient grains like barley and millet, properly sprouted and fermented to eliminate enzyme inhibitors.

g. Herbs and Spices

• Bitter Herbs (e.g., coriander, cilantro, garlic):
  • Biblical Mentions: Over 20 times.
  • Health Benefits: Aid in digestion, promote bile production, and support detoxification.

h. Fermented Foods

• Yogurt and Fermented Vegetables:
  • Biblical Mentions: Numerous references.
  • Health Benefits: Probiotic-rich, support gut health, and enhance nutrient absorption.

4. Spiritual and Communal Aspects of Eating

Timestamp [20:12]
Dr. Axe emphasizes that eating within the Biblio Diet is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one. Food is seen as a blessing and an act of worship, fostering community and honoring God.

• Blessing the Food:

  • Deuteronomy 8:10: "When you have eaten and are satisfied, bless the Lord your God." This practice instills gratitude and recognition of divine provision.

• Covenant and Community:

  • Genesis 31:54: Shared meals mark covenants and relationships. Examples include Jesus sharing meals with sinners to foster connections and spiritual healing.

• Eating for Healing:

  • Exodus 15:26: God as the healer, integrating food as a form of biblical medicine to promote both spiritual and physical health.

Notable Quote:
"Eating is an act of worship and a means to honor God with our bodies." – Dr. Josh Axe [20:12]

5. Practical Applications and Personal Stories

Timestamp [13:01]
Dr. Axe shares compelling personal anecdotes and case studies to illustrate the efficacy of the Biblio Diet:

• Jordan Rubin’s Recovery:

  • Suffered from ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
  • Reversed his conditions primarily through raw, organic, grass-fed goat's milk kefir and yogurt, alongside other Biblio Diet foods.

• Family Health:

  • Dr. Axe’s mother successfully healed from cancer by adhering to the Biblio Diet, incorporating sourdough bread, pomegranates, wild fish, and extra virgin olive oil.

Notable Quote:
"The Biblio Diet has helped millions reverse chronic health conditions and promote longevity." – Dr. Josh Axe [08:31]

6. Fasting and Its Role in the Biblio Diet

Timestamp [59:53]
Fasting is presented as a key spiritual and health practice within the Biblio Diet:

• Biblical Practice:

  • Fasting used for spiritual clarity, repentance, healing, and honoring God.
  • Examples include Moses’ 40-day fast (Exodus) and Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness.

• Modern Application:

  • Recommends intermittent fasting, such as fasting one day a week or implementing a 10-hour eating window with a 14-hour fast.
  • Highlights benefits like autophagy, improved insulin sensitivity, brain function, and longevity.

Notable Quote:
"Fasting promotes cellular cleanup, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports brain function." – Dr. Josh Axe [59:53]

7. Biblical Figures and Their Diets

Timestamp [44:30]
Dr. Axe illustrates the Biblio Diet through the eating habits of various biblical figures:

• Jesus:

  • Consumed fish, leavened bread, wine, olives, and grapes.
  • Post-resurrection meal included broiled fish and honeycomb (Luke 24).

• Abraham:

  • Shared meals of bread, cheese curds, and roasted meat with three visitors (likely angels) (Genesis 18).

• Moses and the Israelites:

  • Ate manna from heaven, quail, and bitter herbs (Exodus 16).

• David and Solomon:

  • David’s meals included figs, raisins, lentils, and roasted grain (1 Samuel).
  • Solomon’s lavish diet featured olive oil, grains, wine, and meats (1 Kings 4:22-23).

• John the Baptist:

  • Known for consuming locusts and wild honey in the desert (Matthew 3:4).

Notable Quote:
"Abraham fed his guests red meat, bread, and dairy—foods some modern diets deem unhealthy." – Dr. Josh Axe [44:30]

8. Regional Adaptations of the Biblio Diet

Timestamp [27:41]
Recognizing the diversity of climates and available foods, Dr. Axe suggests adapting the Biblio Diet to local environments:

• Caribbean Example:

  • Incorporate mango, papaya, coconut, and seaweed for hydration and nutrient diversity.

• Ireland Example:

  • Focus on potatoes, apples, and other locally grown foods suited to the climate.

• Pacific Rim Example:

  • Utilize seaweed and other region-specific superfoods to maximize nutritional benefits.

Notable Quote:
"Eating locally is one of the greatest things you can do to be healthy, as it aligns with the available and nutritionally optimal foods of your environment." – Dr. Josh Axe [27:41]

9. Key Takeaways and Actionable Steps

Timestamp [66:16]
Dr. Axe summarizes the episode with practical advice for listeners to implement the Biblio Diet principles:

1. Eat to Glorify God:

   • Approach every meal with gratitude and intention to honor God, viewing the plate as an altar.

2. Incorporate Biblical Foods:

   • Focus on extra virgin olive oil, figs, pomegranates, raw honey, fermented grains, wild-caught fish, and ethically sourced red meat.

3. Prioritize Family and Community Meals:

   • Foster strong relationships and spiritual connections through shared meals filled with uplifting conversations.

4. Learn and Educate:

   • Engage with resources like the co-authored book, The Biblio Diet: The Healing Secrets of the Bible, to deepen understanding and application of biblical nutrition.

5. Utilize Food as Medicine:

   • Recognize the dual role of food in nourishing the body and serving as spiritual sustenance.

Notable Quote:
"Food can be your greatest form of medicine or one of your greatest poisons. We want to eat to honor God with our bodies." – Dr. Josh Axe [66:16]

10. Promotion and Call to Action

While the episode included promotional segments for products like So Delicious and Clear Stem, these were omitted from the core content summary. However, Dr. Axe encourages listeners to subscribe to the podcast to support its growth and future high-profile guests.

Notable Quote:
"The number one thing you can do to support this podcast is subscribe." – Dr. Josh Axe [67:18]

Conclusion

Dr. Josh Axe's exploration of the Biblio Diet in this episode presents a compelling integration of ancient biblical wisdom with modern nutritional science. By emphasizing real, whole foods, spiritual intent, and community, the Biblio Diet offers a holistic approach to health that goes beyond mere dietary guidelines. Listeners are encouraged to adopt these principles not only for physical well-being but also to foster a deeper spiritual connection and purpose-driven life.

For those interested in further immersing themselves in the Biblio Diet, Dr. Axe and Jordan Rubin's upcoming book, The Biblio Diet: The Healing Secrets of the Bible, promises an in-depth guide complete with recipes and actionable strategies to transform health through biblical nutrition.