Live Dirty, Eat Clean: Robynne Chutkan, MD on Everything Microbiome

Our bodies are comprised of about ten trillion cells.

But our microbiome— all the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in or on our bodies – outnumber human cells by a factor of 10. Therefore, it can be said that we are far more microorganism than human.

We choose to believe that we are sentient beings, responsible for our health, moods and decisions. But the crazy truth is that to a large extent, our emotional state, propensity for disease and even our specific food cravings can all be traced back to the nature of our gut ecology.

Most of these microorganisms are symbiotic. Maintaining a healthy culture of the right microorganisms is fundamental to good health. But should the quality of your microbiome go awry, health havoc ensues.

This week on the show we delve deep into the nuts and bolts of this fascinating and quickly evolving field of medicine with respected gastroenterologist, microbiome expert and avid marathoner Robynne Chutkan, MD ( @DrChutkan ).

A graduate of Yale, Dr. Chutkan received her medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, where she also did her internship and residency and served as Chief Resident. She completed her fellowship in gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and has been on the faculty at Georgetown University Hospital since 1997.

In 2004, Dr, Chutkan founded the Digestive Center for Women, an integrative gastroenterology practice that incorporates nutritional optimization, exercise physiology, biofeedback, and stress reduction as part of the therapeutic approach to digestive disorders.

Lecturing throughout the United States and Europe, Dr. Chutkan has authored dozens of journal articles; serves as medical consultant and on air talent for the Discover Health Channel; is a member of the medical advisory board for the Dr. Oz Show (where she has appeared as a regular guest); and has also made national appearances on The Today Show, The Morning Show, and The Doctors.

Consistently named one of the area’s best doctors by Washingtonianmagazine, Dr. Chutkan is also the author of two bestselling books, Gutbliss* and most recently, The Microbiome Solution*.

Specific topics covered today include:

• what is the microbiome?
• The regulatory functions of the microbiome
• the perils of over-sanitization
• why you should avoid a c-section birth
• the problem with prophylactic antibiotic prescription
• the hygiene hypothesis & modern plagues
• the affluence effect & overmedication
• the nexus between antibiotics & autoimmune disorders
• behavior/cravings influenced by the microbiome
• eating disorder impact on microbial makeup
• why you should rethink the flu shot
• rewilding your microbiome
• the efficacy of probiotics & fermented foods
• products and environments that disrupt our body’s ecosystems
• fecal bacteriotherapy

I’ve known Robynne for a couple years. Delightful and whip smart, she’s an absolute expert when it comes to effectively communicating her experience and understanding of microbiome health in a way that is relatable and easily understood by the lay person.

This is an absolutely fascinating conversation on all facets of gut and skin health that just might change how you eat; how you shop for consumer hygiene and cleansing products; how you bathe (or don’t bathe); and simply, how you live.

Change your microbiome, change your life. Or as Dr. Chutkan is fond of saying: live dirty, eat clean.

Today we find out how and why. I sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange and look forward to your thoughts in the comments section below.

Peace + Plants,