In this episode, I discuss the profound effect the gut has on the nervous system. I cover the structure and function of the gut-brain axis and the role of the gut microbiome in the brain and overall health. I describe how the gut controls hunger or satiety by affecting neurons in our brain. I also contrast the many pathways by which the gut influences the brain: direct vs. indirect pathways, chemical vs. mechanical, and fast vs. slow signaling. Additionally, I discuss what defines a healthy microbiome and how your lifestyle impacts the gut microbiome, including the effects of stress, fasting, antibiotics, pets, environment, prebiotics and probiotics. I address how different foods shape the gut microbiome, in particular, the emerging data that fermented foods can increase the diversity of healthy gut microbiota. Throughout the episode, I explain peer-reviewed and textbook findings that reveal the critical role of the gut microbiome in supporting mental and physical health and I outline simple tools that anyone can use in order to enhance their gut microbiome health. #HubermanLab #GutHealth #Microbiome Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Our Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/andrewhuberman Supplements from Thorne https://www.thorne.com/u/huberman Social & Website Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab Twitter - https://twitter.com/hubermanlab Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hubermanlab Website - https://hubermanlab.com Newsletter - https://hubermanlab.com/neural-network Article Links "The Emerging Biology of Gut-Brain Sensory Transduction": https://bit.ly/3HruBiE "Mechanisms Underlying Microbial-Mediated Changes in Social Behavior in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder": https://bit.ly/3hmq5Y2 "Association of Loneliness and Wisdom With Gut Microbial Diversity and Composition: An Exploratory Study": https://bit.ly/3spfYs2 "Emotional well-being and gut microbiome profiles by enterotype": https://go.nature.com/3tcLKYp "Brain fogginess, gas and bloating: a link between SIBO, probiotics and metabolic acidosis": https://bit.ly/33YlsR9 "Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status": https://bit.ly/3vlkQQD "The preference for sugar over sweetener depends on a gut sensor cell": https://go.nature.com/33X9zuA Book Links "The 4-Hour Chef: The Simple Path to Cooking Like a Pro, Learning Anything and Living the Good Life": https://amzn.to/3hqxkP0 Please note that The Huberman Lab Podcast is distinct from Dr. Huberman's teaching and research roles at Stanford University School of Medicine. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Huberman Lab Podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed. Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac - https://www.blabacphoto.com