A Closer Look at Gut Health and Your Microbiome

Are sprouts really the most powerful food for cancer prevention and longevity? Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter Jenna Fuhrman are joined by sprouting pioneer Doug Evans to explore one of the most overlooked superfoods: sprouts. In this episode, they unpack the science behind why sprouts may be the most powerful food for cancer prevention, gut health & longevity, and how growing your own food can transform not only your health, but your mindset and connection to nature. Get Dr. Fuhrman's favorite sprouter here: https://shop.drfuhrman.com/sprouter/ References: Fouad AA, Rehab FM. Effect of germination time on proximate analysis, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) sprouts. Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment 2015, 14:233-246. Guo X, Li T, Tang K, Liu RH. Effect of germination on phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of mung bean sprouts (Vigna radiata). J Agric Food Chem 2012, 60:11050-11055. Ebert AW, Chang C-H, Yan M-R, Yang R-Y. Nutritional composition of mungbean and soybean sprouts compared to their adult growth stage. Food Chemistry 2017, 237:15-22. Mubarak AE. Nutritional composition and antinutritional factors of mung bean seeds (Phaseolus aureus) as affected by some home traditional processes. Food Chemistry 2005, 89:489-495. Erba D, Angelino D, Marti A, et al. Effect of sprouting on nutritional quality of pulses. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 2019, 70:30-40. Fahey JW, Zhang Y, Talalay P. Broccoli sprouts: an exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997, 94:10367-10372.

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter Jenna explore the root causes of asthma and allergies—revealing how diet, medication overuse, and environment play a role in worsening these conditions. Dr. Fuhrman explains how a Nutritarian lifestyle, rich in antioxidant-dense, plant-based foods, can dramatically reduce or even reverse asthma and allergy symptoms. From childhood nutrition to inhaler dependency, they break down misconceptions, offer practical advice, and share success stories of complete recoveries. A must-listen for anyone living with respiratory or allergic issues.

Welcome to the Eat to Live Podcast! I’m excited to share these 14 practical habits that will propel your health forward with my daughter and co-host, Jenna. In my decades of medical practice and nutritional research, I’ve seen how consistent actions—rooted in the power of nutrient-dense foods—can protect and even reverse disease and dramatically extend lifespan. In today's episode, we're talking about each habit into clear, manageable steps. Focus on each habit over two weeks, and watch how quickly you begin to transform your health.

In this episode of the Eat to Live podcast, Dr. Joel Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna, dive into the hype surrounding the microbiome and explain why it’s only one piece of the health puzzle. Learn more about probiotics, fermented foods, microbiome-focused trends, and the key to optimal gut health.

References: Weight loss on GLP-1 receptor agonists Moiz A, Levett JY, Filion KB, et al. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Patients Without Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Cardiol 2024, 222:121-130. Highlights: On average, weight loss on semaglutide (Ozempic) is approximately 15% of body weight. Gastrointestinal adverse effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists Sodhi M, Rezaeianzadeh R, Kezouh A, Etminan M. Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss. JAMA 2023. Nutrient Density and Satiety: Drewnowski, A.. Concept of a nutritious food: toward a nutrient density score. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2005. Nutrient-dense foods like greens and beans have been shown to promote satiety, support weight loss, and provide essential micronutrients. Highlights: Nutrient-dense foods can naturally regulate appetite and reduce caloric intake without sacrificing nutrition. Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Vegetables and Mushrooms: Li WW, Li VW, Hutnik M, Chiou AS. Tumor angiogenesis as a target for dietary cancer prevention. J Oncol 2012, 2012:879623. Certain foods, like cruciferous vegetables and green tea, have anti-angiogenic properties that not only combat tumor growth. Corvera S, Solivan-Rivera J, Yang Loureiro Z. Angiogenesis in adipose tissue and obesity. Angiogenesis 2022, 25:439-453. Cao QZ, Lin ZB. Antitumor and anti-angiogenic activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides peptide. Acta pharmacologica Sinica 2004, 25:833-838. Highlights: Anti-angiogenic foods limit blood vessel growth in fat cells, aiding in long-term weight management. Role of Fiber in Appetite Suppression: Slavin, JL. Dietary fiber and body weight. Nutrition. 2005. High-fiber foods, such as beans and greens, slow digestion, lower postprandial glucose levels, and enhance satiety, contributing to sustainable weight loss. McRorie JW, Jr., McKeown NM. Understanding the Physics of Functional Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract: An Evidence-Based Approach to Resolving Enduring Misconceptions about Insoluble and Soluble Fiber. J Acad Nutr Diet 2017, 117:251-264. Highlights: Fiber promotes healthy gut microbiota, which indirectly regulates appetite, and viscous fiber directly regulates appetite by slowing breakdown of macronutrients. Green Tea and Weight Regulation: Neyestani TR, Nikooyeh B. A comprehensive overview on the effects of green tea on anthropometric measures, blood pressure, glycemic and lipidemic status: An umbrella review and meta meta-analysis study. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2022, 32:2026-2040. Green tea's catechins and mild caffeine content have been shown to modestly increase fat oxidation and support metabolic health. Highlights: Green tea is a natural complement to weight-loss strategies. Nut Consumption and Caloric Absorption: Tindall AM, Petersen KS, Lamendella R, et al. Tree Nut Consumption and Adipose Tissue Mass: Mechanisms of Action. Curr Dev Nutr 2018, 2:nzy069. Highlights: Whole nuts, not oils, reduce caloric intake without compromising satisfaction.

References Yang, C. S., & Wang, H. (2016). “Cancer Preventive Activities of Tea Catechins.” Molecules, 21(12), 1679. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21121679 Heaney, R. P., et al. (2008). “Milk and IGF-1: A Link to Cancer?” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 27(6), 641-652. McCarty, M. F., & DiNicolantonio, J. J. (2015). “Minimizing Acrylamide in Coffee.” Open Heart, 2(1), e000103. https://doi.org/10.1136/openhrt-2014-000103 Fuhrman, J. (2011). Eat to Live: The Amazing Nutrient-Rich Program for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss. Little, Brown and Company.  

References Chitnis MM, Yuen JS, Protheroe AS, et al. The type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor pathway.Clin Cancer Res 2008,14:6364-6370. Werner H, Bruchim I. The insulin-like growth factor-I receptor as an oncogene.Arch Physiol Biochem 2009, 115:58-71. Davies M, Gupta S, Goldspink G, Winslet M. The insulin-like growth factor system and colorectal cancer: clinical and experimental evidence.Int J Colorectal Dis 2006, 21:201-208. Sandhu MS, Dunger DB, Giovannucci EL. Insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF binding proteins, their biologic interactions, and colorectal cancer.J Natl Cancer Inst 2002, 94:972-980. Kaaks R. Nutrition, insulin, IGF-1 metabolism and cancer risk: a summary of epidemiological evidence.Novartis Found Symp 2004, 262:247-260; discussion 260-268. Lamberts SW, van den Beld AW, van der Lely AJ. The endocrinology of aging.Science 1997, 278:419-424. Doi T, Shimada H, Makizako H, et al. Association of insulin-like growth factor-1 with mild cognitive impairment and slow gait speed.Neurobiol Aging 2015, 36:942-947. Calvo D, Gunstad J, Miller LA, et al. Higher serum insulin-like growth factor-1 is associated with better cognitive performance in persons with mild cognitive impairment.Psychogeriatrics 2013, 13:170-174. Thissen JP, Ketelslegers JM, Underwood LE. Nutritional regulation of the insulin-like growth factors.Endocr Rev 1994,15:80-101. Clemmons DR, Seek MM, Underwood LE. Supplemental essential amino acids augment the somatomedin-C/insulin-like growth factor I response to refeeding after fasting.Metabolism 1985, 34:391-395. Runchey SS, Pollak MN, Valsta LM, et al. Glycemic load effect on fasting and post-prandial serum glucose, insulin, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in a randomized, controlled feeding study.Eur J Clin Nutr 2012, 66:1146-1152. Brand-Miller JC, Liu V, Petocz P, Baxter RC. The glycemic index of foods influences postprandial insulin-like growth factor-binding protein responses in lean young subjects.Am J Clin Nutr 2005, 82:350-354. Biddinger SB, Ludwig DS. The insulin-like growth factor axis: a potential link between glycemic index and cancer.Am J Clin Nutr 2005, 82:277-278. Burgers AM, Biermasz NR, Schoones JW, et al. Meta-analysis and dose-response metaregression: circulating insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and mortality.J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011, 96:2912-2920. Ranke MB, Osterziel KJ, Schweizer R, et al. Reference levels of insulin-like growth factor I in the serum of healthy adults: comparison of four immunoassays.Clin Chem Lab Med 2003, 41:1329-1334. Bidlingmaier M, Friedrich N, Emeny RT, et al. Reference intervals for insulin-like growth factor-1 (igf-i) from birth to senescence: results from a multicenter study using a new automated chemiluminescence IGF-I immunoassay conforming to recent international recommendations.J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014, 99:1712-1721. Brabant G, von zur Muhlen A, Wuster C, et al. Serum insulin-like growth factor I reference values for an automated chemiluminescence immunoassay system: results from a multicenter study.Horm Res 2003, 60:53-60. Crowe FL, Key TJ, Allen NE, et al. The association between diet and serum concentrations of IGF-I, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009,18:1333-1340. Fontana L, Klein S, Holloszy JO. Long-term low-protein, low-calorie diet and endurance exercise modulate metabolic factors associated with cancer risk.Am J Clin Nutr 2006, 84:1456-1462. Fontana L, Weiss EP, Villareal DT, et al. Long-term effects of calorie or protein restriction on serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentration in humans.Aging Cell 2008, 7:681-687. Friedrich N, Haring R, Nauck M, et al. Mortality and serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF binding protein 3 concentrations.J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009, 94:1732-1739. Carlzon D, Svensson J, Petzold M, et al. Both low and high serum IGF-1 levels associate with increased risk of cardiovascular events in elderly men.J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014, 99:E2308-2316. Svensson J, Carlzon D, Petzold M, et al. Both low and high serum IGF-I levels associate with cancer mortality in older men.J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2012, 97:4623-4630. . van Bunderen CC, van Nieuwpoort IC, van Schoor NM, et al. The Association of Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I with Mortality, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer in the Elderly: A Population-Based Study.J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010. Arai Y, Takayama M, Gondo Y, et al. Adipose endocrine function, insulin-like growth factor-1 axis, and exceptional survival beyond 100 years of age.J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2008, 63:1209-1218. Johnsen SP, Hundborg HH, Sorensen HT, et al. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I, -II, and IGF binding protein-3 and risk of ischemic stroke.J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2005, 90:5937-5941. Hankinson SE, Willett WC, Colditz GA, et al. Circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I and risk of breast cancer.Lancet 1998, 351:1393-1396. Chan JM, Stampfer MJ, Giovannucci E, et al. Plasma insulin-like growth factor-I and prostate cancer risk: a prospective study.Science 1998, 279:563-566.

Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter Jenna unveil the powerful connection between emotional wisdom and healthy eating. Learn how mastering your emotions can lead to effortless weight loss and improved overall health. This groundbreaking approach offers a safe and easy way to transform your relationship with food, boost your confidence, and achieve lasting results without strict diets.

Welcome to another episode of the Eat to Live podcast! Today, Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna Fuhrman, delve into the critical topics of diabetes, fiber, and blood sugar. Diabetes and pre-diabetes are on the rise globally. Dr. Fuhrman explains how a whole food, plant-based diet will manage and even reverse your diabetes. Tune in to find out how.

In this exciting episode, Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna, dive deep into a topic that is crucial for our health: fats. Dr. Fuhrman explains why fats are essential for our body to thrive and survive. He discusses the importance of maintaining a balanced intake of all macronutrients – carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and even water. Good Fats vs. Bad Fats: Understanding the difference between good and bad fats is crucial. Dr. Fuhrman emphasizes the health benefits of whole food sources of fats like nuts, seeds, and avocados compared to the detrimental effects of oils and animal fats commonly found in modern diets. Health Risks of Low Fat Intake: The episode also touches on the potential health problems that can arise from a diet too low in fat, highlighting the importance of maintaining an adequate fat intake. Common Misconceptions: Dr. Fuhrman debunks common myths about fats, explaining how studies on fat intake often misrepresent the benefits and risks by not distinguishing between different types of fats. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how you can optimize your fat intake for better health. Whether you're looking to understand the basics of macronutrients or dive into the specifics of fat consumption, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.