Podcast Summary: The Dylan Gemelli Podcast - Episode #30 Featuring Dr. Robin Rose

Introduction

In Episode #30 of The Dylan Gemelli Podcast, host Dylan Gemelli welcomes Dr. Robin Rose, a distinguished gastroenterologist and internal medicine specialist. The episode delves deep into the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and COVID-19, exploring topics such as leaky gut, probiotics, postbiotics, and the long-term effects of the virus on overall health.

Guest Introduction: Dr. Robin Rose

Dylan introduces Dr. Robin Rose, highlighting her impressive credentials:

• Education & Certifications:

  • Board-certified specialist in gastroenterology and internal medicine.
  • Bachelor's degree in behavioral neuroscience with honors from Lehigh University.
  • Master’s degree in neuropsychology from New York Verna University.
  • Medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • CEO and Founder of Terrain Health.

• Professional Focus:

  • Expert on the gut microbiome and long COVID.
  • Transitioned from conventional medicine to functional and integrative health to address root causes rather than just symptomatic treatment.

Notable Quote:

“I always gravitated toward trying to treat people more naturally. Right. And trying to get more to the root cause and not symptomatic management pill for every ill.”
— Dr. Robin Rose [01:18]

Understanding the Gut Microbiome

Dr. Rose emphasizes the critical role of the gut microbiome in overall health. She explains that maintaining a balanced gut is essential for immune function, mental health, and preventing chronic diseases.

Leaky Gut: Identification and Treatment

• Prevalence:

  • Dr. Rose suggests that most individuals, especially those consuming a standard American diet, experience some degree of leaky gut.
  • Environmental toxins, refined sugars, alcohol, and medications like NSAIDs contribute to intestinal permeability.

• Symptoms & Markers:

  • While specific blood markers were not detailed, symptoms include gastrointestinal discomfort, fatigue, and immune dysregulation.

• Treatment Strategies:

  • Focus on restoring the intestinal mucosal barrier.
  • Incorporate prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to nourish and balance the gut flora.

Notable Quote:

“Unless you're a cow and you live in a bubble and you eat grass all day, you probably have a little bit of leaky gut.”
— Dr. Robin Rose [10:54]

Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics

Dr. Rose breaks down the complexities of gut health supplements:

• Prebiotics:

  • Serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria.
  • Found in a diversified diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and resistant starches.

• Probiotics:

  • Live bacteria that can help restore gut flora balance.
  • Dr. Rose points out the importance of choosing the right strains, such as spore-forming probiotics, which can better colonize the gut.

• Postbiotics:

  • Metabolites produced by gut bacteria that have health-promoting effects.
  • These include short-chain fatty acids that support various bodily functions, from gut integrity to immune modulation.

Notable Quote:

“The postbiotic, that means it's the stuff that the bacteria or the probiotics or the gut bacteria in your microbiome are synthesizing and making. So they synthesize and make thousands of metabolites which significantly impact our health.”
— Dr. Robin Rose [24:02]

Impact of COVID-19 on Gut Health

COVID-19 has profound effects on the gut microbiome:

• Research Insights:

  • The virus acts as a bacteriophage, invading and disrupting gut bacteria.
  • This leads to the production of toxin-like peptides, contributing to systemic inflammation and long COVID symptoms.

• Dr. Rose’s Experience:

  • Faced with the limitations of conventional medicine during the pandemic, Dr. Rose pivoted to focus on functional approaches, underscoring the need for comprehensive gut health strategies.

Notable Quote:

“The spike protein and the virus itself also causes a lot of issues as well.”
— Dr. Robin Rose [40:14]

Long COVID: Mechanisms and Effects

Dr. Rose elaborates on the cellular and systemic impacts of long COVID:

• Spike Proteins:

  • Persist in the body post-infection or vaccination, attaching to various cells and disrupting normal functions.
  • High affinity for cells in the brain, heart, and vascular system, leading to neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular issues, and immune deficiencies.

• Neurological Impact:

  • Spike proteins affect astrocytes and pericytes in the brain, compromising the blood-brain barrier and glymphatic system.
  • Associated with increased rates of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

• Cardiovascular Impact:

  • Spike proteins induce endothelial inflammation, leading to microclots resistant to normal fibrinolysis.
  • Elevated rates of myocarditis, pericarditis, and other heart-related issues in young populations.

Notable Quote:

“I believe we're seeing the tsunami of neurodegenerative disease like we've never seen before.”
— Dr. Robin Rose [54:02]

Prevention and Immune Resilience Building

Dr. Rose outlines strategies to bolster the immune system against COVID-19:

• Key Supplements:

  • Vitamin D:

    • Enhances immune function and acts as an antimicrobial agent.

  • Melatonin:

    • Beyond regulating sleep, it serves as a potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agent.

  • Zinc and Vitamin C:

    • Zinc supports gut health and immune function, while Vitamin C aids in immune resilience and microbial balance.

  • B Vitamins:

    • Essential for individuals with MTHFR mutations to support detoxification processes.

• Gut Health Maintenance:

  • Incorporating spore-forming probiotics and postbiotics to sustain a healthy gut microbiome.
  • Emphasis on a diversified, nutrient-rich diet to naturally support gut flora.

Notable Quote:

“Melatonin is a very potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory.”
— Dr. Robin Rose [75:20]

Treatment Protocols for Long COVID

Dr. Rose discusses comprehensive treatment approaches to address long COVID symptoms:

• Antibiotics:

  • Use of antibiotics like Amoxicillin or Xifaxan to target bacteriophages disrupting gut bacteria.

• Supplements and Natural Compounds:

  • Medicinals 9:

    • A blend of polyphenolic compounds designed to block spike protein interactions and support multiple biochemical pathways.

  • Senolytics:

    • Compounds like resveratrol and fisetin to eliminate senescent cells harboring spike proteins.

  • Binders:

    • Agents like zeolite and fucoid to sequester and remove spike proteins from the body.

• Advanced Therapies:

  • Products like EBOO filters to physically remove spike proteins and toxin-like peptides from the bloodstream.

Notable Quote:

“The Medicinals 9 as your backbone. Then you have the binders, the extra binder... and the senolytic.”
— Dr. Robin Rose [98:46]

Ivermectin: A Controversial but Effective Option

Dr. Rose defends the use of ivermectin in both prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19:

• Evidence-Based Support:

  • Numerous studies worldwide have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing viral load, ICU admissions, and mortality rates.

• Criticism and Misconceptions:

  • Mainstream media has often labeled ivermectin as ineffective due to flawed studies focusing on underdosing and improper administration.

• Clinical Use:

  • Dr. Rose advocates for its use in combination with other treatments to enhance effectiveness and mitigate long-term viral impacts.

Notable Quote:

“There have been so many papers and... the excuse that you hear in mainstream media is it wasn't powered enough, it was flawed.”
— Dr. Robin Rose [88:44]

Final Insights and Contact Information

As the episode wraps up, Dylan and Dr. Rose discuss the importance of ongoing education and proactive health measures to combat the lasting impacts of COVID-19. Dr. Rose shares her contact information for listeners seeking further guidance:

• Instagram: @doctor.robinrose
• Facebook & Twitter: @doctor.robinrose
• Website: Terrain Health
• Products: Medicore Rx

Notable Quote:

“I'm glad to know, you know, like. Yeah, it's just, it's very troubling to really... lack of education that's actually discussed in this detail.”
— Dylan Gemelli [71:29]

Conclusion

Episode #30 provides an in-depth exploration of the gut microbiome’s role in COVID-19 and long COVID, offering listeners valuable insights into prevention and treatment strategies. Dr. Robin Rose’s expertise sheds light on the complex interplay between viral infections, gut health, and systemic inflammation, empowering individuals to take proactive steps toward enhancing their overall well-being.

Stay Tuned for Part Two

Given the extensive discussion on COVID and its multifaceted impact on health, Dylan and Dr. Rose plan to release a follow-up episode. Part Two will further examine long COVID, vaccine-related insights, and a more detailed exploration of treatments like ivermectin.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Robin Rose’s Instagram: @doctor.robinrose
• Terrain Health: terrainhealth.com
• Medicore Rx: medicorerx.com