When most people think about the gut, they primarily think about digestion and nutrient assimilation. But the humble gut plays a pivotal role in your overall health. In fact, having a healthy gut is one of the most essential pieces of human health. It serves as the foundation for many critical functions and processes in the body, including immune health, modulating inflammation, brain health, and so much more. Today’s guest, Dr. Emeran Mayer, is a renowned gastroenterologist, acclaimed author, and one of the world’s leading experts on the brain-gut connection. He’s back on The Model Health Show to discuss the all-encompassing role of the gut, and how it can impact everything from body composition to susceptibility to diseases. This interview is jam-packed with information on how your gut health impacts your metabolic health, why microbes are a powerful impact on human wellness, and why nutrition is an influential factor on your gut health, microbial health, and overall well-being. Arming yourself with knowledge about gut health is an important strategy we can all utilize, and there’s no one better to learn from than Dr. Emeran Mayer. Enjoy! In this episode you’ll discover: How the vagus nerve can impact absorption of calories. The role the gut plays in the development of obesity. How many microbes we have in our gut, and their function. Why changes in our food supply have harmed our collective health. The connection between ultra-processed food, microbes, and inflammation. What short chain fatty acids are. How an unhealthy diet impacts microbes. The disconnect between nutrition and healthcare. How rates of chronic illness are affecting younger people. Why chronic stress can lead to gut permeability. How vaginal birth impacts the microbiome. Three components that make ultra-processed food addictive. Why exposure to fermented food is important for children. The four F’s of a healthy diet. Why interconnectedness is a profound part of health. Items mentioned in this episode include: PiqueLife.com/shawn -- Get exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions! Beekeepersnaturals.com/model -- Save 20% on raw honey & other natural remedies! Interconnected Plates by Dr. Emeran Mayer The Mind-Gut Connection by Dr. Emeran Mayer The Gut-Immune Connection by Dr. Emeran Mayer The Brain-Gut Connection with Dr. Emeran Mayer on PBS Connect with Dr. Emeran Mayer Website / Newsletter / Facebook / Instagram Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation  Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud   Thanks to our Sponsors. This episode is brought to you by Pique Teas. Our microbiome plays a huge role in the health of our immune system, brain health, metabolic health, and so much more. And there's one beverage that has been proven to support the health of our microbiome. A recent study published in the peer review journal, Nature Communications uncovered that a unique compound called Theabrownin found in traditional fermented tea called Pu-erh, has some remarkable effects on our microbiome. The researchers found that Theabrownin can positively alter our gut microbiota and directly lead to a reduction in something called lipogenesis or the creation of new fat. Another study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that Pu-erh may be able to reverse gut dysbiosis by dramatically reducing ratios of potentially harmful bacteria and increasing ratios of beneficial bacteria. What's so remarkable about Pu-erh is its concentration of polyphenols that are incredibly important for healthy gut flora. The only Pu-erh that I drink is a fermented Pu-erh that's wild harvested, making it even more concentrated in polyphenols, and it's also triple toxin screened for one of the highest levels of purity. Not many folks realize that a lot of conventional teas, even organic teas, contained heavy metals and toxic molds. This is the only company that is going a