Renowned cardiologist Steven Gundry, MD, has become one of today’s most influential voices in nutrition research, reaching millions worldwide through his bestselling books, podcast, and supplement line. At seventy-five, he brings his insights into daily practice, maintaining a full patient schedule six days a week, translating cutting-edge science into care.
Dr. Gundry shares surprising discoveries about the root cause of various diseases in his newest book. He cites the case of a sixty-two-year-old physician and marathon runner diagnosed with Parkinson’s, who experienced a remarkable turnaround after adjusting her diet, implementing a supplement regimen, and repairing her gut.
Another patient, a man in his thirties struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, also saw significant improvement after focusing on healing his gut. They were dealing with leaky gut, despite their different symptoms.
Dr. Gundry identifies three main causes of leaky gut: broad-spectrum antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and glyphosate, a weed killer commercialized under the trade name Roundup. It disrupts the gastrointestinal system, produces measurable shifts in the microbiome, and drives inflammation.
For example, studies show that non-steroidal anti-inflammatories increase pathogenic, pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Enterococcus, while reducing protective species like Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae. Glyphosate selectively kills Lactobacillus, which helps break down tryptophan into compounds that promote neurogenesis and strengthen neural connections.
To restore and strengthen gut health, Dr. Gundry recommends several strategies. First, he advises getting vitamin D levels well above the current recommendation, with a baseline of at least 5,000 IUs (125 micrograms) daily. He also suggests fueling up on fiber, particularly from the chicory family, and consuming “animal fiber” from ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones.
In addition, Dr. Gundry recommends adding fermented foods to the diet, such as apple cider vinegar, kefir, kimchi, and raw cheeses. He personally starts his day with a splash of aged balsamic vinegar in sparkling water and prefers San Pellegrino Italian sparkling water due to its high sulfur content, which is beneficial for cooking recipes that promote overall health.
By nourishing and taking care of the gut microbiome, Dr. Gundry believes that gut damage can be reversed, and overall health can be improved. They note that even occasional use of artificial sweeteners can wreak havoc on the gut microbiome, citing a study that found one packet of sucralose (Splenda) killed off fifty percent of gut bacteria.
Instead, Dr. Gundry recommends using natural sweeteners like allulose, which works as a one-to-one substitute for table sugar and is easy to bake with. By making these simple changes, individuals can begin to restore their gut health and improve their overall well-being.
It is a simple step.
