Eating the Rainbow for Brain & Gut Health with Dr. Deanna Minich
Host & Guest
Host: Dr. Yousef Elyaman – Functional Medicine Primary Care Physician
Guest: Dr. Deanna Minich, PhD – Nutritionist, Author, and Expert in Functional Nutrition & Phytochemicals
Episode Overview
In this FMP Essentials Express episode, Dr. Yousef Elyaman speaks with functional nutrition expert and researcher Dr. Deanna Minich about the clinical power of phytochemicals, food color diversity, and eating in alignment with circadian and seasonal rhythms.
Dr. Minich introduces her “4 Principles of Eating”—Color, Creativity, Diversity, and Rhythm—as a flexible, evidence-informed framework for improving brain function, gut health, immunity, and emotional resilience. Whether you're supporting patients or your own wellness, this conversation bridges nutritional science with practical, whole-person strategies.
You’ll also hear a preview of her updated book, The Rainbow Diet, and how ancestral patterns may influence mitochondrial and hormonal health in your patients.
Key Questions We’re Answering
• What are the clinical benefits of eating a rainbow of colorful foods?
• How do phytochemicals support brain, gut, and immune function?
• What’s the science behind circadian and seasonal eating rhythms?
• Should patients eat vegetables raw or cooked—and when does it matter?
• How can practitioners personalize nutrition with ancestral food patterns?
Why You Can’t Miss This Episode
• 88% of Americans consume too few blue/purple foods—key for cognitive health
• Misaligned eating schedules can disrupt circadian signaling and recovery
• Mitochondrial function may improve when ancestral eating patterns are restored
What You’ll Learn
Key Insight:
“Food is as much psychological as it is physiological.” – Dr. Deanna Minich
Top Takeaways:
Different food colors target specific body systems (e.g., red for immunity, yellow for digestion)
Cooking can enhance bioavailability of key nutrients like beta-carotene
Rhythmic, seasonal eating supports hormonal balance and inflammation modulation
Blue-purple phytonutrients (anthocyanins) are essential for mood and memory
Food creativity may reflect neuroplasticity and emotional health
Bonus Insight:
Patients may experience improved energy and mood when aligning diet with maternal ancestry and local seasonal foods.
Disclaimers
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Listening does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Practitioners should use their clinical judgment before applying any strategies discussed.
Supplement use mentioned is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
The host and guest disclaim liability for use or misuse of information presented.
🤝 This Episode’s Sponsors
FMP Essentials – The #1 Resource for Functional Medicine Practitioners
🌐 www.fmpessentials.com
Humann – Clinical-grade nitric oxide support
🌐 pro.humann.com | Instagram: @livehumann
Connect with Us
Guest: Dr. Deanna Minich
Website: www.deannaminich.com
Instagram: @deannaminich
FMP Essentials
Website: www.fmpessentials.com
Instagram: @fmpessentialshq
Dr. Elyaman
Instagram: @drelyaman
Music Credit: “Heroes Approaching - Extended” by tunes2go
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