Podcast Summary: The Dr. Josh Axe Show
Episode: This Is What’s REALLY Causing Inflammation (And How to Fix It) | Dr. Gundry
Host: Dr. Josh Axe
Guest: Dr. Stephen Gundry
Release Date: June 2, 2025
Dr. Josh Axe welcomes Dr. Stephen Gundry, a renowned heart surgeon turned longevity expert, to discuss the underlying causes of inflammation and strategies to mitigate it. The conversation delves deep into the connections between gut health, mitochondrial function, and chronic diseases, offering actionable insights for listeners seeking to optimize their health.
1. Understanding Inflammation and Its Role in Disease
Dr. Gundry begins by challenging the conventional approach to combating inflammation solely through anti-inflammatory foods. He likens this method to fighting a forest fire with a garden hose, emphasizing that addressing the root cause is essential.
Dr. Gundry [00:00]: "The idea of fighting inflammation by eating anti-inflammatory foods is like trying to fight a forest fire with a garden hose."
He explains that chronic inflammation often originates from a "leaky gut," where intestinal permeability allows harmful substances to trigger the immune system, leading to systemic inflammation.
2. The Importance of Gut Health
Highlighting Hippocrates' ancient wisdom, Dr. Gundry underscores that modern chronic diseases begin with gut health issues, particularly leaky gut syndrome.
Dr. Gundry [00:00]: "All disease begins in a leaky gut from intestinal permeability."
He describes how the gut's immune system sends constant alerts throughout the body, causing various organs to remain in a heightened state of defense, perpetuating inflammation.
3. Vitamin D and Its Role in Reducing Inflammation
Dr. Gundry emphasizes the critical role of Vitamin D3 in modulating the immune response and repairing gut integrity. He notes a high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency even in sunny regions like Southern California due to sun avoidance behaviors.
Dr. Gundry [09:31]: "Vitamin D basically tells some of our white blood cells, immune cells, not to be so aggressive."
He advocates for supplementation, recommending doses ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 IU daily, particularly for individuals with autoimmune conditions.
4. Mitochondrial Function and Health
Delving into cellular biology, Dr. Gundry explains the pivotal role of mitochondria—the cell's powerhouses—in overall health and disease.
Dr. Gundry [15:07]: "Mitochondria are merely engulfed bacteria... they make ATP for you."
He discusses how mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to various conditions, including hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue, and neurodegenerative diseases, and the importance of maintaining mitochondrial health to prevent chronic inflammation.
5. The Cell Danger Response
Introducing the concept of the cell danger response, Dr. Gundry describes how cells react to damage or stress by entering a defensive mode, which, if prolonged, leads to chronic illness.
Dr. Gundry [19:06]: "The cell danger response... chronic illness comes from... the environment never repairs."
He shares a case study of a patient whose unresolved cell danger response from leaking breast implants led to systemic inflammation, highlighting the body's interconnected response to localized issues.
6. Mitochondrial Therapies: Infrared Saunas and Light Therapy
Dr. Gundry explores therapeutic interventions that support mitochondrial health, such as infrared sauna therapy and red light therapy.
Dr. Gundry [26:57]: "Red light therapy and saunas... are very good mitochondrial uncouplers."
He explains how these therapies help reduce mitochondrial overheating and promote the production of new, healthy mitochondria, thereby enhancing cellular energy and reducing inflammation.
7. Gut Microbiome and Butyrate Production
Focusing on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gundry highlights the importance of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid crucial for colon health and mitochondrial function.
Dr. Gundry [40:03]: "The cells that line our colon... are dependent on butyrate for nourishment."
He discusses the decline in butyrate-producing bacteria in modern diets and its implications for increased rates of colon cancer and other inflammatory diseases.
8. The Importance of a Diverse and Local Diet
Emphasizing dietary diversity, Dr. Gundry advocates for consuming local and fermented foods to support a healthy and diverse microbiome.
Dr. Gundry [44:32]: "Eating dirt was so good for us... teaches the immune system that LPSs are not the bad guys."
He explains how traditional diets included exposure to diverse microbes, which today is often missing due to sanitized food practices, leading to immune system dysregulation.
9. Emotional Stress and Its Impact on Gut and Mitochondria
Addressing the interplay between emotional stress and physical health, Dr. Gundry connects chronic stress to gut inflammation and mitochondrial resistance to hormones like cortisol.
Dr. Gundry [52:39]: "Chronic stress... leads to cortisol resistance... mitochondria aren't receptive."
He suggests that addressing gut health can also mitigate the negative effects of stress on the body.
10. Recommended Dietary Practices
Concluding the discussion, Dr. Gundry shares practical dietary recommendations for enhancing gut and mitochondrial health:
- Increase Vitamin D Intake: Supplementation as needed to achieve optimal levels.
- Consume Fermented Foods: Such as aged cheeses, fermented sausages, and fermented vegetables to support gut microbiome diversity.
- Include Butyrate-Rich Foods: Like pressure-cooked beans and butyrate supplements delivered effectively to the colon.
- Embrace Raw and Local Foods: Incorporate locally-sourced, raw foods to reintroduce beneficial microbes and support immune tolerance.
- Utilize Infrared Saunas: Regular use to promote mitochondrial health and reduce systemic inflammation.
Dr. Gundry [55:54]: "Eat a lot of raw aged cheeses... truly fermented sausages... those are superfoods."
11. Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Dr. Gundry and Dr. Axe summarize the key points:
- Root Cause of Inflammation: Focus on gut health, particularly addressing leaky gut.
- Mitochondrial Health: Essential for cellular energy and reducing chronic inflammation.
- Holistic Approach: Combining dietary changes, supplementation, and therapeutic interventions like infrared saunas for optimal health.
Dr. Axe encourages listeners to explore Dr. Gundry's book, Gut Brain Paradox, for a deeper understanding and actionable strategies to improve their health.
Notable Quotes:
- Dr. Gundry [00:53]: "Aging isn't just about getting older... it's anything but normal."
- Dr. Gundry [09:31]: "Vitamin D... tells some of our white blood cells, immune cells, not to be so aggressive."
- Dr. Gundry [15:07]: "Mitochondria are merely engulfed bacteria... you can't believe how much benefit you're going to get."
- Dr. Gundry [19:06]: "Cells aren't talking to each other... that's where chronic illness comes from."
- Dr. Gundry [40:03]: "Butyrate is one of the most potent anti-cancer compounds."
Final Thoughts:
This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between gut health, mitochondrial function, and systemic inflammation. Dr. Gundry offers a blend of scientific insights and practical advice, empowering listeners to take actionable steps toward mitigating chronic inflammation and enhancing overall well-being. Whether you're grappling with chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions, or simply seeking longevity, the strategies discussed offer a pathway to a healthier, more vibrant life.