Dr. Raphael Kellman is known around the world as the Microbiome Doctor, and for good reason! He joins JJ in today's podcast episode to explain why the bacteria in your gut are your greatest ally, and how maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora can help with everything from reducing inflammation and improving brain function to jumpstarting your metabolism and boosting weight loss. Listen to find out the microbiome superfoods you should be including in your diet and the worst foods that you should be avoiding at all costs, as well as the long-term effects of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors on your gut health. Plus, get plenty of tasty, gut-friendly recipes with Dr. Kellman’s free Microbiome Recipe Guide!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Raphael Kellman’s free Microbiome Recipe Guide by going to JJVirgin.com/drkellman   Main Points From Today’s Episode The bacteria on Earth are greater in mass than all the fish in the sea and the animals on the planet. The same power of bacteria that we see in nature is also within us. Your gut bacteria have a profound connection with your brain. They produce even more serotonin and dopamine than your brain does. Eating the right types of foods for your gut microbiome helps to boost your metabolism, reduce inflammation, and overcome insulin resistance. Microbiome superfoods include jicama, asparagus, other vegetables, as well as fermented foods and certain fruits.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:50] Dr. Kellman’s career briefing [3:13] How did Dr. Kellman become interested in the gut microbiome? [5:01] The powerful impact of bacteria on the Earth [6:45] The bacteria in your gut are your greatest ally when it comes to boosting your metabolism and losing weight. [8:17] How do you know if you need to work on your gut microbiome? [9:37] The connection between brain fog and your gut microbiome [14:26] How to take care of your friendly gut flora [15:32] Microbiome superfoods include jicama, asparagus, other vegetables, as well as fermented foods and certain fruits. [18:18] Processed foods wreak havoc on your gut microbiome. [19:17] Eating the right types of foods for your gut microbiome helps to boost your metabolism, reduce inflammation, and overcome insulin resistance. [20:24] A compound called butyrate that’s made by the bacteria in your gut while digesting prebiotic fiber has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. [21:05] The effects of antibiotics, and when you should and shouldn’t take them. [24:50] If the future, we may be using bacteria to overcome infectious diseases. [25:11] Proton pump inhibitors are worse for the gut microbiome than antibiotics. [27:20] Work with a functional medicine doctor to start the healing process. [30:10] If you want to lose weight even faster, here’s the two-word secret: Extra Fiber. [31:33] Listener’s question: Do I need probiotics? [32:01] The first step is to stop hurting your gut microbiome. [32:45] Diet, supplement, and lifestyle strategies to heal your gut.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/drkellman http://kellmancenter.com/ The Whole Brain: The Microbiome Solution to Heal Depression, Anxiety, and Mental Fog without Prescription Drugs, by Dr. Raphael Kellman The Microbiome Diet: The Scientifically Proven Way to Restore Your Gut Health and Achieve Permanent Weight Loss, by Dr. Raphael Kellman Extra Fiber Dark Chocolate Coconut Fiber Bars Microbiome Balance Summer Bock’s website JJ Virgin Challenge JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram