Dr. Steven Gundry

Early Life and Education

Dr. Steven Gundry was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 11, 1950. He received his undergraduate degree in human biology from Yale University and went on to obtain his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1977. Gundry completed his surgical residency at the University of Michigan and cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.^[1]

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

As a cardiothoracic surgeon, Gundry made significant contributions to the field, including the development of minimally invasive heart surgery techniques.^[2] He gained widespread recognition for his pioneering work in infant heart surgery, such as in 1990, when he successfully operated on an infant born with a life-threatening heart condition.^[1] 

Gundry later served as the Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center before shifting his focus to nutrition.^[1]

Nutritionist

Gundry’s interest in nutrition led him to develop a theory surrounding lectins, plant-based proteins that he believes cause various health issues.^[3] He has written several books on the topic, including The Plant Paradox, which promotes a lectin-free diet for optimal health.^[4] 

Gundry also advocates for a ketogenic diet, as discussed in his book, Unlocking the Keto Code.^[5] He also hosts The Dr. Gundry Podcast, where he interviews various experts and shares his insights on nutrition and health.^[6]

Publications

• Dr. Gundry’s Diet Evolution: Turn Off the Genes That Are Killing You and Your Waistline (2008): Gundry introduces his approach to weight loss and health improvement by focusing on a genetic-based diet. He shares practical advice on how to change one’s eating habits, based on the understanding that our genes have not adapted to modern foods, and that by reverting to a diet closer to our ancestors’, we can optimize our health.^[7]

• The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in ‘Healthy’ Foods that Cause Disease and Weight Gain (2017): In this book, Gundry argues that lectins are responsible for a wide range of health issues. He offers a comprehensive plan to eliminate or reduce lectin-rich foods from one’s diet, providing meal plans and recipes to help readers improve their health.^[8]

• The Plant Paradox Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes to Help You Lose Weight, Heal Your Gut, and Live Lectin-Free (2018): This cookbook offers 100 lectin-free recipes and tips on how to overhaul your pantry.^[9] 

• The Plant Paradox Quick and Easy: The 30-Day Plan to Lose Weight, Feel Great, and Live Lectin-Free (2019): This is a 30-day plan for eating a lectin-free diet, with a program developed by Gundry.^[10] 

• The Longevity Paradox: How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age (2019): Gundry explores the secrets of longevity and provides a detailed plan to help readers live a longer, healthier life. He discusses the role of the gut microbiome in aging, and offers dietary and lifestyle recommendations to support a healthy microbiome and promote overall health and longevity.^[11]

• The Plant Paradox Family Cookbook: 80 One-Pot Recipes to Nourish Your Family Using Your Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, or Sheet Pan (2019): This book includes 80 family-friendly recipes that fall within the low-lectin diet promoted by Gundry.^[12] 

• The Energy Paradox: What to Do When Your Get-Up-and-Go Has Got Up and Gone (2021): Gundry examines the reasons behind the modern epidemic of fatigue and low energy, and suggests that by optimizing our gut health and making specific dietary and lifestyle changes, we can improve our energy levels and overall vitality. The book includes a step-by-step program, meal plans, and recipes for boosting energy.^[13]

• Unlocking the Keto Code: The Revolutionary New Science of Keto That Offers More Benefits Without Deprivation (2022): Gundry discusses the biological mechanisms that make the keto diet effective.^[14] 

Criticisms 

Gundry believes that lectins, which are naturally occurring proteins found in most plants, can cause a range of health problems, including inflammation, weight gain, digestive issues, heart disease, and autoimmune disease.^[15] 

According to Gundry, lectins are a plant’s natural defense mechanism against predators like insects and animals, and when humans consume them, lectins can cause damage to the gut lining. He suggests that avoiding or minimizing the intake of lectin-rich foods, such as legumes, nightshade vegetables, and certain grains, can lead to improved health and vitality.^[15]

Gundry’s theories on lectins have been met with significant criticism from the medical community. Critics argue that his claims lack substantial scientific evidence and that lectins are generally harmless when consumed as part of a balanced diet.^[3] Furthermore, some experts contend that the benefits of plant-based diets, which include lectin-rich foods, are well-established in the medical literature.^[16]

Gundry has also been criticized for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in relation to heart-related side effects. He released a scientific abstract reading, “ “mRNA COVID Vaccines Dramatically Increase Endothelial Inflammatory Markers and ACS Risk as Measured by the PULS Cardiac Test: a Warning.” It was deemed flawed by organizations like FactCheck and the American Heart Association, and would later be revised to: “Observational Findings of PULS Cardiac Test Findings for Inflammatory Markers in Patients Receiving mRNA Vaccines.” Gundry also changed language used in his original abstract, removing phrases such as “dramatic changes” and “clinically validated.”^[17] 

His claims about the vaccines causing heart disease were debunked by various organizations, including Reuters and Full Fact. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the potential risks of heart inflammation, and the CDC reported that the risk of heart inflammation after getting the vaccine is rare and occurs primarily in young men.^{[18] [19] [20]}

Dr. Steven Gundry Today

Despite the criticisms and controversies, Gundry continues to maintain a strong following in the alternative medicine and nutrition spheres. His connection to Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop brand, which has faced its own share of controversies, has further fueled his prominence.^[21] 

Today, Gundry remains an influential figure in the world of nutrition and wellness, with many supporters who adhere to his dietary recommendations.