The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka

Ep. 205: Dr. Josh Axe on Longevity Secrets, Mitochondrial Health, Peptide Therapy & Parasite Infections

Date: September 30, 2025
Host: Gary Brecka
Guest: Dr. Josh Axe

Episode Overview

In this rich, wide-ranging conversation, Gary Brecka is joined by Dr. Josh Axe—author, practitioner of functional and traditional medicine, and longtime friend—to explore the science and art of longevity. Together, they delve into ancient healing wisdom, the current crisis of chronic disease, emotional and spiritual drivers of health, the central role of mitochondrial function, and cutting-edge therapies including peptides and parasite cleansing. Dr. Axe also teases his new book, "The Biblio Diet," bringing biblical principles to modern health. The dialogue balances actionable scientific detail with heartfelt anecdotes, offering guidance for both the body and spirit on the path to becoming the “ultimate human.”

Key Themes & Discussion Points

1. Ancient Wisdom vs. Modern Science (00:00–04:21)

• Dr. Axe advocates for balancing traditional healing with scientific advancement:

  “You need to really balance this sort of, what does traditional wisdom say, with what does the science say? And the Bible to me is actually the greatest health book ever written.” (Dr. Josh Axe, 03:35)

• Both speakers stress how practices lasting for thousands of years (like acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine) have stood the test of time because they work.

2. Longevity Secrets from Around the World (05:17–09:21)

• Japan’s exceptional longevity:

  • Over 95,000 Japanese people are centenarians.
  • Their system (Campo) combines Chinese and functional medicine, featuring lifestyle-focused prescriptions: forest bathing, tai chi, long lunch breaks, and nutrient-dense diets (seafood, green tea, sweet potatoes, seaweed).

• The U.S., in contrast, ranks poorly despite advanced technology.

• Takeaway: Absence of processed foods, strong community, and sense of purpose are common denominators in “blue zones.”

  “There are no longevity or blue zones that have highly processed foods. So we can take something from that. But also the sense of community and purpose.” (Gary Brecka, 09:04)

3. Connection, Community, and Trauma as Health Drivers (10:36–19:37)

• Emotional wellbeing and connectedness outstrip even diet in importance.
• Childhood trauma and negative self-talk are root causes of chronic illness.
• Dr. Axe shares a personal story of overcoming self-doubt fueled by hurtful comments to ultimately thrive academically:

  “The power of words and the power of having the right type of people around you, the right community, the right family…” (Dr. Josh Axe, 16:17)

• Practical tools for trauma healing: Writing, reframing as the “hero” of your story, forgiveness, and building lasting purpose.

4. Immunofatigue, the Burden of Toxins, and the Role of ‘Micro-Poisons’ (19:37–25:23)

• The concept of immunofatigue: Chronic, low-level immune stimulation from modern toxins, processed foods, and lack of hormetic stressors (e.g., missing out on local soil bacteria/honey).
• Connection between autoimmune disease and emotional or spiritual depletion.
• Dr. Axe: “Our bodies are dealing with things like glyphosate, heavy metals, environmental toxins… and those take, those are two different types of immune systems.” (20:43)

5. Mitochondrial Health as a Longevity Cornerstone (25:23–32:20)

• Mitochondria as cellular “batteries” whose depletion precedes disease.
• Three pillars of cellular health: toxicity, deficiency, and cellular energy.
• Ways to boost mitochondrial function:
  • Nutrient-dense foods (organs, pomegranates, green tea)
  • Key supplements (NAD+, methylation support)
  • Restorative sleep, breathwork, sense of purpose (“only 25% know their purpose!”)
• Modern “biohacking” framed as a technology-driven way to reclaim ancestral/natural practices.

6. Nature Hacking & Red Light Therapy (42:19–46:25)

• Red light therapy and natural sunlight both championed for mitochondrial and microvascular health.

  “Red light, as far as I know, is, is one of the only ways to dissociate mitochondrial nitric oxide… and get more ATP from the Krebs cycle.” (Gary Brecka, 43:12)

• Sunlight provides a full spectrum of beneficial light; biohacks are sometimes necessary but should strive to emulate nature.

7. Hidden Epidemic: Parasite Infections, Mold, & Gut Dysbiosis (47:53–57:01)

• Many people with “normal labs” but persistent symptoms may be battling unseen parasite, mold, or co-infections.

• The major mistake: Going straight to “kill protocols” (antibiotics, antimicrobials) without first strengthening immunity and resilience.

• Dr. Axe’s practical protocol for parasite cleansing:

  • Immune support (astragalus, reishi, ashwagandha, adaptogens)
  • Kill phase with anti-parasitic herbs (black walnut, wormwood—“tastes as bad as it sounds”)
  • Binders (clay, chlorella, pectin, zeolites)
  • Infrared sauna and probiotics for recovery

  “If you follow that right process of strengthen, kill, and bind… you help a lot of people get rid of and kill parasitic infections, long COVID, these different types of infections.” (Dr. Josh Axe, 56:19)

8. Autoimmune and Lyme—Emotional & Biological Roots (57:01–62:23)

• Lyme and other chronic infections flare more readily when the immune system is run down from stress, trauma, poor nutrition, or poor sleep.
• Strengthening immunity with diet (soups, vegetables, berries), adaptogens, vitamin D, and deep rest is as important as antimicrobials.
• Emotional health (addressing self-attack, guilt, regret) is foundational.

9. Detox and Advanced Therapies (62:23–65:18)

• Ozone therapy, red light, sauna, hyperbaric oxygen, and even plasma exchange as advanced interventions for toxin removal and systemic healing.
• Removing “distractions” for the immune system (parasites, heavy metals, forever chemicals) frees up capacity for tissue regeneration and resilience.

10. Peptide & Bioregulator Therapy (65:18–71:44)

• Dr. Axe is a strong peptide proponent, both for acute healing and as a new wave of personalized medicine.
• Traditionally, eating organ meats (liver, thymus, heart) was an ancient form of “peptide therapy,” and still confers unique benefits.
• Peptides: BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, Thymosin Alpha-1, bioregulators for organ-specific support.

  “Peptides are the future of medicine. We’re going to continue to see this, absolutely, grow like crazy over the next five years.” (Dr. Josh Axe, 68:57)

• Cautions about long-term pharmacological peptides (e.g., high-dose GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic leading to muscle-wasting).

11. The Biblio Diet: Back to (Biblical) Basics (73:06–82:13)

• Dr. Axe introduces his book, “The Biblio Diet”—health principles based on biblical teachings:
  • Regenerative, perennial agriculture (fruit trees, berries, nuts, ancient grains)
  • Avoidance of pork/shellfish (highest in parasites and toxins)
  • Celebration of red meat, olive oil, fermented dairy, sourdough, honey (in moderation)
  • Practices like fasting, essential oil use, prayer, and anointing for healing
• The ancient approach emphasizes honoring the body “for the glory of God” and fulfilling divine purpose over vanity.

12. Healing Power of Prayer, Purpose, and Family (82:13–85:53)

• Prayer and faith reviewed as potent healing practices (citing both scripture and personal experience).
• Dr. Axe’s definition of the “ultimate human”:

  “The ultimate human is somebody who is doing the greatest good, loving God, loving people, making Earth a heavenly place… and, in order to do that, you’ve got to take care of your health.” (Dr. Josh Axe, 84:37)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “If something's been around for 5,000 years, it's probably because it works.”
  — Gary Brecka, 00:08
• “Our bodies are dealing with things like glyphosate, heavy metals, environmental toxins… and those take, those are two different types of immune systems.”
  — Dr. Josh Axe, 20:43
• “We all have parasites. We all have cancer cells. We all have CTCs.”
  — Dr. Josh Axe, 49:00
• “More important than diet is this deep personal connection, your emotional health, your mental health, your spiritual health, your connection with God, your connection with others.” — Dr. Josh Axe, 11:52
• “Red light therapy is absolutely incredible… but sunlight is the best thing for you. It’s even better than a red light bed for the most part.”
  — Dr. Josh Axe, 43:37
• “Peptides are the future of medicine. We’re going to continue to see this, absolutely, grow like crazy over the next five years.”
  — Dr. Josh Axe, 68:57
• “The Bible is actually the greatest health book ever written.”
  — Dr. Josh Axe, 03:35
• “If you want to cut a human being’s life expectancy in half at any age, put them in isolation.”
  — Gary Brecka, 41:09
• “The ultimate human is somebody who is doing the greatest good, loving God, loving people, making Earth a heavenly place.”
  — Dr. Josh Axe, 84:37

Important Timestamps

| Time | Topic / Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Ancient wisdom & biblical health | | 05:17 | Longevity secrets of Japan / Blue zone principles | | 10:36 | Emotional health, trauma, and community | | 19:37 | Immunofatigue, toxins, micro-poisons | | 25:23 | Mitochondrial health: food, purpose, sleep | | 42:19 | Red light therapy & microvascular health | | 47:53 | Parasites: why labs miss them, effective protocols | | 57:01 | Rise of Lyme, chronic infections, and mold | | 62:23 | Detox science: ozone, plasma exchange, NAD+ | | 65:18 | Peptide therapy for regeneration, immunity, hormones | | 73:06 | “The Biblio Diet”—Bible-based health strategies | | 82:13 | Prayer, purpose, and the “ultimate human” mindset |

Memorable Moments

• Personal Triumph: Dr. Axe recounts overcoming an English teacher’s doubts about his intellect, later thriving in higher education—all thanks to one encouraging teacher (13:10–16:53).
• Mission-Driven Impact: Dr. Axe’s cousin fights glioblastoma with a protocol including ivermectin and antiparasitic herbs, remaining symptom-free against all odds (53:56–54:30).
• Faith in Practice: Exploration of prayer as medicine, referencing James in the Bible and ritual anointing (82:13–83:47).
• Ultimate Human: Loving God, people, and making earth “heavenly”—health as the enabler of greater purpose (84:37).

Takeaways for Listeners

• True longevity comes from combining ancient (often spiritual or communal) health practices with the best of modern science—not just the latest hacks.
• Mitochondria matter: Energy, resilience, and regeneration at the cellular level underpin all healthy aging.
• Get to the root: Emotional traumas, isolation, and spiritual malaise can trigger (and perpetuate) chronic, “idiopathic” illnesses just as surely as environmental toxins.
• Direct action: Before reaching for aggressive treatments or dismissing symptoms, focus on restoring natural rhythms—rest, nature, nutrient-dense food, deep relationships, meaning.
• Tools abound: Modern nutrients (NAD+, peptides, binders), red light and ozone, and strategic herbal protocols have immense potential—especially when layered atop foundational practices.

For anyone wanting to become the “ultimate human,” this episode blends science, wisdom, faith, and practical steps toward vitality in body, mind, and spirit.