Show Notes:

What is "integrative medicine" and why has it gotten so popular? This episode explores this approach to illness – and boosting wellness- with Dr. Edison de Mello, the founder and head of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine in Santa Monica, California. As the author of a book called Bloated, Dr. de Mello shares his views on the many connections of our gut microbiome to our overall health as well as the benefits and risks of vaginal "seeding" of newborns to help boost their immune systems.

Speaking of the gut flora, Nate and Bruce start off with new research that shows how even light exercise can boost their health, helping protect us in the process. The guys also share new evidence of a "flavor window" for the successful introduction of healthy foods to babies, potentially preventing many food fights down the line. They also answer some listener questions and share the story of Ai-Hin, the clever Chinese panda that faked pregnancy to get better food and air conditioning- and who can blame her?

Show Links:

Microbiome and exercise

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/new-microbiome-research-reveals-exercise-may-impact-gut

UCLA Health: exercise and gut flora health

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/new-microbiome-research-reveals-exercise-may-impact-gut

"Flavor window": how to get your kids to eat vegetables

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/serenity-kids-brings-bold-global-134100744.html#

Giant Panda fakes pregnancy to receive nicer food and round-the-clock care

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/giant-panda-in-china-fakes-pregnancy-to-receive-nicer-food-and-roundtheclock-care-9693743.html

Alcohol and sexual function in women

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/26/well/mind/alcohol-sex-orgasm.html

NIH National Center for Integrative Health definition of integrative health

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/complementary-alternative-or-integrative-health-whats-in-a-name

Gut Microbiome facts https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4191858/#:~:text=There%20are%2010x%20the%20number,and%20weighing%20approximately%202%20kilograms.

2023 study of spore-based probiotics and gut/skin health

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9918080/

American Museum of Natural History: 99% of our unique genes are microbial, not human

https://www.amnh.org/explore/science-topics/microbiome-health/meet-your-microbiome

Dr. de Mello's book, Bloated

https://www.amazon.com/Bloated-Reclaim-Your-Health-Without/dp/0999194925

Dunkin Donuts with Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and J-lo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve2miT5iF2M

Mocktails:

Virgin Caipirinha - Tudo Bem!

Health

• Lime:
• Mint:
• Rosemary:
• Thyme:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1.5 teaspoons white, granulated sugar
• 1 ounce Seedlip Garden 108
• 2 ounces Lyre's White Cane Spirit
• 2 dashes All The Bitter Orange bitters

DIRECTIONS

1. In a rocks glass, muddle the lime wedges with sugar and bitters.
2. Fill the glass with ice, add both spirits, and stir to chill.
3. Garnish with a lime wheel.

RECIPE NOTE

You'll need some time and a little muscle when muddling the limes. The goal is to extract the juice, but also to get the sugar into the lime peel, releasing the fruit's aromatic oils.

MAKE IT MINDFULLY LOW ALCOHOL Want to session some Caipirinhas all afternoon without getting too smashed? Try mixing 1 ounce of an alcoholic white rum (or cachaça if you have it!) with 2 ounces of Seedlip Garden.

https://allthebitter.com/blogs/recipes/caipirinha-non-alcoholic-cocktail-recipe

Health

• Lime: vit c and antioxidants; helps improve iron absorption
• Mint: auntie nausea
• Rosemary: NOT as a supplement in pregnancy; improve mood
• Thyme: reduce bloating