Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, host Roland Pankewich welcomes Derek Timm, PhD, RD, from Taiyo International, to explore the fascinating world of dietary fiber. The discussion delves into the nuances of fiber beyond its traditional role in digestion, highlighting its impact on gut health and the microbiome. Derek shares his professional journey, beginning with his academic studies at the University of Minnesota, leading to his current role where he champions fiber-based supplements.

The episode provides an in-depth look at the types of dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble, with a focus on fermentable fibers and their role in promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Derek explains how products like Sunfiber are designed to enhance butyrate production without the common side effects of gas and bloating. The conversation also touches on the interconnectedness of the gut and brain, emphasizing the role of prebiotics in mental health. Using SEO-optimized keywords like “fermentable fibers,” “gut microbiome,” and “prebiotic benefits,” the episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in advancing their gut health through informed choices.

About the Guest(s):

Derek Timm, PhD, RD
Derek Timm is a distinguished professional in nutrition science, holding both a PhD and a Registered Dietitian credential. He began his academic journey at the University of Minnesota, focusing on nutrition and dietetics. Over nearly two decades, Derek has developed a specialized expertise in dietary fiber, its fermentation, and health benefits, including its impact on the gut microbiome and short-chain fatty acid production. Following his academic pursuits, Derek joined the industry, working with brands like Nature Made and a medical food company. Currently, he serves as the functional ingredients expert at Tayo International, where he supports multiple products, including the renowned Sunfiber.

Key Takeaways:

Types of Dietary Fiber: Derek distinguishes between soluble and insoluble fibers and highlights the significance of fermentable fibers in promoting gut health.

Fermentable Fibers: These fibers are crucial for butyrate production, with Sunfiber being a notable example for its digestive tolerance and health benefits.

Gut-Brain Connection: Fiber’s role in influencing gut health extends to mental well-being, showcasing the bi-directional relationship between gut and brain.

Dietary Recommendations: Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains, supplemented by products like Sunfiber, can enhance digestive health.

Personalized Fiber Consumption: It’s important to start with smaller doses of fiber, especially for individuals with low baseline fiber intake or sensitive stomachs.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Roland Pankewich welcomes fitness expert Justin Dees to explore the intersection of sports performance and health. Justin shares insights from his 30-year career, emphasizing the importance of foundational health in fitness. They discuss the pitfalls of neglecting digestive health and cardiovascular wellness, the dangers of misinformation, and the impact of lifestyle choices on fitness goals. Practical strategies, from balanced nutrition to stress management techniques, are highlighted to help listeners optimize their health and fitness journey. Justin’s passion for helping others and Roland’s expertise combine for an enlightening discussion.

Justin Dees is a renowned personal trainer, strength coach, and exercise physiologist with over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry. His career has been profoundly influenced by personal experiences and a desire to help others achieve optimal health and performance. Starting as an athlete himself, Dees pursued a formal education in exercise physiology at Arizona State University, which led to pivotal roles working with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and Apex Fitness. Throughout his career, Justin has worked with professional and Olympic athletes, acquiring a deep understanding of both the fitness and bodybuilding realms. Justin is passionate about bridging health and performance, educating his clients on the foundational aspects of fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

In this enlightening episode of “Following Your Gut,” Roland Pankewich invites his long-time friend and world-class fitness expert, Justin Dees, to share his insights from three decades in the industry. Broadcasting from Las Vegas, Roland and Justin delve into the intersecting worlds of health and sports performance, examining how foundational health concepts can often be overlooked in the pursuit of athletic excellence. Justin recounts his personal inspiration for entering the fitness field, emphasizing the lasting impact his grandfather’s health struggles had on his career trajectory.

The conversation steers towards the common pitfalls that many fitness enthusiasts encounter. Justin articulates how the allure of quick fixes and performance enhancers—such as steroids and fad diets—can overshadow the essential health fundamentals like digestion, sleep, and cardiovascular wellness. With engaging anecdotes and a straightforward approach, the duo discusses how a lack of foundational knowledge can lead to health issues ranging from digestive disorders to chronic inflammation and even severe injuries. They underscore the importance of balanced nutrition and the need for a well-rounded lifestyle approach to fitness, enriched by advanced supplement strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of foundational health: Dig into the critical role that proper digestion, hydration, and sleep play in achieving lasting fitness success.

• Avoiding quick fixes: Why the pursuit of rapid gains through supplements or steroids can often lead to severe health setbacks.

• Nutrition’s role in fitness: The significance of a balanced diet rich in fiber, protein, and whole foods for overall well-being and prevention of diseases like colon cancer.

• Effective stress management: Techniques such as gratitude exercises and proper sleep hygiene can drastically impact stress levels and athletic performance.

• Intelligent supplementation: A smart approach to probiotics, digestive enzymes, and essential vitamins can support an athlete’s health and optimize performance outcomes.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Roland Pankewich welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Marrongelle to explore the shortcomings of modern medicine and the promise of biological approaches. Drawing on Dr. Marrongelle’s pioneering work in homotoxicology and biological medicine, they unravel enzyme therapy, electromagnetic stress, and the crucial role of foundational physiology. The discussion delves into systemic enzymes’ impact on health, the interplay of minerals and enzymes, and tackling modern toxins. Discover how Dr. Marrongelle’s realignment towards fundamental physiology and personalized health monitoring promises new pathways for health restoration and chronic condition management.

Key Takeaways:

Biological Medicine Focus: Dr. Marrongelle emphasizes an approach that steps away from traditional medicine to find the root causes of illnesses and restore the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Role of Enzymes: Systemic and digestive enzymes play a crucial role in maintaining health and balancing the body, especially as we age.

Environmental Impacts on Health: Persistent organic pollutants and electromagnetic stress significantly impact biological systems, requiring innovative management techniques.

Comprehensive Patient Care: Dr. Marrongelle’s practice is grounded in understanding foundational physiology rather than adhering to a disease-centered model.

Lifetime Commitment: Highlighting his lifelong dedication, Dr. Marrongelle aims to preserve and share extensive medical knowledge for future generations, promoting healthier living through the American Institute of Biophysics.

About the Guest: Dr. Jeffrey L. Marrongelle, D.C., CCN

Dr. Jeffrey L. Marrongelle is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, and a graduate of the inaugural class in Integrative Medicine at Capitol University. For more than three decades, he has integrated chiropractic care with advanced nutritional and homotoxicology-based therapies to support whole-body health and recovery.

As the founder and director of the BioEnergiMed Metabolic Institute, Dr. Marrongelle specializes in assessing autonomic function using state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies. His approach combines Heart Rate Variability (HRV), plethysmography, and bioimpedance body composition analysis with conventional medical evaluation. Over the past 15 years, he has built one of the world’s largest clinical HRV databases, with more than 40,000 test results.

A significant focus of Dr. Marrongelle’s work is non-narcotic pain management, inflammation reduction, and enhanced wound healing. His clinical toolbox includes Low-Level Laser Therapy, PEMF, biofeedback-driven electrical stimulation, and targeted nutrition strategies—offering patients effective, science-based solutions to support healing and long-term wellness.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."