How Our Life Experiences Influence Our Gene Expression And Overall Health

The connection between mental health and metabolic health is far deeper than once believed, with growing evidence showing a powerful, bidirectional relationship. Inflammation, poor diet, and gut dysfunction are now recognized as key drivers of both physical and psychological illness—often hiding in plain sight. By addressing root causes such as blood sugar imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and microbiome disruption, many chronic mental health conditions can improve or even resolve. This emerging science challenges the traditional separation of mind and body, pointing instead to an integrated approach where healing the body becomes essential for healing the brain. Recognizing this link is crucial in shifting the future of mental health care. In this episode, I discuss, along with Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Shebani Sethi, why our diet is so closely related to the state of our mental health. Dr. Chris Palmer is a psychiatrist and researcher working at the interface of metabolism and mental health. He is the Director of the Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at McLean Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. For over 25 years, he has held leadership roles in psychiatric education, conducted research, and worked with people who have treatment-resistant mental illnesses. He has been pioneering the use of the medical ketogenic diet in the treatment of psychiatric disorders - conducting research in this area, treating patients, writing, and speaking around the world on this topic. More broadly, he is interested in the roles of metabolism and metabolic interventions on brain health. Dr. Shebani Sethi is a double board-certified physician in Obesity Medicine and Psychiatry. She is the Founding Director of Stanford University’s Metabolic Psychiatry program and Silicon Valley Metabolic Psychiatry, a new center in the San Francisco Bay Area focused on optimizing brain health by integrating low carb nutrition, comprehensive psychiatric care, and treatment of obesity with associated metabolic disease.  This episode is brought to you by BIOptimizers. Head to bioptimizers.com/hyman and use code HYMAN10 to save 10%. Full-length episodes can be found here: The Hidden Connection Between Gut Health & Mental Health That Therapy and Drugs Cannot Fix A Harvard Psychiatrist Rethinks Mental Health As A Metabolic Disease How Does Ultra-Processed Food Affect Our Mental Health?

24 Mar 1h 3min

You probably know Ian Somerhalder from The Vampire Diaries or Lost, but these days, he’s on a mission far bigger than Hollywood. Ian has dedicated his time and platform to tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time—our broken food system, soil depletion, and the health crisis caused by industrial agriculture. In this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, we explore: How Ian’s passion for regenerative agriculture was shaped by his childhood and family history. The alarming impact of pesticides on human health and the environment. Why farmers are stuck in a toxic cycle—and how regenerative farming offers a way out. How shifting just 10% of U.S. farmland to regenerative practices could transform our health and economy. The powerful connection between soil health, gut health, and disease prevention. Ian’s journey proves that real change starts with what’s on our plates. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation. View Show Notes From This Episode Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal This episode is brought to you by Seed, Fatty15, Perfect Amino, AirDoctor, and Pique. Visit seed.com/hyman and use code 25HYMAN for 25% off your first month of Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Pre-order The Longevity Nutrient today, wherever books are sold.  Get pure essential amino acids today. Go to bodyhealth.com and use HYMAN20 to get 20% off your first order. Get cleaner air. Right now, you can get up to $300 off at airdoctorpro.com/drhyman. Head to piquelife.com/hyman to get 20% off + a free beaker and frother today.

19 Mar 1h 12min

The pervasive presence of microplastics and environmental toxins in our daily lives poses a growing threat to human health, with impacts ranging from hormonal disruption and metabolic dysfunction to immune system compromise and chronic inflammation. These contaminants, found in food packaging, water supplies, personal care products, and even the air we breathe, accumulate in the body and contribute to the rise in chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. Understanding their far-reaching effects is essential, but the good news is that the body has powerful detoxification mechanisms that, when properly supported through dietary choices, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted supplementation, can help mitigate their damage.  In this episode, I discuss, along with toxin-expert Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, why we need to take action to reduce toxin exposures, reverse existing damage, and build a foundation for long-term well-being. Dr. Joseph Pizzorno is a transformational leader in medicine. Through half a century of work, he has helped establish and advance the academic, scientific, and clinical protocols for natural, functional, integrative, and environmental medicine. As founding president of Bastyr University in 1978, he coined the term “science-based natural medicine” and led Bastyr to become the first-ever accredited institution in the field. He has set worldwide standards of practice by authoring or co-authoring six textbooks for doctors, including the Textbook of Natural Medicine (over 100,000 copies in 4 languages across 5 editions) and Clinical Environmental Medicine. He is Editor-in-Chief of PubMed-indexed IMCJ—the most widely read, peer-reviewed journal in the field (25,000 copies each issue). He is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Functional Medicine, where he served three terms as Chair. A licensed naturopathic physician, educator, researcher, and expert spokesman, he is also the author or co-author of eight consumer books (most recent, Healthy Bones, Healthy You! with his wife Lara).  This episode is brought to you by BIOptimizers. Head to bioptimizers.com/hyman and use code HYMAN10 to save 10%. Full-length episodes can be found here: Microplastics: What They Are, Why They are Dangerous, and How to Protect Yourself Environmental Toxins: How To Eliminate the Silent Killers with Dr. Joseph Pizzorno How To Reduce Your Environmental Toxin Exposure

17 Mar 59min

What if I told you life insurance companies can predict, almost to the month, when you’re going to die? That’s exactly what Gary Brecka, a human biologist and former mortality expert, used to do—until he uncovered something shocking. After years of analyzing blood work and medical records, he realized that the biggest predictors of disease and early death aren’t genetic—they’re modifiable. Now, he’s using that knowledge to help people optimize their health and extend their lifespan. In this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, we discuss: How insurance companies use hidden health data to predict life expectancy with stunning accuracy. The biggest factors that shorten lifespan—and why most of them are within our control. Why vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin D, are quietly fueling chronic disease. How the right biohacking tools, like red light therapy and oxygen optimization, can reverse aging. What you can do today to take control of your health and longevity. This conversation will change the way you think about your own health. View Show Notes From This Episode Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal This episode is brought to you by BON CHARGE, Timeline Nutrition, Paleo Valley, and Big Bold Health. Order BON CHARGE’s Max Red Light Therapy device today and get 15% off. Visit boncharge.com and use code DRMARK for 15% off.  Support essential mitochondrial health and save 10% on Mitopure. Visit timeline.com/drhyman to get 10% off today. Get nutrient-dense, whole foods. Head to paleovalley.com/hyman for 15% off your first purchase. Try Big Bold Health’s HTB Rejuvenate and get 25% off by going to bigboldhealth.com and use code DRMARK25 at checkout.

12 Mar 1h 34min

Our immune system operates like a finely tuned symphony, yet many of us find ourselves out of harmony, vulnerable to persistent infections, autoimmune conditions, and chronic disease. Rather than merely suppressing symptoms, a Functional Medicine approach seeks to identify and address the underlying disruptions driving immune imbalance. Central to this dysfunction is compromised gut health, which undermines immune regulation, while mitochondrial impairment and chronic inflammation further erode the body's capacity for resilience and repair. By restoring balance at the root level, we can cultivate a more robust and adaptive immune system. In this episode, I discuss, along with Dr. Elroy Vojdani and Dr. Leonard Calabrese, how cleaning up our diets, improving gut health, removing toxins, and decreasing stress can do wonders for our immune systems. Dr. Elroy Vojdani is a pioneer in the field of functional medicine and research and is the founder of Regenera Medical, a concierge functional medicine practice in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from USC Keck School of Medicine, is a certified Institute for Functional Medicine Practitioner. Dr. Vojdani has conducted medical scientific research for decades with more than 25 publications in multiple peer-reviewed journals. He is also world-renowned for his research and development of state-of-the-art lab testing in the field of immunology. He recently authored a book entitled “When Food Bites Back” which discusses the role of food immune reactions in the development of autoimmune disease.  Dr. Leonard Calabrese, is an expert in immunology and rheumatology. In fact, he is a Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University and Vice Chair of the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases. Dr. Calabrese is the director of the RJ Fasenmyer Center for Clinical Immunology at the Cleveland Clinic and holds joint appointments in the Department of Infectious Diseases and the Wellness Institute. Dr. Calabrese has made significant contributions to science in the fields of chronic viral infections and autoimmunity and vascular inflammatory diseases of the brain. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the advancements of immunology and wellness. This episode is brought to you by BIOptimizers. Head to bioptimizers.com/hyman and use code HYMAN10 to save 10%. Full-length episodes can be found here: Boost Your Immunity with These Simple Steps How To Reset Your Immune System At A Cellular Level The Secrets to Creating a Healthy Immune System

10 Mar 58min

The modern food industry is built for profit, not health. Ultra-processed foods dominate grocery shelves, fueling the epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease. But how did we get here? And what can we do to fix it? In this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I sit down with Michael Pollan, award-winning journalist and food activist, to break down the hidden forces shaping our food system and the urgent need for change. In this powerful conversation, you’ll discover: How a handful of corporations control our entire food supply—and why that’s a problem. The shocking truth about ultra-processed foods and how they’re engineered to keep you hooked. Why our food system collapsed during the pandemic and what it revealed about its fragility. How food companies quietly buy up health brands and use misleading labels to keep consumers in the dark. The role of policy and lobbying in keeping unhealthy food cheap and widely available. Make sure to tune in—this is a conversation every American needs to hear. View Show Notes From This Episode Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal This episode is brought to you by Seed, Sunlighten, Big Bold Health, PerfectAmino, and AirDoctor. Seed is offering my community 25% off to try DS-01® for themselves. Visit seed.com/hyman and use code 25HYMAN for 25% off your first month of Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Visit sunlighten.com and save up to $1400 on your purchase with code HYMAN. Try Big Bold Health's HTB Rejuvenate and get 25% off by going to bigboldhealth.com and use code DRMARK25 at checkout.  Get pure essential amino acids today. Go to bodyhealth.com and use HYMAN20 to get 20% off your first order. Get cleaner air. Right now, you can get up to $300 off at airdoctorpro.com/drhyman.

5 Mar 1h 14min

With rates of Alzheimer’s and dementia rising steeply, especially among women, the conventional pharmaceutical model has largely failed in treating the brain. Functional Medicine takes a different systems-based, personalized approach—focusing on inflammation, metabolic health, and environmental exposures—which offers real hope for prevention and even reversal of cognitive decline. In this episode, I discuss, along with Dr. Heather Sandison, Dr. David Perlmutter, and Maria Shriver, why it is possible to reverse cognitive decline and the cutting-edge science of brain health and Alzheimer’s prevention. Dr. Heather Sandison is the The New York Times bestselling author of Reversing Alzheimer’s The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health. As a renowned naturopathic doctor specializing in neurocognitive medicine, she’s the founder of Solcere Health Clinic, San Diego’s premier brain optimization clinic, and Marama, a residential program turning memory care into memory recovery. Dr. Sandison has dedicated her career to supporting those suffering with dementia and published her most recent clinical findings in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. She’s excited to shatter common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s and share what she’s learned about keeping your brain sharp at any age. Dr. David Perlmutter is a Board-Certified Neurologist and five-time New York Times bestselling author. He serves on the Board of Directors and is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. He is the author of Grain Brain and Drop Acid, among others. Dr. Perlmutter received his M.D. degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine where he was awarded the Leonard G. Rowntree Research Award. He serves as a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and has published extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals including Archives of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and The Journal of Applied Nutrition. Shriver is a bestselling author, award-winning journalist, former First Lady of California, founder of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, and Strategic Advisor on Women’s Health and Alzheimer’s at Cleveland Clinic. Shriver works to use her voice and platforms to advance some of our nation’s most pressing issues affecting women and women’s health. In November 2023, Shriver joined the President and the First Lady to announce the first-ever White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research, an effort led by Dr. Biden and the White House Gender Policy Council, to galvanize the Federal government and the private and philanthropic sectors to spur innovation, unleash transformative investment to close research gaps, and improve women’s health. Shriver’s advocacy led to the establishment of this historic initiative, and she continues to advise and collaborate with Dr. Biden. She is also the co-founder of the brain health and wellness brand MOSH and founder of Shriver Media. This episode is brought to you by BIOptimizers. Head to bioptimizers.com/hyman and use code HYMAN10 to save 10%. Full-length episodes can be found here: How to Reverse Dementia with Dr. Heather Sandison https://drhyman.com/blogs/content/podcast-ep929?_pos=24&_sid=7873ecf2c&_ss=r How to Prevent Alzheimer’s with Your Fork https://drhyman.com/blogs/content/podcast-ep47?_pos=8&_sid=7873ecf2c&_ss=r Maria Shriver's Journey: Redefining Women's Health and Alzheimer's Prevention https://drhyman.com/blogs/content/podcast-ep908?_pos=12&_sid=7873ecf2c&_ss=r

3 Mar 1h 21min

Dementia rates are skyrocketing, and cognitive decline is a growing concern. But what if you could actually grow a new brain? In this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I sit down with Alberto Villoldo, PhD, a medical anthropologist and shamanic healer (and author of Grow a New Brain), to explore the powerful intersection of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge neuroscience. In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll discover: The Amazonian secret to protecting the brain from dementia and cognitive decline. How certain plant compounds can activate your body’s natural detox and repair systems. The surprising role of gut health in brain regeneration—and how to reset your microbiome. Why serotonin depletion is wreaking havoc on mental health and how to restore balance. How shamanic healing and modern science align to create lasting cognitive health. Tune in to learn how you can take control of your brain health and unlock the potential for true regeneration. View Show Notes From This Episode Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal This episode is brought to you by Big Bold Health, Timeline Nutrition, Paleovalley, and BonCharge. Receive 30% off Big Bold Health's Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat sprouted powder. Head to bigboldhealth.com and use code DRMARK30 at checkout.  Support essential mitochondrial health and save 10% on Mitopure. Visit timeline.com/drhyman to get 10% off today. Get nutrient-dense, whole foods. Head to paleovalley.com/hyman for 15% off your first purchase. Order BON CHARGE’s Max Red Light Therapy device today and get 15% off. Visit boncharge.com and use code DRMARK.

26 Feb 1h 5min