Dr. Josh Axe: On Mitochondrial Health, Peptide Therapy and Parasite Infections | TUH #205

Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science

From the outset, Dr. Axe stresses the importance of balancing empirical science with traditional knowledge. He highlights that many ancient healing practices, such as acupuncture and Ayurvedic medicine, have endured for thousands of years precisely because they work. Despite advancements in research and technology, Dr. Axe criticizes modern medicine's tendency to overly focus on isolated symptoms or pharmaceuticals, often neglecting the power of lifestyle and emotional health in healing.

Dr. Axe places significant emphasis on the Bible as a foundational health resource, calling it the "greatest health book ever written." He describes how biblical teachings encompass principles of regenerative agriculture, detoxification, healing, and wellness that resonate with holistic health philosophies. In parallel, he draws from traditional Chinese medicine, particularly the Japanese "compo" system, which integrates Chinese diagnostic techniques such as tongue and pulse examination with Western lab testing. This fusion, he argues, has helped Japan maintain some of the longest lifespans globally, along with dietary practices rich in nutrient-dense foods like wild seafood, green tea, seaweed, and purple sweet potatoes.

Connection, Purpose, and Emotional Health

One of the most profound themes discussed is the critical role of emotional and spiritual wellbeing in supporting physical health and longevity. Both Dr. Axe and Gary Bracka reference large-scale studies, including the Harvard longevity study and Blue Zones research, demonstrating that connection, community, and a sense of purpose are leading predictors of lifespan, surpassing any specific diet or supplement regimen. They lament the modern world's loss of genuine connection, replaced by digital distraction, which has contributed to rising chronic illness and autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Axe shares personal stories and professional observations underscoring how unresolved childhood trauma, shame, and guilt can manifest as chronic illness or immune dysfunction. He suggests practical therapeutic exercises such as writing about traumatic experiences, reframing them as sources of strength, and practicing forgiveness to promote healing. He reinforces the idea that health begins "at the top"—prioritizing mental, emotional, and spiritual reconciliation before diet or supplementation.

Understanding Mitochondrial Health

Delving into mitochondrial health, Dr. Axe explains how these tiny organelles act as "batteries" that power every cell in the body. When mitochondrial function declines due to toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, or emotional stress, energy production falters, leading to fatigue, impaired healing, and increased disease susceptibility. Drawing from both Eastern philosophies and Western biochemistry, he highlights the significance of nutrients that aid mitochondrial regeneration like antioxidants found in pomegranates and raspberries and modern compounds such as NAD+.

He emphasizes lifestyle factors crucial to supporting mitochondria, including deep restorative sleep, breathwork, stress reduction, meaningful purpose, and connection with nature. Dr. Axe praises red light therapy as a biohack that enhances mitochondrial function by improving circulation, nitric oxide dissociation, and oxygen utilization—benefits that mimic natural sunlight exposure and support microvascular health. This microcirculation, responsible for feeding critical organs, often goes neglected but is vital for cellular energy.

Parasite Infections

A revealing portion of the discussion centers on parasites, mold toxins, and co-infections such as Lyme disease, all of which Dr. Axe identifies as significant contributors to chronic illness and immune exhaustion. He explains why many patients feel unwell despite "normal" lab tests, pointing out that routine diagnostics often overlook infections residing within cells or specific tissues. He warns against the widespread overuse of antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs without first bolstering immune function, as a depleted immune system allows infections to take hold and persist.

Dr. Axe recommends herbal immune tonics such as astragalus and reishi mushroom, along with stress-relieving adaptogens like ashwagandha, to build resilience before using targeted antiparasitic treatments like black walnut, wormwood, or, in severe cases, pharmaceuticals such as ivermectin. He underscores the importance of binders like clay, citrus pectin, and zeolites to assist the body in clearing toxins following infection treatment. Along with sauna therapy and probiotics, this comprehensive approach enhances parasite clearance and immune recovery.

Lyme Disease, Co-Infections, and Long COVID

Lyme disease comes under special scrutiny due to its complexity and rising prevalence. Dr. Axe shares his family's surprising experience with asymptomatic Lyme infections, highlighting how a robust immune system can suppress symptoms despite the presence of pathogens. He notes that co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia complicate treatment and can be reactivated by stressors, including Long COVID. This underscores the necessity of addressing emotional and immune health alongside antimicrobial interventions.

Diet plays a supportive role in recovery from Lyme and co-infections, with Dr. Axe advocating a nutrient-dense, traditionally inspired diet centered on soups, meats, vegetables, and fermented dairy to promote gut healing and immune strength. Specific supplements such as Japanese knotweed, cat's claw, and andrographis offer antiviral and antimicrobial benefits, integrated with lifestyle practices like breathwork, red light therapy, and infrared sauna for optimal recovery.

Peptide Therapy

The conversation transitions to peptides—short chains of amino acids that serve as powerful signaling molecules in the body. Dr. Axe expresses his enthusiasm for peptide therapies like thymosin alpha-1, BPC-157, TB500, and GHK-Cu, which can stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and boost immune function. He emphasizes an integrative approach that honors the origins of traditional glandular therapy while embracing synthetic and food-based peptides, such as those from organ meats.

He shares personal anecdotes of using peptides to heal a spinal infection and chronic tendon injuries with remarkable results, reiterating that dosage and intention are critical to maximize benefit and minimize risks. The conversation also touches on emerging peptide applications for hormone balancing and autoimmune disease modulation, positioning peptide therapy as a transformative aspect of future medicine.

Health Lessons from the Bible

Dr. Axe introduces his upcoming book, The Biblio Diet, an exploration of dietary and lifestyle principles rooted in biblical scripture. The diet emphasizes eating whole, nutrient-dense foods referenced in the Bible, including sustainably sourced red meats, extra virgin olive oil, fermented dairy, ancient grains in sourdough form, pomegranates, figs, and honey in moderation. He points out that many modern health issues stem from eating conventionally produced pork and shellfish prone to toxin accumulation and parasites.

Beyond food, The Biblio Diet weaves in spiritual practices such as prayer, fasting, and the use of essential oils—specifically the biblical holy anointing oil—as part of a holistic healing modality. Dr. Axe makes a compelling case that spiritual faith, particularly active prayer for healing, is often overlooked in contemporary medicine despite its profound therapeutic power detailed throughout scripture and supported by emerging studies.

Defining the Ultimate Human

As the conversation concludes, Dr. Axe reflects on what it means to be the "Ultimate Human," describing it as a person who lovingly cares for their body, serves others, and lives with purpose aligned with divine calling. He believes optimal health is essential to fulfilling one's mission, whether raising children, serving communities, or advancing God's work on earth.