In today's chat, Colleen unravels the enigma of the gut-brain axis and its monumental influence on the microbiome's functionality. She sheds light on the role of natural agents like berberine, bitter melon extract, apple cider vinegar, and even pharmaceuticals like metformin in regulating blood sugar. With insights into the importance of Akkermansia muciniphila in GLP-1 production and the captivating genetic variations within the microbiome, this conversation promises a comprehensive look at gut health like never before. You might've heard me say it before: "The gut is the second brain." But what if that boundary is pushed even further, and you consider the gut not just as an influencer but as the master controller of the body? Perhaps the real biological is unfolding right inside that intricate microbial realm that could be the linchpin to peak health. With over two decades of leadership in biotech, pharma, and academia, my guest on today's show, Colleen Cutliffe, is gut-deep :) in microbiome knowledge. Her path, spanning from the hallowed halls of Johns Hopkins University to groundbreaking initiatives at Pacific Biosciences and Elan Pharmaceuticals, showcases an unyielding curiosity about the mysteries of the human body. Now, as the driving force behind Pendulum Therapeutics, Colleen is charting new territories in the world of the microbiome. https://www.pacb.com/ https://bengreenfieldlife.com/pendulum Use code GREENFIELD and save 20% off your first month's subscription. Pendulum is no ordinary biotech outfit. It's a beacon of innovation, deeply rooted in family values and driven by a team that believes in the profound potential of gut health. From the streets of San Francisco, they're pioneering a new understanding of our inner biology, spotlighting proprietary strains like Akkermansia muciniphila and pushing the boundaries of what probiotics can achieve. Akkermansia muciniphila, one of Pendulum's products, is a unique oval-shaped bacterium that thrives in the human gastrointestinal tract. This anaerobic microbe predominantly resides at the junction between oxygen-rich and oxygen-depleted zones of the intestines. Found in about 90% of healthy individuals, it constitutes 1% to 3% of your fecal microbiota. However, its prevalence can decrease with age or certain diseases. During our discussion, you'll discover: -Colleen Cutcliffe's extensive education and background... 00:45 -The gut-brain axis' crucial role in how the microbiome functions... 10:40 -Berberine, bitter melon extract, apple cider vinegar, and metformin to regulate blood sugar levels... 22:48 -Akkermansia muciniphila and GLP-1 production... 26:33 -Genetic variations in the microbiome... 37:55 -Are there side effects from using inulin and Akkermansia?... 48:07 -Is there a connection between gut metabolism and Parkinson's disease?... 52:37 -When is the best time to take Pendulum products?... 55:02 -Ben's experience taking Pendulum products while wearing a glucose monitor... 59:18 Full Show Notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/pendulumpodcast Additional Resources: Ben Greenfield Website: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/ Ben Greenfield Podcast: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/podcast/ Ben Greenfield Books: https://shopbengreenfieldlife.com/collections/books Twitter https://twitter.com/bengreenfield Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bengreenfieldfitness/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BGFitness TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@bengreenfield #diet #guthealth #bengreenfield #peptides