The standard American diet doesn’t often support people’s gut health. Processed foods, imbalanced nutritional intake, and lifestyle stressors all contribute to a weakened gut microbiome. In this episode, Dr. Chris Damman, gastroenterologist and functional food expert, shares important findings on diet and the gut microbiome. He shares the importance of balancing your gut microbiome, what we can all do to live a healthier lifestyle, and more.

Dr. Chris Damman formerly led the functional food and microbiome initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. and a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington Department of Medicine and Global Health. He is a board-certified gastroenterologist and currently serves as the Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at Supergut, a company that makes prebiotic products that support the gut.

Discussed in this episode:

• Health and diet standards in different populations and how it affects public health
• Why a balanced microbiome is so critical for health 
• The biggest diet mistake people make that harms gut health
• Processed foods vs eating healthy in a busy society 
• What causes gas?
• Why fiber supports the gut microbiome
• How gut health changes in different phases of someone’s life
• Antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics in the gut
• The Four F's, the Four M's, and the Big C

“The gut is the gateway to health.”  - Dr. Chris Damman

🔍 Time Stamps:

00:30 - Introduction to the relationship between diet and the microbiome.

02:15 - Unraveling the four Ms and their impact on gut health: microbes, meals, movement, and mindfulness.

05:10 - The four Fs and their role in nurturing a healthy gut: fiber, fermented foods, fatty acids, and fluids.

08:45 - Simple dietary changes that can positively influence your gut microbiome.

11:20 - Debunking common misconceptions about gut health and diet.

14:05 - Practical tips for incorporating gut-friendly foods into your daily meals.

17:30 - Q&A session with Dr. Chris Damman, addressing popular questions from our listeners.

21:05 - Wrapping up with key takeaways and next steps for improving your gut health.

Related to this episode:

• Chris Damman on LinkedIn
• Chris Damman on Twitter
• Chris Damman talk: What is a Healthy Microbiota?
• Supergut: www.supergut.com 
• Resources and episodes on Nutrition & Exercise
• Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome

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**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**