The Gut-Brain Connection: Ella Davar’s Unique Method for Longevity & Wellbeing

April 22, 2025

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Join Nicole Doran as she speaks with Ella Davar, a registered dietician and nutritionist renowned as the “Longevity Dietician and Gut Health Expert.” Discover Ella’s inspiring journey from childhood on a self-sufficient farm in Russia to becoming a sought-after wellness authority.

Ella shares her unique perspective on the gut-brain connection, shaped by her upbringing and personal health challenges, including overcoming gastritis as a teenager. Learn how she transitioned from a high-pressure Wall Street career to a path of mindful nourishment, integrating yoga, health coaching, and clinical nutrition to create lasting well-being. Ella emphasizes the importance of self-kindness and emotional well-being alongside a diverse, plant-rich diet, as highlighted in her “You-tarian” approach and her cookbook, “Cooking for High Performers.”

If you're passionate about gut health, longevity, or personalized nutrition, this episode is a must-listen! Uncover the secrets to a thriving life by balancing nutrition, mindfulness, and emotional healing. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on food, feelings, and the power of a holistic approach to wellness!

Resources and Links:

🌿 Chapters:

  • (00:00) Introductions
  • (00:31) From Russian Farm to Nutrition Science: Ella’s Childhood
  • (01:56) Teenage Gastritis & the Gut-Brain Connection’s Emergence
  • (03:42) Moving to New York & Learning the Language
  • (04:52) Wall Street & the Product of Environment
  • (10:33) Transition to Wellness: Yoga, Health Coaching, & Going to NYU
  • (14:49) The “You-tarian” Diet: Personalized Nutrition for Longevity
  • (25:45) Gut Health and the Gut-Brain Connection
  • (27:57) How Can Gut Health Impact Anxiety & Depression?
  • (34:08) Popular Diets & Why They Don’t Work
  • (37:52) The Mediterranean Diet: A Balanced Approach To Incorporating Plant Diversity
  • (40:05) Personalized Nutrition: Listening to Your Body
  • (41:19) The Importance of Fiber in Your Diet
  • (42:37) Fasting and Fiber Supplements: The Key to Plant-Based Eating
  • (44:18) The Benefits of Chia Seeds and Omega-3s
  • (45:14) Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Berries, Cabbage, and Beyond
  • (52:26) The Power of Fermented Foods
  • (01:00:24) Incorporating Spices and Herbs for Health
  • (01:03:01) Hydration and Longevity Meals: Simple Strategies for a Healthier Life
  • (01:07:22) Final Thoughts & Takeaways

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