DeepSummary
In this episode of The Doctor's Pharmacy, Dr. Mark Hyman interviews Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a pioneer in functional medicine, about the concept of "immuno-rejuvenation" and how certain natural compounds can influence gene expression to boost immune health and reduce inflammation. Dr. Bland discusses the importance of gut health and its connection to chronic diseases, as well as the science behind how phytochemicals like those found in Himalayan tartary buckwheat can modulate the immune system's genes and reverse the effects of aging.
Dr. Bland shares the results of a recent clinical trial he conducted, which found that consuming Himalayan tartary buckwheat polyphenols for 90 days led to epigenetic changes in over 200 genes related to immune function, including a significant modulation of the ceramide kinase 1 pathway, a key regulator of immune senescence. This represents a potential way to rejuvenate the immune system and reduce chronic inflammation associated with aging.
The episode delves into Dr. Bland's groundbreaking work in functional medicine over the past several decades, including his contributions to understanding the role of the gut microbiome, metabolic detoxification, mitochondrial function, and insulin resistance in chronic disease. Dr. Hyman praises Dr. Bland as a mentor and visionary in the field of health and nutrition.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Certain natural compounds like those found in Himalayan tartary buckwheat can influence gene expression to boost immune health and reduce inflammation, a concept called 'immuno-rejuvenation'.
- Dr. Jeffrey Bland's recent clinical trial found that consuming Himalayan tartary buckwheat polyphenols for 90 days led to epigenetic changes in over 200 genes related to immune function, including modulation of the ceramide kinase 1 pathway, a key regulator of immune senescence.
- Dr. Bland has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of functional medicine, including understanding the roles of gut health, metabolic detoxification, mitochondrial function, and insulin resistance in chronic disease.
- Phytochemicals like flavonoids work in an orchestrated manner to regulate gene expression and exert biological effects beyond just their antioxidant properties.
- Addressing chronic inflammation and optimizing immune function are crucial for preventing and managing chronic diseases associated with aging.
- Dr. Bland is considered a mentor and visionary in the field of health and nutrition by Dr. Mark Hyman, who credits him with shaping his life's purpose in functional medicine.
- A whole-food, nutrient-dense diet rich in phytochemicals is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing chronic diseases.
- Epigenetic modulation through diet and lifestyle interventions represents a promising avenue for rejuvenating the immune system and combating the effects of aging.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “What I'm sharing with you here, I think is the work of my life. I think this is the most important area I've had the privilege of working. And I don't want to say that we've discovered this. There are many other people that are working in this field, but this clinical trial that we did is quite remarkable. I think it's the only and first clinical trial of its type in which we looked at epigenetic modulation of immune cells before and after intervention.“ by Doctor Jeffrey Bland
- “You cannot in any way, shape or form correlate the orac of flavonoids, meaning their antioxidant capability with their biological effect. It doesn't correlate. The only thing that correlates is to understand a mechanism of action that is beyond that of their antioxidant. Yes, they are antioxidants, but they're specific in their cell physiology. And they have receptor sites that we're now discovering as signal transducers. They signal to the cell how the genes are going to be expressed. They're the shop bosses that control the genetic architecture of how our genes are expressed. Meaning they're epigenetic modulators.“ by Doctor Jeffrey Bland
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Episode Information
The Doctor's Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D.
Dr. Mark Hyman
6/19/24