The Holistic Doctor: IGNORING Your Gut Health Can Lead To Life-Threatening Diseases!

The Holistic Doctor: IGNORING Your Gut Health Can Lead To Life-Threatening Diseases! thumbnail

Added: Dec 4, 2023

In this podcast episode, Dr. Daryn Shai, a world-renowned surgeon, entrepreneur, and founder of Next Health, shares his insights on health optimization and longevity. Dr. Shai discusses the importance of functional medicine and the need for a proactive approach to health and wellness.

Dr. Shai emphasizes the impact of nutrition on overall health and wellness. He highlights the shift in food production and consumption over the past 50 years, leading to an increase in obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. He stresses the importance of eliminating ultra-processed foods and incorporating fresh, organic whole foods into one's diet. He recommends focusing on the 20% of information that will yield 80% of the results, making it easier for individuals to make sustainable changes in their diet.

Furthermore, Dr. Shai delves into the significance of managing the glucose response curve. He introduces the concept of wearing a continuous glucose monitor to track the body's response to different foods. By understanding how certain foods affect glucose levels, individuals can make informed choices about their dietary intake, leading to better overall health.

In addition to nutrition, Dr. Shai emphasizes the importance of adequate protein intake and maintaining skeletal muscle mass. He recommends using a bioimpedance scale to track skeletal muscle mass and adjust protein intake accordingly. He also highlights the need for sufficient vegetable intake, recommending a daily consumption of 800 grams of vegetables to ensure adequate fiber and micronutrient intake.

When it comes to supplementation, Dr. Shai advocates for vitamin D, fish oil, magnesium, and creatine. He emphasizes the need for personalized supplementation based on individual needs and blood test results. His approach to supplementation is rooted in addressing specific deficiencies and optimizing overall health.

When it comes to exercise, Dr. Shai advocates for a holistic approach that includes strength training, cardio, and stability and balance exercises. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating movement into one's daily routine, especially for individuals with sedentary lifestyles. He also encourages individuals to engage in social exercising, such as playing sports or going for walks with friends, as a way to make exercise more enjoyable and sustainable.

The discussion then shifts to the topic of sleep, with Dr. Shai highlighting the importance of tracking sleep patterns and identifying potential sleep disorders. He recommends using sleep tracking devices to monitor sleep quality and patterns, but also cautions against becoming overly reliant on these devices. He emphasizes the need to address potential sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, which can have serious implications for overall health. He also provides practical tips for improving sleep quality, such as creating a conducive sleep environment and addressing factors that may disrupt sleep, such as anxiety and nocturia.

Dr. Shai emphasizes the significance of getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night. He explains that adequate sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, as it allows the body to rest, repair, and rejuvenate. He also highlights the impact of sleep on hormone regulation, metabolism, and cognitive function, underscoring the need to establish a consistent sleep routine and create a conducive sleep environment.

The conversation delves into the topic of gut health, shedding light on the significance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Dr. Shai discusses the role of inflammation in gut health and its implications for overall wellness. He emphasizes the importance of identifying biomarkers, such as highly sensitive C-reactive protein, to assess inflammation levels and address gut-related issues. Additionally, Dr. Shai advocates for a proactive approach to gut health, including dietary modifications, gut healing protocols, and the elimination of inflammatory foods.

Heart health is another focal point of the discussion, with Dr. Shai highlighting the significance of early detection and prevention. He introduces the concept of apolipoprotein B as a key biomarker for assessing cardiovascular risk. He emphasizes the importance of proactive cardiac testing, such as full-body MRI scans and liquid biopsies, to detect potential issues at an early stage. By leveraging advanced diagnostic technologies, individuals can take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

The conversation also touches on cancer prevention and the role of diagnostic testing in early detection. Dr. Shai underscores the importance of regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and PSA tests, to detect potential cancerous growths at an early stage. He introduces the concept of the full-body MRI scan and the liquid biopsy as revolutionary tools for early cancer detection, emphasizing their potential to transform the landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

In addition to discussing specific health topics, Dr. Shai provides practical advice for creating a healthy lifestyle. He emphasizes the importance of eliminating toxins from the environment, including air, water, food, and personal care products. He recommends using air purifiers, investing in water filtration systems, opting for organic foods, and choosing non-toxic personal care products to minimize exposure to harmful substances.

The episode concludes with Dr. Shai's insights on fostering positive social connections and surrounding oneself with a supportive and like-minded community. He emphasizes the impact of social relationships on overall well-being and encourages listeners to cultivate meaningful connections with individuals who share common interests and goals.

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