Gut Instincts is a feature-length documentary work-in-progress that will dive into a profound re-examination of how we understand health and disease. For generations, modern medicine has operated under the “one disease, one cure” model, influenced by Louis Pasteur’s germ theory—the idea that specific microorganisms cause specific illnesses. This led to a war on disease mentality and an approach that prioritizes targeting specific diseases, often at the expense of addressing the root causes.

Today more than half 51.8% of American adults are diagnosed with at least 1 chronic disease and an estimated 94% have metabolic disorder, while 42% of adults in the U.S. are obese.

• Currently, the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases lists over 55,000 unique medical disorders.
• This approach has led to the development of over 40,000 internationally approved prescription drugs.
• These drugs fuel a global pharmaceutical industry worth trillions of dollars in profits.

Despite these advances, chronic diseases continue to rise.

This documentary will embark on a journey into modern terrain theory, initially coined by Pasteur’s rival, Antoine Béchamp. Béchamp emphasized the body’s internal environment—its “terrain”—as the key to health. Some doctors use the analogy of two goldfish in separate tanks: In germ theory, they treat the fish when it gets sick. In terrain theory, they clean the tank to stop it from getting sick in the first place.

By focusing on gut health, the film will explore how a balanced internal ecosystem can prevent disease and enhance vitality and mental well-being. We will challenge the conventional focus on treating symptoms after they appear, advocating instead for a proactive approach that strengthens the body’s natural defenses through nutrition, lifestyle, fermented foods, and mindfulness practices.

Featuring interviews with pioneering doctors, researchers, fermentation masters and individuals who have transformed their health by nurturing their internal ecosystems, Gut Instincts will reveal the untapped potential of the human microbiome. The film will showcase stories of people who have improved conditions ranging from autoimmune disorders to susceptibility to viruses by focusing on gut health. Understanding and caring for our internal terrain could be the missing piece in achieving optimal health and transforming our medical system.

Gut Instinct will help reimagine healthcare with a bold vision: real health, not just symptom management. Today, most funding flows into drug development for people who are already sick. This film will challenge the narrative, showcasing the untapped potential of preventative and terrain-based medicine.

By including expert insights, powerful stories, and new research, Gut Instinct will seek to inspire policy-makers, practitioners, and the public to work toward ending the chronic disease epidemic. The current model relies on sick people for profits and it will take a heroic effort and smart government policy to make the needed changes. Our goal is for this film to become part of the increasing rallying cry for a future where thriving, not just surviving, becomes our standard of health.

Ultimately, Gut Instincts: Fermenting a Health Revolution will be a call to action. Our film will provoke viewers to reconsider their own health practices and challenge the status quo of medical thought. By fermenting new ideas and encouraging a blend of approaches, the film aims to spark a transformative movement toward a more comprehensive understanding of wellness—a revolution that begins in the gut.

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