Healthy Gut vs. Missing Key Bacteria with Dr. Perlman

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Reading time: 6 minutes

What I Discuss with Dr. Adam Perlman

• Adam’s journey from pioneering integrative medicine programs at Duke and Mayo Clinic to his current role as Chief Medical Officer at Pendulum Therapeutics, where he explores the impact of gut health on chronic diseases…05:31
• Adam’s discovery of the microbiome’s profound role in health, focusing on evidence-based approaches to gut health and the science behind the microbiome’s impact on metabolic health…09:51
• The significance of dietary diversity, dangers of restrictive diets, and the impact of probiotics and the GLP-1 on overall health…13:48
• The relationship between gut bacteria like Akkermansia and butyrate production, how probiotic strains work synergistically to support GLP-1 release and metabolic health…20:17
• The difference between drugs like Ozempic and GLP-1 probiotics in managing metabolic health, the importance of preserving anaerobic bacteria in capsules for effectiveness, and the potential of micro-dosing GLP-1 drugs for cardiovascular benefits…25:33
• Research on Pendulum’s probiotic formulations, including a clinical trial showing a 33% reduction in glucose spikes and a 0.6 reduction in hemoglobin A1C for patients on Metformin, and the evolving science behind GLP-1 probiotics…35:36
• The variable effects of taking probiotics, with some people noticing benefits quickly while others may take up to 90 days…41:35
• The best practices for taking GLP-1 probiotics and how dietary fiber, polyphenols, and avoiding processed foods can support the microbiome and key strains like Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium…48:21
• The potential role of Akkermansia in supporting gut health and athletic performance, particularly by maintaining the gut lining and preventing leaky gut in athletes…53:14
• The potential of fecal transplants based on microbiome studies, and the theoretical implications of introducing oxygen into an anaerobic environment through therapies like ozone enemas…56:54
• Adam’s diet and approach to fitness, my experience with Pendulum probiotics, and 20% off coupon on Pendulum products for my listeners…1:00:58

In this episode, you’ll get to discover the fascinating world of gut health with Dr. Adam Perlman, Chief Medical Officer at Pendulum Therapeutics. You’ll explore how high-fiber, polyphenol-rich foods boost beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia, which support gut health and enhance athletic performance by maintaining gut lining integrity. Dr. Perlman also shares insights from his integrative medicine career, revealing practical tips to keep your microbiome strong in modern life, from polyphenol supplements to the synergy of probiotic strains. We’ll also dig into cutting-edge research on GLP-1 triggering probiotics for metabolic health, how diet and exercise play crucial roles in overall wellness, and much more!

Dr. Perlman is a leading integrative and functional medicine expert with over 25 years of experience. Prior to joining Pendulum, Dr. Perlman served as the Director of Integrative Health and Wellbeing at Mayo Clinic. He also held the position of Executive Director for Integrative Medicine at Duke University and was the Associate Vice President for Health and Wellness for the Duke University Health System. Board-certified in internal medicine, Dr. Perlman is well-regarded for his work in chronic disease prevention and gut health.

At Pendulum Therapeutics, Dr. Perlman leads clinical research initiatives and oversees the development of cutting-edge microbiome products to improve metabolic health. His role involves pioneering new probiotic solutions and collaborating with academic institutions to advance microbiome science. Dr. Perlman’s efforts include launching clinical trials, interpreting research findings, and developing strategies to enhance overall health.

For more insights on Pendulum’s innovative work, check out my podcast with their co-founder, Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe.

Please Scroll Down for the Sponsors, Resources, and Transcript

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Resources from this episode: 

• Dr. Adam Perlman:
• Ben Greenfield Podcasts and Articles:
  • The New Probiotic Strain That Allows You To Eat Carbs Again, How GLP-1 Peptide Actually Works And Why It’s Not Intended For Everyone, With Pendulum’s Colleen Cutcliffe.
  • Everything You Need To Know About Healing Your Gut, Mood, Energy, Libido & Sleep With A Little Known Bacterial Strain (& An Amazing DIY Yogurt Recipe!) With Dr. William Davis, Author of Super Gut.
  • This Nutrition Expert Is FED UP With Dietary Dogma & Knows What You Should *Really* Eat (Including The 2-Day Eating Plan That Will Change Your Gut For More Fullness!) With Joel Greene
  • Joel Greene Podcast Part 1: How To Reboot The Gut, Eat Cheesecake Without Gaining Weight, Amplify Any Fasting Protocol & Maximize Fat Loss.
  • Joel Greene Podcast Part 2: How To Reshape Fat Cells, Enhance Repair During Sleep, Target Your “Circaseptan Rhythms,” Build Young Muscle & Get Rid Of Old Muscle.
• Books:
• Studies and Articles:
• Other resources:

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Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Dr. Adam Perlman or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!