Prof Felice Jacka on Food, Mood and Mental Health

In this episode of the Gut Health Gurus Podcast, host Kriben Govender sits down with renowned food historian and author Professor Ken Albala (author of The World Atlas of Fermenting). Together, they dive deep into the fascinating history of dietary theories, ancient humoral physiology, and how humanity has fermented foods across millennia. Prof. Albala also shares critical insights on why mass-produced supermarket probiotics miss the mark, the cultural significance of wild fermentation, and why feeding your microbiome whole plant diversity matters more than any pill. Watch the full episode to discover rare traditional ferments like Greenland's Kiviaq, Nigeria's Iru, and Turkey's Şalgam Suyu, as well as the real origins of Kefir! Timestamps / Video Chapters [00:00] – Introduction to Prof. Ken Albala [01:38] – What is Renaissance Dietary Theory? (The 4 Humors Explained) [05:40] – Parallels with Ayurveda & Traditional Chinese Medicine [09:25] – What Can Modern Nutrition Learn from Food History? [14:15] – The Flaws of the Modern "Calorie as Fuel" Model [16:13] – How Ancient Cultures Understood Fermentation & Microbes [19:05] – Redefining Fermentation: Life, Transformation & Regeneration [24:58] – The World Atlas of Fermenting: 140 Global Traditional Ferments [25:26] – Greenland's Kiviaq: Fermented Birds in Sealskin [27:18] – Local Microbiomes, Genetics & Food Mismatch [30:28] – Why Şalgam Suyu Beats Kombucha (Traditional Turkish Fermented Drink) [35:10] – The Problem with Commercialising Traditional Ferments (Iru & Natto) [38:35] – The Truth About Commercial vs Home-Made Kefir [41:05] – The Modern Revival of Artisanal & Craft Foods [ 45:54] – Ken Albala's #1 Tip for Gut Health [46:55] – Where to Find Ken Albala's Work & Daily Ferments Connect with Professor Ken Albala https://www.pacific.edu/campus-directory/ken-albala Connect with Host Kriben Govender (Host): https://linktr.ee/kribengovender Gut Health Gurus Podcast https://podcast.nourishmeorganics.com.au/

Discover the emerging science of quantum biology and how light, water, and connective tissue regulate human health from the inside out. In this episode, naturopathic physician Dr. Catherine Clinton joins the show to explore how frequencies of light—from morning blue light and soothing red rays to invisible infrared—directly charge our cells and influence circadian rhythms. Move beyond purely chemical and dietary models of health and learn how our body operates as an intelligent, interconnected network. Dr. Clinton explains the hidden role of fascia as a piezoelectric, liquid-crystalline communication system powered by structured water and infrared energy. Learn how light exposure impacts gut lining turnover, the gut microbiome, skin aging, and mitochondrial ATP production. What You'll Learn: The Electromagnetic Spectrum & Cellular Signaling: How visible colors, UV, and infrared light interact with retinal photoreceptors and skin chromophores. Circadian Entrainment for Gut & Hormone Health: Why morning natural light initiates cortisol and metabolic cascades, and why artificial night light disrupts melatonin and enterocyte renewal. Red Light & Collagen Synthesis: How red and near-infrared wavelengths stimulate fibroblast mitochondria in the fascia to support wound healing and smooth fine lines. Fascia as a Quantum Conduction Network: The science of collagen nanotubes, piezoelectric charges, and Dr. Gerald Pollack's research on structured water acting as a biological battery. Practical Mitochondrial Care: Accessible protocols including hydration, gentle stretching, sauna, red light application to the abdomen, and mindful intention. Timestamps & Chapters [00:00] – Start [00:04] – Introduction: The physiological and psychological impact of colors [02:09] – The electromagnetic spectrum: Ultraviolet, visible light, and infrared [04:10] – Morning sunlight, circadian rhythms, and setting your cortisol cycle [06:03] – Red and green light therapies: Pain relief, circulation, and mitochondrial ATP [08:47] – Red light for skin health: Fibroblasts, fascia, and collagen production [11:17] – Moving beyond chemistry to a quantum biological model of medicine [12:00] – Ultraviolet (UV) and blue light: Antimicrobial properties and skin balance [13:03] – Circadian regulation of enterocytes and gut barrier repair [16:12] – Melatonin, evening light, and the gut-microbiome-mitochondria triad [17:06] – Non-invasive abdominal light therapy for GI and autoimmune support [19:27] – The bidirectional skin-gut connection and microbial signaling [24:48] – Understanding fascia: Connective tissue, collagen triple helix, and nanotubes [26:06] – Piezoelectricity: Generating electrical charges through fascia movement [27:09] – Structured water (EZ water), hydrophilic surfaces, and infrared energy [28:36] – The biological "water battery" and quantum proton conduction [31:46] – Fascia stretching research and cellular resilience [33:20] – Practical ways to support fascia: Hydration, gentle movement, and infrared exposure [35:15] – The mind-body connection: How meditation and mindset nurture mitochondria [36:40] – Dr. Catherine Clinton's #1 daily gut health practice 🔗 Resources: Connect with Dr Catherine Clinton 🔗 https://www.drcatherineclinton.com/ Connect with Host Kriben Govender (Host): https://linktr.ee/kribengovender Gut Health Gurus Podcast https://podcast.nourishmeorganics.com.au/

In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, Kriben Govender (Founder of Nourishme Organics and host of the Gut Health Gurus Podcast) returns to the studio to share a significant life update. After a period of absence from social media and podcasting, Kriben reveals the "curveball" he was thrown in August 2025: a diagnosis of Stage 4 Colon Cancer [13:27]. Despite being a pillar of health and a leader in the gut health space, Kriben details his shocking journey from noticing early symptoms to discovering a 6cm tumour that had metastasised to his liver and lungs [17:19]. In this episode, Kriben and James discuss: The Diagnosis: The early signs Kriben initially overlooked and the harrowing moment he received his Stage 4 prognosis [14:20]. The Root Causes: Kriben's theories on how extreme stress [22:01] and gut dysbiosis [24:04] may have allowed the disease to take hold. The Global Search for Healing: Why Kriben chose to seek unconventional and targeted treatments in Germany, including dendritic cell vaccines [32:05] and trans-arterial chemo embolisation [28:56]. The Power of the Microbiome: The incredible story of how a faecal transplant from his wife [37:15] and specific dietary shifts led to a dramatic shrinkage of his tumours. A Message of Hope: How Kriben's tumours have shrunk from 6cm to approximately 1cm [45:08], and his mission to inspire others to become active participants in their own health journey [41:40]. Kriben shares his current state of remission, the importance of a positive mindset (the "placebo effect" of the mind) [52:13], and his commitment to returning to full health while continuing to support the Nourishme Organics community.

In this episode of the Gut Health Gurus Podcast, Kriben Govender sits down with Dr. Catherine Clinton, a licensed naturopathic physician and expert in Quantum Biology. Dr. Clinton shares her powerful personal story of being diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Ulcerative Colitis, and Lyme Disease during medical school—and how this health crisis led her to discover the profound link between our thoughts, emotions, and biology (Psychoneuroimmunology). We dive deep into the science of Quantum Biology, exploring how sound (phonons), light (photons), and electrons impact our health. Dr. Clinton explains the fascinating research behind sound healing, including how low-frequency sounds can repair red blood cells and oxygenate the body. We also discuss practical strategies for nervous system regulation, the healing power of expressing "negative" emotions like anger, and why simple practices like humming and toning can be revolutionary for your health.

In this insightful interview, Dr. Emeran Mayer, a renowned expert in the gut-brain axis, discusses the profound impact of gut health on our psychological and mental well-being. Learn about the latest scientific discoveries connecting your gut microbiome to your brain and how modern agriculture, diet, and environmental factors play a crucial role. Topics Covered Start (00:00) Dr. Mayer's Background (01:36) Cutting-Edge Discoveries in Gut-Brain Connection (04:12) Impact of Modern Agriculture on Gut Health (07:18) The Role of GMOs and Glyphosate (12:28) Microplastics and Potential Microbial Solutions (17:48) Soil-Grown vs. Hydroponic Foods (22:05) Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture (27:19) Understanding Bovar (27:42) The Power of Polyphenols for Gut and Brain Health (34:54) Importance of Microbiome Diversity (42:01) Key Beneficial Bacteria: Butyrate Producers & Akkermansia (48:28) Fermented Foods and Mental Health (53:40) The Microbiome and Psychedelics (01:01:48) The Importance of Diet for Gut-Brain Health (01:04:18) Learn more about the fascinating link between your gut and your mind in this engaging discussion with a leading expert in the field. About Dr Emeran Mayer: Dr. Emeran Mayer is a distinguished professor in the departments of medicine, physiology, psychiatry, and biobehavioral sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is also the director of the Center for Neurovisceral Sciences & Women's Health within UCLA's division of digestive diseases and the executive director of the G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience. Furthermore, he co-directs the CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center at UCLA. Dr. Mayer is a world-renowned gastroenterologist and neuroscientist with over 35 years of experience studying the clinical and neurobiological interactions between the digestive and nervous systems in both healthy and diseased states. His research has been consistently supported by the National Institutes of Health. He is also an accomplished author, having written "The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Hidden Conversation Within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health." He has published over 320 peer-reviewed scientific articles and numerous book chapters and reviews. Dr. Mayer's research interests include the neurobiology of visceral pain and stress, and he is involved in translational studies in these areas. He also investigates probiotic therapies for gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome. About Kriben Govender: Kriben Govender is a Food and Nutrition Scientist, Registered Nutritionist, and the founder of Nourishme Organics, a company specialising in gut health and fermentation products. With over 20 years of experience in the food industry, Kriben is passionate about the intersection of diet, gut health, and well-being. 🔗 Resources: Connect with Dr Emeran Mayer 🔗 https://emeranmayer.com/