How do ultra-processed foods change the way your genes behave?

In this episode, I talk with my longtime friend and mentor, Dr. Jeffrey Bland, about why ultra-processed foods may be the most dangerous health experiment humans have ever run. We explored how food acts as information—shaping gene expression, immune health, and even how full or satisfied you feel. Dr. Bland, often called the father of functional medicine, brings decades of insight into how modern food systems are quietly rewriting our biology.

Dr. Jeffrey Bland is known as the father of functional medicine and has spent over five decades studying how food, lifestyle, and biology shape human health. He’s a prolific educator, researcher, and founder behind multiple institutes, including Big Bold Health, dedicated to personalized and preventive medicine.

What you’ll learn:

(02:44) Why ultra-processed foods may be the biggest driver of modern chronic disease.

(04:32) How food functions as biological information that influences gene expression.

(06:49) Why life expectancy is declining despite advances in modern medicine.

(09:22) How ultra-processed foods disrupt the gut microbiome and immune system.

(17:38) What distinguishes healthy gut bacteria from harmful microbial patterns.

(24:39) Why poor satiety from processed foods fuels weight gain and GLP-1 drug use.

(28:29) How bitter compounds in natural foods naturally stimulate satiety hormones.

(39:39) One simple mindset shift that can immediately improve food choices and health.

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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/bold

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The Link Between the Gut Microbiome and Our Immune System with Dr. Jeffrey Bland