128: Reversing Chronic Disease Through Fasting & Plant-Based Nutrition with Dr. Csilla Veress

About This Episode

Join host Maxime Sigouin as he sits down with Dr. Csilla Veress, a naturopathic doctor from True North Health Center, to explore the fascinating world of medically-supervised water fasting and its profound effects on gut health. Dr. Veress shares her 11-year journey witnessing incredible health transformations and breaks down the science behind fasting's impact on the microbiome.

Guest Bio

Dr. Csilla Veress is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing at True North Health Center in California. After leaving a successful career in advertising, she discovered her passion for natural healing and has spent over a decade helping patients reverse chronic diseases through fasting and whole food plant-based nutrition.

What We Cover

• Dr. Veress's journey from advertising executive to naturopathic doctor
• Why True North's approach to fasting is unique (pure water, total rest, no supplements)
• The surprising connection between fasting and gut microbiome diversity
• What happens in your body during a 3-40 day water fast
• Why most people fail at fasting at home vs. in a supervised setting
• The role of stress as the #1 obstacle to health
• Practical first steps for someone wanting to improve their health

Key Insights

💡 The Community Effect: Fasting is exponentially easier in a supportive environment with others doing the same thing

💡 Microbiome Magic: We have 370 trillion microbes vs. 37 trillion human cells - we're more ecosystem than human

💡 The Stress Factor: 85-90% of patients cite stress as their biggest obstacle when trying to maintain healthy habits at home

💡 Autophagy Timing: Significant cellular cleanup begins around hour 17 of fasting

💡 Foundation Philosophy: You can't optimize one pillar of health while ignoring others - holistic approach required

Memorable Quotes

"I see miracles every day... people coming in with information from their medical team saying you can't heal this, you can't reverse that, and we see people doing the impossible." - Dr. Veress

"You can't connect the dots looking forward, only looking backwards." - Steve Jobs (referenced by Maxime)

"People don't know how bad they feel until they feel good." - Common patient feedback

Actionable Takeaways

1. Start with one question: "What is your biggest obstacle to your health?"
2. Build your stack of wins: Begin with tiny changes (one extra glass of water daily)
3. Address the stress piece: Identify and tackle stress sources before focusing solely on diet
4. Consider the environment: Change your surroundings to change your habits more effectively

Resources Mentioned

• True North Health Center: healthpromoting.com
• Dr. Csilla Veress: DrCsillaVeress.com
• NHA (Natural Hygiene Association)
• Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
• Bastyr University (naturopathic medical school)

Connect with Dr. Veress

• Website: DrCsillaVeress.com
• True North Health Center for consultations and programs

Connect with Maxime

• Fit Vegan Coaching
• [Include host's social media/website]

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