Today, I'm sitting down with two true pioneers in the health optimization space: microbiologist Kiran Krishnan from Just Thrive, and Forrest Smith, founder of Kineon. In this episode, we bridge two often separate worlds—gut health and photobiomodulation—to explore what happens when you combine spore-based probiotics with red and near-infrared light therapy. You'll hear about the unexpected links between the gut and brain, the pivotal role of leaky gut in everything from neurodegeneration to hormone imbalance, and why Forrest started experimenting with shining red light directly on his abdomen.

Whether you're looking to optimize your longevity, support immunity, or simply understand how foundational gut health really is, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, cutting-edge insights, and a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of our bodies.

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Episode Timestamps:

Gut Health, Probiotics & Red/Near Infrared Light ... 00:03:43

Forrest's Red Light Gut Experiment ... 00:04:45

The Gut-Brain Axis & Neurodegeneration ... 00:09:20

Leaky Gut and Systemic Inflammation ... 00:13:09

GLP-1 Impacts on Gut-Brain Communication ... 00:19:32

Endotoxins, Inflammation & Brain Health ... 00:23:47

Synergy: Probiotics Plus Red Light ... 00:31:16

Microbes & Light: Evolutionary Health Foundations ... 00:31:38

Mucosal Lining and Phototherapy ... 00:36:33

Spore-Based Probiotics: Why They Matter ... 00:40:26

Universal Colonizers & Gut Health ... 00:49:32

Gut-Skin Axis, Environmental Factors, Phototherapy ... 00:55:50

Biohacking: Mimicking Nature ... 01:02:20

Endocrine Disruption & Gut Connection ... 01:03:02

Vagus Nerve: Two-Way Highway & Stimulation ... 01:09:34

Practical Tips: Who Should Use These Tools ... 01:20:52

Digestive Bitters: Simple, Upstream Fix ... 01:27:59

Myths About Probiotics & Red Light ... 01:33:10

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