Every year, we learn more about the role and function of the gut microbiome. Our microbiome plays a tremendous role in our overall health including regulating our immune system, body composition, and so much more. But even with our ever-expanding understanding of the microbiome, our modern-day habits and practices are failing to support our gut health.  On this episode of The Model Health Show, our guest is Dr. Emeran Mayer. Dr. Mayer is a world-renowned gastroenterologist and neuroscientist, one of the world’s most foremost experts on the gut-brain connection, and the author of the new groundbreaking book, The Gut-Immune Connection. On today’s show, he’s sharing incredible insights from his work on gut microbes, human immune health, and how optimizing your microbiome can impact your state of health.  You’re going to hear Dr. Mayer’s work on the link between the microbiome and common Western diseases and how our compromised microbiomes are making us more susceptible to viruses. This episode also contains conversations on food quality and policy, antibiotic use, and real-world tips you can implement to support the health of your microbiome. Enjoy! In this episode you’ll discover: What percentage of immune cells exist in the gut.  How gut microbes work.  Why your gut is technically your first brain. How the digestive system evolved over time.  The two basic design principles that have been maintained in evolution.  How many genes microbes have.  What happens to microbes during mass extinction.  How microbial signals can affect health and disease.  The hidden cost of chemicals in agriculture.  How treating the soil impacts the nutrient content of our food. What regenerative organic agriculture is, and why it’s important. How the corporatization of our food system has hurt our health. What it means to have a richness and diversity of microbes.  Why we need to focus on gut health to prevent the next pandemic.  What comorbidities actually are. Why food quality is a sociological and political issue.    The hidden danger of antibiotic overuse. How our microbiomes are damaged from birth. What you need to know about antibiotic levels in animal products. How autoimmune diseases are triggered. Why microbes are so adaptive, and how they compare to human immune cells. How fear and stress impact the immune system. Why exposure to pets is beneficial for the microbiome.  What you need to know about taking supplements for immune health. The pros and cons of intermittent fasting.  How sleep cycles impact immune health. What the One Health Concept is.  Items mentioned in this episode include: PaleoValley.com/model -- Use code MODEL for 15% off! Organifi.com/Model  -- Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off! The Gut-Immune Connection by Dr. Emeran Mayer The Mind-Gut Connection by Dr. Emeran Mayer Missing Microbes by Dr. Martin J. Blaser  CNN: Cash-Strapped Farmers Feed Candy to Cows  Connect with Dr. Emeran Mayer Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram  Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud * Download Transcript Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation