MEET THE GUEST
Jamie Goldman, MS, CN, NBC-HWC is a Health Coach at Viome and a member of the company's Precision Nutrition Science team. Jamie combines expertise in functional medicine, nutrition science, and health coaching to help people translate complex health data into practical, sustainable lifestyle changes.
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT
- Viome's at-home test kit: collect a sample, send to the lab, get a readout on gut and body-system function.
- Why Viome analyzes RNA, not DNA or blood biomarkers: RNA reflects active gene expression, not static genetic code.
- Stool RNA analysis reveals which gut microbes are present and what they're doing (e.g., methane gas production).
- Food recommendations target specific microbial activities: reducing trigger foods, adding foods that counter them.
- Why retesting every 4 to 6 months is recommended, giving enough time to see real change without overshooting.
- Supplements beyond food: vitamins, minerals, a 300+ ingredient plant extract library, probiotics, and prebiotic fibers.
- Why "gut-healthy" foods like yogurt and kombucha aren't universal (methane production, FODMAP sensitivity, sugar content).
- Viome users range from biohackers optimizing longevity to people with chronic, unexplained gut symptoms.
- The gut-brain axis: brain fog, low mood, fatigue, and poor cognitive clarity as signs of gut dysbiosis.
- Why generic probiotics are a gamble, versus matching strains to an individual's actual gut profile.
- A "healthy" microbiome means richness and diversity, like an old-growth forest versus an overgrown clear-cut.
- How antibiotics wipe out microbial diversity, and how to protect gut health during and after a course.
- Everyday gut disruptors: alcohol, sedentary behavior, chronic stress, and environmental toxins.
- Allergies (immune-driven, usually permanent), sensitivities (often from leaky gut, can resolve), and intolerances (genetic) differ.
- Emerging research: the estrobolome and estrogen metabolism, and the microbiome's link to bone density.
- Debunking carnivore: may ease GI symptoms short term but removing fiber isn't sustainable long term.
- Debunking juice cleanses: they strip fiber and effectively starve gut microbes.
- Best fiber sources: nuts, seeds, legumes, mushrooms, oats, hardier vegetables, and fruit.
- Prebiotic fiber types (FOS, PHGG) and why food-based fiber should come first, not just supplements.
- Starting advice: read ingredient labels, cut processed additives, and diversify diet with varied produce.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Viome
Personalized gut health testing that analyzes your microbiome's RNA, with tailored food and supplement guidance.
https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/viome
Bulletproof
Innerfuel plant-based prebiotic fiber powder that feeds good gut bacteria. Save 20% with code TRAILTOHEALTH20.
https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/bulletproof
Breadsrsly
Naturally fermented, gluten-free sourdough breads and crackers. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH and save 15%.
https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/BreadSRSLY
Thrive Market
Shop curated low-FODMAP and specialty diet groceries, making gut-friendly eating easier to find and afford.
https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/ThriveMarket
Four Sigmatic
Mushroom-powered coffees, elixirs, and supplements packed with beta-glucan fiber for gut support. 20% off with code ERIKA83918.
https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/foursigmatic
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website:
http://www.viome.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/viome/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/viome
KEYWORDS
Gut health, microbiome, RNA testing, prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, dysbiosis
