The Dr. Hyman Show

Bloating, brain fog, fatigue, skin issues, food sensitivities, autoimmune symptoms—most people treat these as separate problems. But often, they can all trace back to the same place: the gut. And the surprising part is that you don't need digestive symptoms to have gut dysfunction. Because your gut isn't just responsible for digestion—it's deeply connected to your immune system, hormones, metabolism, brain health, and inflammation throughout the body.

In today's episode, I dive into:

Healing your gut isn't about perfection, restrictive diets, or endless supplements. It's about creating the conditions your body needs to repair itself. When you support your gut, you're often supporting your immune system, your brain, your hormones, your energy, and your overall health at the same time.

Resources Mentioned:

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(0:11) Introduction and overview of gut health

(2:10) Understanding, healing, and factors disrupting gut health

(7:45) Modern lifestyle's impact and the five r's of gut healing

(17:06) Dietary diversity, mindful eating, sleep, and stress reduction

(20:53) Supplements and Q&A on probiotics, diet, and leaky gut

(23:06) Empowering listeners through functional medicine and community engagement

(24:23) Dr. Hyman's platforms, disclaimer, and gratitude to sponsors

We’ve been taught to treat chronic diseases as isolated problems to be diagnosed and managed. But these conditions may have more in common than conventional medicine has traditionally recognized.

On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I’m joined by physician and researcher Dr. Terry Wahls, who transformed her understanding of disease after developing progressive multiple sclerosis. We discuss the emerging science behind mitochondria, inflammation, nutrition, the microbiome, and why creating health may be just as important as treating disease itself.

We explore:

What Dr. Wahls discovered about cellular health while searching for answers beyond conventional treatment

Why mitochondria may play a central role in conditions like MS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, and chronic fatigue

How food, sleep, movement, and stress directly influence inflammation, energy production, and brain health

Why focusing only on symptom suppression may overlook the deeper biological dysfunction driving chronic disease

What “creating health” actually looks like in practice—and how small daily habits can influence how you feel and function over time

What makes this conversation so compelling is that Dr. Wahls’ story challenges many of the assumptions we have about chronic disease and recovery. For me, it really highlights how profoundly nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress can shape the body’s ability to adapt and recover over time.

View Show Notes From This Episode

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(0:00) Dr. Terry Wahls’ illness journey, Dr. Mark Hyman’s intro, and sponsor mentions

(2:54) Dr. Wahls and Dr. Hyman discuss their medical histories

(4:00) Dr. Wahls’ experience with multiple sclerosis

(7:08) Dietary changes and physical improvements

(9:09) Environmental factors in autoimmune diseases

(11:17) Resistance in the medical system to new approaches

(12:26) Integrating basic science into clinical practice

(15:32) Mitochondrial support supplements

(20:24) Mitochondria’s role in energy-intensive tissues

(22:11) Functional medicine and Dr. Wahls’ continued health journey

(23:49) Nutrient-focused dietary approach and recovery

(26:13) Development and application of the Wahls diet

(27:35) Nutrient-rich food categories and health benefits

(30:11) NIH funding and functional medicine research potential

(34:00) Success stories from the therapeutic lifestyle clinic

(39:28) Creating health versus treating disease

(44:10) Expanding research to other chronic illnesses

(45:40) Latest clinical trials and future research directions

(47:49) Advances in chronic disease treatment science

(49:05) Predicting diet effectiveness: microbiome and genetics

(50:00) Microbiome research and multiple sclerosis

(51:18) A new theory of human biology in medicine

(53:01) Creating health through lifestyle changes

(55:13) Need for multimodal interventions in research

(58:20) Funding challenges and philanthropy’s role

(59:08) Comprehensive approaches to complex diseases

(1:01:05) Potential to reverse genetic diseases with lifestyle changes

(1:07:24) Strategies for creating a healthy human

(1:08:01) Upcoming research and initiatives by Dr. Wahls

Mold is one of the most misunderstood topics in health. Some people are told it’s not a real problem. Others are led to believe it’s the cause of every symptom they have. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.

While not everyone exposed to mold gets sick, chronic exposure to water-damaged environments can contribute to fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, sinus issues, immune dysfunction, hormone imbalances, and a wide range of symptoms that often go unexplained for years.

In today’s episode, we explore what mold-related illness actually is, who’s most vulnerable, and how to tell when your environment may be affecting your health. Here's what we cover:

Mold illness is real—but so is the fear and misinformation surrounding it. The goal isn’t to panic or assume mold is the answer to every health problem. It’s to understand how your environment influences your biology, identify whether mold is truly part of the picture, and create the conditions your body needs to heal.

Resources Mentioned:

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If we're wired for joy, why do so many successful people feel exhausted, disconnected, or emotionally flat?

On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I sit down with psychiatrist, researcher, and author Dr. Judith Joseph, whose team conducted the first peer-reviewed clinical study on high-functioning depression. We talk about why feeling "fine" on the outside doesn't always reflect what's happening beneath the surface—and why so many people struggle to feel fully alive.

You’ll learn:

Why achievement and productivity don't always lead to fulfillment

How to tell whether you're burned out—or struggling with high-functioning depression

The surprising connection between unresolved trauma, people-pleasing, and chronic stress

What your phone, social media habits, and screen time may be doing to your mood

How to start reclaiming joy when life feels flat, exhausting, or unfulfilling

Like many people, I've spent periods of my life focused on achievement and productivity, believing fulfillment would follow. I've learned that the most important work isn't always doing more—it's understanding what's keeping us from fully experiencing joy in the first place.

Want to explore this further? Dr. Judith Joseph offers several self-assessments under the "Quiz" tab on her website, including tools for anhedonia, high-functioning depression, and trauma.

View Show Notes From This Episode

Sign up for Dr. Hyman’s Brainshaping Academy to learn how to nourish the biological systems that support your mental, emotional, and cognitive health

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(0:00) High functioning depression, burnout, and Dr. Hyman's personal experience

(2:37) Introduction Dr. Judith Joseph

(5:13) Depression among medical professionals and defining anhedonia

(7:04) Joy as part of our DNA and identifying high functioning depression

(13:23) Biological causes, biomarkers, and differences between burnout and high functioning depression

(18:18) Avoiding trauma processing by staying busy; hedonism and anhedonia

(22:14) Identifying roots of trauma, childhood patterns, and using transitional objects

(25:51) Finding points of joy amidst depression and people pleasing in high-functioning individuals

(30:39) Neurological shifts, lack of joy, and the biopsychosocial model of depression

(36:56) Digital depression, reducing screen time, and healthy tech relationships

(49:09) Women's hormones, midlife shifts, and distinguishing hormonal from psychiatric conditions

(58:30) Reclaiming joy, the five v's, and processing emotions

(1:01:21) The significance of venting, emotional boundaries, and healthy outlets

(1:05:28) Defining values, mind-body connection, and social relationships

(1:09:05) Planning and scheduling future joy and connection

(1:13:22) The evolution of psychiatry, spirituality, and Gen Z's spiritual study

(1:18:03) Finding meaning, purpose, and learning more about high functioning depression

High cholesterol is one of the most common reasons people are told they’re at risk for heart disease. But what if cholesterol isn’t the root problem? What if it’s actually a signal of deeper metabolic dysfunction—and focusing on the number alone causes us to miss what’s really driving cardiovascular risk?

In today’s episode, we explore a functional medicine approach to cholesterol and heart health, including:

When it comes to cholesterol, the better question isn’t always, "How do I lower this number?" It’s, "Why is it elevated in the first place?" By addressing the root causes—from blood sugar imbalance and inflammation to diet, movement, sleep, and stress—you can improve not just your cholesterol, but the underlying metabolic health that drives long-term cardiovascular risk.

Resources Mentioned:

Have a question you'd love answered on Office Hours? Submit it here

(0:25) Introduction

(1:11) Understanding and Addressing Cholesterol with Functional Medicine

(2:20) Metabolic Dysfunction, Health Reset, and Dietary Recommendations

(8:07) Example Daily Meal Plan and Importance of Movement

(12:46) Sleep, Stress, and Supplements for Cholesterol

(14:27) Cardiovascular Risk Insights and Dr. Asim Malhotra Clip

(20:30) Closing Remarks, Listener Engagement, and Social Media

(21:57) Disclaimer, Medical Guidance, and Gratitude to Sponsors

Depression is often treated as a single condition. But two people with the same diagnosis can have completely different underlying causes.

On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I’m rejoined by Dr. James Greenblatt to explore why depression may be less of a disease and more of a signal that something deeper is going on. We discuss how a root-cause approach can uncover what’s driving symptoms and why finding what’s beneath them matters.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

We discuss:

Could nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, or gut issues be contributing to symptoms of depression

What tests can help uncover the biological factors that may be affecting mood and mental health

Why can two people with depression have different root causes—and require different solutions

How do blood sugar imbalances, hormone changes, and metabolic health influence the brain

What should you know about antidepressants, tapering, and addressing the factors that may affect recovery

Hope doesn't come from ignoring symptoms—it comes from understanding them. Sometimes the most important question isn't "What's wrong with me?" but "What might my body be trying to tell me?"

One of the key themes in this conversation is that mental health is deeply connected to what's happening throughout the body. In my Brainshaping Academy, you'll learn how to support the biological systems that shape cognitive, emotional, and mental well-being.

View Show Notes From This Episode

Depression symptoms aren’t always just “in your head.” Dr. Hyman’s Brainshaping Academy shows how your gut, immune system, and nutrient levels may be responsible—and what you can do about it. → https://drhyman.com/products/brainshaping?utm_source=dr_hyman_show&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=may_27&utm_content=link

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(0:00) Antidepressants, Cooking at Home, and Introducing the Brain Shaping Academy

(3:14) Prevalence of Depression and Personal Stories

(4:27) Exploring Root Causes of Depression

(5:07) Influential Figures and Orthomolecular Psychiatry

(12:29) Gut Health, Gluten Sensitivity, and Brain Inflammation

(20:22) Neuroinflammation and Root Causes of Depression

(22:10) Biomarkers, Hormonal Imbalances, and Insulin Resistance

(25:34) The Role of Toxins and Diagnostic Testing

(31:15) Case Studies and Patient Stories

(34:29) Challenges in the Mental Health System

(37:05) Effectiveness of Antidepressants and Patient Resistance

(43:17) Role and Need for Nutritional Lithium

(45:00) Sponsor: Big Bold Health

(46:00) Identifying Nutritional Lithium Need

(47:13) Integrating Modalities and Supplements vs. Medications

(48:04) Psychotherapy Methods and Addressing Root Causes

(49:34) Dr. Greenblatt's Book and the Finding a Living Platform

(51:03) Systematic Approach and Global Impact of Depression

(52:39) Sharing, Disclaimer, and Closing Remarks

Morning routines have become one of the most talked-about topics in health and wellness—but it’s not just about productivity or checking boxes. How you start your morning has a direct biological impact on your brain, your energy, your metabolism, and even how well you sleep at night. Yet, so many people inadvertently sabotage their biology first thing in the morning with dopamine hits, sugar, and stress.

In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my morning routine to share the science-backed, foundational habits I use every day, including:

A powerful morning routine isn’t about creating a perfect, complicated schedule—it's about doing the right things consistently. The key is starting simple with just one or two small habits that compound over time, giving you the grounded foundation you need to show up as the CEO of your own health.

Visit ⁠functionhealth.com/mark for 160+ lab tests at just $365 a year. Use code mark 2026 for $50 off.

Want to learn how healing your body can help heal your mind? Sign up for the Brain Shaping Academy HERE.

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For far too long, many women have been told their symptoms were normal, exaggerated, or simply something they had to live with—treated as isolated problems instead of part of a much larger hormonal transition happening inside the body.

On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I’m joined by Dr. Sharon Malone, host of The Second Opinion podcast and Chief Medical Advisor at Alloy Women’s Health.

We discuss how menopause and hormone therapy became so misunderstood, the real story behind the Women’s Health Initiative study, and why a more individualized, prevention-focused approach to women’s health is long overdue.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

We explore:

Why so many women enter perimenopause completely unprepared—and how symptoms can begin years before menopause officially starts

What the Women’s Health Initiative actually found, and how one medical narrative reshaped women’s healthcare for decades

How menopause affects far more than reproduction, including the brain, heart, sleep, metabolism, and bone health

What you should know about hormone therapy today, including timing, individualized treatment, and understanding risk in context

The daily habits that still matter most for healthy aging, whether or not you choose hormone therapy

Midlife health should never be reduced to “just deal with it.” The more women understand what’s happening inside their bodies, the earlier they can take steps to protect their long-term health and quality of life.

View Show Notes From This Episode

Sign up for Dr. Hyman’s Brainshaping Academy to learn how to nourish the biological systems that support your mental, emotional, and cognitive health - ⁠Click Here⁠

Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman

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Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Health

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This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley, Pique, Perfect Amino, Rho, Sunlighten and BIOptimizers.

Head to paleovalley.com/hyman to save 15% off your first order today.

Secure 20% off your order plus a free starter kit at piquelife.com/hyman.

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(0:00) Introduction, survey on hormone use, and Dr. Sharon Malone’s expertise  

(4:04) Importance of women's health research and historical neglect  

(5:35) Lack of education and preparation for menopause  

(6:28) Societal and historical biases in women's health  

(9:05) Observational studies vs. randomized controlled trials  

(13:30) Life cycles, hormonal changes, and stages in women  

(19:26) Detailed stages of hormonal changes and perimenopause  

(23:00) Misdiagnosis and definition of menopause  

(25:02) The term "postmenopausal" and its significance  

(26:34) Impact of menopause on organ systems and major symptoms  

(31:19) Lifestyle factors and hormone therapy options  

(39:25) Black box warning, Women’s Health Initiative, and therapy timing  

(45:00) Women's Health Initiative findings and breast cancer risk  

(47:57) Reinterpreting breast cancer risk and black box warning  

(53:21) Personalized hormone therapy and clinical diagnosis  

(59:55) Importance of estrogen and bioidentical vs. synthetic hormones  

(1:03:35) Addressing sexual health and testosterone use for women  

(1:08:05) FDA-approved peptides for women’s arousal disorder  

(1:09:57) Long-term benefits of hormone therapy  

(1:12:43) Early menopause, hormone therapy, and health impacts  

(1:15:07) Estrogen’s role in brain health and dementia prevention  

(1:16:22) Alzheimer’s risk in women and hormonal 

Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most talked about—and misunderstood—topics in women’s health. For years, women were told HRT was dangerous. Now, the conversation is shifting, but many are still left confused about what’s actually safe, when to start, and whether hormones are even right for them.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Cindy Geyer from my clinic, The UltraWellness Center, to answer the most common questions we received from our audience about hormone replacement therapy, including:

Menopause is not just a hormone issue—it’s a full-body metabolic transition. And hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. The key is understanding your biology, your symptoms, and your long-term health goals so you can make informed decisions that support vitality, resilience, and healthy aging.

Visit ⁠functionhealth.com for 160+ lab tests at just $365 a year.

Want more on brain health? Sign up for the Brain Shaping Academy HERE.

Have a question you’d love answered on Office Hours? Submit it here

As a special thank you for our listeners, we’re offering $300 off a Functional Medicine Consultation Package, the most comprehensive service offering at Dr. Hyman's Functional Medicine Clinic, The UltraWellness Center. To learn more and book your consultation, please schedule a New Patient Discovery Call at the link HERE and reference the Dr. Hyman Show.

Disclaimer: Offer expires July 31, 2026. Functional Medicine Consultation Appointments must be booked by July 31,2026 but may take place at a later date. The initial call with a New Patient Engagement Coordinator is required to book the appointment. Offer not valid on other appointment types or existing appointments. Offer valid for bookings with Dr. Boham, Dr. Geyer, Dr. LePine and Dr. Papanicolaou.

(0:00) Welcome, introduction, and overview of hormone replacement therapy

(1:26) Introduction of Dr. Cindy Geyer and safety of HRT

(4:13) Timing, risks, and cancer concerns with HRT

(7:06) Functional medicine perspective and factors in starting HRT

(12:10) Benefits, timing, and natural alternatives to HRT

(16:33) Prescription, bioidentical, and compounded hormones

(19:20) Symptoms improved by HRT and libido considerations

(22:24) Vaginal estrogen, progesterone, and recognizing need for therapy

(24:25) Health markers and types of hormone testing

(27:08) Duration, contraindications, and tailored hormone therapy

(33:34) Preview: Dr. Sharon Malone on breast cancer risk

(42:24) Introduction and details of Brain Shaping Academy

We’re surrounded by plastics and environmental chemicals every day, but only recently have scientists begun to understand how deeply they may be affecting human health.

Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman

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(0:00) Microplastics in the human body and their sources

(0:56) Introduction to Dr. Shanna Swan

(3:34) The Plastic Detox documentary and endocrine disruptors

(5:21) Dr. Swan's research journey and phthalates

(6:29) Decline in sperm count and reproductive impacts

(8:45) Early research and phthalate syndrome in humans

(11:03) Sources and broader impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals

(19:38) Classes of hormone-altering chemicals and health impacts

(22:51) Health impacts beyond reproduction

(24:20) Personal and clinical experiences with microplastics

(27:02) Measuring microplastics and routes of human exposure

(29:29) Methods to reduce microplastic exposure

(31:14) Biological and regulatory aspects of microplastics

(35:02) Plastic Detox movie findings and intervention results

(41:16) Chemicals in microplastics and their effects

(47:21) Legislation and consumer protection against toxic chemicals

(50:54) Diagnostic testing for toxic exposure: importance and costs

(53:09) Practical steps to reduce chemical exposures

(55:35) Avoiding plastic and toxic exposures in daily life

(58:10) Skincare, fragrance, and chemical exposure

(1:01:19) Rapid-fire questions on health and environmental practices

(1:09:06) Resources for testing and exposure reduction