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Welcome back to The Empowering Neurologist! In this episode we have a truly fascinating conversation lined up with none other than Dr. Steven Gundry, a world-renowned heart surgeon-turned-functional medicine expert, whose work has transformed the way we understand diet, disease, and longevity.

Dr. Gundry is no stranger to challenging conventional medical wisdom. In his latest book, The Gut-Brain Paradox: Improve Your Mood, Clear Brain Fog, and Reverse Disease by Healing Your Microbiome (HarperCollins; April 15, 2025), he flips the script on the traditional gut-brain connection. His research reveals a startling truth: your microbiome is not just influencing your brain—it’s controlling it.

For years, we’ve heard that the brain sends signals to the gut. But Dr. Gundry shows that it’s actually the other way around: the microbes in our gut are shaping our thoughts, emotions, and even personality. From food cravings to mental health struggles, from cognitive decline to addiction—these tiny gut-dwelling organisms are the real puppet masters. And when our gut falls out of balance, neurological dysfunction follows.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

✅ How gut bacteria influence cravings, mood, and even personality

✅ The surprising link between gut inflammation and drug tolerance

✅ Why a leaky gut can lead to brain fog, neurodegeneration, and mental health issues

✅ How to reclaim control of your mind by healing your microbiome

Dr. Gundry lays out a powerful, science-backed plan to restore gut health and optimize brain function, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. If you’ve ever struggled with brain fog, anxiety, depression, or unexplained neurological symptoms, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to this eye-opening conversation and discover how fixing your gut provides an important step to unlocking your brain’s full potential.

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00:00 Introduction

03:00 Why a Heart Surgeon Wrote a Book on the Brain

06:18 The Forgotten Hero Who Was Beaten to Death for Washing His Hands

09:08 A Parkinson’s Case Reversed by Healing the Gut?

13:28 Gluten Cross-Contamination and a Son’s Cutting Board: A Shocking Relapse

19:16 Gut Leaks, Brain Barriers, and Immune Sabotage: The Mechanism Explained

23:15 The Alzheimer’s Barrier Theory: Why Beta-Amyloid Might Be the Brain’s Defense System

26:20 Can Depression Be Healed Through the Gut?

30:27 Are Bacteria Controlling Your Addictions and Cravings?

34:02 The Scariest Mind-Control Parasite You’ve Never Heard Of

38:41 Eat This, Not That: How to Hack Your Gut for Better Brain Health

41:23 Neu5Gc and How it Impacts Our Brains

48:03 Are Polyphenols the Brain’s Secret Weapon?

56:38 Dead Bacteria, Live Benefits: Why Your Probiotic Doesn’t Need to Survive

01:05:05 Conclusion and Thank you

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Steven R. Gundry, MD, is the director of the International Heart and Lung Institute in Palm Springs, California, and the founder and director of the Center for Restorative Medicine in Palm Springs and Santa Barbara. After a distinguished surgical career as a professor and chairman of cardiothoracic surgery at Loma Linda University, Dr. Gundry changed his focus to curing modern diseases via dietary changes. He has written more than three hundred articles published in peer-reviewed journals on using diet and supplements to eliminate heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and multiple other diseases. He is the host of the top ranked nutrition podcast The Dr. Gundry Podcast and founder of Gundry MD, a wellness brand. Dr. Gundry lives with his wife, Penny, and their dogs in Palm Springs and Montecito, California.

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