Podcast Summary: Episode #36 Featuring Dr. Steven Gundry Part 2

Introduction

In Episode #36 of The Dylan Gemelli Podcast, host Dylan Gemelli welcomes back renowned cardiologist and author Dr. Steven Gundry for the second part of their insightful conversation. Building upon their previous discussion about the gut microbiome and its impact on overall health, this episode delves deeper into advanced topics such as lectins, glyphosate exposure, the intricacies of probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, the raw milk debate, and the vitamin D paradox.

1. Dr. Gundry's Product Line and Supplement Philosophy

Dylan initiates the conversation by exploring Dr. Gundry's website, gundrymd.com, and his range of health products. Dr. Gundry shares the origin story of Gundry MD, founded in 2015, emphasizing his decade-long commitment to designing supplements grounded in extensive clinical experience.

• Vital Reds: Dr. Gundry introduced Vital Reds, a powder supplement rich in polyphenols derived from fruits and vegetables, formulated to provide these beneficial compounds without added sugars. Recognizing that many women dislike swallowing tablets, Vital Reds caters to those preferences by offering a palatable powder alternative.

• Bio Complete Three: This flagship product combines probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics to enhance gut health. Dr. Gundry explains the necessity of each component:

  • Probiotics: Friendly bacteria essential for a healthy microbiome.
  • Prebiotics: Soluble fibers that probiotics feed on.
  • Postbiotics: By-products of bacterial fermentation that communicate beneficial messages to our cells, particularly highlighting the importance of butyrate for colon health and mitochondrial function.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (07:36): "Bio Complete Three...instantly became our number one seller. And to this day it's our number one seller. Why? Because it works."

2. Understanding Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics

The discussion transitions to the complexities of gut health supplements. Dr. Gundry elucidates the roles of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, emphasizing that each plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced and diverse microbiome.

• Probiotics: Live beneficial bacteria that support gut health. However, Dr. Gundry notes that not all probiotics are created equal, as some may not survive the digestive process.

• Prebiotics: Dietary fibers that feed probiotics. While important, Dr. Gundry points out that prebiotics alone may not enhance microbiome diversity unless coupled with probiotics and postbiotics.

• Postbiotics: Metabolites produced by probiotics that convey signals to our body’s cells. Specifically, butyrate is highlighted for its role in nourishing colon cells and supporting mitochondrial health.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (08:34): "Postbiotics...are the messaging system of how bacteria get us to do their bidding...the language that bacteria talk to us and to our mitochondria."

3. Developing a Daily Protocol for Gut Health

Dylan poses a practical question about creating a straightforward daily regimen for individuals seeking to improve or maintain gut health without undergoing extensive testing. Dr. Gundry responds by outlining his foundational recommendations:

• Vitamin D Supplementation: The cornerstone of his protocol, advocating for high doses to address widespread deficiencies and support gut and immune health.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (16:08): "The vast majority of people who show up in my clinics have a low vitamin D level... the University of California, San Diego... recommend taking 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day."

• Supplementation with Bio Complete Three and Total Restore: These products provide comprehensive support for the gut microbiome and help repair a leaky gut, a common underlying issue in many chronic health conditions.

• Dietary Adjustments: Reducing intake of lectin-rich foods that can contribute to gut permeability and inflammation.

4. The Vitamin D Paradox

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on vitamin D, challenging conventional wisdom about its toxicity and underscoring its critical role in health.

• Vitamin D Toxicity Myths: Dr. Gundry shares anecdotal evidence dispelling the fear of vitamin D toxicity, highlighting cases where high levels did not result in adverse effects.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (20:00): "Michael Hollock, the dean of vitamin D research at Boston University, wrote that he'd only seen vitamin D toxicity once in his entire career."

• Clinical Observations: Through his practice, Dr. Gundry observes that adequate vitamin D levels correlate with improved gut health and reduced autoimmune markers.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (22:08): "People on a limited protein diet without lectins saw their albumins and total proteins increase, indicating improved absorption as their leaky gut was repaired."

5. Optimizing Protein Intake

Addressing a common dietary concern, Dr. Gundry discusses optimal protein consumption tailored to individual needs, particularly in relation to age and activity level.

• USDA Recommendations vs. Reality: He critiques the USDA’s protein guidelines, suggesting they are skewed to cover 95% of the population, inadvertently leading to overconsumption for many.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (24:24): "The USDA protein recommendations...are based on 95% of people... 50% of people will be getting twice the amount of protein they need."

• Protein and Aging: Emphasizing that older adults may require more protein to prevent sarcopenia, while younger individuals may benefit from moderated intake to reduce unnecessary IGF-1 levels linked to aging and disease.

• Gluconeogenesis: Dr. Gundry explains that excess protein not utilized for muscle building is converted into sugar, potentially leading to fat storage.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (28:43): "Protein has no storage system except for muscles. Any excess protein will be converted to sugar... and then stored as fat."

6. The Raw Milk Debate and Neu5GC

In a captivating segment, Dr. Gundry addresses the controversial topic of raw milk, introducing the concept of Neu5GC, a sugar molecule implicated in chronic inflammation and autoimmune responses.

• Neu5GC vs. Neu5AC: He explains that animal-derived products contain Neu5GC, which the human immune system recognizes as foreign, leading to antibody production and inflammation.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (39:07): "We make antibodies to Neu5GC... when we eat Neu5GC-containing foods, our immune system attacks our own cells, causing inflammation."

• Impact of Fermentation: Highlighting that fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese have reduced Neu5GC levels because beneficial bacteria consume these molecules during fermentation, making them safer for consumption.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (42:48): "Bacteria in fermented foods have eaten all the Neu5GC, and there is no Neu5GC in fermented meats like sausage."

• Practical Recommendations: Advising against consuming both raw and pasteurized milk due to Neu5GC content and promoting fermented alternatives as safer options.

7. The Role of Glyphosate in Gut Health

Dr. Gundry emphasizes glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide, as a significant contributor to leaky gut and microbiome imbalances.

• Ubiquitous Contamination: He discusses how glyphosate contaminates even organic foods, making it challenging to avoid exposure entirely.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (44:00): "Almost all of our foods in North America have been contaminated with Roundup glyphosate... glyphosate can produce leaky gut in and of itself."

• Health Implications: Glyphosate disrupts the gut microbiome by killing beneficial bacteria, exacerbating leaky gut, and triggering immune responses against lectin-containing foods.

• Global Perspective: Contrasting U.S. food contamination with lower glyphosate exposure in Europe, where Dr. Gundry notes that patients maintaining gut health enjoy consuming traditionally problematic foods without adverse effects.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (45:50): "In Europe, patients eat croissants and pizza without flare-ups because they are no longer exposed to glyphosate."

8. New Product Launches: Brain Sync and Longevity

Concluding the discussion, Dr. Gundry introduces his latest supplements designed to support brain health and longevity.

• Brain Sync: Inspired by the gut-brain axis, this supplement targets neuroinflammation and supports cognitive function by incorporating beneficial bacteria associated with longevity.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (50:28): "Brain Sync...supports neuroinflammation prevention in the brain and includes bacteria found in long-lived individuals."

• Longevity: A novel product containing an algae-derived compound that recycles NAD and activates the NRF2 pathway, crucial for cellular health and longevity.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (52:22): "Longevity...has incredible ability to recycle NAD and activates the NRF2 pathway."

9. Membership and Telehealth Services

Dr. Gundry highlights the benefits of joining his membership program and utilizing his telehealth portal, gundryhealth.com, which offers comprehensive testing and personalized guidance for individuals with leaky gut and autoimmune conditions.

• Membership Perks: Discounts, early access to sales, and exclusive content.

• Telehealth Portal: Accessible testing methods, including finger-prick assays for gut permeability and food sensitivities, coupled with professional interpretation and personalized health strategies.

  Notable Quote:
  Dr. Gundry (53:02): "GundryHealth.com is particularly for people with leaky gut and autoimmune diseases."

Conclusion

Episode #36 of The Dylan Gemelli Podcast offers a deep dive into advanced health topics with Dr. Steven Gundry. From unraveling the complexities of gut health and the pitfalls of modern dietary practices to introducing groundbreaking supplements, this episode equips listeners with actionable insights to enhance their well-being. Dr. Gundry’s expertise provides a compelling perspective on navigating today’s health challenges, emphasizing the importance of informed choices and personalized health strategies.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Dr. Gundry:

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube

• Explore Gundry MD Products:
  Visit gundrymd.com for more information on products discussed in this episode.

• Join the Telehealth Portal:
  Access personalized health services at gundryhealth.com.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps:

• Vital Reds Success:
  Dr. Gundry (07:36): "Bio Complete Three...instantly became our number one seller. And to this day it's our number one seller. Why? Because it works."

• Postbiotics Explanation:
  Dr. Gundry (08:34): "Postbiotics...are the messaging system of how bacteria get us to do their bidding...the language that bacteria talk to us and to our mitochondria."

• Vitamin D Toxicity Misconceptions:
  Dr. Gundry (20:00): "Michael Hollock, the dean of vitamin D research at Boston University, wrote that he'd only seen vitamin D toxicity once in his entire career."

• Protein and Aging:
  Dr. Gundry (24:24): "The USDA protein recommendations...are based on 95% of people... 50% of people will be getting twice the amount of protein they need."

• Neu5GC and Inflammation:
  Dr. Gundry (39:07): "We make antibodies to Neu5GC... when we eat Neu5GC-containing foods, our immune system attacks our own cells, causing inflammation."

• Glyphosate’s Impact:
  Dr. Gundry (44:00): "Almost all of our foods in North America have been contaminated with Roundup glyphosate... glyphosate can produce leaky gut in and of itself."

• Brain Sync Launch:
  Dr. Gundry (50:28): "Brain Sync...supports neuroinflammation prevention in the brain and includes bacteria found in long-lived individuals."

Final Thoughts

Dr. Steven Gundry’s insights provide a nuanced understanding of the interplay between diet, supplements, and gut health. His emphasis on the importance of comprehensive approaches—combining vitamins, tailored supplements, and mindful dietary choices—offers listeners a roadmap to enhancing their health and longevity.