440. The Truth About Gut Health & Mental Performance With Dr. Alex Ott

In this deep-dive episode, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Alex Ott—a molecular biologist, nutritional biochemist, botanist, and expert in the science of human performance. Dr. Ott has worked with astronauts, elite athletes, and top-tier researchers to develop groundbreaking insights on gut health, metabolism, and even the chemistry of cocktails. We explore the profound impact of gut microbiota on physical and mental health, the real cause behind metabolic dysfunction, and why modern medicine often overlooks the most critical components of well-being. Dr. Ott also discusses his revolutionary research on preventing hangovers, his work in the alcohol industry, and how natural compounds can mimic pharmaceutical effects without the side effects. If you're curious about optimizing your health, improving cognitive function, and mastering the science of nutrition, this episode is packed with cutting-edge knowledge. Timestamps: - [00:00] – Justin welcomes Dr. Alex Ott, discussing his diverse background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and his work with astronauts. - [03:40] – Dr. Ott shares his journey into biochemistry and how he transitioned from art school to scientific research. - [06:15] – The surprising link between scent, brain chemistry, and human emotions—how olfactory neuroscience influences decision-making. - [10:30] – Dr. Ott’s work in alcohol science: The development of cocktails that prevent hangovers by supporting the body’s detox pathways. - [15:00] – The real science behind hangovers: What happens in the body when you drink alcohol, and why glutamine rebound is the real reason you wake up after a night of drinking. - [18:45] – Why modern medicine profits from keeping people sick and the resistance against natural cures in the industry. - [22:30] – The gut microbiome’s role in overall health: How bacteria influence metabolism, mental health, and disease prevention. - [26:45] – The hidden dangers in common foods and how modern diets are destroying gut health. - [30:20] – Why mental illness is directly linked to metabolic dysfunction: The truth behind SSRIs and why gut health may be the missing link in treating depression and anxiety. - [35:10] – How gut bacteria determine insulin resistance, weight gain, and inflammation. - [40:00] – The dangers of over-sanitization: Why being too clean is destroying our immune systems. - [45:20] – The most important supplements for detoxification, longevity, and cognitive enhancement. - [50:30] – The truth about ADHD, autism, and how gut imbalances may be playing a larger role than we think. - [55:45] – The connection between thyroid dysfunction, obesity, and chronic inflammation. - [1:00:10] – Breaking down the pharmaceutical industry's role in chronic disease management—why food is often more powerful than medicine. - [1:05:30] – The importance of testing gut health and how to interpret your microbiome profile for optimal health. - [1:10:50] – The biggest misconceptions about bodybuilding, nutrition, and metabolic function. - [1:15:00] – How elite athletes optimize performance through microbiome tuning and personalized nutrition. - [1:20:30] – The real reason why food cravings exist: How corporations design addictive foods to manipulate dopamine levels. - [1:25:45] – Dr. Ott’s final thoughts: The future of health optimization and why the answers to longevity are already within us. Links & Resources: Follow Dr. Alex Ott On Instagram: @alexottscience Purchase Dr. Cocktail: https://a.co/d/aqRYcmBShop KAI!: https://kaempathogenics.com/products/kanna-chews?variant=42759195885758⁠⁠ Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_ Follow "Elite Coaching Cast" On Instagram: @elitecoachingcast Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: ⁠⁠https://bl1yxjc3x33.typeform.com/to/aP7HdI1h?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYajjmM91S6U9K27sUGocvoXUkoAyqwbZugxL7AbRQKuwAPbb9OCtBKZ1k_aem_k9qBlOswLYhyBiq9UMxNHw&typeform-source=l.instagram.com⁠