The Anti-Viral Gut: Robynne Chutkan, MD On Optimizing Immunity, Reducing Inflammation & Preventing Disease From The Inside Out

Multiple studies have now confirmed a dramatic link between the health of our microbiome and our ability to combat viral illness. Today we explore this connection, with tools to promote gut health, optimize your immune system & prevent disease.

To better understand this intricate connection between our microbiome and immune system—and what we can all do to better optimize this relationship—I sat down with the queen of all things gut health, Robynne Chutkan, MD.

Dr. Chutkan is a board-certified gastroenterologist serving on the Georgetown University Hospital faculty. She is the founder of the Digestive Center for Wellness, as well as the author of the books Gutbliss, The Microbiome Solution, and her most recent, The Anti-Viral Gut, which offers practical advice for optimizing diet, exercise, sleep, and time outdoors to boost the body’s defenses and our overall health.

One of my most popular and impactful episodes to date, Dr. Chutkan joined me way back on RRP #192 where we dove into the nuts and bolts of the microbiome: what it is, how it functions, and how we can care for it. But today we zoom in, focusing on the antiviral aspects of gut health, and why it’s so important.

We’ve devoted several episodes of this podcast to the microbiome, but this exchange is truly a masterclass within itself.

Dr. Chutkan defines several relevant terms, including germ theory and dysbiosis. She explains how the gut is affected by everything from birth control, to sleep, stress, lifestyle and diet, as well as by various medications, including NSAIDs like ibuprofen and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s) like Prilosec. And Dr. Chutkan offers sage advice on how to find treatment for a gut issue you might be struggling with.

I’ve known Robynne for many years—she is such a delightful presence. It was wonderful to have her back in the studio. Her expertise in communicating this subject matter is truly unparalleled, and I am excited to share this one with you. 

The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. As always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Peace + Plants,